Knights of the Maccabees - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of Charles H. Allen

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Charles H. Allen was born on March 17, 1857, in Osage, Iowa, to Joseph and Abigail Allen. He was the fifteenth of sixteen children, and his father served as a Civil War surgeon. Charles left home at age 13, traveling and learning stone cutting before returning to Iowa in 1881. He moved to Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1882, establishing a successful draying business and later transitioning to wood and coal distribution. In 1882, he married Ida M. Owen, with whom he had two children: C. Lewis and M. Estelle. Allen was also active in local politics and several fraternal organizations.

Biography of Rudolph Alexander

Rudolph Alexander was born on April 20, 1849, in Germany to William and Mary Alexander. The family emigrated to Sauk County, Wisconsin, where Rudolph was raised. His older brother, Richard, served in the Civil War, while Rudolph worked on the family farm. In 1882, Rudolph moved to South Dakota, settling in Faulk County. Over the years, he developed a prosperous 1,000-acre ranch near Miranda, specializing in cattle farming. On April 12, 1877, he married Mary Trueb, and they had six children: Louis, Annie, Edward, Ella, Edna, and Hilbert.

Biography of John E. Adams

John E. Adams, a prominent lawyer and early member of the Brown County bar in South Dakota, was born in Paterson, New Jersey, in 1857. After moving with his family to Pennsylvania, he attended Allegheny College and was admitted to the Pennsylvania bar in 1880. In 1883, Adams moved to Dakota Territory, establishing his practice in Columbia before relocating to Aberdeen when it became the county seat. He served as mayor of Columbia in 1887, as county judge from 1890, and as mayor of Aberdeen in 1900. Adams was also active in Scottish Rite Masonry and various fraternal organizations. He married Martha E. Wilkinson in 1888, and they had five children.

Biography of B. T. Boylan

B. T. Boylan (b. 1858, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin) was a prominent businessman and politician in Armour, South Dakota. After moving to Cherokee County, Iowa, with his family in 1876, he later settled in Douglas County, South Dakota, in 1882. Initially farming, Boylan transitioned to the implement business in Grand View before relocating to Armour in 1887. He expanded into real estate in 1899 and served as county treasurer from 1894 to 1898 and as a state legislator in 1900. A staunch Republican, Boylan was active in Masonic and other fraternal organizations. He married Mary E. Lawrence in 1886, and they had three children.

Biography of Howard W. Cole

Howard W. Cole, a key figure in Brown County’s agricultural and stock-growing sectors, was born on March 29, 1857, in Eureka, Montcalm County, Michigan. The son of Leander T. and Sarah Jane (Stout) Cole, he moved to South Dakota in 1881. Cole established a successful farming partnership and was elected sheriff of Brown County in 1902. He served in various civic roles, including postmaster and township board member, and was active in several fraternal organizations. He married Theresa M. Howell in 1880, and they had five children.

Biography of Charles L. Hyde

Charles L. Hyde, born on June 23, 1861, in Pike County, Illinois, is the son of James F. and Hattie (Blake) Hyde. After attending Cumberland Presbyterian College, he moved to Colorado at 17, working as a cowboy. Later, he became a commercial traveler in the hardware trade. Hyde transitioned into real estate, moving to Pierre, South Dakota, in 1889, where he amassed extensive land holdings. He owns significant properties across multiple states and is considered one of South Dakota’s wealthiest citizens. Hyde, an independent in politics, is actively involved in several fraternal organizations and is a member of the Congregational church.

Biography of William Byrne

William Byrne, a prominent farmer and stock grower in Faulk County, South Dakota, was born on September 18, 1861, in Allamakee County, Iowa, to Lawrence and Delia Byrne. Raised on the family farm, he received his education in Iowa’s public schools. In 1882, Byrne moved to South Dakota with his family, initially settling in Turner County before relocating to Faulk County in 1883. He claimed a pre-emption of 960 acres near Orient, where he developed a successful agricultural operation, producing wheat, oats, corn, barley, and hay, and raising high-grade livestock. A dedicated Republican and member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and the Knights of the Maccabees, Byrne married Mary Paul on May 15, 1895. They have four children: Paul, Raymond, Theodore, and Leonard.

Biography of Samuel S. Lockhart

Samuel S. Lockhart, judge of the Grant County Court, is a respected citizen of Milbank and a leading member of the bar. Born in Scotland in 1850, he immigrated to America with his family and settled in Wisconsin. Lockhart pursued a career in law, serving as a clerk of the circuit court before establishing himself as a prominent attorney in Grant County. He held various legal positions, including district attorney and state’s attorney, and was elected judge of the county court. With a successful legal career, ownership of valuable property, and involvement in fraternal organizations, Lockhart is a highly esteemed figure in his community.

Biography of Judge Walter Crisp

Judge Walter Crisp, a progressive and influential figure in Dell Rapids, South Dakota, was born in England in 1849. After immigrating to the United States in 1869, he settled in Wisconsin before eventually making South Dakota his home. With a thriving career as a farmer and later as a public servant, Judge Crisp played a vital role in the growth and prosperity of Dell Rapids. Known for his charitable endeavors and active participation in various fraternal orders, he was respected as a well-rounded individual dedicated to the betterment of his community. Judge Crisp’s success, integrity, and devotion to family and civic duty made him a highly regarded member of society.

Biography of Fred S. Pew

Fred S. Pew, a prime example of progressive spirit and conservative business judgment, has played a significant role in the industrial and civic advancement of the West. As vice-president of the Citizens’ State Bank and president of the Day County Land Company and Andover Hotel Company, Pew’s influence extends across various capitalistic interests. Born in New York in 1861, he ventured to Dakota in 1881 and settled in Andover in 1883. With a successful background in livery and real estate, Pew became instrumental in organizing the Day County Land Company and played a key role in the establishment of the … Read more

Biography of Edward Charles Ericson

Edward Charles Ericson, a prominent figure in South Dakota, has dedicated three decades to the state’s growth and progress. As a respected member of the bar, he has served in positions of public trust and responsibility. Currently practicing law in Elk Point, Union County, and holding the esteemed position of president of the South Dakota Bar Association, Ericson’s professional peers highly regard him. Born in Sweden in 1856, he immigrated to the United States with his family at a young age. With a strong educational foundation and a thriving legal career, Ericson is known for his expertise, advocacy, and conservative counsel.