Topic: Order of the Eastern Star

Biography of George W. Lumley

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

George W. Lumley, born January 9, 1851, on the Isle of Wight, England, is a prominent figure in Pierre, South Dakota. He is the son of Major James R. Lumley and Clara Faithfull Lumley. Educated in France, Belgium, and England, Lumley moved to the United States in 1871. He initially worked in London and later in Nebraska, where he was involved in the banking and newspaper industries. Relocating to South Dakota in 1883, Lumley founded several banks and engaged in large-scale cattle and horse ranching. He is president of the Pierre Ranch and Cattle Company. Lumley married Anne Amelia Rudderham in 1871, and they have four sons. He is active in the Episcopal Church and the Freemasons.

Biography of Charles Hill

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Charles Hill, born September 12, 1849, in Toronto, Canada, was a notable pioneer and respected businessman in Springfield, Bon Homme County, South Dakota. Hill moved west in 1873 to work for the U.S. government, serving at the Santee Indian agency for 17 years, including five as Indian agent. In 1890, he co-founded the Bank of Springfield with George W. Snow and Reuben Groot. A committed Republican and member of the Society of Friends, Hill was also active in Freemasonry and other fraternal organizations. He married Mary Webster in 1877, and they had five children: Emma, Howard, Clarence, Helen, and William.

Biography of Edward J. Monfore

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Edward J. Monfore was born on March 13, 1828, in Delaware County, New York, to Garrett and Paty (Smith) Monfore. Raised in Broome County, he apprenticed as a wagon maker before moving to Warren County, Iowa, in 1864, where he became a successful farmer and community leader. In 1882, Monfore relocated to Springfield, South Dakota, where he played a significant role in the town’s development, owning 640 acres of farmland. Active in politics as a Republican, he served on the county board and local school board. Monfore married twice and had seven children, contributing greatly to his community’s growth and prosperity.

Biography of James Alfred Copeland

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

James Alfred Copeland was born on September 21, 1852, in Fountaindale, Illinois. He was the son of Alfred Williams Copeland, born June 18, 1809, in Massachusetts, and Hannah Brewster, a Pennsylvania native and descendant of Elder Brewster from the Mayflower. James received his education in Illinois and attended Wheaton College. In 1879, he began studying law in Nebraska and was admitted to the South Dakota bar in 1890. He served as clerk of courts, justice of the peace, and county judge in Vermillion, South Dakota. Copeland was active in the Republican Party and various fraternal organizations. He married Estella E. Hayes in 1880, and they had eight children, though three died young.

Biography of Henry M. Davison

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Henry M. Davison, a prominent businessman and influential citizen of Springfield, South Dakota, was born and raised in Bon Homme County. After excelling in education, he joined the Springfield Bank and later co-founded the highly successful Springfield Hardware Company. A dedicated Republican, Davison served as treasurer of Springfield for five years and is currently in his second term as mayor, leading the city with exceptional management. His integrity and contributions to the community have earned him a stellar reputation. Davison’s personal life is equally fulfilling, with a loving marriage to Eva G. Stevens, and he actively participates in various fraternal organizations and supports the Episcopal Church.