Presbyterian Church

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Biography of Willard A. Lathrop

Charles Mix County /

Willard A. Lathrop is a successful farmer and stock grower in Charles Mix County, South Dakota. Born in Iowa in 1848, he inherited his father’s passion for agriculture and dedicated himself to farming and stock raising. Lathrop acquired a well-improved ranch of four hundred and eighty acres, cultivating one hundred and sixty acres while utilizing the rest for grazing and hay production. Known for his expertise in breeding Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China swine, he ships a significant amount of stock annually. Lathrop is an esteemed citizen, actively involved in public service, and affiliated with various organizations, including Geddes Lodge.

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Biography of Samuel Livingston Tate

Statewide /

Samuel Livingston Tate, born in Leeds, England in 1839, was a man of remarkable achievements. Despite limited means, he pursued education, graduating from Albion College and the University of Chicago. He practiced law before venturing into real estate, where he made significant contributions to the development of Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Tate’s entrepreneurial endeavors included promoting railroads, constructing street-car lines, and establishing manufacturing plants. He actively served in the war, held various public offices, and espoused progressive ideals. Married to Frances Belle Wilcox, he raised a family and left an indelible mark on the industrial and civic history of South Dakota.

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Biography of Svante Josephson

Brule County /

Svante Josephson, a respected citizen of Brule County, South Dakota, is an extensive landowner and successful farmer. Born in Sweden in 1840, he immigrated to America in 1863, working as a carpenter before settling in Iowa. In 1884, he moved to South Dakota, where he purchased land and developed a thriving farm. Today, his home ranch spans 800 acres, and he owns an additional 320-acre tract. Known for his progressive approach and dedication to education, Josephson serves on the school board and is an active member of the Presbyterian church. His children have also excelled, with one daughter becoming a popular teacher in Brule County.

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History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Biography of George R. Sagar

Moody County /

George R. Sagar, a successful young businessman in Colman, Moody County, is engaged in the drug and jewelry business as a partner in Sagar & Stetzel. With a strong educational foundation and experience working in his brother’s drug store, he pursued further studies at the New York School of Pharmacy. After gaining valuable knowledge, he traveled as a salesman before settling in Colman, where he established a thriving drug business. In 1902, he formed a partnership with jeweler Roy L. Stetzel. A Republican and member of the Modern Woodmen of America, Sagar has been an active member of the Presbyterian church since 1891.

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History of Marshall County Dakota title page

Early History of Marshall County

Marshall County /

Dakota Territory contained an area of 150,932 square miles, and was considerable larger than the six New England States, with the great Empire State, New York included. The great Missouri River, with its windings included, ran one thousand miles diagonally across the territory and navigable the entire distance. There were numerous lakes scattered throughout the territory, of which Devils Lake in the Turtle Mountain region is the largest. East of the Missouri River the country is a beautiful undulating prairie with the exception of the Coteau Hills. This magnificent agricultural region may properly be divided into two sections: the James

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