Columbia - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of John E. Adams

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

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 John H. Gaskin

John H. Gaskin, a prominent merchant in Columbia, Brown County, South Dakota, was born in Dane County, Wisconsin, where he was raised on a farm and educated in district schools and an academy. In 1882, he moved to South Dakota and established a successful general merchandise business that grew to become one of the largest in the county. His store offered a wide range of products, from dry goods and groceries to hardware, with annual sales reaching $35,000. Gaskin was well-respected for his business acumen and integrity. A Democrat and active Mason, he married Louise J. Martin in Wisconsin, and they had two children, Effie Jean and Frank Jay.

Biography of Charles Wesley Atkins

Charles Wesley Atkins, born on July 1, 1844, in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, moved to Illinois as a youth and attended Wesleyan University at Bloomington. He studied law under Hon. Walter Reeves in Streator, Illinois, and built a successful law practice before relocating to Columbia, South Dakota, in 1882. In South Dakota, Atkins practiced law, became a prominent figure in Brown County, and later pursued farming and stock raising. He owned a 480-acre farm near Columbia and was noted for his contributions to agriculture and livestock. Married to Emma L. Burgess in 1879, Atkins had four children and was active in the Methodist Episcopal church.

Biography of Lyman Turner

Lyman Turner is a renowned farmer and stock raiser in Brown County, South Dakota. With a history of agricultural success and dedication, he has become a respected figure in his community. Born in Maine in 1842, Turner grew up in Wisconsin, honing his skills in farming and carpentry. He selflessly served in the Civil War, participating in numerous battles without sustaining any injuries. After the war, he ventured into various occupations before settling in South Dakota. Turner’s commitment to agriculture and stock raising has earned him a prominent position among farmers and cattle breeders. His sturdy character, industry, and foresight have contributed to his thriving business and his standing as a public-spirited citizen.

History of Hickman Township

History of Marshall County Dakota title page

About ono-third of Hickman township lies on the plateau, which, with the exception of several coulees is level and good farming land; the other two-thirds lie in the valley; the surface rather level. There are several ravines or coulees that emerge from the Coteaus in Sisseton township and run in a westerly direction; one of these coulees crosses sections 12,11, 10, 9 and 8, and on sec. 7 spreads out like a fan, covering three quarter sections of land, making an excellent meadow. This coulee on sec. 11 contained some timber, currants, gooseberries and raspberries, also plum trees. Excellent drinking … Read more

History of Weston Township

Weston township is settled mostly by Brown county settlers from Columbia and Groton, who came in early in the spring of 1883. The surface is somewhat undulating. There are two large depressions in southeast part, of about 500 acres, which yield an abundance of good hay. Originally included the south half of Stena township, and was known as Norwich. In the spring of ’85 was reorganized and named Weston. Now has three fine school-houses built last year. About October 1, 1882, H. H. Snow, from Clear Lake, Minn., settled on sec. 17. He was the first settler in the township … Read more