Gayville - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of John O. Aaseth

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

John O. Aaseth was born on July 3, 1850, in Norway to Ole Rise and Kare (Hestehagen) Aaseth. He emigrated to the United States in 1872, settling in Yankton County, South Dakota. Aaseth initially worked in various labor roles, eventually becoming a partner in the Bagstad & Aaseth Company, a prominent local mercantile business. In 1879, he married Christina Welson, and they had eight children. Aaseth served in South Dakota’s first state legislature and held several local positions, including postmaster of Gayville. He was a dedicated member of the Lutheran Church and active in public service.

Biography of Leander Lane

Leander Lane, born April 23, 1838, in Clermont County, Ohio, played a significant role in the development of Yankton County, South Dakota. He moved to Dakota in 1866, initially settling on Jim River before purchasing land near present-day Gayville. Over time, he expanded his farm to 800 acres, cultivating crops and raising Shorthorn cattle. Lane married twice, first to Ann Sheperdson and then to Mary (Chappel) Case. He was active in local education, politics as a Democrat, and community improvement efforts. Lane passed away on February 28, 1904, and was buried in Yankton Cemetery.

Biography of Soren Mortensen

Soren Mortensen, born April 21, 1846, in Denmark, became one of the wealthiest farmers in Yankton County, South Dakota. After emigrating to the United States in 1869, he worked on a farm in Long Island for seven and a half years before moving to South Dakota in 1876. Mortensen initially focused on wheat farming but shifted to livestock after several crop failures. He built a successful operation handling cattle and Chester White hogs, amassing 1,500 acres of farmland. Mortensen married Meatha Amelia Larson in 1874, with whom he had nine children. After her death in 1896, he married Nora Grant in 1900. A dedicated Republican and respected community member, Mortensen’s achievements reflect his perseverance and effective management.

Biography of C. Frank Collins

C. Frank Collins, born September 7, 1863, in Jo Daviess County, Illinois, is a prominent farmer and stock raiser in Yankton County, South Dakota. The son of G. W. and Anna Collins, he moved with his family to Nebraska in 1879 and later to Yankton County. Frank started his own farm with minimal resources but gradually expanded his holdings and improved his property. He married Delight Post on January 21, 1884, and they have built a successful farming enterprise with significant livestock operations. A dedicated Republican, Collins remains active in public affairs and community development.

Biography of Peter Oscar Olson

Peter Oscar Olson, born February 1, 1874, on his family’s homestead in Yankton County, South Dakota, is a dedicated farmer. His father, Christian Olson, emigrated from Norway in 1866, settling in Yankton County the following year. Peter was educated locally and at Yankton College. He worked alongside his father and brothers, expanding their farm by 640 acres despite various hardships. A staunch Republican and Lutheran, Peter married Bergine Marie Olson on October 24, 1901. They have a daughter, Laura Caroline, born August 6, 1902. Peter values hard work, timely effort, and eschews vices for success in agriculture.

Biography of Iver Bagstad

Iver Bagstad, a representative business figure in Yankton County, exemplifies the potential of determined youth. Born in Norway in 1843, he immigrated to the United States at a young age and grew up in Wisconsin. In 1869, he ventured to South Dakota, then a frontier region, and settled near Volin. After years of farming, Bagstad established himself as a successful merchant in Gayville, facing and overcoming numerous challenges. His business grew under his capable leadership, eventually expanding into the livestock industry. A respected Republican, Bagstad held public positions and earned the trust of his community. He married Elena Aaseth, and together they raised six children.

Biography of Hans C. Olson

Hans C. Olson, a farmer in Yankton County, South Dakota, has played a significant role in the region’s growth and development. Born in Norway in 1854, he immigrated to the United States as a teenager with his parents. Settling in South Dakota, Hans worked diligently on the family farm and eventually became a successful farmer himself, owning 320 acres of land, primarily dedicated to raising Hereford cattle. He was actively involved in his community, serving as a deputy assessor and advocating for education. With a strong sense of integrity and deep religious faith, Hans earned the respect of all who knew him.