Town: Geddes

Biography of Pierre Romeo Pinard, M. D.

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Dr. Pierre Romeo Pinard, born in Batiscan, Quebec, in 1870, overcame early hardships to establish a successful medical career in South Dakota. Orphaned young, he worked while pursuing education and eventually graduated from the St. Louis College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1893. After brief practices in Michigan and Wisconsin, Dr. Pinard settled in Geddes, South Dakota, where he became a respected physician and community leader. Active in local healthcare governance, he served as vice-president of the county health board and was involved in professional associations. He married Susie Lawrence in 1896, and they had two children, Noel and Kenneth.

Biography of W. S. L. Henley

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

W. S. L. Henley, a resident of Geddes, South Dakota, pursued a diverse career, transitioning from farming to real estate, finance, and retail. Born in 1853 in Scott County, Iowa, Henley farmed for many years before moving to Dakota, where he homesteaded and expanded his landholdings. In 1900, he relocated to Geddes, shifting his focus to real estate and machinery sales while also investing in town properties. A committed Republican, Henley served as city treasurer and held various local positions. He was active in fraternal organizations, including the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America.

Biography of Homer W. Johnson

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Homer W. Johnson (b. 1859, Osceola, Iowa) was a state senator and key figure in the Johnson Brothers Company, a leading real estate and loan business in South Dakota. After gaining experience in banking and land management, he co-founded the Citizens’ State Bank of Armour with his brother Edwin, serving as president until 1903. Johnson shifted from Republican to Democratic politics, securing multiple senate terms despite his district’s Republican leanings. Known for his integrity and business acumen, he remained influential in both state politics and local development. Johnson’s collaborative spirit and loyalty made him a respected community leader.

Biography of Edwin S. Johnson

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Edwin S. Johnson (b. 1857, Owen County, Indiana) was a prominent banker and real estate operator in Armour, South Dakota. He co-founded the Johnson Brothers Company with his brother Homer, managing extensive land and loan interests across the region. Johnson began his career in Iowa, later pioneering in Nebraska before relocating to South Dakota in 1884. In addition to his business pursuits, he served as state’s attorney and state senator, shifting from the Republican to Democratic Party in 1896. He married Anna Thoreau in 1884 and remained an influential figure in both local politics and the Methodist Protestant church.

Biography of Willard A. Lathrop

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

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.

Biography of Ole Anderson

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Ole Anderson, born in Norway in 1850, migrated to the United States in 1880, joining the influx of Scandinavian immigrants to the Northwest. Settling in South Dakota, he established himself as a respected farmer in Charles Mix County. Through diligent cultivation and the application of modern farming methods, Anderson transformed his raw land into a thriving estate. He raised livestock, including Poland China hogs and Durham cattle, and cultivated various crops. Anderson’s success exemplified the contribution of hardworking immigrants from northern Europe to the rapid development of the Northwest. He was regarded as a model farmer and a commendable citizen in his community.