Town: Perkins

Biography of Captain Joseph Leach

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Captain Joseph Leach, president and general manager of the Missouri River Transportation Company, was born on March 7, 1849, in Cambridgeshire, England. He immigrated to the United States in 1851, settling first in Cook County, Illinois, and later in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Leach began his career in steamboat transportation on the Missouri River in 1866. In 1883, he established a residence in Running Water, South Dakota, and developed a successful transportation business. Leach married Minnie Seeley in 1871, and they had ten children. A dedicated Republican, he served in the South Dakota State Legislature and Senate.

Biography of Hosea Bridgman

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Hosea Bridgman was born in Cook County, Illinois, and spent his early years in Wisconsin. He ventured into photography and later operated a successful meat market before relocating to South Dakota in 1874. In Springfield, he built a thriving freighting business and eventually turned his focus to farming and livestock. With hard work and strategic investments, he expanded his land holdings to nearly 480 acres of productive farmland. Highly respected in his community, Bridgman was known for his integrity and dedication. He also raised a family, providing his children with quality education and leaving a commendable military legacy from his service in the Civil War.