Town: Sioux Falls

Biography of Lester H. Clow

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Lester H. Clow, born on November 2, 1843, in Highgate, Vermont, served on the Pierre city council and managed the Rust-Owen Lumber Company’s local interests. After moving to Chicago in 1857 and graduating from Bryant & Stratton Business College in 1862, Clow pursued a career in the lumber industry across several states before settling in Pierre in 1895. A dedicated Republican, he cast his first presidential vote for Lincoln and held significant roles in Freemasonry. Clow married twice, first to Adella J. Taft, with whom he had two children, and later to Delia Franck, with whom he had five children.

Biography of Ernest Jasper Lacy

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Ernest Jasper Lacy, born on November 2, 1873, in Austin, Minnesota, is the official surveyor of Stanley County, South Dakota. He moved to South Dakota in 1881, where his father built the first hotel in Roscoe. Following his father’s financial struggles, Lacy began working to support his family at age 12. Initially joining a surveying party, he shifted his focus from law to civil engineering, eventually overseeing significant government land surveys. Lacy owns a successful sheep ranch and is vice-president of the South Dakota Horticultural Society. A dedicated Methodist, he is active in local church and charitable activities. He married Estelle Mae Lyman in 1900.

Biography of Ole Kjeldseth

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Ole Kjeldseth, born on March 20, 1835, in Bye, Wardalen, Norway, emigrated to the United States in 1864, initially settling in Muskegon, Michigan. After working in a sawmill and farming in Wisconsin, he returned to Norway briefly before relocating to Yankton County, South Dakota, in 1870. Starting with 160 acres, he expanded his holdings to 640 acres, overcoming early setbacks like grasshopper plagues. He married Sarah Knutson in 1860, and they had four children. A committed Republican, Kjeldseth served as county commissioner, justice of the peace, and school officer. His success is attributed to his hard work and business acumen.

Biography of James W. Parker

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

James W. Parker, born November 24, 1855, in Warren, Illinois, is a prominent businessman in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. He moved to Hillsboro, Wisconsin, at age thirteen and later attended Hillsdale College in Michigan. Parker began his career in his father’s general store in Wisconsin and co-founded the Sioux Falls Lumber Company in 1881. He has managed the company since its incorporation, growing it into a leading enterprise. A dedicated Republican, Parker is also involved in educational work, serving on the board of education. He married Nellie Thompson on May 19, 1892, and they have two children, James Thompson Parker and Natalie.

Biography of James Alfred Copeland

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

James Alfred Copeland was born on September 21, 1852, in Fountaindale, Illinois. He was the son of Alfred Williams Copeland, born June 18, 1809, in Massachusetts, and Hannah Brewster, a Pennsylvania native and descendant of Elder Brewster from the Mayflower. James received his education in Illinois and attended Wheaton College. In 1879, he began studying law in Nebraska and was admitted to the South Dakota bar in 1890. He served as clerk of courts, justice of the peace, and county judge in Vermillion, South Dakota. Copeland was active in the Republican Party and various fraternal organizations. He married Estella E. Hayes in 1880, and they had eight children, though three died young.

Biography of James W. Cone

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

James W. Cone was born on December 4, 1850, in Conesville, Coshocton County, Ohio, to Beebe S. and Lucinda D. (Davison) Cone. His lineage traces back to Daniel Cone of Edinburgh, Scotland, who settled in Haddam, Connecticut, in 1660. The family moved to Muscatine County, Iowa, in 1854, where Cone later attended Iowa State University, earning a law degree in 1873. He practiced law in Iowa before moving to Brule County, South Dakota, in 1883. In Sioux Falls, he compiled abstracts of titles for Minnehaha County. Politically active, Cone served in various legislative and political roles, including chief clerk of the South Dakota House.

Biography of George W. Abbott

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

George W. Abbott, born on October 10, 1858, in Sandwich, Carroll County, New Hampshire, was the son of Lyman and Sarah W. Abbott. He pursued his education at Phillips Academy in Exeter, New Hampshire. At twenty, Abbott moved to Colorado as a secretary for a mining expert before relocating to McIntosh County, North Dakota, in 1882, where he was the first superintendent of schools and postmaster. In 1887, he moved to Minneapolis and later to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he became general manager of the Union Savings Association. Abbott married Mary G. Quinlan in 1896, and they had four children.

Biography of Leroy D. Miller

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Leroy D. Miller, a native of St. Joseph, Missouri, was born on February 24, 1869. After his father’s passing, his mother remarried and the family relocated to South Dakota. Miller received his education in the local public schools before embarking on a career in the grain industry. Eventually, he ventured into the livery business and established a successful enterprise in Sioux Falls. With top-notch equipment and a dedicated work ethic, Miller built a thriving business with a wide range of services, including livery, hack and transfer, and even an undertaking department. He is a staunch supporter of the Republican Party and actively involved in the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

Biography of John W. Tuthill

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

John W. Tuthill, a leading businessman and president of the John W. Tuthill Lumber Company, has achieved remarkable success through his own efforts. Born in Greene, New York, in 1846, he established a lumber yard in State Center, Iowa, which served as the foundation for his thriving business. In 1884, he incorporated the John W. Tuthill Lumber Company, which now controls numerous yards across South Dakota, Minnesota, and Iowa. Tuthill’s dedication to his business has made him a respected figure in Sioux Falls. Despite his focus on entrepreneurship, he has shown civic-mindedness, contributing to the public library and engaging in community affairs.

Biography of John F. Strass

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

John F. Strass, a Norwegian-born journalist, editor, and publisher, established the influential Fremad newspaper in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. With its extensive readership and support, the Fremad became one of the most prominent and influential Scandinavian papers in the region. Strass also operated a successful printing establishment and dealt in Norwegian literature. He was highly respected as a business leader, a political influencer, and a public-spirited citizen. His integrity, forward-thinking approach, and dedication to the welfare of his community earned him esteem among his fellow countrymen and the general public alike.

Biography of Mark D. Scott

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Mark D. Scott, a highly skilled and astute newspaper man, has made his mark in South Dakota as the editor and publisher of the influential Sioux Falls Journal. Born in Wisconsin in 1866, Scott’s early immersion in the printing industry set the stage for his successful career. From humble beginnings as a newspaper carrier in Deadwood, he steadily rose through the ranks, eventually founding and managing several newspapers across different states. His journalistic prowess and dedication to delivering timely and relevant news have earned him a respected reputation. Scott’s commitment to the newspaper business and his advocacy for fiscal responsibility in public affairs are notable aspects of his professional endeavors.

Biography of Henry G. Solem

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Henry G. Solem, a Norwegian immigrant, epitomizes the power of practical industry and perseverance. Arriving in the United States with minimal resources, he embarked on a remarkable journey of success. Starting at the bottom, Solem steadily climbed the ladder, acquiring land, becoming a prominent farmer and stock raiser, and venturing into business and finance. His influence extended beyond personal pursuits as he actively contributed to the community, holding township offices and spearheading public enterprises. From a poor laborer, Solem’s rise exemplifies extraordinary determination, mental acumen, and moral character, establishing him as a leading citizen in Minnehaha County, South Dakota.

Biography of Hans A. Ustrud

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Hans A. Ustrud is a prominent figure in educational circles, serving as the incumbent county superintendent of schools in Minnehaha County, South Dakota. Born in Baltic in 1871, he hails from a Norwegian ancestry. Ustrud’s early education was received in the public schools of his native county, where he developed a deep understanding of the pioneer era. After graduating from the Lutheran Normal School in Sioux Falls, he became a respected teacher, dedicating himself to the educational interests of Minnehaha County. His exceptional work led to his election as county superintendent in 1902, where he successfully organized and unified the school system. Ustrud’s accomplishments have garnered widespread acclaim and trust from the community he serves.

Biography of William Bird Sherrard

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

William Bird Sherrard, born in County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1837, descended from Scottish and English ancestry. Despite their Presbyterian faith, his family supported the Catholic church, aligning with the struggle for Irish independence. After immigrating to America in 1864, Sherrard settled in Chicago and became involved in assisting newsboys and bootblacks. His dedication led to the establishment of the Newsboys and Bootblacks’ Association. Later, he pioneered the Children’s Home Society in South Dakota, caring for hundreds of children and building assets of forty thousand dollars. Sherrard’s success is attributed to his devoted wife and his unwavering commitment to the cause.

Biography of William G. Porter

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

William G. Porter, a distinguished member of the South Dakota bar, is the senior partner of the renowned law firm Porter & King in Sioux Falls. Born in Thetford Center, Vermont, in 1858, Porter’s lineage can be traced back to a Norman knight in the eleventh century. After an impressive academic journey, including graduating from Dartmouth College and obtaining a law degree from Drake University, he embarked on a successful legal career. Serving as state’s attorney and later as assistant United States attorney, Porter has excelled in his profession, earning a reputation for his expertise and commitment. Additionally, he has been actively involved in Republican politics and various fraternal organizations throughout his life.

Biography of Willard A. Lathrop

by
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 Richard Franklin Pettigrew

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Richard Franklin Pettigrew, a former United States senator from South Dakota, was a determined leader who played a significant role in shaping the nation. Born in Vermont in 1848, he ventured to the West and settled in Sioux Falls in 1870. Pettigrew served as a delegate, congressman, and senator, displaying unwavering commitment to his principles. He became renowned for his speeches opposing annexation and advocating for settlers’ rights and the honorable treatment of Native Americans. Pettigrew’s influential career extended beyond politics, as he contributed to the growth and development of Sioux Falls and engaged in successful mining ventures after leaving public office.

Biography of Richard H. Booth

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Richard H. Booth, a respected pioneer of the northwest, has been a prominent contractor and builder in South Dakota for over thirty years. Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1826, he honed his carpentry skills and established himself as a skilled artisan. Moving to Sioux Falls in 1870, Booth dedicated himself to constructing significant public and private buildings, including the first church in the county. He was known for his integrity, public spirit, and commitment to the Democratic Party. Despite nearing the age of eighty, Booth remained active in his profession and was revered as a highly esteemed citizen of Sioux Falls.

Biography of Samuel Livingston Tate

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

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.