Town: Tabor

Biography of Joseph A. Wagner

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Joseph A. Wagner, born on March 1, 1855, in Bohemia, served as the treasurer of Bon Homme County, South Dakota. Emigrating to the United States at fifteen, Wagner initially settled in Wisconsin before moving to Bon Homme County. He began as a farm laborer, eventually acquiring and cultivating his own land. In 1887, he transitioned to the general merchandise business in Tabor and later entered banking, becoming president of the Utica and Tabor State Banks, and vice-president of the Lesterville State Bank. Wagner, a Democrat, was elected County treasurer in 1902. He was married to Rosa Bumba, with three surviving children, Joseph J., James A., and Thomas J.

Biography of James P. Cooley

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

James P. Cooley, born on February 26, 1845, in Cecil, Maryland, represents Bon Homme County in the South Dakota State Senate. He is one of eight children of Corbin and Mary Cooley, and the eldest of the four surviving siblings. Cooley moved to South Dakota in 1870, becoming a pioneer of Bon Homme County. He acquired extensive land holdings, totaling over 3,000 acres, and successfully engaged in cattle raising. A dedicated Democrat, he served in the territorial legislature (1872-3) and was elected to the state senate in 1902. Cooley married Mary McCollum in 1872, and they had twelve children, ten of whom survived.

Biography of Alois Jezewski

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Alois Jezewski, born November 24, 1880, in Winona, Minnesota, is the manager of the lumber yards for J. H. Queal & Company in Tabor, Bon Homme County, South Dakota. A son of Polish immigrants Andrew and Pauline Jezewski, Alois grew up in Winona and served in the Spanish-American War. His career includes roles with the Winona Lumber Company, Herman Dahl, the Lunds Land Agency, and C. M. Anderson, among others. Jezewski is an accomplished musician and has completed a course in architecture. He married Stella Hakl on June 3, 1902. Alois Jezewski is one of the progressive young business men … Read more