Town: Ward Township

Biography of John Barron

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

John Barron, born May 26, 1869, in Banffshire, Scotland, was a prominent farmer and stock raiser in Moody County, South Dakota. His family immigrated to the U.S. in 1880, settling in Ward Township, where his father, John Barron, Sr., developed a 1,760-acre farm that specialized in draft and coach horses, including imported Clydesdales, as well as Shorthorn cattle and Poland-China hogs. After his father’s passing in 1903, John Barron continued managing the family farm. A dedicated Democrat and active community member, he married Maud Estella Peart in 1891. The couple were members of the Presbyterian Church and were involved in various Masonic organizations.

Biography of John Duncan

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

John Duncan, born on May 23, 1851, in Banffshire, Scotland, immigrated to the United States in 1883, settling in Moody County, South Dakota. Initially purchasing a farm in Elkton Township with minimal funds, he later acquired a well-improved 160-acre farm in Ward Township in 1890. Duncan was engaged in diversified farming and specialized in breeding Shorthorn cattle and Clydesdale horses. A dedicated Republican, he held various township offices and served as a county commissioner from 1902. He and his wife, Mary Jane Minty, were active members of the Presbyterian church and the Modern Woodmen of America. They had five children: James Morris, Harry, Alfred, Marjory, and Leslie.