White - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of J. F. Adams

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

J. F. Adams, born in Mankato, Minnesota, in 1877, moved with his family to Brookings, South Dakota, in 1880. After completing his education, he apprenticed in printing, working in various towns before establishing the *White Leader* in White, South Dakota, in 1900. As editor and publisher, Adams made the *Leader* a strong voice for local interests and Republican politics. He was active in the Modern Woodmen of America and the South Dakota Press Association. In 1900, Adams married M. H. Halstead, who assisted in the newspaper business and was involved in local social and church affairs.

Biography of F. J. Adams

F. J. Adams was born in Cologne, Germany, in 1852 and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1864. After settling in Minnesota, where his father became a farmer, Adams apprenticed as a harness maker. In 1880, he moved to Brookings, South Dakota, where he opened a harness shop with his brother. He later established a successful business in White, South Dakota. A dedicated Republican, Adams served in various public offices and was active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He married Lena Kohl in 1876, and they had seven children, six of whom survived to adulthood.

Biography of August King

August King, born on December 15, 1863, in Saxony, Germany, is a respected citizen and legislative representative of Brookings County, South Dakota. Emigrating to the U.S. in 1880, King initially worked on farms in Minnesota before moving to South Dakota in 1886. He married Pauline Schulz in 1890 and eventually purchased a 280-acre farm in Brookings County. King, a successful farmer and stock grower, also contributes to the community through his political service as a Republican and involvement in local organizations. He and his wife are active in the Methodist Episcopal Church and have six children.

Biography of Fred Rilling

Fred Rilling, born March 20, 1859, in West Bend, Wisconsin, is a notable farmer and stock grower in Brookings County, South Dakota. A son of German immigrants George and Elizabeth Rilling, Fred relocated to South Dakota in 1879, where he claimed land in Brookings County. Initially struggling, he eventually expanded his holdings to 320 acres and acquired additional land in Deuel County for livestock. He married Hannah Smith in 1883, and they have four surviving children: Benjamin, Earl, Harry, and Elsie. A dedicated Republican and Methodist, Fred is active in his community, serving as a church trustee and Sunday school superintendent.