Yankton - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of John Reich

John Reich, born February 16, 1863, in Russia, is a prominent figure in Scotland, Bon Homme County, South Dakota. He is a successful merchant and postmaster, as well as one of the town’s pioneers. Reich’s family emigrated to the United States in 1873, settling in Bon Homme County. Following his father’s death in 1879, Reich began his independent career at seventeen. He apprenticed as a tinner and later opened his own shop, eventually partnering with his brothers Jacob and Christian in a hardware business. Appointed postmaster in 1902, Reich is a respected Republican and active community member. He married Otillie Nieland in 1886, and they have three children: Robert W., Helen, and Delia.

Biography of Joseph C. Young

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Joseph C. Young, born in March 1853 in Waukesha County, Wisconsin, was a versatile businessman and civil servant in Springfield, South Dakota. Son of Noah W. and Mary (Purrinton) Young, Joseph moved to Bon Homme County in 1878, initially farming before shifting to carpentry and contracting. In 1890, he acquired the Springfield Times, later selling it to return to contracting. In 1901, he co-purchased a harness and furniture store, and in 1902, he became Bon Homme County’s official surveyor. Married to Florence Britton since 1875, they had four children. Joseph was active in politics, fraternal organizations, and the Congregational Church.

Biography of Philip H. Risling

Philip H. Risling, born June 16, 1825, in Bedford County, Pennsylvania, and deceased May 14, 1893, was a notable settler and community member. Son of German immigrants Lewis and Mary Risling, he moved to Iowa in 1856 and then to South Dakota in 1862, where he homesteaded 320 acres. Despite hardships such as floods and crop destruction, he built a successful market garden business. He was married to Elmira Oldham in 1852, and they had eleven children. Philip was active in politics, transitioning from the Whig to Republican and later Populist parties, and was a member of the Lutheran Church.

Biography of Peder Freng

Peder Freng was born in Norway on April 26, 1846, to John and Bertha Freng. In 1869, at the age of 23, he emigrated to the United States, settling in Yankton County, South Dakota. Freng developed a successful 160-acre farm, raising cattle and Poland-China hogs. He married Anna Freng on January 6, 1874, and they had six children. A dedicated Republican, Freng served as a school officer and county commissioner. He was a member of the Lutheran church and contributed significantly to the local community’s development and education. Freng built his home in 1890 and continuously improved his farm property.

Biography of George Madsen

George Madsen was born on October 21, 1839, in Denmark. He farmed in his native land until age 40 before emigrating to the United States, settling in Yankton County, South Dakota. He married Elsie Larsen, and they had six children: Annie, Conrad, Marie, Johanna, Louisa, and Eleanor. Madsen purchased 220 acres in Yankton County, where he engaged in stock raising and cereal cultivation. He later moved to Yankton, where he resides. A devout Lutheran and respected community member, Madsen exemplified success through hard work and dedication.

Biography of Robert Thogersen

Robert Thogersen, born in Denmark on July 28, 1841, emigrated to the United States at age 28. He settled in Turner County, South Dakota, where he secured a homestead and married fellow Dane Marie Madsen in Yankton. They had six children: Arthur, Henry, Charlie, Mary, Grant, and William. Thogersen farmed 160 acres near Yankton until his death on February 24, 1903, making significant improvements and utilizing modern machinery. A respected Lutheran, his successful and principled life exemplified the opportunities available in America. Marie Thogersen continues to manage the family farm with notable business acumen.

Biography of John M. Larson

John M. Larson, born near Throndhjem, Norway, on April 17, 1862, emigrated to the United States in 1881. Settling in Yankton, South Dakota, he married Guri J. Rye in 1884 and managed a successful farming enterprise, expanding his land holdings to 360 acres. A dedicated Lutheran and Republican, Larson actively participated in local politics, serving as a deputy assessor and state legislator from 1900. He was known for his legislative contributions, including reducing school fund interest rates. Larson’s life exemplified industriousness and community service until his death.

Biography of Vaclav Novak

Vaclav Novak was born in Bohemia in March 1832 and became a notable violinist and music teacher in his homeland. After the death of his first wife and subsequent remarriage to Barbara Hurkova in 1861, Novak emigrated to the United States in 1870, settling in Yankton County, South Dakota. He purchased and cultivated 320 acres of farmland. Novak had a total of eleven children, four born in Bohemia and seven in the United States. He passed away on September 22, 1899, leaving a legacy of integrity and community respect.

Biography of Leonard C. Mead

Leonard C. Mead, a highly esteemed physician and superintendent of the State Hospital for the Insane in Yankton, South Dakota, has earned a prominent position in his profession. Born into a loving and supportive family, he overcame limited educational opportunities through hard work and determination. Dr. Mead’s exceptional abilities as a physician and executive shine through his transformative leadership at the State Insane Hospital. He has revolutionized the institution, elevating it above political influence and establishing it as a leading facility for the treatment of nervous diseases and mental health. His expertise is widely recognized, and he continues to contribute significantly to the medical field.

Biography of Edward F. Donovan

Edward F. Donovan, supervisor of the State Hospital for the Insane in Yankton, is a native of Michigan and the son of Jeremiah and Margaret Donovan, both born in Ireland. With a successful business career and remarkable management skills, he has earned recognition and trust in his community. Holding the position of supervisor since 1891, Donovan’s undimmed record and dedication to duty have made him an esteemed custodian of one of the people’s most important institutions. Beyond his political involvement and faithfulness to his responsibilities, he is a proud citizen who believes in the future growth and prosperity of his city and state.

Biography of George S. Adams, M.D.

George S. Adams, M.D., is a highly regarded and accomplished member of the medical profession in Yankton, South Dakota. Born in Michigan, he grew up in South Dakota and pursued his education at State Agricultural College and Rush Medical College. Graduating with a degree in Medicine, Dr. Adams began his career as an assistant physician at the state hospital for the insane in Yankton, where he continues to serve with great dedication. He is esteemed for his abilities and discernment in his profession. As a Republican, Dr. Adams is also affiliated with St. John’s Lodge, No. 1, Free and Accepted Masons.

Biography of Lonson Seeley

Lonson Seeley, an industrious and successful farmer, was born in Monroe County, New York, in 1844. After serving in the Union army during the Civil War, he returned to Wisconsin where he pursued a career in agriculture. In 1868, he settled in South Dakota and focused on raising hogs and cattle, which proved more profitable than cultivating crops. Known for his diligence and perseverance, Seeley also contributed to the progress of his community, serving on the school board for over two decades. A devoted Republican and esteemed member of the Grand Army of the Republic, he and his family were valued members of the Methodist church.

Biography of Hugh S. Gamble

Hugh S. Gamble, a prominent citizen and successful business man from Yankton, South Dakota, is an honorable representative of an old and respected family. Born in Ireland, he inherited remarkable qualities of intelligence, keenness, and optimism. Despite facing serious impairment of his eyesight, he persevered and achieved remarkable success in business. Alongside his thriving career in real estate, insurance, and money lending, Gamble actively contributes to the development of his community. He serves on the board of trustees of Yankton College, is a dedicated member of the Congregational church, and has rendered valuable service to the Republican Party. With a loving family and an enduring spirit, Gamble’s life is a testament to resilience and dedication.

Biography of Charles L. Loffler, M.D.

Charles L. Loffler, M.D., born on July 4, 1871, in Hampton County, Iowa, was a highly accomplished physician. After receiving his early education in Yankton, South Dakota, he graduated from Barnes Medical College in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1901. Dr. Loffler practiced medicine in various locations in Iowa and South Dakota before settling in Sioux Falls in November 1902. He achieved great success in his specialized branches of medicine and held state certificates to practice in several states. Additionally, he was involved in numerous fraternal organizations. Dr. Loffler married Marie M. Dresselhuys in 1895, and they had no children.

Biography of George Williston Nash

George Williston Nash, the state superintendent of public instruction, is a native of Janesville, Wisconsin, born in 1868. Raised in Lincoln County, his early years were spent on his parents’ homestead near Canton. Nash’s educational journey led him to Yankton College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1891. After teaching and studying abroad, he returned to Yankton and became a professor of mathematics and astronomy. In 1902, he resigned to assume the role of state superintendent, showcasing his dedication to advancing education. Nash’s leadership, characterized by persistence and fairness, promises a future of valuable contributions in the field.

Biography of Hon. Gideon C. Moody

Hon. Gideon C. Moody was a courageous pioneer, eminent jurist, prominent politician, conservative civic force, and honorable citizen. His inflexible integrity, coupled with his intellect, made him a force to be reckoned with. He served as an influential member of the South Dakota constitutional conventions, was elected to the United States Senate, and played a crucial role in Republican national conventions. Moody’s success as a lawyer was attributed to his meticulous preparation and unwavering commitment to justice. In private life, he was a devoted family man and a loyal friend. His legacy is one of remarkable achievements and enduring influence.

Martha Jane Cannary

My maiden name was Marthy Cannary. I was born in Princeton, Missouri, May 1st, 1852. Father and mother were natives of Ohio. I had two brothers and three sisters, I being the oldest of the children. As a child I always had a fondness for adventure and out-door exercise and especial fondness for horses which I began to ride at an early age and continued to do so until I became an expert rider being able to ride the most vicious and stubborn of horses, in fact the greater portion of my life in early times was spent in this … Read more