Ellef Solem (b. 1852, Norway) was a pioneering farmer and stock raiser in Yankton County, South Dakota. After immigrating in 1874, he worked for others before homesteading 160 acres, where he and his wife, Mary Anderson, built a sod house. Despite early challenges like crop destruction by grasshoppers, Solem steadily expanded his operations, now owning 320 acres with modern improvements. He diversified into dairy farming and livestock, raising shorthorn cattle and hogs. Solem also serves as treasurer for the local creamery and township. An independent voter, he is active in the Lutheran church and respected for his business acumen.
Ellef Solem, one of the most successful and progressive farmers and stock raisers of Yankton County, was born in Norway in 1852 and there grew to manhood. The year 1874 witnessed his emigration to America, and on landing in this country, he came at once to South Dakota, locating in Yankton County, where he was in the employ of others for about seven years. In 1880 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Anderson, a native of Denmark, and they now have one son, Albert, who was educated in the common schools of this locality and is now assisting his father in carrying on the home farm.
Mr. Solem secured a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in Yankton County, and he and his wife went to housekeeping in a sod house he erected thereon. It was later replaced by a small frame residence, and in 1898 he built his present comfortable home, which is complete in all its appointments. Mr. Solem was one of the first to take up land in his part of the county, and in those early days, he underwent many hardships and privations. His first crop of corn was entirely destroyed by the grasshoppers, and he has met with other misfortunes, but notwithstanding these, he has steadily prospered and is now quite well-to-do, owning three hundred and twenty acres. He has set out all the trees now seen upon the place and made many other improvements which add greatly to the value and attractive appearance of the farm. In the operation of his land, he uses the latest improved machinery and is a thoroughly up-to-date farmer. He has become interested in the dairy business and gives considerable attention to the raising of shorthorn cattle and a good grade of hogs, feeding all the products of his farm to his stock. He carries on his farm with the aid of hired help and raises from one hundred to one hundred and fifty tons of hay. He is a very hard-working man, and to his industry and excellent business ability is due his success in life.
Mr. Solem has never been an aspirant for public office, though he has filled some school offices, and he is independent in politics, voting for men and not for party. Religiously he is a member of the Lutheran church. He is now serving as treasurer of the Center Point Creamery, also treasurer of Turkey Valley Township, and is regarded as one of the best and most reliable businessmen of his community.
Source: Robinson, Doane, History of South Dakota: together with mention of Citizens of South Dakota, [Logansport? IN] : B. F. Bowen, 1904.