Dell Rapids City (part 2 of 2)

1890. Supervisors, Thor S. Dybedahl chairman, O. J. Berdahl, James Blow; clerk, O. H. Nyhus; treasurer, M. E. Mansag-er; assessor, O. A, Nyhus. A committee was appointed "to look over the township books and see if the money used during- the last year had been correctly expended and recorded." March 25, the board met and (juite a number of other citizens of the township were present, and the committee reported as follows: "We have examined the books of the township and found them all corresponding- with the treasurer's books with the exception of Sb.50, which the treasurer has paid o\er and above the amount of orders issued, and that we are satisfied that that money has been paid as interest on orders between the time they were presented and until paid. We also find that the board has drawn more money from the township than the record shows they are entitled to for such services, and we desire the board to make a record of such money that has been used outside of the meeting-s and elections held in the town during- their term of office. We find that the board has consumed S211.20 for service for their term of three years, and the records of meeting-s don't allow them that much. We further ask the board to explain why they did not settle and draw orders for services in 1889, as they have done before. We find the orders issued for services for the year 1889, as follows: James Blow S48.20, O. Berdahl S43.80. F. B. Stout, John H. Hill, Committee." After some discussion and explanation a motion was made that it proved satisfactory, and the matter was dismissed. Auo-ust 20, an order of S150 was issued to Thor S. Dybedahl to pay witnesses in the survey suit their mileag-e and fees.

1891. Supervisors, Miles Walters, A. T. Hamre, Thomas Hanson; clerk, O. H. Nyhus, Jr.; assessor, Knut Possum. June 22, Thor S. Dybedahl was appointed justice of the peace. Jul}^ 25, the board met to look over the account of the expenses in the survey case, and the clerk was instructed to make out an itemized bill of fees paid to the witnesses.

1893. Supervisors, O. J. Berdahl, James Blow, Thor S. Dybedahl; clerk, O. H. Nyhus, Jr.; assessor, O. B. Dahlg-ren; treasurer, R. E. Mansag-er; justice, Thomas Hanson. At the first meeting- of the new board the road overseers in districts No. 1 and 4 were instructed to open a new road in each of the two districts, according- to description. May 24, the board directed the chairman and clerk of the board to g-o to Sioux Palls and procure an injunction to be served on Paulina Randall and others, as plaintiffs in the survey case. July 10, the board resolved to go to Sioux Palls and see an attorney about what could be done "in reg-ard to the corners that are lost or destroyed." At the end of the fiscal \^ear the treasurer reported a balance in the treasury of SI, 014.78.

Aga, Lars J., is a native of Norway, and was horn April 20, 1S54. He eniio'rated to the United States with his parents in 1800, and settled in Winneshiek count\% Iowa. He attended school and worked on his father's farm until 1872, when he entered Luther Collef)fe at Decorah, Iowa, and was o-raduated in 1876. He then commenced teachin same district twelve consecutive years. He came to this county in the sprino- of 1888, and boug-ht the southwest quarter of section 18 in Burk. xAlthoug-li he had a farm he taug-ht school in Burk and Grand Meadow townships until he was elected a member of the leg'islature in 1891. In the fall of that year he became principal of the Lutheran Normal school at Sioux Palls, and held this position until he assumed the duties of county superintendent of schools of Minnehaha county in the fall of 1893. He was re-elected to the same office in 1895. He made a g-ood official, and attended to the duties of the office with g-reat fidelity, and worked industriously to elevate the standard of thi district school in this county. Whenj his term of office expired, he engaged in farming- in Burk township, where heowns a very fine farm in section 18, on which he is at this writing- erecting one of the most commodious and modern farm dwelling- houses that can be seen in the county. He is highly respected as a citizen.

Barbell, N., was born in Elsass, Germany, December 15, 1839. After coming to this country he lived in Illinois and Iowa for some time and came to Minnehaha county in May, 1870. He then filed a tree claim upon the northeast (piarter of section 10 in Burk, where he engaged in farming.

Bemis, Alvin H., was born at Spencer, Massachusetts, September 2, 1837. He lived there and in Illinois, Wisconsin and Iowa prior to his coming to Dakota in 1881, when he settled in this county. He took up as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 0 in Burk, where he still resides. He has since purchased the southwest quarter of the same section and has a good farm. He enlisted^in the Union army in x\ugust, 1864, and served until September, 1865. He has held several offices in Burk township, is a good citizen, a successful farmer, and well known throughout the county.

Beruahl, Ole J., was born in Norway, October 15, 1841. He emigrated to the United States in 1861, and settled in Wisconsin. In 1877 he removed from there to Dakota, and arrived in Burk, June

15, of that vear. He took up as a homestead the northeast quarter of section 18, and as a timber claim the northwest quarter of the same section. He resides on his homestead and has a trood farm with commodious building's. He has held various town offices, has been chairman of the town board and was countv commissioner three years. He was the first Scandinavian who settled in Burk west of Skunk creek, and built the first frame house in that localit}'. During- the first six weeks he resided on his homestead he saw only two persons. He is an active, prominent citizen, and hig-hly respected by his neighbors.

Berge, Osten, was born in Norway, 1847; emig-rated to this country in 1883, and settled in Lyons, this county, taking- up as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 6, where he resided until in 1892, when he sold it to his son, and moved on to a farm of 160 acres which he owns in section 32 in Burk, where he now resides, and has a g-ood farm. He is a properous farmer and a g-ood citizen.

Blow, James, was born in Tiog-a county. New York, November 27, 1839. He was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. In April, 1883, he came to this county and bou^^ht the southwest quarter of section 6 in Dell Rapids, but sold this, and in the fall of 1886, boug-ht the northwest quarter of section 15, in Burk, where he has since resided. He has quite a g-ood farm, and has been an active citizen, holding- the office of supervisor several years. He has been one of the foremost men in Burk in the litig-ation g-rowing- out of the resurvey of that township, favoring- the line established by the resurvey. He usually puts in an appearance at the county conventions as a deleg-ate from Burk, and is one of the enterprising- men in that vicinitv.

BuHRiNG, Arnst, one of the first settlers in Burk, is a native of (xermany, and was born in 1850. He emig-rated to this country, lived in Wisconsin for some time, and came to Minnehaha county in 1872. He took up as a homestead the east half of the northwest quarter, and the west half of the northeast quarter of section 32, in Burk, where he still resides. He is a successful farmer, and a g-ood citizen. His wife, Mrs. Mary Buhring-, is the present postmistress of Fleetwood postoffice, which is located on his farm.

Cox, Henry, is a native of Eng-land, and was born in Julv, 1834. After emig-rating- to this country in March, 1864, he lived in several states, and finally came to this county and settled in Burk in 1880. He purchased the northw^est quarter of section 4 in that township, and resided there until his decease on the 14th dav of November, 1894. He had been a miner for a g-reat many years, and his health was g-reatly impaired when he came here. He was a respected citizen.

Dahlgren, O. B., was born in Christiania, Norw-av, November 9, 1862, emig-rated with his parents to the United States in the fall of 1866; lived in New York state a short time, and then removed to Kansas, where they remained eleven years; in July, 1880, came to Dakota, and located in this countv, on section 23 in" Burk township, and still resides there. The subiect of this sketch bouo-ht and now owns the soutli hiilf <>f said section. He was assessor of Burl>: township in 1893 and 18')4, and clerk of the town hoard in 1S*)S, and is a u-ood farmer and a g-ood citizen.

Dybedahl, Thor S., is a native of Norwav, and was horn in 184^). He emiiJ-rated to the United States in 18(/),"and settled in Iowa for live years. On the 18th day of June, 1874, he came to this countv and took up the northwest quarter of section 23 in Burk as a homestead, and the southeast qviarter of section 15 as a tree claim, which he proved up in 18S2, and secured a patent. Mr. S. Dybedahl, his father, who was born in Norway, November 1, 1817, and died in Burk, September 3, 1878), Thomas Thompson and S. K. Ducken, were the tirst Norwegians who settled in Burk. A few Americans had located near Skunk creek before they came. Mr. Dybedahl's father took up the northeast quarter of section 22, which the subject of this sketch now owns. He has been a member of the town board ten years, nine years of which he was its chairman, and has also held the office of justice of the peace. He is a g-ood farmer and an active, respected citizen.

Possum, OleK., came to the United States from Norway, where he was born November 22, 1819. He lived in Iowa and Minnesota before he settled in this county in 1874. He then secured quite a large amount of land, and owns at the present time the northwest quarter of section 35, the west half of the southwest quarter of section 34, and the east half of the southeast quarter of section 3>3 in Burk. He resides M'ith his son Knut O. Possum on the northeast quarter of section 33. Mr. Possum has been school district clerk,

Gronsdal, G. ()., is a native of Norway, and was born July 7, 1848. He emigrated to the United States in 1864, and resided in Iowa until 1880, when he removed to this county. He took up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 8 in Burk, where he now resides. He has held the office of justice of the peace.

Hanson, Ole, was born in Norwav in 1S48; emig-rated to this country and lived in Iowa until in 1874, when he removed to Minnehaha county. He took up as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 14 in Burk, where he now resides. He also filed a timber claim on the north half of the northeast quarter of section 23 in the same town, and has a g"ood farm, with g-ood improvements. He is an industrious farmer and a g-ood citizen.

Hanson, Thomas, is a native of Norway and was born October 17, 1857. He emig-rated to the United States in 18()9. and lived in Iowa until 1874, when he removed to Dakota and settled in Burk. He took up the southwest quarter of section 13 as a homestead and now resides there. He also secured the northwest quarter of section 24 under the tree-culture laws, and has a g-ood farm. He has held various school and town offices, among- them that of chairman of the town board of supervisors. He is an active, enterprising: citizen, and well liked in his neighborhood.

came to this county in 1874, and resided in Lyons township four years; then moved to Burk township and took up as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 20, where he has since resided. He has been a member of the township board several years, and is a o-ood citizen.

Hamre, Adolph, son of Aad Hamre, was horn in Clinton county, Iowa, October 21, 1872, and came to this county with his parents in 1874; was reared on a farm, attended the district schools, and took a two years course in Aug-ustana coUeg-e at Canton, South Dakota. He has taug-ht school in this county during- the last eigfht years, and has the reputation of being- a proficient and successful teacher.

Hayward, Charles E., was born in Spencer, Tiog-a county, New York, February 25, 1835. He was reared on a farm and attended the public schools. In 1879 he removed to Dakota, arrivingin Burk on the 7th day of November of that year. He purchased a pre-emption relinquishment on the southwest quarter of section 3, and resided there until February, 1897, when he removed to New York. On the first day of Aug-ust, 1862, he enlisted in Co. A, 109th N. Y. Inf., and served until the 14th day of May, 1865. While in the military service he received a g-un-shot wound in his rig-ht shoulder, and since then his rig-ht arm has been partially disabled.

Johnson, Hendrick N., was born at Spring-dale, Wisconsin, November 21, 1858. He received a common school education, and always eng-ag-ed in farming*. On the 26th day of March, 1897, he removed to Burk, where he now resides. He is a g-ood citizen and an enterprising- farmer.

KiTTLESON, Thomas O., came to the United States in 1862 from Norway, where he was born April 15, 1851. He resided in Iowa fifteen years, and came to Dakota in 1877, when he located on the southeast quarter of section 21, which he filed upon as a homestead. He also owns the northeast quarter of the same section; has a g-ood farm and is a g-ood citizen.

Magness, John, is a native of Norway, and was born September 15, 1823. He emig-rated with his parents to the United States, and settled in Winneshiek county, Iowa, in 1855. January 15, 1873, he came to Sioux Falls, and during- the next three years was eng-ag-ed in freig-hting- for C. K. Howard and Knut Thompson. In 1876 he preempted the southwest quarter of section 19, in Burk, and settled down to farming-. He still resides in Burk, but sold his farm there, and boug-ht the north half of section 23 in Taopi, and other land, and now owns about 800 acres of fine land, and a fine live stock. He is a g-ood citizen, has been on the town board several years, and is quite active in local politics.

Mansager, Michael E., was born in Norway in 1825, and emig-rated to Iowa. He came to Dell Rapids in this county in 1876, but soon after secured a homestead and a tree claim in sections 29 and 30 in Burk. He is an industrious man and a g-ood citizen.

Mansager, R. E., was born in Northwood, Worth countv, Iowa, Ojtober 20, 1858. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1870 he came to this countv and settled in Burk. He was elected town treasurer in 1882, and has been re-elected from vear to year to the present writinu-, and has also been school treasurer for several vears. He was appointed postmaster at Fleetwood in 1880, and is one of the g-ood citizens of Burk.

Nyhus, Ole a., is a native of Norway, and was born March 11, 1852. He emigrated to the United States in 1800, and resided in AVisconsin until he removed to this county, where he arrived on the 2d day of June, 1878. He took up the northwest quarter of section 7 in Burk, and has made a g'ood farm of it. Mr, Nyhus taug-ht the first school in Burk, in the school house located on the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of section 7. He has held the offices of assessor and justice, and has been town clerk several years. He is a g-Qod neig-hbor and citizen.

Randall, Prank, was born in the citv of Valparaiso, Indiana, January 23, 1850. During- his minority he worked on a farm and attended public schools. He eng-ag-ed in farming- in Iowa previous to coming- to Dakota in 1882, at which time he located in this county and boug-ht a farm in section 9 in Burk township, where he has since resided. He has been one of the prominent actors in the litig-ation g-rowing- out of the resurvey of that township, and has to the best of his ability endeavored to maintain the lines as they were before the resurve}'. He is a g-ood farmer and an energ-etic citizen.

Stout, Jonath\n, was born in 1822, in Ohio. He lived in that state and in Indiana, Illinois and Iowa, prior to his coming- to Dakota, in 1873, when he settled in this county. He tor>k up as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 2S, in the town of Burk, where he still resides.

Stout, James, was born in 18+0, in Illinois. He removed with his parents to Iowa, and from there he came to Dakota in 1873, and has been a resident of this county since then. He resides upon the homestead taken up by his father, having- sold his homestead, which he took up on the southeast quarter of section 21.

Stout, Pranklix. is a brother of James Stout, and was born in 1857, in the state of Illinois, where he lived until he removed with his parents to Iowa; from there he went to Nebraska, and came to Dakota in 1873. He then secured land in the same section as his father, and located on the northeast quarter, where he still resides. They are all three ^ood farmers and have g-ood farms, and are well-known citizens of the county.

Thompson, Thomas, was born in Norway May 17, 1828, and was reared on a farm. In 185t), he emig-rated to the United States and located at Racine, Wisconsin. In 1853, he removed to Lincoln, Winneshiek countv, Iowa, where he eng-ag-ed in farming- until 1874, when he came to this county. He settled in Burk, taking- up threefourths of section 27, as a homestead, timber claim and pre-emption. He has since bouo-ht the balance of this section, and has erected his

Walters, Dennis, w^as born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, February 12, 1847, and moved wnth his parents to Iowa when six years of ag-e. On the 22d day of October, 1864, he enlisted in Company K, 15th Iowa Infantry, and served throug-h the remainder of the civil war. After the war he eng-ag-ed in farming- in Iowa until the spring- of 1874, when he removed to Dakota, arriving- in Sioux Falls on the 1st day of April. He soon after took up as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 28 in Burk township, where he located and eng-ag-ed in farming-. In May, 1875, a post office was established in Burk called Geneseo, and Mr. Walters was the first postmaster, with the post office at his residence. He held the office for about two years. In 1879, he was ag-ain appointed postmaster and held the office until 1888, when he removed to Dell Rapids, where he has since resided. While a resident of Burk he held school offices, was assessor two years, and one of the town supervisors several years. In January, 1870, he married Caroline Stout, daughter of Jonathan Stout, then of Iowa, but now a resident of Burk.

This township is bounded on the north by Lake county, on the east by Burk, on the south by Grand Meadow, and on the west l)y Buffalo townships. The township lines were surveyed by W. J. Neeley in Aug-ust, 1859, and the subdivision was made by H. T. Austin in July, 1867. The township contains 22,234.% acres of land. At the time the subdivision was made there was a body of water comprising- 146.20 acres in the north half of section 3, and a small body of water covering- 37.10 acres in the northwest quarter of section 5. There was a small lake called Boot Lake in sections 4, 8 and 9 comprising- 258.20 acres. Its form is similar to that of a boot and it is probable that its name was the result of its peculiar formation. Clear Lake, at the time referred to, covered 550.80 acres, 133.85 of which was in section 31 in this township. There were also three small streams having- their source in this township, which flowed in a southeasterly direction.

Georg-e Aker and Charles T. Austin settled in the township in 1876, and after this time the land was g-radually taken up by actual settlers. In May, 1878, J. B. Goddard settled on the southwest quarter of section 20, and the following- December a post office was established at this point. Mr. Goddard was appointed postmaster, and has retained the office since then. He also opened a g-eneral store, and has continued the business down to the present time. Early in April, 1897, the Taopi Creamery Company was incorporated. Its capital stock was fixed at S4,000, divided into one hundred and sixty shares. The incorporators were J. E. Colton, John Andrews, W, O. Colton, Austin Thompson, Georg-e Aker, C. B. Huntemer and Andrew B. Lemme. A creamery was soon constructed and fully equipped, and opened for business June 16, 1897, and has l)een in successful operation since then. It is located on the northeast corner of section 27.

The location of a creamery at this point, with its larg-e jmtronag-e, made it a desirable location for other business enterprises. In July, 1898, a post office was established, and H. Lovald appointed postmaster. Colton has already two stores and a blacksmith shop, and is rapidly putting- on the appearance of a lively little villag-e.

The first school was taug-ht in district number 62, during the summer of 1880, in an old sod house located on the northeast quarter of section 26, where the present school house is located, and Mrs. Ellen Colton was the teacher.

Minnehaha Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. - This church which is connected with the Norweg-ian Evano-elical Lutheran Synod of America, was oro-anized February 28, 187^), by the Rev. O. O. Sando. In 1881 a church building- was erected on the northeast corner of the northeast quarter of section 35 in Taopi, at a cost of S700, which was paid for by the nierabers of the church. The Rev. O. O. Sando has remained its pastor since its org-anization, and services are held once in two weeks. It has one hundred and five communicants, and the cong^reg'ation is so larg^e that the erection of a more commodious building- is contemplated in the near future. There is a Ladies' society and a Young- Girls' society connected with the church, which are in a flourishing- condition.

St. Ansgar Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. - This church was organized Aug-ust 22, 1887, b}' people residing- in the townships of Taopi and Burk, with a membership of sixty. In 1889, a church building- was erected on the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of section 13 in Taopi, at a cost of a little over S3, 000. It is located on the farm of C. A. Grinde,and presents a fine appearance. Services are held every third Sunday, and at the present time there are two hundred and seventy persons connected with this congreg-ation. Three Ladies' societies have been org-anized in aid of the church work. Its first pastor was the Rev. A. O. Berg-e, who ofliciated until 1891, and since then the Rev. C. C. Moe has been its pastor.

St. Joseph's Catholic Church. - This church was org-anized in 1888, by the Rev. Father Flynn of Madison, South Dakota. Services were held in a school house until the spring of 1889, when a church building was erected on the southeast corner of the southeast quarter of section 2, in Taopi. The cost of the church was about SI, 500, which has been all paid by subscription among- the members, except about $200 g-iven by outsiders, and the building- is a commodious and appropriate house of worship. Services are held once or twice in each month. The Rev. Fathers Flynn, Maher, Wise, Zink, Gavin, Grabig, Hog-an, Mentzing-, O'Hora and Feinler have had charg-e of the church, and the Rev. Father M. J. Martyn, who resides at Dell Rapids, is the present pastor. The congreg-ation consists of about fourteen families. There is also a Sunday school connected with the church with about twenty scholars.

At the flrst general election held at the residence of J. B. Goddard on Tuesday, November 2, 1880, the following- persons were elected town officers: J. E. Colton, C. T. Austin and James Murphy supervisors; Ebenezer Kilburn and Peter J. Bardell justices of the peace, A. G. Birura and E. S. Grinde constables, Frank Stowel clerk, W. O. Colton treasurer, L. L. Willard assessor, J. B. Goddard poundmaster, Adolph Klein overseer of the highways. It was voted that the township be called Taopi. W. C. Rowland was clerk of election, and J. B. Goddard one of the judg-es.

dard was appointed town clerk to lill \aeanc\- in ])laee of I^^rank Stowel. C. F. Heberlein was appointed supervisor in place of James Mnr])hy, and (tco. O. Goddard in place of J. E. Colton. C. T. Austin was chosen chairman. The iirst warrant was issued in faxor of J(din Paul for SIO, on the 1st day of October, 1881.

1886. Supervisors, L. L. Willard, E. Kilburn, C. A. Grinde; clerk, W. O. Colton; assessor, Tom Larson; justice of the peace, Zadock Clark. The equalized value of property assessed in the township was 5104,895.

1889. Supervisors, L. L. Willard chairman, C. T. Austin, Tom Larson; clerk, J. B. Goddard; assessor, C. A. Grinde; treasurer, Geo. O. Goddard; justice, E. Kilburn. November 6, contract was let to J. E. Colton for g-rading- road on south line of section 4, across Boot Lake, and on December 3, an order was drawn for the g-rading-, for S205.50. At the end of the year there was a balance on hand in the treasury of S5.53.

1890. Notwithstanding- there were quite a number of meeting-s of the board during- the year, it is impossible to ascertain from the records the names of the officials. March 25, E. A. Seaman was appointed justice of the peace for one \'ear.

1891. Supervisors, J. E. Colton chairman, A. G. Birum, A. Stinton; Clerk, A. Huntemer; treasurer, C. B. Huntemer; assessor, Eli Larson; justices, E. A. Seaman. K. Kilburn; constable Ole P. Olson.

1803. The records are silent as to who were elected at the annual town election, but it appears on March 28, that A. E. Willard was appointed town clerk, and that C. B. Huntemer treasurer, W. O. Colton assessor, E. Kilburn justice and C. Kilburn constable gave their official bonds. Several raeeting-s were held during the year and routine business was transacted.

1894. Supervisors, G. O. Goddard, Martin Thompson, L. L. Willard; treasurer, C. B. Huntemer; justice, Peter P. Bowen; constable, C. K. Stondahl. April 17, the board decided to g-ive notice through the Dell Rapids Times for the destruction of the Russian thistle.

1899. Supervisors, George O. Goddard chairman, Iver I. Eitreim, C. T. Austin; clerk, C. A. Grinde; treasurer, W. O. Colton; assessor, C. H. Reed; justices of the peace, C. H. Reed, Louis Clarke.

Aker, George, was born in Norway in 1858; emigrated to the United States and lived in Iowa until 1876, when he located in this county, where he has since resided. He took up a homestead on the southeast quarter of section 24 in Taopi, and has a good farm. He has been justice of the peace, and supervisor of the town board, is an industrious farmer and a respected citizen.

Austin, Charles T., was born in Norway in 1850; came to the United States when only ten years of age, and his opportunities for an education in his native country and in this country were so broken up that most of his attainments may be considered self-acquired. He went to Winneshiek county, Iowa, in 1865, lived there a few years, and then removed to Fillmore countv, Minnesota. In 1876 he came to Minnehaha county, where he has since resided engaged in farming. He secured a homestead on the southeast quarter of section 35 in Taopi, to which he has added by purchase the east half of the southwest quarter of section 36, and'^has a comfortable and well improved farm. He has been an active participant in all public aifairs in his township and county; was elected member of the house of representatives of the state legislature in 1890, on the Republican ticket, and again in 1895, during' which term he served on the judiciary and other important committees. In 1898 he was elected to the

Baardson, Nels, is a natixe of Norway, and was horn in Jul\-, 1853. He emi,i>-rated to the United States in 1S74, and located in Iowa. In 1878 he removed to Dakota and settled in this county. He took up as a homestead the southwest (|uarter of section 24 in Taopi, and purchased eio-hty acres adjoininj^-, and has a «-ood farm. He has been town treasurer several years, and is an esteemed citizen.

Bell, Archibald, came to this country from (xlaso-ow, Scotland, where he was born in 1830, He lived in Illinois and Wisconsin l)efore he came to Dakota, and settled in this countv in 1878. He tiled on 160 acres of land as a homestead, sold 80 acres, and of the remaining- part, the west half of the northwest quarter of section 28, in Taopi, he has made a g-ood farm, with substantial building-s and resides there at the present time. He enlisted in the armv in 1804, served 18 months, and was discharg-ed in June, 1865.

Berge, Ole a., is a native of Norway, and was born Januarv 30, 1851. He came to America in 1854, and located with his parents in Wisconsin for three years; then resided in Minnesota till 1881, when he came to Minnehaha county and located on his present farm, the southeast quarter of section 7, in Taopi, where he still resides, eng'ag'ed in farming-. He has been school director and road overseer.

Birum, Albert G., is a native of Baraboo, Sauk county, Wisconsin, where he was born in 1850, He came to Dakota from Iowa in the summer of 1878, and was for several years a resident of this county. He owned a fine farm on the northeast quarter of section 32 in Taopi, where he resided until 1893, when he sold his farm and removed to Sioux Falls, and for about a >'ear was the proprietor of the Phillips House, and then removed from the state. He was one of the first constables of Taopi after the county had been org-anized into townships, and was a member of the town board of supervisors and also of the school board.

BoRViK, Ole B., w\as born January 1<>, 18()4, in Norway. He emigrated to the United States when twenty years old, and came to Minnehaha county May 28, 1884. He boug-ht the southwest (piarter of section 21 in Taopi, and eng-ag-ed in farming-.

Carson, Martin O,, was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, February 4, 1866. He came to this county with his father, Ole J. Carson, of (irand Meadow, in 1884, and has at the present time a nice farm of his own, comprising- the east half of the southeast <|uarter of section 36 in Taopi.

Chandonette, Joseph, is a native of Canada, and was bor February 23, 1833, In the fall of 18()0 he came to the United States and settled in New York. On the 15th day of July, 1878, he came to this county, where he has since resided. He took up a homestead in section 28 in Taopi, and is a g-ood farmer and a j^-ood citizen.

Clark, Zad(^)CK, was born at Henderson, New York, in 1832. ( )n the 22d dav of October, 1861, he enlisted in the army and served until Aug-ust, 1865, when he was honorably discharg-ed. In 1882 he came to Dakota and located in this county, where he has since re- sided. He boug-ht a farm on the southwest quarter of section 28 in Taopi, and eng-ag-ed in farming-. In 1886 he was elected justice of the peace, and is a g-ood citizen.

CoLTON, J. E., was born in Sylvester, Green county, Wisconsin, March 28, 1857. He resided for some time in Iowa, and came to this county in May, 1878, and settled in Taopi, taking- up a pre-emption the first year and a homestead and tree claim in 1879. He has a very fine farm, comprising- three quarters of section 27, and is a prog-ressive, successful farmer. He has held town offices, and was county superintendent of schools from January 1, 1883, to 1887. He made a good superintendent, and performed the duties of the office with g-reat fidelity. He is well informed upon public matters and takes an active part in politics, and is recog-nized as one of the most influential citizens in the county. Rig-ht or wrong- he is always earnest and honest in maintaining- his views. He is a good neig'hbor and has a host of friends.

CoLTON, W. O., was born in Wisconsin, February 26, 1859, and was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. He came to this county in 1880, and took up as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 21, in Taopi, and has since boug-ht the northeast quarter of section 28, in the same township. His larg-e farm is well cultivated, and he has some valuable improvements in the line of building's. He has held town offices, and was county commissioner from his district for the term of three years, ending- January 1, 1895. In November, 1896, he was elected to the lower house of the leg-islature on the Populist ticket. He made a g-ood official, is an uprig-ht, honest citizen, and is well liked by all who know him.

EiTREiM, IvER, was born in the beautiful part of Norway called Hardang-er, June 6, 1862. When twenty years of ag-e he emig-rated to the United States, and lived in Minnesota for three years. In 1885, he came to Dakota, and has been a resident of this county ever since. He resides on his farm in section 16, in Taopi, eng-ag-ed in farming-. He is a member of the town board, and is a g-ood citizen.

Pish, John, was born in Iowa, April 5, 1862. In 1873, he located in Valley Springs township, this county, and when of ag-e boug-ht 160 acres of land in section 28, in Taopi, and eng-ag-ed in farming-.

Glennon, H. p., was born at Potosi, Grant county, Wisconsin, March 30, 1858. He located in Minnehaha county in March, 1888, and has since resided there. He boug-ht 320 acres of land, comprisingthe north half of section 10, in Taopi, where he resides and has a fine farm. He is an enterprising- farmer and a g-ood citizen.

GoDDARD, George O., was born in Monona, Clayton county, la., March 6, 1856. He removed to Taopi, this county, in May, 1878, and took up as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 29, and as a tree claim the southeast quarter of section 20, where he resides and has a very g-ood farm. He is eng-aged in the mercantile business with his father, J. B. Goddard. He has been a member of the town board for several years, the g-reater part of which time he has been its chairman. He is public-spirited, a g-ood business man, and a highly esteemed citizen.

GoDDARD, J. B., was born in Rutland county, Vermont, October 1(), 1830. He came West, and resided for a few years in Iowa and Minnesota, and removed to this county and settled in Taopi in 1878, securing- a pre-emption on the southwest quarter of section 20, where he has since resided. In December, 1878, the Taopi post office was established and Mr. (Toddard was appointed postmaster, which position he has held ever since. For ten years he was town clerk of Taopi. In addition to farming- he has been eng^ag-ed in the mercantile business at Taopi since 1878. He is not only a good official, but is a g'ood farmer rind a successful business man. His location for country trade is all that could be desired, and "Goddard's store" is known to all the residents of Minnehaha county and vicinity. Mr. (loddard is a strong- man with decided views upon all public questions, and is well liked by his neighbors.

Grinde, Carl A., was born in Norway, January 9, 1857, but his residence in that country was of short duration, as his parents emigrated to the United States when he was only two weeks old. In June, 1870, he came to this county, and for one year resided in Edison; then removed to Taopi and secured by pre-emption the southeast quarter of section 13, where he has since resided. He has a good farm w^ith good improvements. He has held several important town offices, and was a member of the house of representati\es of the state legislature in 1893. He has a larg-e family of children of which he is proud. He is well liked by his neighbors, and is highl\' esteemed b}' all who know him.

GuNDERSON, GuNDER, is a native of Norway, and was born in 1843. In 1869 he emigrated to the United States, and lived in Illinois and Iowa until in 1879, when he removed to Dakota, coming, like so many other early settlers, by ox-team. He located in this county, securing as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 22 in Taopi, and engag-ed in farming.

Hatland, Jacob, is a native of Norway, and was born March 6^ 1866. He emigrated to Dakota, and located in this county in 1887, where he has since resided. He bought the northeast quarter of section 20 in Taopi, and is engaged in farming. He has a good farm, and is a good citizen.

HuNTEMER, Charles B., was born in Potosi, Grant county, Wisconsin, December 29, 1853. He came to this county in 1878, and settled in Taopi on the southwest quarter of section 2, where he still resides. At that time he had S500 in money and a pair of old horses, harness and wagon. He is now the owner of a large farm of about 1,000 acres. He is a g-ood farmer and has made the most of his opportunities. His residence and other farm buildings are among- the best in the county, and their arrang-ement and completeness for farm purposes is admirable. He keeps a large stockof cattle, horses and hogs. Mr. Huntemer clearly demonstrates what a man can do as a farmer in this county, provided he is industrious and attentive to business. He is a good neighbor and a respected citizen.

HuNTEMER, George Valentine, was born at Potosi, Grant county, Wisconsin, July 10, 1859. He has been eng"io-ed in farmingin Taopi for several ^-ears, and is one of the brothers whose names appear on nearly all the northern tier of sections in Taopi township. He has a good farm of 320 acres, and is a good citizen.

Huntemer, Prank J., was born at Potosi, Grant county, Wisconsin, August 31, 18()7. He has lived in this county for many years enga§"ed in extensive farming, and is the owner of about 600 acres of good farm land in Taopi. He is one of the active and enterprising citizens of that township.

Huntemer, Joseph, was born at Potosi, Grant county, Wisconsin, September 20, 1869. He came to this county and settled in Taopi where he engaged in farming until the fall of 1896, when he sold out and removed to Wisconsin. He was an enterprising young man, and his departure was regretted by his neighbors.

JoRGENSON, Peter, was born in Norway, March 29, 1831. He emigrated to this country and lived in Iowa until 1878, when he removed to Dakota. On the 19th day of May, 1879, he came to this countv and took up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 17 in Taopi, upon which he resides, and a tree claim on the southeast quarter of the same section, making- in all a very line farm, with substantial buildings and other improvements.

KiLBURN, E., was born in Canada, May 1, 1825. He came to the United States in 1846, and lived in Wisconsin and New Hampshire until he settled in this county in 1878. He took up a homestead on the northeast quarter of section 31 in Taopi, where he has since resided and has a good farm. He has always been prominent in town affairs; has held the office of justice of the peace several terms, and supervisor and chairman of the town board; and is a well liked and highly respected citizen.

Kline, Adolph, came to this country from Germany, where he was born in 1847. He came to Dakota in 1878, after having lived in Wisconsin and Iowa for some time. He filed a tree claim and a preemption upon the east half of section 30 in Taopi, and engaged in farming.

Larson, Elias, is a native of Norway, and was born January 11, 1856. He emigrated to this country in 1872, and lived in Iowa for six years, then removed to Minnehaha county and settled on his present farm, the northeast quarter of section 25, in Taopi, where he has since resided. He is an active and well-known citizen, and has held the office of assessor.

Larson, Tom, was born in the province of Bergen, Norway, February 15, 1862. When he first came to this country he located in Iowa and lived there until the spring of 1878, when he moved to Dakota. He owns and resides upon the southwest quarter of section 15, and on April 3, 1885, he filed a tree claim upon the southwest quarter of section 26, in Taopi. He is an industrious farmer and a good citizen, and has been assessor for three vears.

Olson, Ole, was born in Sweden August 4, 1S44, .uid w.is reared on his father's farm. In 1871, he enii<4rated to the l' nilrd Stales, worked on a farm in Wisconsin for awhile, three vears in a ])iner\- in Michijj-an, three years on a farm near T>incoln, Nel)., and six months in a o-old mine in the Black Hills, after which he houoht a farm in Wahoo precinct, Saunders county, Nebraska, and lived there about seven years. He removed to this county in the s])rin<i- of IScSS. and boutJ-ht the southwest quarter of section 1, in Taopi, where hv still resides with his famil}', consistino- of wife, three g-irls and three boys. His farm is well improved with o-ood buildin<*-s, seven acres of trees, and orchard. He is a g-ood farmer and a o-ood citi/on.

Reed, James ()., a son of Orville H. Reed, was born in Watertown, New York, May 9, 1852. He came to this county in 1880, and settled in Taopi, taking- up a homestead and a tree claim in section 31, and has since that time resided there. He has held various town offices, and was nominated for«the leg-islature in 1802, but his partv was in the minority, and he did not secure the election. He is an active citizen, and stands well with his neig'hbors and acquaintances.

Reed, Orvillp: H., was born in Watertown, Jefferson conntv, New York, December 13, 1828, and was educated in the common schools. He was at one time eng-ag-ed in the oil business in Pennsvlvania, and afterwards lived seven years in Wisconsin. In 1880, he came to this county and settled in Taopi, taking- up the southwest quarter of section 20 as a homestead, where he has since resided. He followed the trade of carpenter and joiner for twenty-five years. While residing- in New York he held town offices. He is a g-ood neig-hbor, and a respected citizen.

Stondahl, C. Knutson, was born in Minnesota, April 25, 1857, and came to this county in 1878. He had no property when he first came here, but took up 160 acres of land in the northwest quarter of section 18, in Taopi, as a homestead. Bv industr\' and economy, he soon had quite a g-ood farm, althoug-h the hail storms destroyed his crops three times. He has been school treasurer, and also constable of Taopi, and is a g-ood citizen.

Thompson, Austin, is a native of Iowa, and was born Jidy 1, 1857. He came to this county on the 10th day of Augfust, 1878, and secured a homestead on the southeast quarter of section 23 in Tao])i, where he has since resided, and has a gfood farm. He was one of the supervisors of the town board in 1805, is an industrious fannor and a g-ood citizen.

Thompson, Charles, was bom in Norway, October 22, 1853. He emig-rated to the United States and resided in Howard county, Iowa, for some time, but removed to this county in 1878, and settled on his x^resent farm, comprising'- 160 acres in sections 25 and 26 in Taopi, which is now a well improved farm. He was one of the supervisors of the town board in 1806 and 1807, and is an enter])rising;, g-ood citizen.

few months in New York, then resided in Connecticut until he removed to Dakota. He arrived in this county March 20, 1892, resided in Grand Meadow a short time, and is now en^ag-ed in farming- in section 31 in Taopi, He was one of the g-rand jurors at the November term of Minnehaha county circuit court in 1894, and during his short residence in the county has established a g-ood reputation as a citizen.

WiLLARD, Levi Laroy, is a native of Vermont, and was born in 1846. He lived a few years in Iowa and Wisconsin, and removed to this county in 1879. He took up a homestead and tree claim in sections 27 and 31, and eng-ages in general farming, raising grain, horses, cattle, sheep and hogs. In 1896 he was nominated on the Republican ticket to the house of representatives of the South Dakota legislature, but his party was in the minority that year, and consequently he was not elected. Mr. Willard is a good neighbor and citizen, and is one of those men whom evervbody likes.

Buifak) is the northwest township in the county and contains, according- to the g-overnment survey, 19,355.53 acres of land. In August, 1859, the township lines were surveyed bv W. J. Neelev, and the subdivision was made by H. T. Austin in June, 1867. This survey shows that Buffalo lake in sections 2 and 10 covered 440 acres of land at that time, Diamond Lake 282 acres, a portion of Clear Lake 12() acres in section 36, and another lake, part of which is in McCook countv, covered 191 acres in sections 19 and 30. There were some small streams tributar}- to these lakes, and one of the branches of Skunk creek had its source at the northeast corner of section 30. If a survey should be made of these lakes and water courses at the present time they would not make so good a showing" upon a map of the township.

Alexander Irvine settled on the northeast quarter of section 27 in May, 1877. H. J. Dallen, Sever O. Henjum, B. E. Nelson, and Freeman O. Nichols came in 1878, and several prominent, well-to-do farmers residing in this township at the present time settled there in 1879.

The first school house in Burk was located on the northeast corner of section 9. It was cov^ered with one thickness of boards, and warmed by a sheet-iron stove. The fuel used was hay, and the scholars twisted it ready for use during the recesses and at noon. The teacher was Mary E. Brenner, who taught the school for three months, at S18 per month.

During' the last ten vears sonie tine farm buildings ha\t' \)vrn erected, and taking- the township as a whole the evidence of ])rosperity is not wanting. There is not a post office in the township, and the residents receive their mail at Taopi and Montrose. The nearest railroad station is Montrose on the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha railway.

Seventh Day Advent Church.- The church of the Seventh Dav Advent was erected in 1889, on the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 26 in Buffalo, and was paid for by subscription. It is principally open for the Seventh Day Adventists. who keep their Sabbath on Saturday, but Protestants of all denominations are welcome to worship in the church.

St. Jacob's Norwegian Evangelical Lither.vx C<»N(;RE(i.\- TION. - This church organization was perfected in 1884 by the Rev. O. O. Sando, who remained its pastor until he was succeeded by the

Rev. M. Shirley. The present pastor is the Rev. M. Swaren, and the cong-reg-ation consists of ninety members of which forty-seven are communicants. It is connected with the Norwegfian Evang-elical Lutheran Synod of America. In 1887, this society built a church on the southeast corner of section 15. It is a fine church building-, twenty-eig-ht by forty feet and has a steeple eig-hty-one feet in heig-ht which can be seen for several miles in all directions.

The first meeting of the township board was held at the residence of S. O. Henjum January 14, 1881. At this meeting- S. O. Henjum was chosen chairman; the other members of the board were Jacob Stevens and J. Nebberg-all; H. J. Dallen was assessor, B. C. Baarson clerk, C. Bode treasurer, William Egg-ert, L. W. Granger justices, H. Stevens constable. The first warrant issued was in fa\or of H. J. Dallen for services as assessor in the sum of S18.

1882. Supervisors, S. O. Henjum chairman, Edgar Kilburn, James Nebbergall; clerk, John Archer; treasurer, Carl Bode; assessor, Matthew Owens; constable, A. Greg-ory; pound master, A. J. Anderson. June 28, Carl Bode tendered his resig-nation as treasurer, which was accepted, and H. J. Dallen was appointed to fill the vacancy.

1885. Supervisors, S. O. Henjum chairman, Edgar Kilburn, James Nebbergall; clerk, F. J. Burnett; assessor and justice, L. W. Granger; constable, John Hand. May 12, the board appointed Wm. Eggert constable, John Hand having removed from the township.

1888. Supervisors, F. J. Burnett chairman, B. E. Nelson, John Hart; clerk, Matthew Owens; treasurer, H. J. Dallen; assessor, John Arneson. February 26, 1889, a petition for the resurvey of the township was received, asking that the question be submitted to a vote at the next annual election.

1889. Supervisors, F. J. Burnett chairman, John Hart, B. E. Nelson; clerk, M. Owens; assessor, John Arneson; treasurer, H. J. Dallen. In May, after having canvassed the votes for delegates to the constitutional convention, the question arose who should deliver the election returns at Sioux Falls, and no member of the hoard was willinjj- to do so. It was then voted that S2.50 should be paid in addition to the fees to the person performino- the service, still no oiubeino- willing- the supervisors and the clerk drew lots in order to decide the question. The lot fell on the clerk, who remarks in tlie record "that he being- out of money as usual" made a bill in advance, which was allowed. October 1, Sivert Olson was appointed codstable.

Archer, John, is a native of Ohio, and was born February (>, 1831. He removed to Illinois, then to Iowa, and came from there to Dakota, May 1, 1881. He secured a homestead on the southwest quarter of section 13 in Buffalo, where he still resides. He has been clerk of the town board for about seven years, and school district clerk eig-ht years. He has a well improved farm, with substantial building's and a large number of horses and cattle.

Archer, Ernest J., was born in Kane county, Illinois, February 16, 1859. He removed with his father to Iowa, and came to Dakota, May 1, 1881, taking- up a homestead adjoining- his father's, on the northeast quarter of section 24. He also owns the east half of the northwest quarter and the east half of the southwest quarter of the same section, and has a g-ood farm.

Arneson, John, has resided in Buffalo since April, 1881. He made a pre-emption filing- upon the northwest quarter of section 15, but changed it to a homestead and now resides there. He also has a tree claim upon the southwest quarter of section 15. He has been assessor, treasurer, and chairman of the town board, and has held school district offices several years. He was born in Norway, March 11, 1849; emig-rated to the United States and resided for awhile in Iowa and three years in Minnesota before coming- to this county in 1881. -

Burnett, P. J., was born at Jordan, Onondag-a county, New York, March 1, 1841. Before coming- to Dakota he lived in Ohio, Wisconsin, Michig-an and Iowa. On the 23d day of April, 1861, he enlisted in Co. H, Second Reg-iment Wis. Vol. Inf., and served until August 16 of that year. On the 24th day of January, 1864, he enlisted in Battery D, First Michig-an Ligfht Artillery, and served until Aug-ust 3, 1865.' On the 2d day of May, 1878, he arrived in this county and took up 320 acres of land in Taopi township, also the southwest quarter of section 3 in Buffalo township, which he now owns, and upon which he resides. He was chairman of the town board in 1884-8-9, town clerk and enumerator of census in 1885, assessor in 1886, supervisor in 1890, and guard at the penitentiary from April 9, 1890, to March 21, 1893, since which time he has resided on his farm. He was elected town clerk in 1894, and by re-elections has held the office since then. Mr. Burnett is a good neighbor, and an upright, respected citizen.

Dallen, H. J., was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, November 16, 1856. resided for awhile in Iowa and removed to this county in May, 1878. He made a homestead entry on the southwest quarter of section 21, in Buffalo, where he now resides. He has held the office of town treasurer six years, and has also been town assessor and supervisor of the town board.

GuTH, Henry, was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in March, 1854, and was educated in the common schools. He resided in Wisconsin until he removed to Dakota in May, 1879, at which time he located in Buffalo, taking up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 4, where he has since resided. He also pre-empted 160 acres and secured a tree claim in the adjoining- county. He is a good farmer and a good citizen. In relating his early experiences as a pioneer he said: "I did not have any veg-etables for a year and a half, and I had such a yearning for anything- in that line that I ate green oats and other grain with the greatest relish. Pioneers are slaves for those who come after them."

settled in Minnehaha county. He bi)u,o-ht the northwest c|uarter of section 13, in Biiifalo, where he eng-ajjfed in farming-, besides workingat his trade of carpenter. He resided on his farm until his death, which occurred June 4, 18*^)7. He was a g-ood citi/.en.

Hill, GEORciE H., was born in Essex county, New York, in 1S37. He removed with his parents to Winneshiek county, Iowa, in 1S()(), and remained there until January, 1876, when they located in this county, his father, Hiram N. Hill, securing- about 2()<' acres in section 20, in Benton townshi]). The subject of this sketch niowd on to his present farm, comprising* the north half of the northeast quarter of section 22, and the southwest quarter and the south half of the southeast quarter of section 15, in Buffalo township, in 1879, and has resided there ever since. He was elected justice of the peace in 1894.

Holland, Severt J., is a native of Norway, and was born May 21, 1858. He emigfrated to the United States in 1870, and lived in Iowa until he came to Dakota in 1880. He took up as a homestead the east half of the southeast quarter of section 29, and as a tree claim the northwest quarter of section 31, and has purchased the north half of the northeast quarter of section 29, in Buffalo, and resides on his homestead. He has been road supervisor live years and constable, four years.

Henjum, Sever O., is a native of Norway, and was born May 21, 1851. He emig-rated to the United States and lived in Iowa and jNIinnesota until 1878, when he came to Dakota, arrixing- in this county on the 27th day of May of that year. He took up a homestead on the northwest quarter of section 21, in Buffalo, where he still resides, and a tree claim on the northeast quarter of section 20, in the same town, which half section of land he still retains and has a fine farm. He has been prominent in town affairs, having- held both town and school district offices.

Irvine, Alexander, the first permanent settler of Buff'alo, was l)orn at Janesville, Wisconsin, February 4, 1856. He lived \n Iowa for some time, and removed from there to Dakota in May, 1877, whiii he located a homestead on the northeast quarter of section 27 in Buffalo, where he still resides, and has a good farm. He also owns the east half of the northwest quarter of the same section.

Jaastad, Lewis Henderson, was born in Norway, February 22, 1855, and emig-rated to the United States in 1873 and settled in Iowa. In 1881 he came to Burk, this county, but soon after took \\\) the southeast quarter of section 8 in Buffalo. He has been school clerk for several years and has also held the office of justice of the ])eace. He has a good farm, and raises both .grain and stock; is a good neig-hbor, and a respected citizen.

Johnson, John B., was bom in Norway, January 14. 18(,2. and emigrated to this country with his father, Johannes J. Ordal, in 1880. Since May of that year he has resided in Buffalo township, and is the owner of a good farm in section 11; has been on the town board four years, one year of which he was chairman, and has held the office of town treasurer. He is a good citizen.

Kennison, Daniel W., is a Vermonter by birth, and was born Aug-ust 11, 1829. He lived in New York and Illinois for several years and came to this county on the 22d day of Aug-ust, 1882, from Grundv county, Iowa. He took up a homestead on the northeast quarter of section 35 in Buffalo, to which he added the northwest quarter of section 12, and eig-hty acres in section 36, and in a few years had a fine farm, with g-ood building-s and improvements. But on account of feeble health he was obliged to g-ive up farming-, and in 1893 removed to Madison, in Lake county, where he resided until in 1898, when he went to Arkansas, in hopes of reg-aining- his health, but failing- in this, came to Sioux Palls, and after a long- sieg-e in the hospital, recovered his health to quite an extent. He disposed of his farm in Buffalo, except the eig-hty acres in section 36, and boug-ht some property in Sioux Palls, where he now resides. He was treasurer of Buffalo township in 1886 and 1887. His two sons, C. A. and C. C, are still residents of Buffalo, where they are eng-ag-ed in farming-, and they are all enterprising- men and g-ood citizens. In 1856 he married Miss Jane R. Gag-e of Chateaug-ay, New York.

Nelson, Benedict E., is a native of Berg-en, Norway, and was born March 20, 1854. He emig-rated to the United States in 1871, and resided in Dane county, Wisconsin, seven years. In 1878 he tame to this county and settled in Buffalo township, taking- up as a homestead the northeast quarter of section 23, and the west half of the northwest quarter and the southwest quarter of section 24 as a tree claim, and has since purchased the southeast quarter of section 14. He has a g-ood farm and is a g-ood farmer. He has been supervisor of the town board for several years, and two years its chairman, and has been a member of the school board since 1887. He is frequently elected a deleg-ate to the county conventions, and is one of the most reliable and hig-hly respected citizens in the county.

Nichols, Freeman O., of Buffalo, was born in Illinois, September 19, 1852. When two years old he removed with his parents to Iowa, and lived there until 1878, when he located in this county. He secured a pre-emption in Buffalo, but sold it and went to Lincoln county, where he remained three years. He then returned to Minnehaha county and took up as a homestead the south half of the northeast quarter of section 32 in Buffalo, where he still resides. He is also the owner of the southeast quarter of the same section, and has a g-ood farm. He has been director and clerk of the school board, and town assessor, and is a pleasant neigfhbor and a g-ood citizen.

Owens, Matthew, was born in Maine June 5, 1852, and was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. He removed to Wisconsin and then to Minnesota and came from there to Dakota in July, 1879. He settled in Buffalo township, taking- up as a homestead the northeast quarter of section 3, and also secured a timber claim in section 10. He has been a successful farmer, and is an active, respected citizen. He has held school and town offices, and is well liked by his neighbors.

Ordal, Joseph, son of Johannes, was horn in Xor\\a\ .NLirch 4, 1866, and came to this county with his parents in 1880. He lives on the home farm, and owns 80 acres of land adjoinino-; has hwn township assessor two years, and is a o-ood citizen.

Packard, Edward A., was born in Iowa countw Wisconsin. June 18, 1856, and was educated in the common schools. He removed to Iowa and came from there to Dakota May 10, 1879. He settled in Buffalo, taking up as a tree claim the southwest quarter of section 25, where he still resides. To this he has added 240 acres in sections 26 and 36, in the same town. He has a well improved farm and a thrifty apple orchard of about 150 trees. He has held town offices and has been an activ^e citizen. He is well liked bv his neig-hbors, and is hig-hly respected by all who know him.

Stevens, Jacob, an old resident of the town of Buffalo, was born in Ohio, in 1847. He resided for some time in Minnesota but came to Minnehaha county in 1879 and took up the north half of section 9 in Buffalo, where he now resides. He is a good citizen.

Soon after the Milwaukee railroad was built between Dell Rapids and Sioux Palls, a wa}^ station was established on the southeast quarter of section 32 in Dell Rapids township, and was called St. Olaf. A post office was also established, with a Mr. Ebert as postmaster. Two or three years after this, J. A. Pettig-rew built the St. Olaf 's flour mill at this point. The name of the station and j)()st office was chang-ed to Keyes. In October, 1889, John O. Lang-ness platted four blocks in section 5 in Sverdrup township. At this point several business building-s were erected, and at the present writingmost of the business is done in the Sverdrup portion of the village. The station, mill, one elevator, and a drugf store, are north of the line dividing- the townships. On the Sverdrup side there are two elevators, three g-eneral stores, two blacksmith shops, harness shoj), and lumber yard. There is also a good school house, a creamery, and hotel at this point. Baltic is a gfood wheat market, and has some very energ-etic, g-ood business men eng-ag-ed in business there. Among- them are John (). Lang-ness, T. J. and Knut Ouestad, T. T. Yrenne, and C. H. McParlin. The location of Baltic, upon the banks of the Big Sioux river, with its water power, surrounded by a rich farming- country, makes it a g-ood business point, and now that it has g-ot its name ])ermanently established, it will undoubtedlx increase rapidly in population and commercial imp(>rtance.

*At the tiiiiL- Hallic was reached in its proper order, a question arose in rceard to the correctness of a statement which the manuscript contained, and it was taken out for the purpose of verification. At this point the writer was compelled to be absent from the city several days, and upon his return found that it could only appear, as it does, at ihc end of this work.