Dell Rapids City (part 1 of 2)

Dell Rapids City

The citv of Dell Rapids located on the Big- Sioux River, in the northern part of the county, is one of the most attractive and substantial cities in the state." Its development has been the outgrowth of a demand for a commercial center in one of the richest agricultural sections of the Big Sioux Valley. It fortunately has had no boom, and hence has escaped the blig-hting- effect that is sure to follow such a visitation. Business failures have been few and far between, and dilapidated structures and unoccupied buildings are not to be seen at Dell Rapids.

In June, 1871, Peter Morse, then a resident of Osage, Iowa, while on an exploring expedition in the Sioux Valley, came to this point, and, although he was not the first to discover the Dells, he was the first to seriously consider the natural advantages the place offered for the building of a town. He appreciated the fact that the rich and fertile vallev surrounding, would soon become the abode of thousands of homeseekers; that the Dells of the Sioux river were picturesque, and that the water power was ample, when harnessed to the wheels of industrv, to aid materially in commercial enterprises.

But he needed assistance to secure the prize, and hastening- home, obtained the co-operation of Prank and Dennis Rice, two brothers, who were practical mill men, and also B. D. Graves, and in July following-, Mr. Morse returned with his three friends to the Dells to eng-age in business.

Prior to this time pre-emption filing-s had been made coveringthe water power and the present location of the business portion of the city, but Dennis Rice soon secured this by purchase.

A post office was established January 1, 1872, and Albion Thorne was appointed postmaster. This year Prank Rice commenced building- a flouring- mill, but in 1874, sold it to Wm. VanEps, who g-reatly improved it, and in 1877, built a stone dam across the river in place of the old dam.

In 1874, a boat was built, which was paid for by subscription, and a ferrv established. The first bridg-e across the river was built in 1877, but was carried awav bv the hig-h water in the spring- of 1881.

At first the place was known as Dell City, and among- the early enterprises was the publication of the Dell City Journal by J. C. Ervin in the spring- of 1872. On June 11, of that year, Mr. Ervin was married to Miss Clara Wyatt, the Rev. C. M. Allen, a Presbyterian clerg-ymen, performing- the marriag-e cermony. Their daug-hter Pearl was the first child born in Dell Rapids and the principal business street was named for her.

During the spring- of 1872, the settlement rapidl}- increased. In ]\Iay of that year a Union Sabbath School was organized, and existed for ten years, when the different religious denominations commenced establishing Sunday schools of their own. In July and Aug-ust, 1872. the Baptist and Presbyterian churches were org-anized, a full history of which appears below. The Pourth of July, 1872, was duly celebrated, and there were ninet3^-nine persons present.

The first railroad train"^ reached Dell Rapids on the 17th day of September, 1880, and caused g-reat rejoicing-. Everything- that could make a noise was broug-ht into requisition to properly celebrate the occasion; the citizens paraded the streets, and Albion Thorne and R. S. Alexander made speeches.

Albion Thorne put in an appearance where the city of Dell Rapids is now located on the 12th day of Aug-ust, 1871. Upon being interviewed in reference to the early settlement of Dell Rapids, he said: "The first time I was ever at Dell Rapids I found there two men. Prank Rice and George Porester. They had a sort of habitation on the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of section 9, on what is now block N, in the city of Dell Rapids. They had piled up some stones about five feet high, around a space of about seven feet square, and had covered the top with poles over which they had spread a covering of hay. In this hut they had a bed of hay. I camped with them a week. Their cooking room was in front of their residence, and was as large a kitchen as I ever saw. Prom this time on, I was back and forth from Beloit, Iowa, until I took my family there. I helped to build two houses in Dell Rapids. The first one was built where it now stands, on block 22, and it is the only house

])uilt in the early days oi the city that remains standing- where it was orig-inally liiiilt. This house was built by Dennis Rice. It was a frame house, and the lumber was drawn from LeMars, Iowa. The second house was built for Gilbert Rice on the southwest quarter of section 10, but he never occupied it. I moved into it, and lived in it until May, 1872. E. F. Metcalf lived with me durino- the winter of 1871. Durino- the fall of that year, Frank and Dennis Rice 1)uilt a dam across the Sioux river, and in the s])rin<>" of 1872 jiut u]) a saw mill.

Now for a little of my own experiences. 1 had filed on the southeast quarter of section 4. In March I found that I had to g-et out of the house I lived in as earl\' as I could, so I borrowed a pair of horses (I had a pair of oxen) of a man by the name of Sorenson, w^ho lived a few miles up the river, and then I started for Worthing-ton for lumber. I went by the way of Luverne and got there in two days, but could find no lumber there, except flooring-, of w^hich I boug-ht two hundred feet, and some windows, and started back. The sun and wind made me blind, and when I g-ot about five miles westof Luverne I could not see the road, and I g-ot lost. I had a compass wdth me, from which I decided what course to take, and I struck the Split Rock near Sherman about nig-ht, and the Sioux river two miles below Dell Rapids about 10 o'clock at nigfht. Then I knew where I was and I g-ot home at 11 o'clock, and staid in bed for about a week. I built my house in April. It was 18 by 20 feet. The sides were built of stone, the g-ables of logfs, and the roof was made of poles and covered with sods. I used the lumber I g-ot for window casing-s and doors, and I had a clay floor. I moved my wife, her sister and mv oldest g-irl into my house on the 2d day of May, 1872. That nig-ht a shower came up about 8 o'clock, and it rained until 3 o'clock the next morning-. I had not filled up the crevices between the sods, and it just poured dow^n through the roof. We stood up and held umbrellas over the beds as much as we could until it stopped raining-, and then we g-ot out. The water had soaked the clay floor, and when we stepped we w^ent down six inches more or less. We started f(jr Dennis Rice's house. From my house to the Sioux river it was one unbroken sheet of water, and from that day to this there has ne\er been so much water there as there was at 3 o'clock that morningwhen we g-ot out of our house. In some places it was more than knee-deep, and I had to carry my folks over where it was deepest. I afterwards got some cottonw^ood lumber from Elk Point and laid a floor, fixed up the roof, and went back and lived there. In the springof 1872, the water in the Sioux river was very high, and we saw that we were about to be cut off from the rest of the world. We had heard there was a boat about three miles down the river, and so one day - it was Sunday - I got across the river on an ice gorge and went down to R. S. Alexander's, about two miles south, and got his team and went for the boat. It was with some difficulty I got it, but I promised to pay a dollar a day for its use for seven days. I took it up opposite to where the city is now, and managed to get it over the river. In two days the owner came for it, and then we were in trouble, but we bought it for seven dollars, and it took all the money there was in the settlement to pay for it. It was the only means we had of crossing- the river for two years. Knut Nelson made the first tiling- on land within the present city limits on the south half of section 9, but he abandoned it and then Cash Coats filed on the same land, and he sold out to Dennis Rice.

The families of Dennis Rice and myself, and E. P. Metcalf, who boarded with me, comprised the whole population that spent the winter of 1871-2 within the present limits of the city of Dell Rapids. R. S. Alexander and family lived about two miles south during- this winter, they having- moved there the fall preceding".

To Peter Morse belong-s the honor of first deciding- to locate at Dell Rapids. He was at the Dells in June, 1871, and it was he who first induced the Rice brothers, B. D. Graves and others to come there. I was the first postmaster, and the first mail carrier was Lewis Hulitt, who commenced his services on January 1, 1872. He used to carry the mail afoot, on horseback or in one of the most primitive "pung-s" you ever saw, just as the weather and travelingrendered it the most feasible.

Thomas H. Davis, W. P. Oifford, James Nisbet, Peter Morse, William Carr, Alonzo Mann, John W. Walters, Aug-ustus Chase, James Chase and Daniel Jones came to Dell Rapids and took up land in the vicinity, in the spring- of 1872. About this time O. J. Metcalf and E. P. Metcalf came with their families.

The Rice brothers were mill men, and what they meant to do was to g-et an interest in the water power at Sioux Palls, so as to control it, and then build mills at Dell Rapids and boom the town with the hope of making- it the county seat. But it didn't work. Early in 1872 there beg-an a strife as to where the town should be built, which lasted three years. The first plat was made by Dennis Rice on the south half of the south half of section 9; the second by E. P. Metcalf on the southwest quarter of section 10; the third by Peter Morse on the northwest quarter of section 10, and the fourth by J. C. Ervin on the north half of the south half of section 9. It was a merry war. They all wanted the business portion b-dilt on their land. The first store was built on the southeast corner of the northeast quarter of section 9, early in 1872, and was occupied by B. D. Graves, who had located on the northeast quarter of section 9. It is a mistake that is often made by some of the early settlers of Dell Rapids in locating- the first store near the mill. I worked on the first store building. The store by the mill site, built by Mr. Cowan, who afterwards shot himself, was the second store building- erected in Dell Rapids. While speaking- of stores, there was a double store built near the mill in 1873, and J. C. Graves and a Mr. Eukins occupied one side for a hardware store, and John E. Hulitt the other side for a g-eneral store, and he resided in a wing- of the building-. The same year a man by the name of Stone built a blacksmith shop nearly opposite the stores. The same year Peter Morse induced Dr. Parker, Elder Hill, Alonzo Mann and my mother to build on his land. After about three years of this kind of work a compromise was eifected, and the

Well. I think vou have g-ot something- of an idea about the infancv of Dell Rapids. I could g-ive you a g-ood many thing-s that were events in our earlv settlement, but they would be similar to the ex- ])erience of all new towns, and interestino- perhaps only to the ])artici pants."

Dicll Rapids Village And City Organization

The first meeting- of the board of trustees of the village of Dell Rapids was held March 24, 1879. The following- officers were present and qualified according- to law: J. R. Richardson president, W. C. Putnam clerk, G. A. Uline treasurer, B. D. (xraves, I. A. Ang-el, W. E. Grossman and O. H. Smith trustees. On motion the following- resolution was adopted: Resolved, That the bonds of the treasurer and clerk be fixed at the following- amounts: Treasurer S5()0 and clerk S250. The meeting then adjourned. The next meeting- was held March 27, and the following officers were appointed: L. S. Winsor poundmaster and marshal, G. A. Ang-el lire warden, Thomas Lyons street commissioner, J. R. Richardson chief of fire department. Albion Thorne was requested to act as attorney for the ensuing vear. April 9, the license on liquor was fixed at one hundred dollars. At this meeting a board of health was appointed, consisting- of the president, B. D. Graves, and I. A. Angel. To obviate the danger from prairie fires, fire guards were ordered to be made around the villag-e, at various times during the fall of 1879. November 4, J. A. Martin was appointed trustee to take the place of B. D. Graves. The village purchased of Albion Thorne, part of the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 4, township 104, rang-e 49 for a cemetery for S164.69. A calaboose was ordered built. A bridge was also ordered built across the Rocky Run where the territorial road crossed the creek, and December 2 the abutments were finished and grading beg-un.

1880. March 2, Mr. Grossman not being- present at the meeting- was fined one dollar for non-attendance. April 7, C. S, Gifford was elected marshal, L. N. Loomis clerk, and E. A. Ervin street commissioner. Albion Thorne was retained by the board as attorney for the ensuing year at a salary of S75. October 26, a resolution was passed authorizing the president and clerk of the villag-e to issue villag-e bonds to the amount of S10,000, with three years bonded interest at seven per cent, in favor of the Southern Minnesota Railway Extension Company on completion of their agreement to run trains to Dell Rapids, and in accordance with a vote of the villag-e at a special election held September 10. January 4, 1881, on motion of Wm. Lovering it was ordered to appoint a committee to see about procuring a lot for the Methodist church, in payment for the one spoiled by the railroad company.

committee, after an investig-ation of the damage done to the Methodist church lot by the railroad, reported that they considered S65 a sufficient' remuneration. In the spring- of 1881, the high water carried away the bridge. D. S. Stinson then, by contract with the board, built and operated a ferry-boat, charging five cents for foot passeng-ers and ten cents for teams. June 27, the committee appointed for the purpose reported that they had "hired a bridge built by- Irving 'Angstead across the Sioux river for S350." The bridge was paid for by subscription. December 6, L. N. Loomis resigned as clerk of the board and J. H. Hall was appointed. March 28, 1882, A. J. Bolster was made village clerk.

1882. "June 6, the special committee appointed to examine the fiscal affairs and financial standing of the villag-e reported their inability to discharge their duties and were discharged." J. H. Hall was appointed as village attorney for the ensuing- year at a salary of S35. Januarv 2, 1883, A. J. Bolster presented his resignation as clerk of the village and Albion Thorne was appointed.

1884. At the village election, the total number of votes cast were 107. The following officers were elected: president, C. S. Gifford; trustees, Ebert Wilde, R. W. Howland, O. O. Sawyer and B. D. Graves; clerk, Albion Thorne; treasurer, G. H. Johnson; justice of the peace, L. C. Harrington; constable, J. J. Heyl; assessor, O. O. Sawyer. Ebert Wilde refused to qualify as trustee and M. R. Kenefick was appointed in his stead. At a special election held June 17, it was voted to issue bonds for S5,000 for the purpose of procuring fire engines and suitable protection against fire. Total number of votes cast 60, for bonds 53. October 7, Mr. Graves resigned and Walter E. Grossman was appointed trustee. The same month it was ordered to purchase a fire engine, hose cart and 800 feet of hose.

1885. President, M. R. Kenefick; trustees, W. E. Grossman, I. N. Neher, W. L. Briley and R. W. Howland; clerk, Albion Thorne: treasurer, J. A. Cooley; assessor, O. O. Sawyer. 169 votes were cast for president, Mr. Kenefick receiving- 168. The buildingcommittee reported that a contract had been made wnth Albion Thorne to build an engine house and cistern according to specifications for Si, 800 in village bonds. The contract was sfgned November 10th, 1884. Albion Thorne was employed as village attorney at a salary of seventy-five dollars.

1886. President, R. W. Howland; trustees, O. O. Sawver, I. N. Neher, J. A. Cooley and C. S. Gifford; clerk, Albion Thorne; treasurer, G. H. Johnson; justice of the peace, L. H. Burk; constable, E. Hoag-; assessor, Fergus Thompson. Mr. Gifford refusing to qualif}^ W. D. Keller was appointed trustee in his stead. Mr. Keller also refusing to qualify, S. P. Peters was appointed trustee. S. H. Burk refusing to qualify for justice of the peace, O. H. Smith was appointed by the board. Fergus Thompson also failed to qualify as assessor and ( ). ( ). Sawver was appointed to fill the xricancw April 24, 188(), Mr. Neher resigMied and W. L). Keller was a])])()inted trustee to lill the vacancy.

1887. President, C. S. Gifford; trustees, Peter Morse, W. 1). Keller, I. N. Neher and E. J. Elliott; clerk, E. E. Griswold: treasurer, (i. H. Johnson; justice of the peace, L. C. Harring-ton; constable, D. C. Ward; assessor, H. Noble. May 24, a committee was api)ointed to ascertain the cost of street lamps, and three lamps were purchased in June and placed, one at the southeast corner of La Delle and Pearl, one at the northwest corner of Orleans and Pearl and one at the northwest corner of Orleans and Main streets.

1888. President, G. H. Johnson; trustees, J. A. Cooler, J. E. Farg-o, N. J. Hartman and M. W. Griswold; clerk, Albion Thorne; treasurer, E. J. Elliot; assessor, H. Noble; justice of the peace, S. H. Burk; constable, E. Hoag-. Number of votes cast, 222.

Upon a petition of the required number of qualified electors of the village of Dell Rapids a special election was called for December 13, 1888, to determine the question whether the villag-e should become a city under the g-eneral law. The election was held and 134 ballots were cast, of which 126 were for city org-anization.

The first meeting- of the city council was held January 11, 188*). Albion Thorne was appointed auditor. The rules and regfulations g-overning- the villag-e of Dell Rapids were adopted until such time as citv ordinances could be passed. H. S. Samson was appointed chief of police January 25. April 1, 1889, the first annual election of city officers was held and resulted as follows: Total number of votes cast, 1st ward 38, 2d ward 76 and 3d ward 48. Mayor, E. J. Elliot: treasurer, M. R. Kenefick; justice of the peace, L. C Harring-ton; alderman, 1st ward, G. E. Bowerman. J. C. Brodie; 2d ward, G. H. Smith, W. J. Sibbison; 3d ward M. W. Griswold, Jerry Law. In October at a special election E. S. Tresidder and James H. Bishop were elected aldermen to fill vacancies caused b\- the removal of J. C. Brodie from the city and the resig-nation of Mr. (xriswold.

1890. Mayor, M."^R. Kenefick; L. C. Harrin^rton police justice, S. P. Peters justice of the peace, E. J. li^lliot treasurer; aldermen, 1st ward, N. L Nelson, E. S. Tresidder; 2d ward, O. O. Sawyer, R. A. Knig-ht; 3d ward, W. L. Briley, C. J. Johnson. Number of votes cast for mayor 172. At the first meeting of the council under the law of the first leg-islature of the State of South Dakota in 1890, Albion Thorne was appointed city auditor and Henry Robertson city

The first school meeting- of district No. 12, was held at the store of B. D. Graves, in Dell Rapids, November 8, 1873. The following- officers were elected; John E. Hoyt director, B. D. Graves clerk, Peter Morse treasurer. It was voted that the board provide a suitable room, fuel and furniture, and employ a teacher for a three months term of school.

In accordance with instructions, Miss E. Juanita Alexander was employed at S20 per month. A contract was made with Mr. P. Morse to rent the house of Mr. Mann at S6 per month. Lumber for seats and other thing's w^ere furnished by B. D. (xraves and Peter Morse, and it was ag-reed by the board that the district should pay for same. A stove and pipe was purchased of Mr. J. W. Cowan for S21.8(), and an order g-iven in payment with interest at 10 per cent, if not paid w^hen due.

At a meeting- held Aug-ust 4, 1874, Mr. Peter Morse offered to cfive a perpetual lease of a tract of land, as long- as it should be used for school purposes, eig-ht rods square, situated on next corner east of Mr. Thome's house as platted. This proposition was accepted and the board was authorized to build a school house of lumber, to be not less than 18 by 22, nine feet hig'h at the eaves, but delays occurred and it was not built during- that year, (xeorg-e L. Wood was eng-agfed and taug-ht a term of three months at S2<) per month, in the building- which had previously been used as a school room. September 5, 1874, the annual school meeting- was held and R. S. Alexander w^as elected director, Albion Thorne treasurer and B. D. Graves clerk.

The annual school meeting- September 4, 1875, was held at the house of B. D. Graves. R. S. Alexander was re-elected director, Peter Morse treasurer and B. D. Graves clerk. No business was transacted at this meeting-, which adjourned until September 20. The following- then appears on the record: "Pursuant to notice nobodv met on Mondav, the 20th day of September, consequently no business was transacted. B. D. Graves clerk." The next meetingwas held November 20, 1875, and it was resolved to rent the store room of B. D. Graves for school purposes at a rental of S18 for the

In June, 1876, a notice of a special election was g-iven, to be held at the store of M. C. Lyon on Thursday, June 15, for the purpose of ag-ain making- arrang-ements for building- a school house and relocating- a site. The committee appointed to locate a site, selected lots 7, 8 and 9, block 42, of the orig-inal plat of Dell Rapids, but nothingfurther was done until the annual meeting- in September, when Dr. Wm. B. Parker was elected director. The new board awarded the contract for building- the school house to Wm. H. McCune for the sum of S565.59. M. C. Graves was eng-ag-ed to teach the winter term of four months school at $25 per month, to beg-in December 4, 1876. The school house was finished during- the ensuing- fall.

The next annual meeting- was held April 3, 1877. J. W. Walters was elected district clerk. The number of children of school ag-e residing- in the district for the year ending- March 31, 1877, was fiftyfour.

At the annual meeting- held April 2, 1878, G. A. Uline was elected treasurer, and it was voted to have nine months of school during- the ensuing year. Miss E. C. LeClere was eng-aged for three months at $30 per month. In the fall of 1878, John F. Seaman was eng-ag-ed for a term of three months, at $35 per month, Mr. Seaman was also retained for the winter term at the same salary. The assessed valuation of school district No. 12, for the vear 1879, was $35,709.

April 1, 1879, J. R. Richardson ^vas elected director. The number of schoolchildren residing- in the districtfor the year ending- March 31, 1879, was fifty-two. J. W. Walters clerk, G. A. Uline treasurer holding- over. Assessed valuation of the district for 1880 was 862,000.

At a special meeting- in the spring- of 1880, for the purpose of providing- additional school room, it was decided to raise the school house eig-ht feet and build a stairway. The contract for the work was g-iven to M. P. Lower October l,'l880, for $583.25.

March 9, 1883, the act org-anizing the independent school district of Dell Rapids was approved. The following members of the board of education were appointed: M. R. Kenefick, I. N. Neher, G. A. Uline, George Whitman and J. R. Richardson. The board organized by electing- Georg-e Whitman president, (t. A. Uline treasurer, and Albion Thorne clerk. April 24, Mr. Richardson resigned and Albion Thorne was appointed to fill vacancy.

In 1884 the school house was blown down during a heavy wnnd, and the Episcopal hall was rented for school purposes until a school house could be built. A committee w^as appointed to examine location for a site, and a special election was called on August 12, for the purpose of determining whether bonds should be issued for building- a school house, and whether it should be built of wood, brielc or stone. The result of this election was in faxoi" of issnin<4- l)on(ls not to exceed SS,()0().

In 1885, Henry A. Cadd, A. C. Folsom, M. R. Kenelick and (1. A. riine were elected members of the board. The iO])isco|>al liall was rented for a school room during- this year also. After A]>ril 27. 1885, the Baptist church was rented at a ix'iital of SI 1 per montli.

Bonds were issued to the amount of S7,0()0 in the sprinjj- of 1885. Plans were drawn by W. L. Dow, and he was emploved to superintend the buildino-, and the contract was awarded to J. Kays & Co. for S5,722.50. The building- was erected on lots 7 and 8, block 42, durino- the summer of 1885, and is still standing-, a handsome stone building- of two stories, containing- four school rooms and recitation room.

The two new members for 1888 were W, A. Eppard and Albion Thorne; Messrs. Harringfton, Barr and Stanfield holding- over. In the fall of 1888, four teachers were found necessary in place of the three previously employed.

In 1889, Henry Cadd, O. H. Smith, E. J. Elliot, W. A. Eppard and Albion Thorne composed the board. In April, 1889, lot 3, in block 42, adjacent to school g-rounds was purchased for S29(), and lot 4, same block, for S250.

1892. The members were O. H. Smith and John McDonald, C. J, Johnson president, E. J. Elliot treasurer, W. I. Howdand secretary, L. E. Goodwin principal.

1893. The members were O. H. Smith and R. Simpson, W. I. Howdand president, James Ridling-fon treasurer, C). (). Sawyer clerk, L. E. Goodwin principal.

1894. The members were E. C, Bent and R. Simpson, W. I. Howdand president, James Ridling-ton treasurer, O. O. Sawyer clerk, L. E. (Toodwin principal.

First Baptist Church. - On the 21st day of July, 1872, seventeen persons in Dell Rapids came together for the purpose of oro-anizing- a Baptist church. The Rev. Alvah Bush of Osag-e, Iowa, was elected chairman of the meeting- and J. I. Sweeney clerk, and such proceeding's were had in the way of org-anization that the body created was on the 1st day of September following- recog-nized by the proper authorities as the the First Baptist Church of Dell Rapids. Meeting's were held in the school house, with occasional preachingby Revs. J. W. Freeman and Bush, until the 29th day of June, 1873, when the Rev. W. T. Hill was called to the permanent pastorag-e of the church. Mr. Hill remained in charg-e until 1879. May 1, 1879, the church extended an invitation to the Rev. J. F. Merriam to become its pastor, which invitation was accepted; the arrang-ement being- made that he should preach at Dell Rapids every other Sundav. At the end of his first year he resig-ned. January 6, 1881, the Rev. J. Edminster was eng-ag-edfor one year, and had charg-e of the church until February 4, 1882, when the Rev. S. G. Adams of Wisconsin was called, and remained in Dell Rapids as pastor of the church for five years, when he resig-ned. The Rev. Ira Kneeland was the next pastor from the first day of June, 1887, to October, 1888, when he was called to take charg-e of a church in New York. On the 1st dav of January, 1889, the Rev. J. P. Coffman took charg-e of the church, and remained until December 3, 1891, at which time he removed to Sioux Falls. January 1, 1892, the Rev. H. E. Norton commenced his labors with this church and remained its pastor until October, 189(). He was succeeded by the Reverends Parker and Rice, and in September, 1899, the present pastor, the Rev. Mr. Cantwell took charg-e. Until the erection of the first church building- in 1881, services were held at various places. In the spring- of 1883, a larg-e and more commodious church building- was commenced, which was completed and dedicated June 8, 1884. In connection with the church there is a larg-e and prosperous Sunday school and a Young- People's society, and it is one of the strong- churches in the countv.

Episcopal Church. - In the winter of 1879-80, the idea of establishing- an Episcopal church was first thoug-ht of, and the matter was talked over by a few of the ladies of Dell Rapids. On Januarv 27, 1880, a Ladies' Society was org-anized for the purpose of obtainingmoney to build a church at some future date, and in the spring- of that year Mrs. Potter was authorized by the society to write to the Dean of the Territory, asking- his recog-nition, advice and co-operation with them in the work which they had undertaken.

Some time in March, 1880, the Dean came and held service in the sitting--room of the Exchang-e Hotel, and before he went away he advised the Ladies' Guild to write to the Bishop and inquire what steps should be taken to enable the people to org-anize a parish. At this time there were li\-e coininiinicints in the toun, iKimelw Mrs. V. A. Potter, Mr. and Mr. Loxerin*^-, Mrs. Sihhison and hrr daui^-liter Flora Sibbison.

In the latter part of March, 1880, a i)ro])()sition was made by Mr. Peter Morse in reo-ard to the sale of a lot belono-ing- to him, situated on Pearl street, which was accepted and the lot purchased. Soon after Bisho]) Clarkson came to Dell Rapids and preached in the 15a])- tist church, and on this occasion informed the g'uild that they would have to oro'anize as a mission until the time came when their numbers would justify the oro-anization of a parish, and it was ai^^reed to name the mission Gethsemane Mission.

December 2, 1880, a committee was appointed to purchase a warehouse belong-ing- to C. S. (lilford; this was bougdit for the sum of SlOO and moved to the lot previously purchased. Services were being- held during- this time at the Exchange Hotel and in the Baptist church, by various clergymen, until the warehouse was roug-hly fitted up as a church, service being- held there for the first time on the first Sunday in January, 1881. The Rev. Mr. Morrison, the first clerg-yman who was called, arrived in Dell Rapids on the first day of January, 1881, and remained about nine months. The Rev. P. (xardiner of Sioux Falls and other Episcopal clerg-ymen supplied the pulpit at more or less reg-ular intervals until the Rev. T. Howell Richards came to Dell Rapids to take charg-e of the parish. He ofliciated as la\^ reader until September, 1894, when he was ordained Deacon, Dr. Trimble of Sioux Falls being- the Rector. Mr. Richards left the parish and the ministry in 1897.

Up to 1893, the congreg-ation worshipped in the old building- on Main street, known as the Episcopal Hall, at which time the present church, called the Church of Living- Water and located on the southw est corner of Orleans and Hig-h streets, was consecrated. This building- is of stone, is handsomely furnished and has a seating- capacity of one hundred and twenty-five. The membership of the church is forty-eig-ht. A window of peculiar interest was presented to the church by Walter Crisp of Log-an, in 1893, who broug-ht this relic from Eng-land, where it was orig-inally in St. Nicholas church at Tvong- Stanton, a little villag-e about six miles west from the town of Cambridg»-e. This church is supposed to have been an old monastery up to the time of the reformation, and is thatched with reeds; beingone of the few remaining- specimens of the open timber roof churches of the middle ag-es. The window was removed from the St. Nicholas to make way for a more modern one, and another similar to it is now in the British Museum in London. It is supposed to have been orig-inally placed in the old church in 1230. The window came into Mr. Crisp's possession July 4, 1893.

Me:thodist Episcopal Church. - The Methodist church in Dell Rapids was organized on the 26th day of July, 1880. The Rev. Wilmot Whitfield, presiding- elder of the Dakota district of the Northwestern Iowa quarterly conference, and I. O. Kent, secretary of said conference, were present and conducted the election of a board of trustees, resulting- as follows: C. L. Hag-er, W. B. Parker, O. H. Parker, J. R. Richardson and John E. Hoyt. In October following, the Rev. G. R. Oakes assumed charg-e of the church, and remained about one year. During- this time a church building- was commenced, but was not completed until 1882. The successor of Mr. Oakes was the Rev. M. D. L. Johnson, who remained two years. Since then the following- ministers have had charg-e of the pastoral work, and in the order named: The Reverends G. W. Kliver, one year; Thomas H. Walker, two years; W. H. Vivian, one year; L. Bradford, one year; J. P. Jenkins, three years; D. Rifenbark, one year; W. P. Minty, one year; W. J. Hyde, two years, and A. Jamieson, who had charg-e of the church from October 15, 1894, until the Rev. P. Hopkins became his pastor. In November, 18%, he was succeeded by the Rev. John Lewtas.

When the church was first org-anized there were only a few members, but the membership has been steadily increasing- so that at the present writing- there are about one hundred and fifty members. A parsonag-e was built in 1886.

Roman Catholic Mission. - The Roman Catholic church commenced mission services in Dell Rapids in 1880, with Father Maher of Sioux Palls in charg-e until some time in 1882. At first there Avere only ten or twelve reg-ular communicants, and during- the vears 1882-3, only occasional services were held. In July, 1884, Father Ouinlan took charg-e of the Mission, and held services once a month until the spring- of 1887, when Father Colman took charg-e of the same for a short time. He was succeeded by the Rev. Father Vandemere of Plandreau, who continued to hold monthly service until the fall of 1888. At this time the Rev. X. P. Guay took charg-e for a few months, when Father Vandermere ag-ain performed the services. In June, 1889, the Rev. J. Barnes had charg-e and continued to officiate until November of that year, when Father Jerram took his place and held services until March, 1892. He was succeeded by Father O'Hora, who continued in charg-e until sometime during the fall of that year, when the Rev. J. C. Ahern took charg-e and held services monthly until the fall of 1894. Prom this time until July, 1895, the Rev. O'Hora, a brother of Father O'Hora, who officiated in 1893, had charg-e of the Mission. The Reverends Flynn, Grabig- and Peinler also had charg-e of the little flock of Catholics at Dell Rapids during- the time services were held over Mr. Collin's drug*- store. During- the fall of 1898, the Rev. M. J. Martyn org-anized St. Mary's Catholic church, and became its pastor. He at once set about the work of erecting- a church building-. A beautiful site was purchased in the northeastern part of the city for the sum of S300, and during- the summer of 1899 a fine, commodious church building- was completed, and is now occupied for church purposes. It cost a little over $4,000, and the citizens of Dell Rapids generously assisted the society in erecting- the building. The membership of St. Mary's church comprises twenty-seven families, and the average attendance is one hundred.

Presbyterian Church. - The Presbvterian church of Dell Rapids was organized on the 16th day of August, 1882. At this time there was an Indian Presbyterian church at Plandreau, and with this exception there was no other Presbvterian church in Dakota,

Por ten vears services were held more or less re<i-ularly in the school house, until the 22d day of (October, 1882, when the present house of worship was dedicated. It was built at a cost of about S2,500. In April, 1896, a one-thousand-pound ])ell was placed in this edifice. On the 30th dav of May, 1890, durino- a heavy storm, the steeple was torn down by li«-htnino-, the damag-e amounting- to about S300. The membership of the church, like that of all churches in the West, has been very fluctuatino-. Its roll of members since organization numbers one hundred and sixty, and it has a membership at the present time of fifty-five. Working- in connection with the church are societies of both senior and junior Y. P. C. E., and a flourishing- Sunday school, having- a membership of one hundred and fifteen.

The following- ministers have been in charg-e: Rev. (reo. P. Le- Clere, from September, 1877, to September, 1878; Rev. R. H. Hooks, from November, 1880, to November, 1881; Rev. R. T. McMahan, from January, 1882, to Mav, 1883; Rev. H. L. Dickinson, from Mav, 1883, to Mav, 1884; Rev. W. J. Skillman, from June, 1884, to October, 1885; Rev. E. M. Snook, from December, 1885, to December, 1880; Rev. John A. McAlmon, from May, 1887, to May, 1888; Rev. Robert Christison from June, 1888, to September, 1891; Rev. Georg-e Hutchinson, from January, 1893, to April, 1894; Rev. R. Christison, from September, 1894, to June, 1899. Besides these ministers, theologncal students have filled the pulpit when no minister has been available.

Rev. Robert Christison, the last pastor of this church, was born in Scotland, and educated at the University of Edinburg-h, and at the Pree Church Colleg-e of Glasg-ow. He was pastor of the Presbyterian church at Dell Rapids from 1888 to 1891, when he resig-ned on account of his health and went to the Pacific coast, but was recalled in September, 1894. Mr. Christison is a very able and scholarly man.

The Scandinavian Baptist Church.^ This church was organized November 8, 1886, with a membership of thirteen. Its first pastor was the Rev. N. Tychsen, who had charg-e of the church a little over six vears. He resig-ned in January, 1892, and removed to Oakland, California, and the following- April his place was filled by Rev. A. Carstensen, who remained until November, 1894, when he removed to Council Bluffs in response to a call from a church at that place. The church from this time until May, 1895, was without a pastor. At that time the Rev. H. P. Andersen accepted a call from the church, and the present pastor is the Rev. A. C. Nesby.

About the time this church was organized, the old Baptist church at the east end of Main street was purchased by the congregation, and has since then remained its place of worship.

The church records show that since its organization one hundred and eighty-eight persons have been received into its communion, and that the present membership is about one hundred and twentv. There is a large, prosperous Sunday school in connection with the church.

The Lutheran Church. - About the 1st of January, 1892, steps were taken to org-anize a Lutheran church in Dell Rapids. The oro-anization was perfected on the 21st day of January following-. It was called St. Peter's church, and became one of the strong- relig-- ious institutions of the city. Prom its start it had a larg-e membership, there being- upon its roll no less than fifty-nine communicants and a total membership of upwards of one hundred and thirty. This number has not materially chang-ed since then, the removals and accessions being- about the same. It has as yet no church building-, althoug-h it has purchased some very desirable lots on which to erect a church. It has thus far worshipped in the Presbyterian church. Sometime prior to this org-anization a small cong-reg-ation of Lutherans worshipped at Dell Rapids under the ministrations of the Rev. Mitboe, but by reason of removals and other causes, whatever org-anization there was, had become dissolved. Several societies have been organized in connection with this church, a flourishing- Sunday school, the Young- Ladies' Missionary society, the Ladies' society, the Young- People's society of St. Peter's Lutheran church, and the Willing- Workers, and whatsoever can not be accomplished throug-h the offices of the church in promoting- the welfare of the congreg-ation, is sure to be attained throug-h the instrumentalit}^ of these vig-- orous societies.

The Rev. A. O. Mortvedt has been the pastor since its org-anization, coming- here from Pierre in response to a call from the church. In securing- him for its pastor the church was exceeding-ly fortunate, and, as he has rejected several flattering- offers to g-o elsewhere, it is more than probable that this energ-etic, faithful minister will remain in charg-e of the St. Peter's church for several years to come.

Dell City Journal. - This was the first newspaper published at Dell Rapids, then known as Dell City. It has been a matter of some controversy whether its publication antedated the publication of the Sioux Palis Pantag-raph by W. R. Kiter, the first issue of which was on the 10th day of April, 1872. Joseph C. Ervin came frimi Webster City to Dell City late in the fall of 1871. He remained there a short time, but before returning- he arrang-ed with Albion Thorne to send local items to him at Webster Citv, and there he commenced the publication of the Dell City Journal, sending- a larg-e number of copies to Dell City for distribution. This continued until the latter part of April, 1872, when Mr. Ervin removed his printing- outfit to Dell City, and about the first week in Mav printed the Journal there. He continued its publication until July, '1873, and then removed the plant to Marshall, Minnesota, where he commenced the publication of a newspaper called the Prairie Schooner. The Dell City Journal was the same in size as Mr. Kiter's Pantag-raph, and was devoted chiefly to the interests of Dell City.

The Dell Rapids Exponent. - This newspaper was established at Dell Rapids in the spring- of 1878 by E. C. Whalen. He had editorial control of the same until the next fall, when, owing- to feeble health, he put Albion Thorne in charg-e and went to Michio^an to recuperate. Mr. Thorne ver}' soon after exchano-ed his farm in Taopi for the plant, but the January following- sold it to Charles E. (iriswold, who remained editor and proprietor until his decease, June 12, 1884. Mr. (iriswold was a popular young- man, and the Exponent under his manag-eraent was a good local newspaper. Upon his decease his brother, E. E. Griswold, became proprietor of the Exponent, and published the same at Dell Rapids until June, 1888, when he removed the plant to the city of Sioux Falls, and started Ihc publication of the Sioux P^alls Journal.

Dell Rapids Timls. This newspaper was established in Dell Rapids in August, 1885, by W. C. Nisbet and W. L. Davis. Its first publication was on the 19th day of Aug'ust. It was a weekly newspaper and Republican in politics. In 188G Mr. Nisbet purchased the interest of Mr. Davis, and continued the publication of the Times until August, 1892, when he sold it to Ward Brothers. While under the charge of Mr. Nisbet it became a good local paper, and duringthe last years under his manag-ement it took quite an active part in politics. The Ward Brothers are still the editors and proprietors of the Times, and have worked not without success to keep it up to the standard of a thoroughly g-ood newspaper. They get the news and publish it in a bright, attractive manner, and the editorials are clear and incisive. The citizens of Dell Rapids during the last decade have had reason to be proud of their newspajjers, and it is not too much to say that no place of equal size in the state can boast of two as good newspapers as the Times and Tribune.

Dell Rapids Tribune. - This newspaper has been published by the Tribune Publishing Company since October 11, 1892. W. C. Nisbet has had editorial charge during the entire time, and this alone is sufficient to establish the fact that it is ably edited. It is published weekly, and until 1896 was Republican in politics. The Tribune during that time was the exponent of the political views of Mr. Nisbet, and was quite independent in its political course. It advocated the election for office of g-ood men only, and that republicanism ilid not require a Republican to vote for a man he believed to be incompetent or dishonest because he had been nominated by the party, but on the contrary, that he should follow the dictates of his conscience and refuse to vote for such a man. During*- the presidential campaign in 1896, the Tribune warmly espoused the free silver issue of the fusionists, and advocated the election of W. J. Bryan for president. Since then it has been politically opposed to the Republican party, and its editorials criticise unsparingly the present administration of national affairs.

Dell Rapids Bank. - This bank is the pioneer bank institution of Dell Rapids, and was organized in 1880, with a capital stock of S25,000. The stockholders were C. E. McKinney of Sioux Palls, C. F. Easton of Aberdeen and G. R. Scougal of Yankton. It was operated under the management of G. H. Johnson until 1887, when it was incorporated under the territorial bank law. The directors were:

G. H. Johnson, E. J. Elliot and G. E. Bowerman, and they filled the offices of president, vice president and cashier, respectively, until 1889, when Johnson resig-ned as director and president. Upon his resig-nation, E. J. Elliot was elected president, W. A. Guild vice president and G. E. Bowerman cashier, the officers constituting" the board of directors. On April 8, 1892, the bank went into voluntary liquidation, and the Dell Rapids State Bank succeeded to its business and g-ood will on that day. It commenced business with a capital of S25,000, which has since been reduced to $10,000, but it has a surplus fund of S10,000. The directors and officers have been the same since its first election, namely, G. A. Uline president, E. J. Elliot vice president and G. E. Bowerman cashier. It has the unqualified confidence of the public.

First National Bank of Dell Rapids. - This is one of the first established banks in the city, and has a capital of S60,000. It has been in successful operation since its org^anization, and is one of the strong-est and best managed banks in the county. The directors are: O. E. Guernsey of Dubuque Iowa, Harlan W. Cooley of Chicag-o, Illinois, John O. Lang-ness of Baltic, South Dakota, G. A. Uline, Henry Robertson, C^ J. Johnson, M. R. Kenefick, O. F. Bowles and W. C. Nisbet, all of Dell Rapids. O. E. Guernsey is ])resident, Harlan W. Cooley vice president, M. R. Kenefick cashier, L. K. Larson teller. It is centrally located, in a substantial buildingconstructed of Sioux P^alls quartzite.

Granite City Bank. - This bank was incorporated July 13, 1889. O. H. Smith, A. C. Folsom and P. J. Hilt^en were the incorporators. It has a paid up capital of $50,000. The present board of directors are: C. S. Gifford, O. Ecker, R. M. Smith, O. H. Smith, A. Jurgens, Thomas N. Smith and John Roysem. O. H. Smith is president, C. S. Gifford vice president, O. Ecker cashier. Its manag-ement has been conservative and successful, and it has the confidence of the public.

Dell Rapids Creameries

Dell Rapids was early in the field to establish a creamery. As early as 1882, J. E. Farg-o and John Dowe built a creamery on the present site of Mrs. Marshall's residence. The proprietors went about among- the farmers in the vicinity of Dell Rapids and purchased the cream, which was taken by them to the creamery and there made into butter. It was, however, a short-lived enterprise, lasting- only a year. A second creamery was built in 1887, by a stock companv; W. E. Grossman, G. H. Johnson and G. A. Willard were among- the principal stockholders. The business was carried on upon the same plan as was the first one, but at the expiration of about three years it ceased to exist. This creamery w^as located on Orleans street near the bridg-e

In the spring- of 1892, Henry Lampman and K. H. Goodwin started a third creamery, which has been successfully operated since then, althoug-h it has chang-ed hands twice. Its capacity is 25,000 pounds of milk per day, and it has been running- at about'^two-thirds its full capacity ever since it began business. The plant is a good one, and complete in all its appointments. In addition to the main huildino- there is an ice house of laro'e capacity. Farmers bring- their milk to this establishment, and until Aug-ust, 1885, they received eio'htv-iive cents for one hundred pounds of milk, but at that time it w ent down to sixty cents, and the averao-e price durinjj; the year 189(), was liftv-five cents. During- the last mentioned year this creamery received 3,262,399 pounds of milk, which was an increase of 441,830 ])()unds over the amount received in 1895, and the amount paid out for milk alone in 1896, was S17,943.17. Since the establishment of this creamery nearly all its ])roduct has been shipped to New York.

For some time previous to the iinal decision that Dell Rapids should have a system of waterworks the matter was discussed with great interest by the citizens and in the columns of the city newspapers, and there were those who felt that the city could not afford to bond for this purpose, and that the benefits that would result therefrom would not justify the expenditure of so large a sum as would be necessary in its construction. But it was finally determined that a system should be constructed, and S. B. Howe of Sioux Falls was employed to make plans and specifications, which were accepted, and bids called for. April 26, 1894, the bids were opened, seven in all, rang-ing- from $10,940 to S16,l50. The firm of C. W. Hubbard & Co. of Sioux Falls, was the lowest bidder and was awarded the contract. The work was commenced in May and completed in October following-, and was formally accepted by the city council on the 19th day of November, 1894, when the balance due the contractors was also paid. The system is what is known as the stand pipe svstem. The tower is built of Dell Rapids g-ranite, is 30 feet in diameter at the base, and 24 feet at the top, and is 45 feet in heig'ht. The system has about three miles of mains, twenty-five fire hydrants, and the pressure is about sixty pounds to the square inch; the capacity of the engine and pump is very much in excess of the present demand, but the whole system is such that extentions can be made when desired without making- any changfe in what has already been done. It is a complete system, and a credit to the enterprise of the city, as well as being- of gfreat value as a fire protection and a convenience and luxury to the citizens, enabling- them to have pure water upon their premises for domestic use, and to beautify their lawns, thus adding- gfreatly to the attractions of the city. The water is obtained from a spring- near the Sioux river, and its quality is not surpassed in this section of the country. A larg-e well, or reservoir, was dug- in solid rock from which the water is pumped. S. P. Peters was the first one to procure a lawn sprinkler and hose, but anyone visiting- Dell Rapids in the summer of 1895 could see, by looking- at the beautiful lawns, that his example had been followed by a gfood many residents of the city. The people of the cit}- are now of one accord in reference to the waterworks, and all the more so from the fact that the system was constructed honestly, economically and thoroug-hly, and has resulted in g-iving- the taxpayers full compensation for the money expended. *

Dell Rapids Fire Department Independent Order Of Odd Fellows

Dell Rapids Lodge No. 8. - This was the first secret society instituted in Dell Rapids, having- received its charter November 22, 1876, from the Grand Lodge of the Territory of Dakota. The charter members of this lodge were Thomas Lyons, M. W. Richardson, W. B. Parker, George Hoyt and Wm. M. Carr, and the first meeting was held May 22, 1876, at the residence of Thomas Lyons. The first officers elected were as follows: Thomas Lyons, noble grand; George Royt, vice grand; W. B. Parker, secretary; Wm. M. Carr, treasurer. This lodge has been in a flourishing condition since its organization, having by initiation alone received nearly one hundred and eighty persons, besides those received by card. The present membership C1896) is eighty-eight. Since the fall of 1889, the meetings of the lodge have been held in the lodge rooms in the First National Bank building.

CoRALYNN Lodge No. 21, Daughters of Reeekah. This lodw-e was instituted in Dell Rapids May 11, 1893, with about seventeen charter members. The officers for 1893 were: Mrs. Coralynn Kenefick, Noble Grand; Mrs. Carrie Williams, Vice Grand; Mrs. Cora L. Henderson, Recording- Secretarv; Mrs. Anna C. Nisbet, Treasurer. 1894, first term, Mrs. Kenefick, Mrs. Frances McGill, Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Mary J. Anthony; second term, Mrs. Mc- (xill, Mrs. Carrie Neher, Mrs. Henderson, Mrs. Eleanor Rowland. 1894, first term, Mrs. Carrie Williams, Miss Lizzie Harrison, Mrs. Kenefick, Mrs. Zola Maule; second term, Mrs. Neher, Mrs. Nisbet, Mrs. Kenefick, Mrs. Maule. The membership in 1895 was fiftyone, and the lodge met on the first and third Fridays in each month, in the lodge rooms in the First National Bank building.

Masonic

Miriam Chapter No. 31, Order of the Eastern Star. - On Thursday evening, March 21, 1895, a chapter of the Eastern Star was duly instituted in Dell Rapids. About twenty members of the order at Plandreau were present to assist in the work, and the meeting was held in the Masonic hall. Will S. Catlin acted as deputy g-rand patron, assisted by Mrs. W. A. Clark, grand matron, and other members of the order, and Mrs. Clark installed the followingofficers: Worthy matron, Mrs. M. R. Kenefick; worthy patron, W. S. Catlin; associate matron, Mrs. W. S. McGill; secretary, Mrs. V. A. Potter; conductress. Miss Cora Rathman; associate conductress, Mrs. A. S. McAlona; chaplain, Mrs. J. Ridlington; marshal. Miss Nellie Harrington; treasurer, Mrs. A. L. Bishop; Ada, Mrs. W. W. Brilev; Ruth, Mrs. J. E. Irwin; Esther, Mrs. W. E. Parker; Martha, Mrs"^, H. C. Briley; Electa, Mrs. W. S. Catlin; warder, Mrs. A. McAlona; sentinel, L. K. Larson. Number of charter members, twenty-eight. The regular meeting's of the chapter were ordered held on the first and third Tuesday evenings of each month.

Knghts Of Pythias Modern Woodmen Of America

Minnehaha Camp No. 1,104. - This camp was instituted in Dell Rapids February 16, 1892, with eighteen charter members. The officers in 1892 were: C. J. Johnson, venerable counsel; W. C. Nis-

Dahlgren Post No. 20. - This post was org-ani/.ed in Doll Rapids May 21, 1883, with a charter membership of thirty-nine. Following- are the names of the commanders of the post from its org-anization to 1896. 1883, Albion Thorne. 1884, W. B. Parker. 1885, Georg-e Hevwood. 1886, R. S. Alexander. 1887-8, E. T. Cook. 1889, John Hale." 1890, R. S. Alexander. 1891-2, E. T. Cook. 1893, M. J. Firestine. 1894-5. A. E. Charring-ton. About seventy members have been enrolled since the post was org-anized, and the membership in 1896 was twenty-six.

July 2, 3, 4 and 5, 1895, the encampment of the Lake Madison Veterans association was held in Dell Rapids, bring-ing- about 7,000 people to the city. Addresses were made on that occasion by Mrs. Mary E. Lease of Wichita, Kansas, the Rev. Clemmens of Minneapolis, the Rev. Jesse Cole of Cherokee, Iowa, Judg-e C. S. Palmer of Sioux Falls, Hon. John A. Pickler and wife of Faulkton, South Dakota, and others.

Woman's Relief Corps. - This corps was org-anized in Dell Rapids, April 17, 1895, under the jurisdiction of the state org-anization and auxiliary to Dahlgren Post No. 20, G. A. R., and was called Dahlg-ren Corps No. 61. The charter members numbered thirtyseven, and the first officers were: President, Mrs. M. R. Kenefick; senior and junior vice presidents, Mrs. Mary H. Thorne and Mrs. W. W. Spear; treasurer, Mrs. A. L. Bishop; chaplain, Mrs. C. De- Witt; secretarv, Mrs. W. C. Nisbet; g-uard. Miss Eva Norton; assistant g-uard. Miss Hattie Bapp. Meetingfs are held the first Saturday in every month for business purposes, and the third Saturday for working- purposes.

Independent Order Of Good Templars

A lodge of Good Templars was instituted in Dell Rapids as early as October, 1877, consisting- of twenty-five members, but there are no records to show who the officers were or how long- it existed.

February 8, 1895, a new lodg-e was instituted, which was called Dell Rapids Lodgre No. 315, I. O. G. T. The lodg-e had sixty-one members to start with and its membership rapidly increased iFor a few months. The first officers were: Chief templar, John Meldrum; vice templar. Miss Lotta Rathman; past chief templar, E. S. Tresidder; chaplain, Mrs. E. F. Hull; secretary, M. S. Wellman; assistant secretary. Miss Laura Spear; financial secretary, R. W. Hobart; treasurer, Mrs. E. S. Tresidder; marshal, Charles Smith; deputy marshal, Mrs. I. N. Neher; g-uard. Miss Ina Bowen; sentinel Dan Ridling-ton; lodg-e deputy, C. DeWitt.

Woman S Christian Temperance Union

This society was org-anized in Dell Rapids January, 1894, with a membership of twenty. The officers were as follows: 1894, Mrs. M. W. Hull, president; Mrs. H. E. Norton and Mrs. E. J. Elliott, vice presidents; Mrs. J. E. Parg-o, secretary; Mrs. G. R. Krause, corresponding- secretary; Miss Anna Over, treasurer. 1895, Mrs. P. D. Neister", president; Mrs. M. A. Hull, Mrs. H. E. Norton and Mrs. G. R. Krause, vice presidents; Mrs. E. J. Elliott, secretary; Mrs. J. E. Parg-o, corresponding- secretary; Mrs. E. E. Eaton, treasurer. The membership in 1895 was twenty-five.

Biographical Sketches

BowERMAN, Guy E., was born in Cold water, Michig-an, October 8, 1866, and was educated in the schools at that place. In 1884, he removed to Dell Rapids, this county, and entered the Dell Rapids Bank as clerk, but was soon after promoted to the position of assistant cashier, and in 1887, he became cashier of the bank. Upon the dissolution of the Dell Rapids bank, he became the cashier of the Dell Rapids State Bank, and has held this position since that time. He has held the office of alderman from the Pifth ward, and is an esteemed citizen.

Bowles, O. P., is a native of Lisbon, Grafton county, New Hampshire, and was born in 1846. He lived in that neighborhood until 1858, and then went to Janesville, Rock county, Wisconsin, and engag-ed in farming- until 1883, when he came to this county and settled on a farm in Dell Rapids township. He remained on the farm until 1888, at which time he accepted a position as manag-er of the Dell Rapids IDlevator Company, and removed into the city of Dell Rapids, where he has since resided. He was a member of the Board of County Commissioners in 1887-8-9, and in January 1895, became president of the Pirst National Bank of Dell Rapids, having been a director since its organization. Mr. Bowles is a highly respected citizen and a good business man.

Carr, William M., is a native of New Jersey, and was born November 4, 1827. After having- resided in several of the middle states and California, he came to Dakota and located in this county in July, 1871. He took up land under the homestead, pre-emption, and tree culture laws, in the immediate vicinity of what is now the city of Dell Rapids. In the spring of 1873, he removed his family from Osage, Iowa, and they were on the road twenty-nine days between that place and Dell Rapids. He resided in Dell Rapids until 1893, when he removed to California. While a resident of this county he was an active, enterprising citizen, was county superintendent of schools for one term, and was elected to township offices. His removal from Dell Rapids was sincerely regretted by his friends and neighbors.

Carr, Elmer P., a son of of Wm. M. Carr, was born in Pennsylvania September 4, 1854. He came to this county June 4, 1872, being at that time in poor health from too close application while at- tending- school. He came to what was then Dell City, from Mitchell, Iowa, by ox-team conveyance, and was on the road twenty-eig-ht' days. He resided in Dell Rapids until the fall of 18*)2, when he removed to California. While a resident of this county Mr. Carr accumulated considerable property, being- the owner of two farms, and a residence in the citv of Dell Ra])ids. He was a (piiet, unassuming- man, and a respected citizen.

EcKER, 0.,is a native of Norway, and was born in 1852. He emigrated with his parents to the United States when ten years of ag-e, and located in Freeborn county, Minnesota. In 1863 he went to Winona, Minnesota, and worked in a hotel until in 1867, when he took employment on a farm adjoining' the citv. In 1869 he went to Spring- Valley, Minnesota, and eng-ag-ed as clerk in a dry g-oods store until 1876, when he went to Blooming- Prairie and started in the dry g-oods and g-eneral merchandise business for himself, which he continued for eig-ht years. In the fall of 1888 he came to Sioux Palls and eng-ag-ed in the real estate business for one year, and then went to Dell Rapids and became the cashier of the Granite Citv Bank, which position he still holds. Mr. Ecker is a popular citi/en and a g-ood business man.

Elliott, E.J. , was born at St. Catharine, Canada West, in 1852. In 1856 he removed with his parents to Milwaukee, where he received his education, and afterwards worked in the flouring- mills of that place as a miller. In 1878 he eng-ag-ed in the manufacture and wholesale of boots and shoes, which he continued until 1880, when he returned to the milling- business for three years. In 1883 he came to Sioux Palls and became employed as a miller at the Queen Bee mill, and remained as such until the mill was shut down in 1884. He then went to Dell Rapids and eng-ag-ed in the flour and feed business, in which he still continues. In 1894 he was elected state senator on the republican ticket by a larg-e majority. Mr. Elliott is one of the most g-enial, g-entlemanly men in the county, and popular wherever known.

Parrand, Henry, was born in Porest, Richland county Wisconsin, May 24, 1865. He was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. In 1879 he removed with his parents to Lake county, Dakota, and in 1889 came to Dell Rapids, where he has since remained. He is a mason, and worked at his trade for some time, and then took employment in the Dell Rapids Creamery for two years. Since then he has been chief of police in Dell Rapids two years, and is at this writing- eng-ag^ed as collector and ag-ent for the Dell Rapids Times. He is a g-ood, reliable citizen.

GiFFORD, Carmi S., was born in Erie county, Pennsyhania, June 13, 1832. He w^as in the military service during- the civil war for one year, serving- in the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery, Battery L. He came to this county in June, 1879, and resided in Sioux Palls four months and then went to Dell Rapids. He took up a quarter section of land in Moody county, but resided at Dell Rapids until he removed from the state in 1894. During- his residence in Dell Rapids,

He was president of the village of Dell Rapids three years, and a member of the council two years. He w^as also a member of two constitutional conventions, and at the constitutional convention convened in Sioux Palls July 4, 1889, Mr. Gilford was appointed on the following- committees: Executive and Administrative, Banking and Currency, Amendments and Revision of the Constitution, and Manufacturers and Agriculture. His record while a resident of this county is ample proof that he was a hig-hly esteemed citizen.

HoBART, Ralph Whidden, was born in Calais, Maine, March 24, 1865. He was g-raduated from King's College at Windsor, Nova Scotia, in 1885, and from the law department of the Michigan University in 1888. He came to South Dakota in 1889, and located at Dell Rapids, where he has since been engaged in the practice of law. He has been city attorney of Dell Rapids, and received the nomination of county judge on the Republican ticket in 1898, but was defeated at the polls with the rest of the ticket. He, however, received more votes in the city of Dell Rapids than any other candidate on either ticket. In May, 1899, he was elected deputy g-rand master of the I. O. O. P. grand lodge. Mr. Hobart takes an active part in local politics, is an enterprising citizen, and is building- up a good business in his profession. In June, 1899, he entered into copartnership with E. M. Green for the practice of law. He is genial and companionable, and well liked.

HuNTEMER, Augustus, was born in Grant county, Wisconsin, August 28, 1847. He lived in Wisconsin and Illinois until 1885, when he removed to this county, arriving in Dell Rapids on the 5th da}^ of March of that year. Soon after he purchased the northeast quarter of section 1, in Taopi, and resided there for several years. He has been postmaster at Dell Rapids since Pebruarv 15, 1896, and now resides there. Mr. Huntemer, while a resident of Lancaster, Wisconsin, was alderman for two years, and while a resident of Taopi, was town clerk several years. He is an honest, upright citizen, and highly esteemed by a large circle of acquaintances.

Kenefick, M. R., is a native af Canada, and was born in Quebec, 1853. The year following, his parents moved to the United States and engaged in farming in Wisconsin. The subject of this sketch, after having received his education, followed the" same pursuit until he lost his hand in 1868 by a gun accident. About this time the family removed to Iowa, and Mr. Kenefick engaged in teaching school in Butler and Grundy counties. During this time he also read law, and was admitted to the bar in Pranklin county, Iowa, in 1874. Immediately thereafter he came to Dakota, took up land in Moody county, and remained there four years. In 1878 he removed to Dell Rapids and engaged in the law business with Robert Robertson, who died in 1881, after which Mr. Kenefick continued the practice by himself. In 1884 he became connected with the People's Bank of Dell Rapids, which was afterwards changed to the First National Bank. He was elected its cashier, and has held this position to the present time. Was president of the city council for several years, and also a member of the school board. "^ In 1890 was elected mayor of the city of Dell Rapids, and served in tliat capacitxuntil 1894. Mr. Kenelick is independent, ener^-etic and enter])risino-, and is recog-nized as one of the best business nu-n in the cit\- of Dell Kapids, and one of the foremost citizens of the C(»unt\ .

Martin, Rev. M. J., was born in Slig-o, Ireland, Nov. lt>, 1S()S. His ancestors were of "the real old Irish stock." He was educated at Summer Hill colleg-e in Sliyx), and then studied medicine at Bdin- Iniro-h University, Scotland. After completin*>- this course of study lie entered Maynooth Ecclesiastical colleo-e, where he studied for the ])riesthood, and was ordained with a class of one hundred and four, June 24, 1893, by Archbishop Walsh of Dublin, and sent as assistant priest to Tulsk, Roscommon county. Soon after he was sent to a more important parish, where he established several schools and was instrumental in erecting- a fine church. Owino- to over exertion in this work, at the end of two years his health became so g-reatlv impaired that he \vas compelled to accept a parish where his duties w ere not so laborious, but at the end of another year, his health not improving-, he ^vas advised by his physicians to try a different climate. He accepted their advice, and came direct to South Dakota. He is now in charg-e of the Catholic churches at Dell Rapids, Oarretson and Taopi, and the w^ork he has accomplished during- his short residence here, stamps him as a man of more than ordinary energ-y and ability.

NiSBET, AViLLiAM CORNWALL, was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, December 30, 1863, of Scotch parentag-e. Soon after his l)irth his parents removed to Osag-e, Iowa, and in 1872 moved from there to Dakota, and settled on a claim four miles north of Dell Rapids. The subject of this sketch has resided in Dakota ever since, except when away attending- school. In 1883 he commenced learningthe printer's trade and w^orked as a compositor in several oifices in the state. In 1885, in company with W. L. Davis, he established the Dell Rapids Times. In 1886 he became the sole proprietor and editor of that paper, and continued to publish it until Aug-ust, 1892, when he sold it to Ward Bros. In October, 1892, he became the editor of the Dell Rapids Tribune, established and published by the Tribune Publishing- Co., and this paper is still under his editorial management. On the 11th day of June, 1891, he was appointed postmaster of Dell Rapids, and performed the duties of this office until February 15, 1896. On the 30th day of January, 1880, he was married to Miss Anna C. Morrison of Leeds Centre, Wisconsin. He is a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows, Knig-hts of Pythias and .Modern Woodmen orders. While in control of the Dell Rapids Times he established an enviable reputation as an all-around newspaper man. Althoug-h a Republican in principle he has always maintained that he was not bound to support any nominee of the party if he did not believe he was qualified for the office, either morally or otherwise, and has voted according-ly. This course has resulted in Ids being- severely censured by his editorial brethren, but as this class of people are increasing- rapidly, he seems to enjoy the distinction of being- one of the pioneers in advocatingf that onh' men of character and standing should be elected to office. He is one of the foremost citizens of Dell Rapids, as well as being- a good newspaper man, and is hig-hly respected as a man and citizen throug-hout the county and state.

Norton, Rev. Homer E., was born February 18, 1839, in Springfield, Erie countv. New York. In 1842, he removed with his parents to Rochester, Racine county, Wisconsin, where he spent most of his time at school and in his father's wagon factory, and during the summer worked on a farm to relieve the monotony of shop work. In 1856, they removed to Payette county, Iowa, where the subject of this sketch took charge of the farm, while his father and elder brother worked in town. In the fall of 1858, he entered the "Upper Iowa University" and remained there until 1861, except during one term he taught a district school. During that year his elder brother enlisted in the military service, and his father being feeble, he returned home and assisted him in taking care of the farm until the spring of 1864. At that time he enlisted in the 46th Iowa Infantry Regiment for 100 days, at the expiration of which he entered the Burlington CoUeg-iate Institute at Burlington, Iowa, having determined to take up the ministry as his life work. He was g-raduated from this college in 1868, and was the valedictorian of his class. He was then city missionary for six months, under the auspices of the Burlington Y. M. C. A., and then accepted a call from the First Baptist Church of Kirkwood, Illinois. Soon after this he was ordained to the gospel ministry. He has been pastor of Baptist churches at Berwick, Havana and Pekin, Illinois; St. James, Paril)ault, and the Emmanuel church in St. Paul, Minnesota; Sioux Palls and Dell Rapids, South Dakota. He resided in Dell Rapids from 1802, as pastor of the Pirst Baptist Church at that place, until October, 18%, when he removed to Batavia, Illinois. Mr. Norton has a well disciplined, logical mind, and is more than an ordinary preacher, and as a pastor stands in the front rank. He was an active participator in the affairs of the city in which he resided, and always ready, by word and deed, to promote the general welfare.

Rice, Dennis, was born at Panama, Chautauqua county, New York, January 2, 1830. On the 19th of April, 1855, he and his brothers. Prank C. and Gilbert H. settled in Iowa at a place which soon after received the name of Riceville. In 1868, the brothers moved to Osage, Iowa, where they built and operated the Cedar Valley mills. On the 1st day of July, 1871, he came to Sioux Falls to purchase a half interest in the water power where the Cascade mill is now located, but in this he was not successful. He, in connection with his brothers, however, soon obtained a foothold at Dell Rapids, then known as the Dells, and the same fall they commenced building a dam across the Sioux river, which was completed in 1872, when a saw mill was also erected. In 1873, they built a flouring mill which was operated by Prank C. Rice until August, 1874, when it was purchased by William VanEps of Sioux Falls. In 1875, Mr. Rice returned to Osage, Iowa, where he resided until 1881, and then came again to Dell Rapids and engag-ed in farming- and various enterprises. In 1890, he removed to Running Water, Texas, and engaged in the

Mr. Rice at an interview said that "the first Christmas tree at the Dells was a cedar, and the celebration was held at my house. Lew Hulitt, Albion Thorne and wife, Miss Bolster (Mrs. Thome's sisterj, E. F. Metcalf, and myself and wife, made up the entire party, l)ut we had Christmas all the same. A g-ood many funny incidents happened in those days, some resulting- from fear of the Indians, and some from causes that attend all new settlements. A little incident occurred in 1872, which will always amuse me when I think of it. I was working- at the mill when a man by the name of (xibbs came down from Plandreau and wanted to sell a claim he had at that place. Upon inquiry I found that he had been shot at several times, and after relating- his experience he said in a cool, honest sort of away: "I kind of mistrust they don't want me up there any more."

Mr. Rice is one of those enterprising- sort of men who keep thing's moving, and to this element in his make-up Dell Rapids is greatly indebted for many of its early enterprises.

Robertson, Henry McNeil, was born in Barring-ton, Shelburne county, Nova Scotia, on the 18th day of March, 1859. He received his education in the common schools, the Seminary at Yarmouth, U. S., and the McGill University at Montreal, Canada, and was g-raduated from the Law Department of Dalhousie University at Halifax, in 1886, and admitted to the bar in November of that year. In May, 1887, he became a resident of the city of Dell Rapids, and has been in the active practice of his profession at that place since then. He has been city attorney of Dell Rapids several years, and is one of the most reliable attorneys of the Minnehaha countv bar. He comes of a g-ood family, his father having- been a prominent citizen of Nova Scotia for half a century, and a member of the legislature for twenty-one consecutive years. His elder brother has also been a member of the Nova Scotia legislature two terms, and of the Dominion parliament for ten years. It only remains to be added that Mr. Robertson is active and enterprising, and is hig-hlv respected not only for his ability as a lawyer but as an honest, upright citizen.

Sawyer, Dr. Ora O., son of E. T, Sawyer, was born at Westfield, Vermont, January 6, 1856. At the age of seven years he removed with his parents to Stoughton, Wisconsin, where they remained until 1873, and then removed to Osage, Iowa. He worked on a farm and attended the common schools during his youth, and graduated from the Cedar Valley Seminary in Iowa, at the age of twenty years. He then commenced the study of medicine, and at the expiration of three years, in March, 1879, graduated from Rush Medical CoUeg-e. He was married the same year he graduated, and immediately after his marriage went to Dell Rapids, arriving- there the first of April, 1879. He at once commenced the practice of medicine, and since then has been actively engaged in his profession. He is highly esteemed as a careful, conscientious physician, and has a good practice. He was one of the charter members of the old Territorial Medical Societv, and has been president of the Minne- haha County Medical Society. He is not only prominent in his profession, but is an active, enterprising- citizen and highly respected bv all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.

Smith, O. H.,was born in Norway in 1846. In 1869 he emig-rated to this country, and the first three months after his arrival worked on a farm in Fillmore county, Minnesota. Then entered a store at Rushford, Minnesota, where he was employed as clerk for two years; then eng-ao-ed in the mercantile business for himself in the same place until 1876, when he became a resident of this counly, and carried on a g-eneral store in Dell Rapids until 1885, \vhen he chang-ed his occupation and eng-ag-ed in the real estate business. In 1889, Mr. Smith, in connection with others, org-anized the Granite City Bank of Dell Rapids, and has since then been its president. He has been a member of the city school board and of the cit}^ council, and was elected mayor of Dell Rapids in the spring- of 1894, and re-elected in 1896 and 1897. He has been quite active in political matters, ar.d especially so in his city and county. As a business man he has been successful, and as a citizen he is enterprising- and respected.

Thorne, Albion, was born in Canton, Oxford county, Maine, on the 19th day of October, 1836. He was reared on a farm, attended the common schools, the state seminary at Westbrook, Maine, and Tufts colleg-e, where he completed his education and was g-raduated in 1862. In September of that year he enlisted in the 23d Maine Infantry, and was first lieutenant of Compan}" C, during- the time of his service. It was a nine months' reg-iment, and he received his dischargee in July, 1863. He then eng-ag"ed in the mercantile business for eig-hteen months. Previous to his entering- colleg-e he had studied law, and in September, 1865, was admitted to the bar. and at once commenced the practice of his profession. He remained in his native state until 1868, when he removed to Waterloo, Iowa. He was eng-ag-ed as teacher in the schools at that place, and was principal of the schools at East Waterloo a little over two years. In the springof 1871 he removed to Beloit, Iowa, where he resided until the 12th day of Augfust, following-, at wdiich date he put in an appearance at what is now the city of Dell Rapids. Prom this time he went back and forth between this place and Beloit until fall, when he removed to Dell Rapids. Since that time he has been eng-ag-ed in farming-, surveying-, practicing- law, editing- newspapers and holding- official l)ositions. He has been county superintendent of schools, county attorney, postmaster, clerk of the courts, besides holding- several minor official positions in Dell Rapids township and the city of Dell Rapids. In July, 1899, he purchased the Plain Talker plant of Hartford, and is now publishing- the Hartford Herald. He has g-ood, staying- qualities, and would not g-ive an inch of g-round to a coachand-four. He has had what is termed "bad luck" on more than one occasion. Three times he has been burned out, as he says, "slick and clean," having- no insurance, entailing- a loss of at least S5,()()0. Mr. Thorne has a g-ood many warm friends, and no one of his wide circle of acquaintances wishes him anything- Ijut prosperity and happiness.

^_Tresidder, Stephen, was horn near Galena, Illinois, April 12, 1855; was reared on a farm and educated in the puhlic schools and at the Cedar Valley seminary; in 1875 he commenced learnino- the harnessmaker's trade, and on the 22d day of June, 1880, located at Dell Rapids, and opened a harness shop, but at the end of ten \i'ars had oradually workoil into the boot and shoe trade. In Januar\, 18')S, he transferred his business to the city of Sioux Falls, wherr he is at the present time doino- a o-ood business. While a lesidi-nt of Dell Rapids he was a member of the city council seven \ears, thrre years of which he was its president. Mr. Tresidder is a oood business man and an enterprising-, highly respected citizen.

Uline, (tUST. a., is a native of Sweden, and was l)()rn in the province of Wermland on the 12th day of October, 1840. He came to the United States in 1867, and stopped first in Michig-an for about five months, then went to Wisconsin for six months and from there to northwestern Minnesota. In the spring- af 1870 he went to Cherokee, Iowa, being- then so hard up that the first g-ood meal he had had in months he g-ot at the old Cottonwood hotel at that place. He secured work in Cherokee at eig"ht dollars per month, and took up land where the city of Sheldon now is, which he afterwards sold for fifty dollars. At that time there was only one other piece of land taken up in that locality. He left Cherokee on the 5th deiy of Julv,

1871, and went to Jackson, Minnesota, where he remained three years in the store of J. W. Cowing-. March 5, 1874, he started for bell City. Dakota. He then had just $700, and concluded to commence business for himself. When Mr. Uline reached Dell Citv there were only two building-s where the city of Dell Rapids is now. He rode his pony up to a man who was sawing- wood, and said he was looking- for Dell City. ''You are rig-ht in it," answered the man. A man by the name of Cowan had started a store in Dell Citv in

1872, but his mother died and he g-rew melancholy, and in sixty days after he had commenced business he shot himself. His store was a little north of the VanEps mill, and there Mr. Uline commenced l)usiness. He purchased SI, 000 worth of g-oods, and paid SI. 25 per hundred to g-et them transported from the nearest railroad station. At this time B. D. Graves had a small store at Dell City, but his stock was quite limited, and Mr. Uline was the first merchant who put in a g-eneral stock of merchandise in this place. He continued in trade for seventeen years, and made a success of his business. In 1881 he was elected president of the villag-e, and has at various times since then served the villag-e and city of Dell Rapids in official positions. In 1885, he was appointed by (Tovernor Pierce a member of the board of directors of the Dakota penitentiary at Sioux Falls, and served two years. In 1889, he received an appointment to the same position from (Governor Mellette, and served one year, and when South Dakota became a state he was appointed a member of the state board of charities and corrections, and was the first president of the board. He was also appointed colonel on the staff of Governor Mellette. In 1892, he organized the Dell Rapids State Bank and became its president, which position he still holds. He is also a director in the First National Bank at Dell Ra^^ids, and the Minnehaha National Bank at Sioux Palls. It would be superfluous to add an3^thing- to the foreg-oing- record to establish the fact that Mr. Uline is recog-nized as one of the foremost citizens of the state.

Ward, David Edward, was born at Darling-ton, Lafavette county, Wisconsin, Aug'ust 7, 1864, and resided there until he was twenty years of ag^e, receiving- his education in the hig'h school at Darling-ton. In 1884 he went to Cherokee county, Iowa, for two years, and has during- the last fifteen years been eng-ag-ed in the printing- business, working- on papers in Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota. On the 1st of Aug-ust, 1892, in connection with his brother, H. W. Ward, he purchased the Dell Rapids Times, and since then the firm of Ward Brothers has published this paper. David E. is an energ-etic practical newspaper man, and takes an active part in all local matters. He is a g-ood fellow and a g-ood citizen, and hig-hly respected by his acquaintances.

Burk township is bounded on the north by Moody countv, on the east by Dell Rapids, on the south by Lyons, and on the west by Taopi townships. The township lines were surveyed bv W. J. Neeley in July, 1850, and the subdivision was made bv Carl C. P. Meyer in September, 1864. The township contains 22,001.32 acres of land. Skunk creek enters the township on the northeast quarter of section 4, and flows in a southwesterly course, leavino- the township on section 31. There is very little waste land in the townshij), and alonof the course of Skunk creek there is considerable bottom land. It is settled by an industrious, thrifty class of farmers, and there are some excellent farms in the township.

Arnst Buhring- was one of the first settlers in this township, taking- up a homestead in 1872. Jonathan Stout with his familv came in 1873, and the following- year several actual settlers located there, among- whom were S. Dybedahl, Thomas Thompson, S. K. Ducken, Ole K. Fossum, Ole Hanson. Thomas Hanson and Dennis Walters.

The first school was taug-ht in 1876, in school district number 32, by R. M. Mansagfer. Henry Porter was director of the school board, T. S. Dybedahl treasurer, and Dennis Walters clerk.

As early as 1887, a resurvey of the township was made In- E. H, Van Antwerp of Yankton, which survey chang-ed the boundarv lines of a g-ood many farms, and a suit was broug-ht by Alice, Paulina and ^Slar}' Randall to enjoin the township from opening- roads upon the lines of the new survey. Judg-e Palmer g-ranted a temporarv injunction. Soon after, how^ever, Judg-e Garland dissolved the injunction. The suit was finally tried before Judg-e Aikens, and the township prevailed. The case was then taken by appeal to the supreme court, and was there reversed. When it came up for trial the second time the case was dismissed bv Judg-e Jones upon the pleadingfs, but an appeal was ag-ain taken to the supreme court. New suits were broug-ht and tried before Judg-e Jones, who decided in favor of the Randalls and was sustained by the supreme court, and the controversy ended in April, 1807. It was a bitter contest from begfinningto end, and during- the ten years of litig-ation it attracted the attention of the public, and especially of those who were personallv interested in the resurveys that were being- made in the county.

The first post office established in the township was called (xeneseo, now Fleetwood, and Dennis Walters was the first postmaster. The office was located on the southeast (luarter of section 28, In

1877, Henrv Porter was appointed postmaster and the office removed to the southwest quarter of section 32. In September, 1879, Dennis Walters was ao-ain appointed postmaster, and the office removed to the southwest quarter of section 28. In 1888, Rasmus Mansag-er was appointed postmaster, and the office removed to the northwest ([uarter of section 2^. In 1897, Mrs. Mar}- Buhring- was appointed postmistress, and the office removed to its present location in section 32. Samuel H. Burk, one of the earliest settlers in the township, located on the southeast quarter of section 4. Late in the seventies a post office was established at this point called Look Out, and Mrs. Jane Burk was appointed postmistress. She held the office a few vears, and then it was removed to the northwest quarter of section 4, and Henry Cox became the postmaster. The office was discontinued several years aofo.

Scandinavian Evangelical Congregation of Willow Creek. - This church was org^anized with thirteen members. In 1888, a church building- was erected on the southeast corner of section 22 in Burk township, at a cost of S3, 500, the money being- raised bv subscription. The first minister was the Rev, H. Z. Hvid, succeeded by the Reverends A. N. Kliven, H. O. Opsal, E. H. Midtbo, and C.C. Moe. At the present time there are two hundred and fiftv-six persons who attend this church. There are two societies in aid of the church, the north, and the south Willow Creek societies. The church presents quite an imposing" appearance, and is a credit to the enterprise of the people residing- in Burk township,

The first township record is of a meeting- of the town board of supervisors at the house of S. H. Burk on the 26th day of July, 1881. The supervisors were Thor S. Dybedahl chairman, Jonathan Stout and Ole J. Berdahl; clerk, S. H. Burk. At this meeting- a tax of five mills for road fund and four mills for bridg-es and town fund was levied. A warrant, probably the first one, was drawn in favor of Dennis Walters for S16 for services as assessor. S. H. Burk tendered his resignation as clerk, and at a subsequent meeting- of tlie board Franklin Stout was appointed to fill the vacancy.

188'i. A meetings of the board was held January 6, the supervisors were all present, but their names are not mentioned. Ole A. Nyhus was clerk, Dennis Walters assessor and Franklin Ferg-uson justice.

1884. At the first March election the following- officers were elected: Supervisors, Thor S. Dybedahl chairman, A. H. Bemis, P. Ferguson; clerk, O. A. Nyhus; assessor, Thomas Hanson; treasurer, R. M. Mansager. At a meeting- of the board March 17, Dennis Walters was appointed supervisor in the place of F. Ferg-uson.

1885. Supervisors, A. H. Bemis chairman, Thor S. Dybedahl, Dennis Walters; clerk, O. A. Nyhus; assessor, Thomas Hanson; treasurer, R. M. Mansag-er.

18S(>. Supervisors, Franklin Pert^uson chairman, Thor S. Dvhedahl, Dennis Walters; clerk, (). A. Nyhus; assessor, Thomas Hanson; treasurer, R. M. Mansag-er. March 20, the board resolved that the election of road overseers should be "by a separate ballot and ballot box" and a special election was ordered to be held for that purpose on the 1st day of June.

1887. Supervisors, Ole B. Olson, James Blow, Ole J. Berdahl; clerk, Franklin Stout; assessor, P. Walters; treasurer, R. M. Mansag-er; constable, H. M. Mansag-er. April 2, Henry Cox was a])- pointed assessor, and the clerk was directed to write D. C. Rice, county surveyor, to ascertain when the township could be resurveyed. June 1, a special meeting- was held to consider matters in reference to the survey. July 9, it was ordered that the quarter corners be established and the survey recorded according- to the lield notes. Aug-ust 7, several orders were drawn in favor of persons who had been eng-ag-ed in surveying- the township. Aug-ust 15, E. H. Van Antwerp, the surveyor, was directed to erect landmarks at every quarter section corner in the township. October 15, the boartl directed the clerk to post eig-ht notices ordering- each and every freeholder to open all roads in the township according- to the resnrvey before the first day of April, 1888.

1888. Supervisors, Thor S. Dybedah Ichairman, Ole J. Berdalil, James Blow; clerk, O. H. Nyhus, Jr.; assessor, Thomas Hanson. There were several meeting-s of the board during- the year to consider questions arising- out of the resurvey. A suit had been commenced in the interest of those opposed to the lines established b\' the resurvey, and measures were adopted by the board to defend the suit and open the roads on the new lines. Balance in the treasury S29.17.

1889. Supervisors, Thor S. Dybedahl chairman, O. J. Bertlahl, James Blow; clerk, O. H, Nyhus, Jr.; treasurer, R. M. Mansag-er; assessor, Franklin Stout. The board during- the 3'ear made provisions for expenses incurred in the Randall survey suit.