Garretson City (part 1 of 3)

Garretson City

In Julv, 18^)1, a petition sig"ned bv a larg^e number of tlie citizens of the villag-e of Garretson was filed with the county commissioners, asking that the question of the incorporation of the cit}' of Garretson be submitted to a vote of the citizens residing- within the proposed limits as set forth in the petition; and the countv commissioners finding- the petition in full compliance with the requirements of the statute in such cases, an election was ordered to be held at the Hotel Garretson on the 25th day of July, 1891. The election was held at the appointed time, and the people voted to incorporate, and on the 22d day of Aug-ust, 1891, the city of Garretson was incor])orated. At the September meeting- of the county board the vote of an election held in the city of Garretson for the election of citv officers was canvassed, resulting- as follows: Mayor, John F. Sophy; treasurer, M. H. Wang-sness; police justice, P. Eastwood; city justice, Ed. Eastman; aldermen, D. J. Kennedv, J. O. Rovce, W. H. O'Learv, E. E. Cross, J. Boldt, J. LaDue.

The records of the city commence with November 2, 1891, at which time a meeting- was held and W. H. O'Leary was elected president of the council and D. J. Kennedy secretary pro tem. G, W. Smith was then nominated and confirmed as city auditor; rules were also adopted for the g-overnment of the council.

At a special meeting- of the council on Noveml)er 7, the bonds of the newly elected officers were approved; James Burries was nominated city marshal, but the council did not approve of the nomination, and Charles O'Leary was appointed city marshal. It was decided to employ Joseph Kirby of Sioux Falls as city attorney; Dr.

C. W. Locke was appointed city physician, and the Garretson Prog-ress was made the official newspaper; ordinance No. 1, was introduced, fixing- the salary of the city officials at one dollar each for mayor and aldermen, one hundred dollars for the auditor, and for the treasurer two per cent, of all moneys collected. At a meetingheld December 14, Charles O'Leary was appointed street commissioner.

Februarv 1, 1892, the reg-ular monthly meetings of the city council was chang-ed from the first Monday to the first Wednesday in each month. February 20, 1892, the council fixed the compensation for city marshal at S25 per month. March 16, the council referred the matter of dividing- the city into three wards and fixing- their boundaries; the proposed grade of the streets as made by Surveyor citv into three wards was passed to its second reading-; an ordinance vacating- a portion of certain streets and alleys, and directing- the mayor to deed the same to the Sioux Cit}^ & Northern Railway company was also passed to its second reading-, and on April 13 the ordinance was passed. April 19, the council canvassed the votes for city officers; ninet}' votes were cast at this election, and John F. Sophy receiving: fiftv votes was declared elected mayor; A. J. Proelich was elected treasurer, Frank Eastman police justice, A. M. Olmem city justice; aldermen, 1st ward, Peter Doyle; 2d ward, John Nauth, W. H. O'Leary; 3d ward, Lars Jacobson, Charles Swenson. May 4, the g-rade of the streets as proposed by Surveyor Rice was established by the old council, and on the same day the new council organized, and the appointments of D. J. Kennedy as city auditor and F. C. Callender as citv assessor were approved. Dr. C. W. Locke was appointed president of the board of health, and three standing- committees were appointed by the mayor. June 2, S. R. Short was appointed city marshal and street commissioner, and D. J. Kennedv city justice; the committee on police was directed to bviild a calaboose. At a meeting- in July the council examined the assessment roll, and the assessed valuation of the real estate was S52,871, and the personal property S26,055. A city tax of eig-ht mills was levied; a petition was received asking- that a certain portion of the territory of the city "be excluded from the corporation;" the office of street commissioner was declared vacant owing- to the sickness of Mr, Short, and his inability to perform the duties of his office, and John Stromme was appointed to fill vacanc}'; John F. Sophy, Jr., was appointed city marshal to fill vacancy. Aug-ust 3, C. C. Murphy was appointed city attorney at a salary of SIOU. There being- a vacancy in the office of city justice and of one alderman in the 3d ward, a special election was held and Zane R. Bigfg-s was elected citv justice and C. H. Vickerman alderman. December 7, 1892, the resig-nation of P. Eastwood as police justice w^as accepted.

April 5, 1893, a petition of the citizens of Garretson was received asking- that the city issue bonds in the sum of S4,000 to construct city water works, which was "tabled indefinitely."

The annual city election was held April 18, 1893. A. H. Rudd was elected police justice, and the following- aldermen were elected: 1st ward, Henry Buck and Peter Doyle; 2d ward, H. L. Havdahl; 3d ward, Samuel Haren. April 29, the council authorized D. J. Kennedy to employ S. B. Howe of Sioux Falls to prepare plans for city Avater works; D. J. Kennedy was appointed auditor, John F. Sophy, Jr., marshal, Charles O'Leary assessor, and Charles Nelson street commissioner. During- the year a g-ood many meeting's of the council were held to consider the g-rading- of streets and other improvements of the city. In September a seven-mill tax was levied. In November a special election was held to determine whether or not the city would bond in the sum of SI, 500 for fire purposes, which resulted in favor of bonding-. December 7, the resigrnation of C. C. Murphy as city attorney was accepted. Januarv fl, 1894, the council accepted the proposition of the Revere Rubber Co., to furnish the city with a chemical eng-ine and a hook and ladder outfit. Februarv

7, 1S*)4, the council refused to call an election to determine whether the city incorporation should be dissolved or not, as re(.|uested b\- a ])etition of the citizens, the petition not havino- the re([uisite number of sij^-natures. March 8, the chemical eno-ine was accepted.

At the citv election in April, 1805, the followin<^- oflicers were elected: Aldermen, 1st ward, John P. Sophy; 2d ward, D. J. Kennedy; 3d ward, Soren Sevenson and John Steinmetz received the same number of votes, and upon drawing" lots for the office Sevenson was successful; city justice, A. M. Olmem. Mayor Locke ap])ointed Charles O'Leary auditor, Avho was confirmed. He then appointed not less than six different persons for assessor, all of whom the council refused to confirm, but at a subsequent meetino* A. J. Proelich was appointed and confirmed. C, C. Murphy as city attorney, and Aug-ust Tradup as chief of police were appointed and confirmed.

PiRST Congregational Church. - This church was organized at (xarretson, Aug-ust 5, 1888, with a membership of eig-hteen. In 1805, aided by the Church Building- Association of New York, a very appropriate and commodious church building- was erected at a cost of ?2,400, in which services are held every Sunday. The following- ministers have had charg-e of the church: The Reverends A. L. Hope, Decer, I. P. Duas, M. A. Ball and H. G. Adams. In connection with the church is a Sunday school which in 1895 numbered forty-eio-ht, and also a Ladies' Aid society.

The First Methodist Episcopal Church. - This church was organized April 3, 1892, w^ith a membership of six. A few months later a building- was purchased and fitted up for the use of the cong-regation, at a cost of about S500. It is located on Main avenue and First street, and was dedicated on November 6, 1892, by Presiding- Polder, W. H. Jordan. Rev. W. F. Hart was the first pastor, and he was succeeded bv the Reverends, E. Honeywell, N. Fawell, H. P. Eberhart, H. B. Clearwater and S. S. Hookland. Services are held every Sunday. There is a prosperous Sunday school connected with the church, also a Ladies' Aid society.

St. Rose Catholic Church. - This church was org-anized in the spring- of 1892, by the Rev. Mr. Hardy. Miss Rose Ganyon donated the site for a church and at a cost of SI, 300, w^hich was paid by subscription, and with donated labor, a church building- was erected which is centrally located. Prior to the completion of the church building- services were held at the residence of J. F. Sophy. Services are now held every second Sunday by the Rev. M. J. Martyn, and the averag-e attendance is eig-hty. There is a larg-e Sunday school in connection with the church. The following- priests have officiated at Garretson since the org-anization of the church: Reverends Rickland, Jerome, Brown, Link, Hendrick, Hog-an, Mensing-, O'Hora, (irabig-, Sheehan, Feinler, and the present pastor, the Rev. M. J. Martyn.

The Garretson Progress. - This newspaper was established at the city of Garretson, and its first issue g-iven to the public on the 12th day of November, 1889. It was a weekly newspaper, Republican in politics, and edited and published by Frank Eastwood, wdio remained in charg-e about three years. For a few months in 1892, while the political campaig-n was in prog-ress, a Mr. Hunt was in charg-e of this paper, and if there are any persons who were at that time candidates for office in Minnehaha county who did not g-et acquainted with him and loan him a few dollars, they must have been unusually hard pressed financially, or had little confidence in their election. The writer is on the list, but felt comfortable upon compairing notes with other candidates and finding- what amount they had contributed to this newspaper enterprise. After the campaig-n was over he soug-ht a new field. Dean P. Buell succeeded Mr. Hunt, and the first issue of the paper under his manag-ement was on the 23d day of December, 1892. He remained in charg-e until February 17, 1893, when J, B. Morrison of Sioux Falls became the owner of the plant, and continued its publication until July, 1894, when it again came into the hands of Frank Eastwood. He chang-ed the name of the paper to that of the Minnehaha County Herald, and shortly after sold out to Messrs. Edmison and Jameson of Sioux Falls, who issued their first paper on the 24th day of Aug-ust, 1894. They published it until March, 1896, when they sold out to Henry A. Beards- ley, who chang^ed the name back to that of The (rarretson Progress. December 1, 1897, the Ward Brothers of Dell Rapids bout^ht the paper and H. W. Ward took editorial charg-e of the same and has since been its editor and publisher. During- its entire career it has 1)een chiefly devoted to local matters, and at times has been a <»'ood newspaper. The present editor is eneru-etically endeavor injjf to make it a good county paper, and it is pleasing- to the writer to be able to sav, that he is succeeding- in doing- so, and that the livelv little cit\' of (iarretson has a newspaper worthy of the ])atronage of her citizens.

SorTH Dakota Weekly Vindicator. - This newspaper has l)een published at Garretson since September 1, 1898, by Geo. W. Bag'lev, who is making" quite a success of the enterprise and has a g-ood list of subscribers. It is "a newspaper for the people, devoted to the advancement of the social and industrial interests of the state."

Biographical Sketches

Bagley, Geokgp: W., was born in Brooklvn, Sus([uehanna countv, Pennsylvania, April 12, 1847, but the following- year mo\etl with his parents to Illinois, and two years later to Floyd county, Iowa, and has lived in the West ever since. He learned the printer's trade, and for nearly forty years has been eng-ag-ed in the printingbusiness, most of the time as job printer. For live years he conducted a job printing- office in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and also ])ublished The East Side Record and a French paper at that place. In the spring- of 1882, he came to Dakota, and started The WentwortJi Bond at Wentworth, Lake countv, and afterwards published the Dakota Letter at the same place, and later. The Lake County Indej)endent, at Madison, South Dakota. September 1, 1898, he commenced the publication of the South Dakota Weekly Vindicator, at (kirretson, in which he still continues. Mr. Bag-ley is a g-ood printer and an able writer, is a g-enial, g-ood fellow, and a g-ood citizen.

Bentson, BentR., is a native of Norway, and was born October 27, 1848. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. In 1866, he emig-rated to the United States with his parents, and after having- remained three months in Wisconsin went to Decorah, Iowa, where he learned the brick mason's trade, and worked at this and as a contractor for seven years. In 1873 he came to Minnehaha county, where he eng-ag-ed in farming- for about five vears, and then worked at his trade as contractor and brick layer, living- in Dell Rapids several years, where he was elected and served as alderman. Since September, 1894, he has resided in (xarretson eng-ag-ed in the mercantile business, under the firm name of Bentson & Hatland. He has been industrious and prosperous in his business, is a g-ood citizen, and well liked by a larg-e circle of acquaintances.

Biggs, Zane R., was born in Crawford ccjunty, Illinois, ^larch 29, 1851. He attended school and worked on a farm until seventeen years of ag-e, and then went to Burling-ton, Iowa, where he taug-ht school for seven years, after which time he attended Illinois State Normal school for one year. On the first day of June, 1877, he arrived in Vermillion, Dakota, and immediate!}' came to Sioux Falls. Verv soon thereafter he took up a homestead in Minnesota, a short distance from Valley Spring-s. He hired out the first year as a common laborer; the second year he broke up his land, and the third year he put in 156 acres of wheat, of which the orasshoppers harvested 80 acres, and the balance did not mature, so that he did not <)et one bushel of wheat. On the first day of January, 1882, he went into the office of Parliman & Frizzell at Sioux Falls, and commenced reading- law, where he remained a few months, and then went into the office of C. H. Wynn for two years. In April, 1883, he was admitted to the bar, and in 1884 removed to Valley Springs and practiced law for five years. He then went to Luverne, Minnesota, for one year, and in 1890 removed to Garretson, where he has since resided. At Garretson he has practiced law to some extent, but thinks he is almost too honest to make a livelihood in his profession, and has during- the last few 3^ears engag-ed in such business as offered a fair remuneration. He was elected justice of the peace in Valley Spring's, and has been city justice of Garretson and clerk of the school board. He is an honest, industrious citizen.

Eastman, Edwin, is a native of Lafayette county, Wisconsin, and was born November 19, 1847. He attended the district school when a bo}', and worked on a farm until he was twenty-one years of ag-e, and then settled down to farming in Minnesota until 1875. On the 25th day of Ma}', 1875, he came to Minnehaha county, and took up a homestead comprising- part of section 31 in Palisade and part of section 6 in Red Rock. In 1881 he went to Sioux Falls and kept the St. James hotel for six months. In February, 1882, he went to Valley Springs and opened a drug- store, and continued in this business for three years; then moved on to a farm in Red Rock township, and engaged in farming until 1890, when he went to Garretson, where he has since resided. He was elected justice of the peace in 1890, and police justice of Garretson in 1894 and re-elected in 189(). He is alwavs around when there is anv stir in local politics and exercises his full right of citizenship.

Johnson, Nels, is a native of Sweden, and was born June 26, 1834. He emigrated to the United States and arrived in Missouri June 22, 1870. He liv-ed in that state until 1876, when he removed to Dakota and located in this county. He then filed a homestead upon the northeast quarter of section 14, in Edison, but disposed of it and now lives in Garretson eng-aged in business. He has been school director.

McCall, Charles E., was born in Norfolk county, Province of Ontario, Canada, June 5, 1841; attended the public schools until he was twelve years old, then Coburg college two years; was bookkeeper in a lumber yard several years; resided two years in Clinton, Iowa, and one year in Wisconsin; r-eturned to Canada for a few years; in 1867 went to Augusta, Wis., where he kept a hotel until 1869; then removed to Rock county Minnesota, .and engaged in farming-, during which time he frequently came to Sioux Falls and hauled wheat to Sibley, Iowa, by ox-teams for C. K. Howard; in 1875 removed to Pipestone, Minn., and remained there eng-atj-ed in farmino- until 18%, w^hen he located at Garretson, where he has since kept the Hotel Garretson; he is also police justice of the city of Garretson. Mr. McCall comes of a remarkal)le family. His o-peat o-randfather died at the ag-e of one hundred and eleven and his <>-randfather at the a^e of one hundred and six years and four months. But lono-evity is not the only remarkable characteristic of his family. At a fair in Canada forty-live McCalls betw^een eigditeen and twenty-two years of ag'e o-ot tog-ether, and were weig-hed; one weig-hed one hundred and ninety, one one hundred and ninety-two, the subject of this sketch one hundred and ninety-live, and the others over two hundred pounds each. His great g-randfather was a Scotch Hig-hlander, and was six feet and seven and one-fourth inches in heigfht.

Murphy, Charles Columbus, was born in Portag-e, Wis., December 20, 1852. He received his early education in the public schools, and then went to Madison, Wis., where he attended school two terms. He then taug-ht school several terms. His first business was that of buying- and selling- produce for the pineries. He attended the law school at Madison, Wis., two terms, and the law school at Quincy, 111., one term. In 1885 he went to LeSueur county, Minn., and remained there in the practice of law^ until 1886, when he removed to Adrian in the same state, where he continued in the ])ractice of his profession until 1890. He then lived in Clara City, Minn., but very soon removed to Garretson, S. D., where he resided until 1808, when he went to Sioux Falls, lived there a short time, and then removed to Wisconsin. He was city attorney of Garretson two terms.

Olson, Embrick, was born in Wisconsin, November 13, 1857. He attended common school and worked on a farm during- his bovliood. In 1878 he came to this county and located in Palisade township, where he pre-empted the north half of tlie s()uthwest([uarter of section 21. He lived on this land for four years and then removed to Hig-hland township where he was a member of the town board of supervisors for one year. In 1890 he took up his residence in Garretson, where he has since remained.

Prill, Fred W., is a native of Germany, and was born April 6, 18()4. He came with his parents to Princeton, Wisconsin, in 1871; worked on a farm and attended school until he was of ag-e, and then clerked in a store six years. In 1889 went to Pipestone, Minnesota, and eng-ag-ed in the mercantile business for one vear; then removed to Garretson and opened a g-eneral store, where he has since remained. When the fire department was org-anized at Garretson in 1894, he was elected chief, and re-elected in 1895. He is a conservative and thrifty business man and an active citizen.

Patterson, Arthur E., was born in Pembroke, Renfrew county, Ontario, Canada, July 21, 1853; emig-rated to Minnesota and lived there from 1877 until 1889, when he located at (jarretson, where he has since resided, engaged in the farm implement business. He has been clerk of the school board since 1893, and city auditor since 189(), He is a g-ood official, a g-enial good fellow, and a g-ood citizen.

Sophy, John F., was born at Og-densburg-, New York, December 13, 1845. When nine years of ag-e he removed with his parents to Clinton, Iowa. He attended the public schools and assisted in farming- during his minority, and then for the next few years was eng-ag-ed in raising-, buying- and selling- stock, and farming-. In 1871, he removed to LeMars, Iowa, w^here he remained until 1889, when he came to Garretson, where he has since been actively engag-ed in the lumber, fuel, g-rain and live stock business. He has been a very active citizen, and the acknowledg-ed leader of the residents who desired to make Garretson all that the advantag-es of location entitled it to become. When Garretson was incorporated as a city in 1891, he was elected its first mayor, and held that position until the annual election in 1894. His business qualifications, enterprise and energy united with a g-enial temperament, make him one of the most useful and respected citizens of the lively little city for whose advance and prosperity he has done so much.

Sophy, Peter, was born in Greenville county, Ontario, Canada, June 1, 1851; emig-rated to the United States with his parents in 1855, and lived in Iowa and Minnesota until 1880, when he came to Dakota. In 1890 he located at Garretson, where he has since been in business. He is a quiet, conservative man, a g-ood citizen, and well liked.

Wangsness, MarcUvS H.,was born in Norway September 8,1846. In 1854 he emig-rated to the United States with his parents, who settled in Wisconsin and eng-ag-ed in farming-. The subject of this sketch followed the same occupation in Iowa until 1877, when he removed to Moody county, Dakota, and took up a homestead and a timber claim where he remained seven years. He then returned to Iowa and eng-ag-ed wath a brother in g-eneral merchandising- at Normand until 1888, when he came to this county and opened a g-eneral store in Palisade. In 1890 he removed his stock of g-oods to Garretson, where he has remained in trade ever since. In July, 1894, he became vice president of the Garretson State bank. Mr, Wang-sness is one of the most enterprising- business men in Garretson and keeps a larg-e stock of g-oods. He has held the offices of school and city treasurer of Garretson, and is a g-ood neig-hbor and respected citizen.

Ward, Henry Walter, was born April 7, 1871, at Darling-ton, Wisconsin, and received his education in the hig-h school at that place and at Marcus, Iowa. In 1885 he commenced to learn the printer's trade, and has been eng-ag-ed in the printing- business during- the last fourteen years in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota. In 1889 he became one of the proprietors of The Clipper at Crawford, Nebraska, and remained as such for two years, when he sold out and boug-ht an interest in the Gazette at Sibley, Iowa, acting- as editor and business manager of the same until he sold out and in connection with his brother, David E. Ward, purchased the Dell Rapids Times Aug-ust 1, 1892. In December, 1897, he located at Garretson, and since then has had editorial charg-e of the Garretson Progfress. He is an enterprising newspaper man, and a good, reliable citizen.

Edison Toavnsiiip

The west line of Edison township was surveyed by Wm. J, Neeley in July, 185'), and the north, south, and west lines by M. K. Armstrono- in October, 1864, at which time the subdivisions of the township also were made, and it contains, according- to the o-overnment survey, 22,995.56 acres of land. The soil is g-ood and there is scarcely any waste land. At the time of this survey there were (piite a number of small streams of sufficient size to find a place upon the map. It was first settled in 1872, Lasse Bothun, the Berdahls, Ole Nesheim, Edson Millard, Anton Heg-g-e, John Sundback, and some others, took up land that year and settled down to farming-. In 1873, about tw^enty families settled in this township, and nearlv all of the early settlers, or their descendents, are now living- there. Bessie Bothun was the first child born in Edison, and the first marriage was that of Miss Christina Berdahl to E. E. Ellefson.

The first school in the township was held in the winter of 1872-3, in A. J. Berdahl's claim shanty near the northwest corner of the southwest quarter of section thirtv. There were upwards of twenty scholars in attendance, and Erick J. Berdahl was the teacher. He taug-ht two months, and received about eig-ht dollars per month. In connection with the school a debating- society was established, and John Sundback and C. A. Soderberg-, v/ho lived about five miles away, w^ere usually in attendance taking- part in the debates.

Garretson, Corson and Baltic are the nearest shipping- points. It is strictly a farming- community, having- no hotels or stores within its borders, but it has six school houses, and two largfe churches.

Norway Lutheran Church. - This church was org-anized in 1873, with about thirty members. The first pastor was the Rev. H. Z. Hvid, and he was succeeded by the Reverends A. X. Kleven, H. O. Opsal, E, H. Midtbo and C. C. Moe. There is a Sunday school connected with the church, also a Woman's society and a Young- Ladies' society. In 1886, the present church was erected on the southwest corner of section 10, at a cost of about S3, 000, which has been paid by the members of the cong-reg-ation, except about S150 donated by the business men of Sioux Palls and Dell Rapids. This church can be seen for miles in almost any direction, as its site is upon quite an elevation, and, althoug-h it is somewhat extravag-ant languag-e, the writer has frequently heard it remarked that this church could be seen from almost any point in Minnehaha county. About thirty families Avorship at this place.

St. Paulqs Evangelical Lutheran Church, was oro-anized December 17, 1873, with a membership of twenty-eig-ht. The first pastor was the Rev. O. O. Sando, who remained in charg-e until 1885. In 1886, a church building- w^as erected on the southwest corner of section 8, two miles west of the Norway Lutheran church, at a cost of about SI, 800, which was paid by subscription among the members of the congregation. The Rev. H. Aanestad then became its pastor and still remains in charg-e. The cong-regation numbers about two hundred persons, and is in a prosperous condition, with a Woman's society connected with it to aid in the work. The church building is not only pleasantly located, but is pleasant in all its appointments.

An Ancient Bible And A Family Record

Ole J. Nesheim of Edison has in his possession a Bible, the New Testament of which was printed in Copenhag-en in 1632, and the Old Testament at the same place in 1633. It is of immense size, and was among the South Dakota exhibits at the World's Columbian Exposition at Chicago in 1893, and while on its wav there we obtained possession of it for one day. It contains a Faniily Record commencing in 1635, and is written in German letters in the Danish languag-e until 1815, from which time it is continued in the Norwegian language. It is of such a unique character that we thoug-ht it worthv of insertion in this work. Literallv translated it reads as follows:

1635. January 2, I was horn in the name of God, here in Bergen, of honest and marrieti parents. My father's name was Jacob Anderson Dischingthun, who was horn on the Orkney Ishmds in Holland. My mother's name was Lutzia Jansdotter, born here in Bergen. The witnesses present at my baptism were Abraham Kinckedt, Hendrich Korke, Claus Jacobsen, Trine Williams and Anne JobsDotter, and I was named Anders.

1635. November 17, was mv beloved wife, in the name of the Holy Trinity, born here in Bergen of honest and married parents. Her father's name was Anders Jansen, born in Cliristiania, her mother's name was Margrette Jorgensdotter, l)orn here in Bergen. She was baptised and named Karen. A. J. 1).

1664. January i, I was, in the name of the Holy Trinity, married to my beloved wife Karen Andersdotter. May G )d iielp us to so live together here in this world, that when this life is at an end, we may be worthy children of God in the life everlasting. A. J. I).

1665. February Ji.in the presence of the Burgomaster and tiie Aldermen, I took the burgher's oath, as a citizen of Bergen. May God help me to so use my citizenship in this world, that I may, when this here comes to an end, be worthy of a citizenship among the selected inhabitants of heaven. Amen. J. J. Dischincthun.

1699. November 22, in tiie e\ening at Ci o'clock, my father, Job Jacobsen Dischingthun, exchanged his mortal life for that of immortality, after having lived in this world for 64 years, 5 months and 20 days. He was buried in the city church, on the floor, under the minister's pulpit. I'he funeral sermon was preached by Maffister, Jens Moneken. May God give him, and all of us when we shall fo'low him, a glad resurrection. Jorgkn Dischingthun.

1713. November 2, which was on a Thursday, at 12 o'clock, my mother, Karen Andersdotter, left this world in the love of God, after having lived for 78 years, ininus 5 days. She was buried at the same place as my late father, etc. J. D.

1664. March 12, which was St. Gregory's day, at 10 o'clock A. m., my first son was horn in the name of the Holy Trinity, and on account of his feebleness, was baptised at our house, (all the following children were baptised in the church) by the honorable and well learned man, Mr. Otte Hansen; the witnesses present were Peder Matzen, Jorgen Dass, Mr. Jacob Hansen, my mother and Marie Andersdotter, and he was named Jacob.

i6(^g. July 14, which was on Wednesday in the evening about 11 o'clock, my first son Jacob, ill the love of God, went into eternal sleep, his age being 5 years, 4 months and 2 days. He was buried in the city church in my father-in-law's burial place. May (jod him and all of us a glad resurrection on the Judgment Day. ].]. D.

Jorgen J. Dischingthun was engaged on August 28, 1704, to Christina Elizabeth Mohrsen, born September 16, 16S0, her parents were Magtster Jacobus Mohrsen and Magdalena Christina Hagedorn. They were married February 20, 1705, in the house of her brother, who was Counselor of the Exchequer. He died October 31, 1752. She died January 20, 1759.

1707. December 12, at 6 o'clock, born, a son named Job. He married Harmiche Van der \'eld born December 2, 1727. Her father, Jan Van der Veld, was ist Lieut. Infantry, and her mother's name was Beathe Kramer. Job D. died on January 27, from a fever, having been sick only two days, he died just at midnight. They had been married thirteen years.

1709. July 10, Jacob Christopher was born to Jorgen and his wife. He was drowned during a vojage between Havre Da Grace and St. Martin. The galleon, on which he made his trip going to the bottom, during a hard storm in 1758.

The first meetino- of the board was held January 1, 1881. The chairman was not present, and after a little discussion about o-ettingrecord books for the town, the board adjourned until the next day, and on January 2, it does not appear that any important business was done. A special meeting was held January 31, when the clerk reported he was unable to g-et suitable books for the use of the town, at Sioux Palls, but that they could be procured at Yankton, and a vote was taken that each supervisor and the clerk should pay three dollars towards procuring- the books, and town warrants were issued to them to be paid "when there should be any money in the treasury." The bonds of the town officials were approved at this meeting. On the 19th day of July a special meeting of th^ board was held, and it was voted that a scraper should be boug-ht, if a town warrant could be exchanged for one. The officers were: Edson Millard, chairman, S. O. Hegge and P. A. Bergh, supervisors; C. H. Wangsness, clerk; John Sundback, assessor; Wm. T. Cole and Edward Crook, justices.

1882. Supervisors, Knute Henjum chairman, S. O. Hegge, W. W. Coon; clerk, P. A. Bergh. The assessed valuation for this year was $54,248.88. At this meeting the Beardsley bridge "was laid on the table." At the last meeting, for the year, Aniin J. Berdahl, treasurer, reported that he had received during the year S209.4(), and paid out $134.44.

1 8S4. The annn.'il town meeting" was held March 4, and T^asse Bothiin was elected moderator. This was the first meetino- under the law of March 9, 1883, o-overnint>- township niatters. The records do not show a complete list of town officials hut it is evident, from the proceeding's had, that the supervisors and clerk were the sameas the year previous. A meetinof of the board was held Februarv 21, 1SS5, and it appears that the treasurer had received from taxes during- the year, S330.57.

1885. A meetino- of the town hoard was held March 13. The new board, Edmund Crook, chairman, A. J. Berdahl and Lasse A. Vadheim present. On the 2d day of May the town board ordered the clerk "to record all section lines in Edison, not already recorded as such, as public roads."

1886. The town records for this year show that a meeting of the board was held June 28, at which time P. A. Berg-h resigned as clerk, and I. N. Pry was appointed to fill the vacancy. The records for the first of the year, do not show who the officials were, but it would seem the board of supervisors remained the same as the year before, and that A. Mvers was assessor and M. J. Smith constable.

1887. The annual town meeting- was held March 1, and the following- officers were elected: A. J. Berdahl chairman, W. J. Crittenden and Knute Henjum, supervisors; I. N. Fry, clerk; C. H. Wangsness, treasurer and justice; W. W, Coon, assessor; C. J. Millard and Stephen Hansen, constables. At this meeting- it was voted that all bridges should be placed at right angle with section lines. It was also declared by a vote, that the town would not be responsible for the passag-e of steam engines across bridg-es, but that the persons doing- damag-e to bridges with steam eng-ines would be held responsible. October 15, E. Millard was appointed one of the supervisors to fill the vacancy occasioned by the removal of W. J. Crittenden from the township, January 21, 1888, A. J. Berdahl resigned as supervisor and Ole J. Berdahl was appointed to the vacancy and Knut Henjum was made chairman.

1888. Supervisors, Ole J. Berdahl chairman, Knut Henjum, C. J. Millard; I. N. Pry, clerk; C. H. Wangsness, treasurer; L. Bothun, assessor; A. Walter, justice; John Bergh, constable. On the 17th of March, S. L. Pry was appointed justice and H. J. Berdahl constable.

1890. There is no record of the town meeting in March, but it appears from the record of the proceedings of the town board duringthe year that W. W. Coon was chairman and Knut Henjum and John Henjum supervisors, Stephen Hanson treasurer, A. H. Steplienson assessor, I. N. Pry, clerk.

1891. The town meeting was held March 3. C. H. Wangsness was elected chairman of the board and W. W. Coon and Anfin J. Berdahl supervisors, George E. Millard clerk, Stephen Hanson treasurer, A. H. Stephenson assessor, C. H. Wangsness and S. Lem

Fry justices, John Powers and O. K. Hamre constables. March 12, all the newly elected officers qualified except the constables, who declined to do so, and C. J. Millard and Herman Berdahl were ap- ])ointed. June 19, a special town meeting- was held for the purpose of determinino- whether a resurvey of the township should be made. The vote stood 40 /r>r and 56 ag-ahis/ the resurvey.

1892. At the town meeting- C. A. Wang-sness was elected chairman, A. J. Berdahl and W. W. Coon supervisors, Georg-e E. Millard clerk, Ole J. Berdahl treasurer, A. H. Stephenson assessor, H. J. Berdahl and C. J. Millard constables. Among- other business transacted at this meeting-, on motion the chairman of the board was directed to notify the chairman of the town board of Palisade that the Russian thistle in that township must be destroyed, or the matter would be placed in the hands of the state's attorney for prosecution.

1895. Supervisors, A. H. Stephenson chairman, John Powers, E. Bothun; clerk, Geo. E. Millard; treasurer, L. A. Vadheim; assessor, John Hove.

Anderson, Casper, was born in Norway September 16, 1844, and emig-rated to Iowa, and from there came to this county in 1876. He is living- upon his homestead in Edison, comprising- the southwest quarter of section 5.

Bentson, Rognald, was born in Norway in 1826. He emig-rated to the United States in 1866, and resided in Iowa until 1873, when he removed to this county. He secured a homestead in Edison, filingupon the west half of the northwest quarter of section 1, and the east half of the northeast quarter of section 2, where he now resides and has one of the most substantial homes in the township. He has several well-to-do sons in the county, and is himself a prosperous and respected citizen. While in Norway he eng-ag-ed in farming- duringthe summer, and fishing- during- the winter, and had many a fierce combat with the g-ales on the North Sea.

Bentson, Sevier, is a native of Xorwav and was Ixirn on the 1st day of July, 1855, In 18()(), he emig-rated with his parents to tlu- United States and lived in Wisconsin a short time, then removed to Decorah, Iowa, and in 1873, came to Edison, where he still resides on his homestead in secton 1. Since his coming- to this countv he has worked some of the time at stone masonrv and brick laving-, hut his chief occupation has been that of farming-. He is a good citizen and respected by his neig-hbors.

Berdahl, John E., the father, was born October 24, 1822, in Norway, and emig-rated with his family to this country in 185(), and settled in Iowa, where he remained four years; then removed to ^Minnesota and resided there until June, 1872, at which time he came to Minnehaha county and took up the north half of the northwest quarter of section 30 in Edison, and the north half of the northeast quarter of section 25 in Sverdrup, as a homestead. He resided on that portion of his homestead in the town of Edison until his death, which occurred on the 23d day of February, 1883. He was a g-ood citizen, and well thougfht of bv his neig-hbors.

Berdahl, Andrew J., the eldest son of John E. Berdahl, was born in Norway, December 10, 1848, and lived with his father until he came to Minnehaha count}' in 1872. In June of that year he took up as a homestead the south half of the northwest quarter and the north half of the southwest quarter of section 30 in Edison, and preempted the southeast quarter of the northeast quarter and the northeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 25 in Sverdrup. After farming- for several years he went to Baltic and eng-ag-ed in the mercantile business for six years, and then went to (xarretson and eng-ag-ed in the same business with his brother Anlin until 18')(), when he resumed the manag-ement of his farm in Edison. In 1875 and 1876 he was county assessor and rx officio sheriif of the county. He has held several town offices and frequently been a deleg-ate to political conventions. In the fall of 1892, he was elected county commissioner from his district and served the full term of three years. As an official Mr. Berdahl is conservative and uprig-ht, and looks after the interests of his constituents with the same deg-ree of dilig-ence that he bestows upon his own business. He is well educated and keeps himself well posted upon public affairs, and is recog-nized as one of the foremost citizens in the county.

Berdahl, Anfin J., was born in Norway in 1852, and came with his father to this county June 19, 1872. He took up as a homestead the south half of the northeast quarter and the north half of the southeast quarter of section 5 in Edison, and has since purchased eig-hty acres adjoining- his homestead on the south. He was town treasurer in 1882 and 1883. For several years he has been eng-ag-ed in the mercantile business at Garretson, is a g-ood business man, and a g-ood citizen.

Berdahl, Herman J., was born in Minnesota, January 16,1863, and came to this count}^ with his father June 19, 1872. He lives on the farm taken up by his father as a homestead. He has been constable in Edison for three years. He is a o-ood neig"hbor and a g-ood citizen.

Berdahl, Ole J., the fourth son of John E. Berdahl, is an American by birth, having- been born Aug-ust 3, 1860, while his parents were residing" in Houston county, Minnesota. He came to this county June 19, 1872, and has since then lived in Edison. He owns and lives upon the northeast quarter of section 30. He was chairman of the town board in 1889 and 1890, and has held other town offices. He is a g-ood neig-hbor and a hig-hly respected citizen.

BoTHUN, Lasse, is a native of Norway, and was born in 1836. He emig-rated to the United States in 1854, and resided in Wisconsin, Louisiana and Minnesota before coming- to Dakota in 1861, where he has since remained. He first located in Clav county, and removed to Minnehaha county in 1872. He settled in Edison township, making- homestead, pre-emption and tree claim filing-s on land in sections 18 and 19. He resides on the southeast quarter of section 18, and has a g-ood farm with substantial building's. Since coming- to Dakota he has seen a g-ood deal of public life. He was a member of the house of the territorial leg-islature in 1862-3, and of the council in 1864-5, and ag-ain of the house in 1874-5. He was also a member of the house of representatives of the first leg-islature of the State of South Dakota; was elected to the senate in 1891, and ag-ain in 1896, and nominated to the same office in 1898, but was defeated by the Republican nominee. Mr. Bothun is a man of more than ordinary ability, is well informed upon all the public questions of the day, and has for the last few years taken a very active part in the politics of the state. He is an industrious, hard-working- man, a g-ood public speaker, and while a member of the leg-islature exerted considerable influence upon leg-islative matters. He has a wide acquaintance and a host of friends.

CooN, AV, W., was born in Pon du Lac, Pon du Lac county, Wisconsin, in 1851, and was educated in the public schools. He worked on a farm in Wisconsin until 1869, when he removed to Iowa. In April, 1876, he came from there to this county, and took up a homestead in section 25 in Edison, and a timber claim of 80 acres, in section 30 in Palisade. He said that "at that time the larg-est market for wheat for a larg-e extent of country from the Vermillion river, Madison, Plandreau, Rock and Lyon counties, Iowa, was Luverne, Minnesota. I used to g-et up at 2 o'clock A. M. and start mv ox-team with a load of wheat for Luverne, so as to be able to start back by dark. I came to Canton by stag-e and walked from there to Edison. I had onlv money enoug-h to make a homestead filing- and borrowed monev to file a timl)er^claim. Several of us were living- in a shantv in Edison in June, 1876, and I went to Sioux Palls for provisions. I wanted some pork, ham or bacon, but there was nothing- of the kind in Sioux Falls, and I waited for C. K. Howard's teams to come in from Sioux City. They arrived at eleven o'clock at nio-ht, and I got some pork and started for home, and the next morning- we had something- to g-rease our i)ancakes with. But those w^ere pioneer days, and now I am only a short distance from the city of G'irretson, where anything- that a farmer needs can be obtained." Mr. Coon has held town offices in Edison, is a g'ood neigdibor and a respected citizen.

Crittenden, W. J., was born in New York, May 2(), 1S3(). He resided in several states before coming- to Dakota in 1S73. At that time he took up the northeast quarter of section L> in Mapleton, where he made his home for several years, and was a member of the town board of that township in 1881. He also resided in Edison a few years, where he was elected to the same position. After having lived in this county fourteen years, he removed to Tuscola countv, Michig-an, but will always be remembered as a g-ood neig-hl)or and esteemed citizen.

Ellefson, E. E., was born October 10, 1847, in Wisconsin. He li\etl there and in Iowa until 1872, when he became a resident of this county. He now has a fine farm comprising- the northwest (juarter of section 18 in Palisade, and the northeast c^uarter of section 13 in Edison, where he resides eng-ag-ed in farming-. He is an enter])risingfarmer, and a g-ood citizen.

Elvig, Ole, was born in Norway in 18()G. He came to Minnehaha county in 1883, and boug-ht and now owns the north half of the northwest quarter of section 11 in Edison, where he resides and has a g-ood farm.

EvENSON, Paul, was born in Norway May 28, 1849, and came to Fillmore county, Minnesota, and from there removed to Edison in June, 1873. He took up as a homestead 80 acres of section 0, and 80 acres of section 10 in Edison, and has a gfood farm.

Erickson, Theodore Martin, was born in Fillmore countx-, Minnesota, June 28, 1864. He came to Dakota with his [>arenls in the summer of 1872, and located in this countv. His father then secured a homestead upon the northeast quarter and a tree claim and pre-emption upon the southwest ([uarter of section 31 in Edison, which he transferred to the subject of this sketch who still holds it. They are all living- on the homestead.

F'uLLER, Alfred, was born in Connecticut June 15, 1817, and before coming- to Dakota resided in Ohio, Wisconsin and Iowa. He arrived in this county July 4, 1870, and took up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 19 in Sioux Falls, where he resided until 1887, when he sold it and removed to Edison and engaged in farming- in section 26 until his death, which occurred during- the spring- oi 1893. In 1861, he enlisted in Company G, 12th Iowa Reg-iment, and served until November, 1864. He was a hig-hh' respected citizen.

Fry, Isaac N., was born at Ephrata, Lancaster count\-, Pennsylvania, February 21, 1839. On the 10th day of September, 18()2, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, and served until Sep- tember 20, 1866. In October following- he removed to Minnesota, and resided there until 1881. In April of that year he removed to Palisade, this county, where he remained one month, and then settled in section 27 in Edison, w^here he has since resided. He has held the office of justice of the peace in Edison, and was town clerk for six consecutive years from 1885 to 1891. He is a conservative, g-ood citizen, and a good neig-hbor.

Pry, S. Lem, w^as born at Ephrata, Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, December 2, 1847, and resided there until Aug-ust, 1885, at which time he removed to this county and settled in Edison, where he eng-ag-ed in farming- in sections 15 and 22. In 1880, while a resident of Pennsylvania, he was appointed census enumerator of an important district. Since coming- to this county he has held school and township offices, and was census enumerator of Edison in 1890. Mr. Pry has had some experience in collecting- data, etc., having written the early history of an important town in Pennsylvania. In 1870, he became a correspondent for the local papers where he resided, and continued as such until 1884, He was also a special correspondent for the New York Tribune and the Philadelphia Press from 1880 to 1884, and was special and regular correspondent for four other papers during- that time. He is very active in the field of politics, and has frequently been elected deleg-ate to political conventions. He has a g-ood farm, is a good neig-hbor and an esteemed citizen.

Grinde, Andrew A., w^as born in Norway in 1854, but came to this country wnth his father when three years old. Before comings- to Edison in May, 1874, he lived in Wisconsin, and Minnesota. He went into the grain business at Brandon in 1879, and continued in this business eight years. In 1887, went to Baltic, and took charge of the Parmers Warehouse until June, 1891. In September, 1891, he moved back on his farm in Edison. He is highly respected as a business man and citizen.

Hamre, Ole K., a native of Norway, was born August 2, 1855. He emigrated to the United States and lived in Minnesota until 1873, when he removed to Dakota, arriving in Minnehaha county June 27, 1873. He took up as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 14, but disposed of it and now lives on and owns the east half of the southeast quarter of section 19 and the west half of the southwest quarter of section 20, in the town of Edison, which is a good farm with good buildings.

Hatlestad, Peder L., was born in Norway April 15, 1863. He emigrated in 1868, and resided in Minnesota sixteen years. On the 21st day of April, 1884, he came to this county and located on his present farm in section 21 in Edison. He has a good farm and is a good farmer.

Hegge, Anton, was born in Norway August 17, 1840, and emigrated to Minnesota and resided there and in Iowa until he came to Edison, June 24, 1872. He took up a homestead, tree claim and preemption. He has a large and valuable farm, a portion of it being in Sverdrup, and a portion in Edison, but his residence is on the southwest quarter of section 7 in Edison.

Hkgge, Sivert O., is a native of Norway and was horn Septcniher 20, 1847. He emiy-rated to this country and settled in Iowa. In 1S73 he removed to Minnehaha county and took up a homestead and tree claim in sections 7 and 8, in Edison. He afterwards purchased land in section 18 and has a laro-e, valuable farm. He planted twentytive acres of trees, and has jti'ood farm building's. He has held various town offices, is a o-ood farmer and a o-ood citizen.

Henjum, Johannes, was born in Ber^-en, Norway, and emio-rated to the United States in 1870. He lived in Wisconsin and Minnesota four years, and came to this county June 12, 1874. He took up a homestead of 160 acres in section 11, in Edison, and preempted 80 acres more in the same section. He also took up the northwest quarter of section 14, under the tree culture law, where he resides, and has one of the finest farms in the township, with \aluable improvements. He is a prosperous farmer, a g-ood neio-hl)()r and a respected citizen.

Henjum, John N., was born in Berg-en, Norway, June 23, 1856. He came to the United States in 1870, and resided in Wisconsin an<l .Minnesota four years. On the 12th day of June, 1874, he came to this county and secured a homestead in sections 17 and 18, in Edison. He also filed a tree claim on the west half of the northwest quarter of section 20, and purchased forty acres of section 19, ancl has a good farm. He has been town supervisor and takes g-reat interest in the welfare of his town.

Hermanson, Henry, was born in Iowa in 1871, and came to this county with his father in 1873. He is the owner of the east half of the northeast quarter of section 16, in Edison,

Hermanson, Herman, was born in Iowa in 1869, and came to this county with his father in 1873. He now owns the north half of the southeast quarter of section 19, in Edison.

Hermanson, John C, was born in Norway, Aj)ril 16, 1843, and after emi^rrating- to this country resided for some time in Iowa, and came to Edison in May, 1874. He took up a homestead in section 10, his residence being- in the northeast corner of the section. He has since added the east half of the southwest ([uarter and now has a g-ood farm of 240 acres.

Hermanson, Mat N., was born in Norway, May 15, 1845. He emigrated to the United States, lived in Iowa eight months; removed from there to Minnesota, where he lived two years; came to this county in 1875, and took up as a homestead the east half of the southwest quarter, and the west half of the southeast quarter of section 31, in Hig-hland township, but now resides in section 1, Edison township, where he is eng-ag-ed in farming-. He is a g-ood citizen.

Hermanson, Thor, was born in Norway, February 24, 1839, and after coming- to this country lived for awhile in Iowa. He came to Edison, June 19, 1873, and took up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 17, where he now resides. He has since boug-ht forty acres in the same section, and has a g-ood farm with substantial" building-s and improvements. He is an enterprising", g-ood citizen.

HoGANSON, Ole, was born in Trondhjem, Norway. He emiw-rated to this country and came to Dakota in 1873, taking- up as a homestead and tree claim the south half of section 0, in the town of Edison, where he still resides, having- a g-ood farm with substantial and fine building-s.

Hove, John, came from Minnesota, where he was born September 25, 1864. He settled in this county in 1885, and resides on his 160-acre farm in section 3, in Edison, eng-ag-ed in farming-, and has a gfood farm.

Henjum, Knut Nelson, was born in Norway, February 3, 1845, and came to this country in 1861. He resided in Minnesota until 1874, when he removed to Dakota and located in this county. He pre-empted the northwest quarter of section 11 in Edison, and after perfecting- his title sold it in 1885. He also secured a timber claim on the southwest quarter of the same section, and a homestead on the southwest quarter of section 14, where he resides and has a very fine farm with substantial building-s and improvements. He owns at this writing- about 520 acres of land in Edison township, and is eng-aged in extensive farming-. He has held school district and town offices, and is one of the responsible farmers of Edison, and a hig-hly respected citizen. Mr. Henjum, tog-ether with John Hermanson, Lars Hove and John J. Henjum were the first persons to settle out on what w-as then called the "hig-h prairie" in Edison; the settlements before that time being- along- the Split Rock and Pipestone creeks.

Ingalls, William Harrison, was born in Kane county, Illinois, December 16, 1848. He lived in Iowa a few years, and came to Dakota in 1872, where he remained until 1874, when he left the territory. In 1884 he returned to Dakota and took up his permanent residence in this county on the northeast quarter of section 23 in Edison, where he eng-aged in farming- until in November, 1898, when he removed to Todd county, Minnesota, where he is now located on a stock farm. He was an active and well-known citizen, and served as school director and road overseer several years in Edison township.

Johnson, Nels P., was born in Sweden in 1846. He emig-rated to the United States in 1871, and lived in Chicag-o, Illinois, until 1873, Avhen he removed to Dakota and located in this county. He resides on his fajm in Edison comprising- about 400 acres of land in sections 34 and 35, and is a well-to-do farmer and a g-ood citizen.

Johnson, Thomas, was born in Norway in 1852. He emig-rated to the United States and lived in Minnesota until he removed to this county in 1875. He took up the southwest quarter of section 22 in Log-an as a homestead, and the northwest quarter of section 32 in Edison as a tree claim, where he has since resided eng-aged in farming-. He has a g-ood farm, and is a gfood citizen.

LOFTESNESS, JoHN H., was born in Norwav in 1822, and resided in Wisconsin and Minnesota before coming- to Edison in 1873. He took up the northeast quarter of section 20, as a homestead, to which he has added 80 acres, and has a g-ood farm.

Larson, Ojle, is a native of Norway, and was horn in 1845. After coming- to this country he lived for some time in Wisconsin and came to Dakota in 1873, and settled in this county, takino- up as a homestead the northeast quarter of section 3 in Kdison. He also owns the northwest quarter of the same section, makino- in all a u-Qod farm of 320 acres with substantial Iniildin^-s and improvements. He is an enterprisino-, reliable citizen.

Millard, EDSON,was born at Morris, Otseg-o county, New York, Julv 27, 1827. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. Before coming' to Dakota he resided for a few years in Minnesota. In 1872 he came to this county and settled in Edison, taking up land in sections 25 and 35. He resided on his farm until his decease, which occurred December 5, 1892. He was a kind, generous man, and was g-reatly beloved by his neig-hbors. As a citizen he was hig-hlv respected, and the pioneers of Edison cherish his memorv and often speak of the many little helps he g-ave them.

Nesheim, Ole J., is a native of Norway, and was born in 1849. He emig-rated to Dakota in 1868 and lived about two years near Vermillion, then took up a quarter section of land in the northern part of Clav county, where he was one of the first settlers. He removed from there to this county in 1872 and took up a homestead and tree claim comprising 200 acres in section 18 in Edison, where he has since resided and has a g-ood farm.

OvESON, Erick, was born October 1, 1859, in Winneshiek county, Iowa. He lived there and in Minnesota until 1872, when he came to Dakota and settled in Minnehaha county. His farm is located in section 31 in Edison and section 6 in Brandon. He resides in Edison, is a g-ood farmer and a respected citizen, and has held the office of assessor.

Powers, John, was born in Ireland in 1844, and came to Minnesota in 1870, and to this county June 1, 1873. He took up the northeast quarter of section 29, as a homestead, where he has since resided. He also tiled upon the northwest quarter of the northwest ([uarter of section 28, as a timber claim, and has since purchased land in Edison so that he is now the owner of 520 acres. He isagfood farmer and a g-ood neig-hbor, and it looks now as thoug-h he would g-et along comfortably without any outside help. He has held several important town offices, and is a higfhly esteemed citizen. His father, Allen Powers, took up the southeast quarter of section 29 in Edison as a homestead in 1873, and resided there until his death, which occurred in December, 1876.

Rognaldson, Hans H.i was born in Norway in 1847. He emigrated and lived in Wisconsin and Washing-ton Territory before he came to Dakota in 1880, when he located in this county. He boug-ht the east half of the northeast quarter of section 11, and the west half of the northwest quarter of section 12, in the town of Edison, where he now resides, and has a g-ood farm with substantial building's and improvements.

sides upon the southwest quarter of section 9, and has purchased the northwest quarter of section 16, and has a good farm. He has been assessor three years, member of the school board and chairman of the town board, and in 1895 was elected county commissioner from his district. He makes a g-ood official and is an enterprising- and respected citizen.

Stephenson, Jacob, is a native of Norwa}^ and was born June 25, 185(). He emio-rated to Minnesota and lived there until he removed to Dakota with his father in 1873. He has a homestead on the southeast quarter of section 9, in Edison, and also owns the west half of the northeast quarter of the same section, where he resides and has a o-ood farm.

Stephenson, Stephen, was born in Norway, December 16, 1853. He came to this country and lived in Minnesota for some time, but removed to Dakota and settled in this county in 1873. He then hied a homestead on the northwest quarter of section 9, where he still resides. He also owns the east half of the northeast quarter of section 8, making- in all a g-ood farm of 240 acres.

Stokke, John J,, was born in Norway in 1826. He emig-rated to the United States and lived in Minnesota until 1872, when he removed to this county. He took up considerable land, but disposed of a larg-e portion, and now owns 400 acres in sections 30, 31 and 33 in Edisoh, wdiere he resides and has a good farm. He is a good neighbor and an esteemed citizen.

Vadheim, L. a., is a native of Norway and was born Januarv 10, 1850. He emigrated to the United States and lived in Iowa until in July, 1873, when he removed to this county. He secured 240 acres of land in section 12 in Edison by homestead and tree claim filings, and resides on the northeast quarter of that section. He has been town supervisor and school district clerk, is a good farmer and a g'ood citizen.

Wangsness, Christopher H., was born in Norway, Julv 15, 1857. He came to this country with his father, Herman H. Wangsness, lived with him in Minnesota and Iowa, and came with him to Edison June 19, 1873. His father took up as a homestead the east half of the northwest quarter and the west half of the northeast quarter of section 17, and as a tree claim the west half of the southeast quarter of the same section. This land is now owned bv Chris, and is a good farm. His father was born January 14, 1814, and is still living. Chris is an active participant in public affairs, and for the past few years a republican county convention without his presence has been of rare occurrence. He was the first town clerk of Edison, has held nearly all the township offices and has been chairman of the town board. He was elected reg-ister of deeds of this county in November, 1892, was re-elected in 1894, and performed the duties of this office to the entire satisfaction of his constituency. Since the expiration of his term of office as register of deeds he has been in the employ of the McCormick Harvester Co., and resides in the city of Sioux Palls. He is one of Minnehaha county's foremost citizens, has a wide circle of acquaintances and a host of friends.

Svkrdrup Tow Ns Hip

The town lines of Sverdrup were surveyed by Wm. J. Neelev in Julv, 1859, and the subdivisions made by Carl C. P. Meyer in September, 1864. It has an acreag-e of 23,031.58, and is one of the be;- 1 townships in the countv. The Big- Sioux river enters on section 2, and running in a southeasterly course, leaves the township on section 32. On the map of the first survey there appear two quite extensive slouofhs, but they have g-radually yielded to cultivation, and onlv during- very wet seasons are noticeable. There are some tril);itaries of the Big- Sioux in the eastern part of the township, but the volume of water is greatly increased or diminished by drv' or wet seasons. The first settlement was made on section 29, by John Thompson, on the 2d day of July, 18()(), and through his influence others came to this county and settled during- the year following-. On the 12th day of Ang-ust, 1868, the first church in the countv was org-anized in this township. The first school house in Sverdrup w^as built of log-s, and located a little southwest of John Thompson's g-rove, where the Early Settlers Association has held its annual meeting-s and picnics for the last five years. The first school meeting- of which there is any record, was held at this house on the 30th day of Aug-ust, 1871. William Melvin was elected director, John Thompson clerk, and A. W. Johnson treasurer. The first school teacher was Ole J. Aasen, w^ho commenced school on the 28th day of December, 1871, and taug-ht three months for the sum of S37. The school was held in John J. Aasen's log- dwelling- house, which was situated on the northwest quarter of section 29. The Chicagfo, Milwaukee & St. Paul railroad runs throug-h the entire leng-th of Sverdrup, but its nearest station is at Baltic, formerly known as St. Olaf and Keyes, located on the southeast quarter of section 32, in Dell Rapids township. It has more resident farmers than any other township in the county, and its valuation of personal property is the largest, except Sioux Falls and Dell Rapids with the cities included. The population is principally of Scandinavian descent; and the well cultivated farms, fine building-s and other evidence of thrift that can be seen in Sverdrup is a high testimonial of the industry and g-ood citizenship of this race of people.

NiDAKOs Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. - This church was named after the city of Nidaros (now called Trondhjem), in Norway. It was org-anized August 12, 1868, and was the first church oro-anization in this county. Its members were mostly resi- dents of the western half of Sverdrup. Its first pastor was the Rev. E. Christensen, who then resided in Yankton county. He preached to the cong-reg-ation occasionally until the fall of 1873. On the 23d day of October of that year the Rev. O. O. Sando was installed as pastor of this church, and has since then remained as such. In 1878 a church building- was erected on the northwest quarter of section 17, in Sverdrup, at a cost of S3, 500, which sum was raised among- the members of the church. There were in 18% two hundred and eig-htv communicants, and the cong-reg-ation numbered six hundred. Services are held in the church once in two weeks. There is a parochial school connected with the church which is maintained from four to seven months each year.

St, Olaf's Norwegian Lutheran Church. - This church was org-anized at Baltic, March 16, 1890, with a membership of thirtyfour, which has remained about the same since then. There is a Woman's sewing- circle connected with, and in aid of the church. The Rev. C. C. Moe holds services about every third Sunday. Owing- to the hard times for the past few years, the societv has not vet erected a church building.

The first meeting- of the board was held at the residence of John Vollan on Saturday the 15th day of January, 1881. At this meeting- there were present T. S. Roberts chairman, O. P. Moe and Ole J. Aasen supervisors, A. J. Berdahl clerk, and Erik J. Berdahl justice of the peace. John Thompson had been elected assessor and J. Hogstad one of the constables, but havino- failed to

(|u.'ilif\-, Sever J. Aasen was njipointed assessor and Maj^-mis Tideniann constable. John H. Roberts was treasurer, and Thomas Mc- Kean one of the constables during- this year. On July IcS, there as a meetino- of the board, and John O. Lan^-ness was ])resent as one of the supervisors in the place of Ole J. Aasen. On the l*)th dav of July the first warrant was issued to Sever J. Aasen in the sum of S2S for services as assessor. The treasurer reported at the end of the year that he had received no money.

1883. Supervisors, John Thompson chairman, Ole P. Moe, Peter P. Risvold; Andrew J. Berdahl clerk, Sever J. Aasen assessor, John O. Lang-ness treasurer, Ole J. Aasen and Erik J. Berdahl justices, James Plamoe, Jr., constable, A. P. Risvold road overseer. At the first meeting- of the board it was ordered that all bridg-es built in the township should be of the wndth of 16 feet.

1884. The annual town meeting- was held on March 4, at the Ivring-en school house. At this meeting- three g-uide posts were ordered erected and three places desig-nated for posting- legfal notices. At this meeting- John Thompson was elected chairman, Peder P. Risvold and Ole P. Moe supervisors, A. J. Berdahl clerk, John O. Lang-ness treasurer, Severt J. Aasen assessor. Thirty-seven votes were cast. On the 27th day of September the resig-nation of A. J. Berdahl as clerk was accepted and John R. Bjorg-an was appointed to fill the vacancv.

1885. The annual town meeting- was held in the John Thom])son school house on the 3d day of March. It was voted to raise SlOO for general purposes, S75 for road and bridg-es and S25 for incidental expenses. John Thompson was elected chairman, Peter P. Risvold and Ole J. Aas^en supervisors, John R. Bjorg-an clerk, John O. Lang-- ness treasurer, Severt J. Aasen assesssr, Ole J. Aasen and K. J. Berdahl justices, J. Plamoe and John O. Hammer constables.

1886. The annual town meeting- was held at the Kring-en school house on the 2d dav of March. It was voted to pav the assessor S2.00 per day for " his services instead of $3.00. A. P. Risvold was elected overseer of hig-hways for the whole township. A tax was ordered levied sufficient to raise for g-eneral purposes S125, and for bridg-es $200. John Thompson was elected chairman, Ole J. Aasen and Peter P. Risvold supervisors, John O. Lang-ness treasurer, Se\'er J. Aasen assessor. Eig-hteen votes were cast at this election.

1887. The annual towm meeting- was held March 1, when John Thompson was elected chairman and Ole Aasen and Erik Berdahl supervisors and justices, John R. Bjorg-an clerk, John O. Lang-ness treasurer, Severt J. Aasen assessor, Jens Plamoe and G. A. Gardner constables. Eighteen votes were cast. At this meeting the assessor's pay was raised to $2.50 per day.

on dividing- the town into road districts was 21 for, and 12 ai,nthfs/. John Thompson was elected chairman, Ole J. Aasen and E. J. Berdahl supervisors, J. R. Bjorg-an clerk, John O. Lanjj-ness treasurer, Severt J. Aasen assessor, P, A. Moen constable, A. P. Risvold road overseer. June 4, road matters were considered, and the town ofllicers upon petition of twelve freeholders decided to submit the question of a resurvev of the township "according- to the U. S. survey and field notes." At the town meeting- held June 18, 62 votes were cast on the resurvey question, 44 \n favor ?ind 18 ag-ahist. October 30 and 31, the board divided the township into four road districts, and on the last mentioned day the town board of Dell Rapids met with the board and divided the west one mile and a half for the maintenance of a hig-hway on the town line between the two towns.

1881). The following- officers were elected: John Thompson chairman, E. J. Berdahl and Ole J. Aasen supervisors and justices, John R. Bjorg-an clerk, John O. Lang-ness treasurer, S. J. Aasen assessor, John Finneg-an and J. Plamoe constables. July 8, the board directed Ole J. Aasen to procure the resurvey of certain roads. October 5, board settled with Mrs. A. B. McKean for damag-es which she had received by the new survey.

1892. Supervisors, E. J. Berdahl chairman, H.(t. Solem, Oliver Olson; John R. Bjorg-an clerk, A. J. Berdahl treasurer, Ole J. Aasen assessor, T. T. Vrenne justice of the peace, Ole J Fundaun constable.

1898. Supervisors, E. J. Berdahl chairman, N. B. Peterson, l^rik Nelson; clerk, John R. Bjoro-an; treasurer, Ole J. Ouestad; assessor, Hans S. Sandvi<j\

Aasen, Jr., John J., one of the first farmers who settled in this county, is a native of Norway and was born February 15, 1843. He emigrated to the United States and lived in Goodhue county, Minnesota, until the fall of 1866, when in the company of Ole O. (iilseth he started for Dakota; the hardships and privations endured by them during- this journey being- more fully described in the chapter of reminiscences. After having- arrived in this county, Mr. Aasen took up a homestead in sections 20 and 29 in Sverdrup, where he has been eng-ag-ed in farming-. He resides at the present time on his farm in section 30 in the same township, is well-to-do and has a g-ood farm. In 1865, he served in the arm\' for six months. He is a good farmer and a respected citizen.

Aasen, Ole J., was born in Norway in 1846, and is one of the early settlers of this county. He came here from Minnesota July 23, 1867, there being- no railroads in this section of the country at that time, the slow convevance of an ox-team was employed to bring- the sturdy settler to Dakota. He located in this county and secured as a homestead the northeast quarter of section 18 in Sverdrup, where he has since resided, and has a good farm with substantial buildings. He was appointed constable in 1871, in district number three, and since that time has almost continuously held some prominent township office either as supervisor of the town board, justice of the peace or assessor, and in the winter of 1871-2 taug-ht the first school in that localitv. He takes an active interest in the welfare of his town, and is a highly respected citizen.

Berdahl, Erick J., was born in Norway August 8, 1850, and came to Minnehaha county with his father in June, 1872, having prior to that time lived with him in Iowa and Minnesota. He filed on the northeast quarter of the southwest quarter and the north half of the southeast quarter of section 24 in Sverdrup, and the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 19 in Ediso*n as a homestead. He took up a timber claim, which he afterwards sold. He also sold the west 40 acres of his homestead, and bought 120 acres north of the remainder of his homestead, making him a farm of 240 acres, on which he now resides. He also owns 80 acres of section 25 in Sverdrup. He has been justice of the peace, member and chairman of the town board, postmaster of Pennington post office fifteen vears, and at the election in November, 1892, was elected to the House of Representatives of the state legislature on the Populist ticket, and was the only candidate of his party elected to the legislature from this county that year.

Bjorgan, John R., was born in Norway, January 8, 1851. In 1872 he emigrated to the United States, and located in this coiintv. He lived in Sverdrup two years, and then w^ent to Decorah, I(nv.'i, where he for three years attended the I>uther colleg-e, from which he was g^raduated in 1877. He then went to Goodhue county, Minn., and tauo-ht school until he returned to Sverdrup, where he follow^ed the same vocation until the summer of 1892. He resides on his farm in section 30, in Sverdrup. He has held the office of clerk of the town board of supervisors since 1884, and is also secretary of the Farmers' Mutual Insurance Company, of Minnehaha county. He is an enterprising- and respected citizen.

Brende, Gudmund O., is a native of Norway, and was born July 18, 1839. He emig-rated and came to Minnesota in 1867, resided there three years, and removed to Dakota and located in this county in July, 1870. He took up as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 21, in Sverdrup, and has since then purchased about six hundred acres of land in the same township. He lives on his homestead and has a verv^ g^ood farm. The Sverdrup post office is located on his farm, and Mr. Brende has been the postmaster ever since it was established. He is one of the prominent farmers of Sverdrup, highly esteemed as a neig-hbor and citizen, and well known all over the county.

Brende, Erick G., was born on the North Sea, May 5, 1867, while his parents were emig-rating- to the United States. His father, Gudmund O. Brende, settled in Minnesota for three years, and then removed to Dakota and located in'this county. The subject of this sketch is an enterprising- young- man, and at the present w^riting- is residing- upon the old homestead in section 21, in Sverdrup.

Brende, Ole G., was born in Norway, November 13, 1864. He came with his parents to Minnesota in 1867, and three years later to Sverdrup. He now^ owns a g-ood farm in sections 16 and 22 in that township. He is a g-ood citizen.

Brende, Ole Thompson, is a native of Norway, and was born December 6, 1852. He emig-rated to Minnesota in 1869, and resided there until he removed to this county in 1872. He settled in Sverdrup township, taking- up as a homestead the northw^est quarter of section 14, to which he has added by purchase and at the present writing has a farm of about three hundred and sixty acres. He is one of the suj^stantial farmers of Sverdrup, and has held the office of treasurer of his school district for more than ten years. He is a g-ood neig-hbor and a respected citizen.

Fersdal, Thomas H., w^as born in Trondhjem, Norway, February 13, 1858. He emig-rated to Minnesota where he resided until 1881, when he came to Dakota, and has lived in this county ever since. He bought and now owms about 220 acres of land, consisting- of a part of the southwest quarter of section 33, and the whole of the southwest quarter of section 32, in Sverdrup, where he now resides.

in Wisconsin four \ears and came to this countx' in 1873. He then entered a homestead and a tree claim upon the northeast quarter of section 2, in Sverdrup, where he still resides and has a j^-ood farm. He has been a member of the school board, and is a j^-ood citizen.

FuNDAUN, Olp: J., is a native of Norway and was liorn in 1S51. He emio-rated to Dakota in 1875, and located in this county. He filed a pre-emption upon the west half of the northwest quarter of section 11, and the east half of the northeast quarter of section 10. in S\erdrup, where he is still living-, eno-ao-ed in farmin<i-.

(tARDNER, George H., was born in Michi,o-an March 22, 1853, on his father's farm in the town of Dearl)orn, Wavne countv. While quite 3'ouno- he removed to Minnesota, and from there to Iowa, and eng-ag-ed in farming-. In April, 1877, he came to Sioux Palls, where he remained about one month and then located a homestead in Moodv county. April 1, 1878, he returned to this count}' and boug'ht the southwest quarter of section 23 in Sverdrup, where he has since resided. He is also the owner of the northwest quarter of section 23 and 200 acres in section 22 in the same township. He is a gfood farmer and has a splendid farm. Was one of the g-rand jurors at the April term of the circuit court in 18*)3.

GUNDERSON, Thorsten, came to the United States from Norway, where he was born March 24, 1840. He lived in Minnesota one \ear, but left there for Dakota in 1873, and settled in this countv. He secured a fine location by the Sioux river in sections 17 and 18 in Sverdrup, where he has since resided eng^agfed in farming". He is a g-ood farmer and a respected citizen.

Hammer, Johx O., was born in Norway in 1854. He emig-rated to the United States in 1873, and settled in this county. He took up a homestead and a tree claim in section 1 in Sverdrup, where he has since resided and has a g-ood farm with substantial building-s.

The Huntemer Family. The Huntemers of Minnehaha county are sufficiently prominent and numerous to receive special mention. The father was born in 1822 at Achren near Baden in (jermany. He married in 1846, and emig-rated to the United States the same year and settled in St. Louis, Missouri. After having- lived there one year he removed to Potosi, Grant county, Wisconsin, where he resided until his death. He was a farmer, and had fourteen children, eleven of whom are now living". There were eit^ht sons, and all of them, except Henry, have resided in this county, and he resides in Lake county, this state. Pour of the dcug-hters have also lixed in Minnehaha "county, and one of them, the wife of P. P. Bowen, is now a resident of Taopi. A biog-raphical sketch of William will be found below, of John in Mapleton,of Aug'ustus in Dell Rapids, and of Charles B., Georg-e V., Prank J., and Josej)!! in Taopi, where they first resided in this county.

Huntemer, William, was born in Potosi, (irant county, Wiscansin, October 28, 1848; was reared on a farm, and received a common school education. His father g-ave the boys their time when twenty years old, and the subject of this sketch went to work on a farm in Iowa the following- year and saved about two hundred dollars. In April, 1871, in company with his brother John he started for Sioux Falls, arriving there April 16. Among- the first jobs they secured was that of excavating- the cellar for the Cataract hotel. William took up land in section 33 in Sverdrup, and there is a story frequently told that after he had been farming- for two or three years he became so discourag-ed that he was about to leave the country where the g-rasshoppers harvested his crops; that he came down to Sioux Falls, where C. K. Howard happened to hear of his intentions, and in order to induce him to remain said he would take the place of Providence for one year, and g-ive him a written g-uaranty that he would raise a g-ood crop. When asked about it, Mr. Huntemer said: "Yes, that's about as it was. I had got discourag-ed - the g-rasshoppers had taken my crops and I thoug-ht it was of no use to remain here any long-er. Mr. Howard overheard me saying- I was about to sell my personal property and leave, and he protested strongly, saying I had a good farm, w^as a good farmer, that Providence had not forgotten us and that the grasshoppers would not appear ag'ain. I asked him how many bushels of wheat he thoug-ht I would get an acre that year, and he replied he was sure that I would g-et a good crop. I then said to him, 'If you w^ill guarantee thirteen bushels per acre I will give you all I raise over that.' He replied, 'I will do it.' I then said, 'I w^ant this put down in black and white.' He assented to this and wrote out the agreement which we signed, and then he handed me tw^enty-five cents and told me to go dow n to the register of deeds' office and file the ag-reement, which I did. I raised twenty-five to thirty bushels an acre that year, and the surplus over thirteen bushels I drew for Mr, Howard to Beaver Creek, Minnesota. I have always been glad that I made that contract and remained in this county."

Mr. Huntemer resides on his farm in Sverdrup, which now comprises 400 acres and is one of the best farms in the countv. He is not only a g-ood farmer, but is a good neighbor and citizen.

KiRKEBY, S. T., was born in Norway in 1866, and came to the United States with his parents in 1869. In 1873, they removed from Minnesota to this count}^ and settled in section 30 in Sverdrup. The subject of this sketch now resides on the northwest quarter of section 30, and has a good farm of 200 acres. He is one of the progressive farmers of Sverdrup, and is a respected citizen.

Krogstad, Peter, emigrated to the United States from Norway, where he was born in 1828. He came directly to South Dakota in 1872, and settled in Minnehaha county, securing as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 14 in Sverdrup, where he still resides, and has a good farm.

Langness, John O., was born in Norway, October 22, 1839. He emigrated to the United States in 1866, and lived in Minnesota until in the spring of 1868, when he removed to Dakota and came to this county about the first of May of that year. He took up a homestead in the center of section 5 in Sverdrup, where he still resides and has one of the most substantial and best improved farms in the county.

He took up a tree claim and a pre-emption in I^o^^an, hut has since disposed of his interest in them, and has purchased several hundred acres of land in sections 5, 8 and 20 in Sverdrup. He has held most, if not all of the town offices; has been county surveyor two terms, and was a member of the assembly of the territorial le^^-islature one term. In November, ISOb, he was elected county treasurer of Minnehaha county. He is a man of positive convictions, and always ready to stand by and advocate his princi])les. He is as honest as he is self-reliant, and is hig-hlv esteemed by his neij^hbors. He is credited with a ,o(K)d deal of political sag-acity, and his political opponents in takino- an account of stock never ig-nore his political influence. It is not too much to say, that he stands in the front rank of the best citizens of the county.

McBride, Owen, a native of Ireland, was born in 1829. He emi- ,i»-rated to America and lived in Iowa until in 1874, when he came to Dakota and settled in this county, takino- up as a homestead the south half of the southeast quarter of section 14, and the north half of the northeast quarter of section 23, in Sverdrup, and has lived there, en- ^ayed in farming-, ever since. He was appointed overseer of hig-hways in 1890.

IVIcBkide, Thomas, was born in Ireland June 12, 1839. He emig-rated to the United States in 1856, and resided in Iowa until 1873, when he removed to Dakota and located in this county. He took up a homestead in section 24, and a tree claim in section 13, in Sverdruj), and has a g-ood farm. His residence is on the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 24. He was a teamster in the war of the rebellion for about three years.

MoE, Ole Peterson; was born in Norway in 1850, and emig-rated to Minnesota in 1869. He remained there until the fall of 1870, when he removed to Dakota and settled in Sverdrup. He took u[) as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 31, and preempted 160 acres in the same township and has a g-ood farm with substantial l)uilding-s and improvements. He has held several school and town offices in Sverdrup, and is respected as an honest uprig'ht man.

Moen, Peter O., was born in Trondhjem, Norway, October, 30, 1858. He emigrated and located in Minnehaha county in June, 1873, taking- up a homestead in section 12 in Sverdrup township, where he has since resided engrag-ed in farming-, and has a g-ood farm.

Nyhus, Guttorm T., was born in Norway in 1841. He emig-rated to the United States, and lived in Minnesota for some time, but removed to this county in 1872. He took up as a homestead the northeast quarter of section 28, in Sverdrup, where he still resides and has a gfood farm. He has purchased land in five other sections in this township, and now owns several hundred acres. He is a successful farmer, a good neigfhbor, and an enterprising- and respected citizen.

Peterson, Nels B., of Sverdrup, is a native of Norway, and was born on the 4th day of October, 1853. He emig-rated with his parents to the United States in 1868, and upon arriving- to this countrv took the train for the West, and came direct to Sioux City. At that place his brother, about three years old, was taken sick. Be- \ng short of money, and the destination of the family being- this countv, they were oblig-ed to make the remaining- part of their journev" afoot. They carried the sick child, and walked across the prairie until they reached the farm of Robert Peterson, an uncle of Nels, who at that time lived in Mapleton. They arrived there in June, 1868, and three days after their arrival the little boy died. His father, Jorg-en Peterson, secured a pre-emption, tree-claim and homestead in sections 3 and 4 in Mapleton, and in section 34 in Sverdrup, where he resided until his death, which occurred in the fall of 18^)5. Nels took up a homestead in section 2 in Mapleton, and has boug-ht considerable land in sections 33 and 34 in Sverdrup, and in section 2 in Mapleton, and now owns, including- his father's property, several hundred acres of land in this county. He has been a member of the town board of supervisors since 1896, and also a member of the school board for several years. He resides on the southeast quarter of section 34, has a g-ood farm, with fine improvements, is an enterl)rising- farmer, and a hig-hly respected citizen.

RisvoLD, Andrew P., is a native of Norway and was born in 1835. He emig-rated to the United States in 1867, and for two 3^ears resided in Minnesota. He came to this county in June, 1869, and settled in Sverdrup, taking- up the southwest quarter of section 10, as a homestead, where he still resides and has a g-ood farm with substantial building-s. He is one of the reliable citizens of Sverdrup, and has been the treasurer of the school district in which he resides upwards of fifteen years.

RisvoLD, John P., was born in Norway, June 20, 1851, and emig-rated to the United States with his parents. He came to this county on his 19th birthday, and in 1872 took up a homestead in sections 4, in Sverdrup, and 33, in Dell Rapids. He is a g-ood farmer, has a g-ood farm, and is a reliable citizen.

RisvoLD, Paul A., was born in Norway, July 7, 1861. He emigrated to this country and resided in Minnesota until he removed to this county in October, 1870, where he has since resided. He purchased the southeast quarter of section 10, in Sverdrup, and has a g-ood farm and is a reliable citizen.

Sando, Rev. O. O., was born in Rock county, Wisconsin, May 4, 1849. He was educated in Luther colleg-e, DecoVah, Iowa, and took a theolog-ical course at Concordia seminary in St. Louis, Missouri, g-raduating- in 1873. In October of that year he came to this county, having- accepted a call from the Nidaros Evang-elical Lutheran Cong-regf-ation in Sverdrup township, and three other cong-reg-ations, one at Brandon, this county, one in Brooking-s, this state, and one in Rock county, Minnesota"! At that time there was not another Lutheran minister in this part of South Dakota, and a larg-e amount of missionary work devolved upon him. Before the expiration of the year he had organized six cong-reg-ations in addition to the four he came to take chargre of, and he preached to them all, one of them being- in Yellow Medicine countv, Minnesota. He was in the saddle most of the time, and as the immij^Tation of Lutherans inerease-d rapidly in this and adjoining- counties, his field of labor was broadened and his missionary duties larg-elv added to. At one time he had not less than seventeen cono-reo"itions to whom he preached. Ife has held services in sod houses, farmers' residences, and later on, in school houses. The cono-reg'ations org-anized by him in those pionrcr days are now in charg-e of twelve pastors, and many line church edifices have been erected. In 1876 he org-ani/.ed the first Norweg'ian Lutheran church in Sioux Palls after having- preached reg-ularly for a few Lutherans at that place since LS73. He has at the present time charg-e of two cong-reg-ations - one in Sverdrup and one in Taopi. From the foreg-oing- sketch of his labors it can readily be seen that the people in this section of the country are g-reatly indebted to him for his pioneer work. He is g-reatly beloved by his parishioners, and is a gfood preacher. But where he excels is in his every-day work among- the people of his cong-reg-ation.

Sandvig Sr., Hans H., is a native of Norway, and was born Aug-ust 20, 1826. He emig-rated to Minnesota where he resided a few years. On the 28th day of September, 1872, he came to this county and settled in Sverdrup, taking- up a homestead and tree claim in sections 11 and 13. His residence is located on the northwest quarter of section 13. He has a g-ood farm, and is a respected citizen.

SoLEM, Henry G., was born in Norw^ay, in 1853. He emig-rated to Minnesota and resided there until 1871, when he removed to Dakota and settled in Minnehaha countv. He then filed a pre-emption in section 3, and is at the present time the owner of the southwest c|uarter and the northeast quarter of that section, and also the northwest quarter of section 2, in Sverdrup. He resides on the northeast quarter of section 3, and has a very fine farm with substantial building-s and improvements. He is a g-ood farmer and a g-ood citizen, and has held several town offices.