Sioux Falls City (part 4 of 6)

Biographical Sketches

BuTTERFiELD, Merrick, was born in Andover, Vermont, December 18, 1819; was raised on a farm, and attended the public schools. When twenty-one years of ag-e he settled down to farmingon the old homestead until 1854. At that time he removed to Mc- Henry county, Illinois, and eng-agfed in farming- until June, 1SS7, when he came to Sioux Falls. He resided in this city until 18*>.\ when he removed to South Sioux Falls, where he has since resided. Mr. Butteriield held town offices in Vermont, and while a resident of Illinois was supervisor, school trustee, and also mayor of the city of Marengo several years. He has been a member of the board of "trustees of the town of South Sioux Falls four years, and its chairman three years. When sixteen years old he united w ith the Baptist church, and has been a deacon of that church forty years. He is a pleasant, g-enial man, a g-ood neighbor, and an upright, conscientious citizen.

Fickes, Charles Edward, was born at Lincoln, Logan countw Illinois, December 9, 1866. Attended the public schocds until thirteen years old, when he went to Chicago and was empl<.\r<l in a grocery store until 1881. He then went to Marengo, Illinoir>, w here his parents resided, and remained there as clerk in a grocery store four vears, and for two years attended the Marengo high school from which he graduated. He then entered a dry goods and clothing- store, where he remained until September, 189i, when he removed to this state and located at South Sioux Palls. He bought the interest of Mr. Perkins of the firm of Spoerl & Perkins, engaged in general merchandising at that place, and the firm of Spoerl & Fickes continued the business until Mr. Fickes on the first day of August, 1893, bought out the interest of his partner, and since then has largely increased the business. He has been remarkably successful, and when his location is taken into account and the fact is known that he does an annual business of upwards of S20,000, his energy-, honesty and business qualifications are established. He has been one of the town officials of South Sioux Falls during the whole time of his residence there, and is well liked as a neighbor and citizen.

GiNGERiCH, William, was born at Kur-Hessen, Germany, April 14, 1842, and at the age of nine years emigrated to America with his jKirents. Resided in Maryland one year and then removed to Putnam countv, Illinois, where he received a common school education. January i, 1864, he enlisted in Co. B, 64th Illinois Infantrv, served during- the remainder of the civil war, and was discharged July 20, 1865. He then engaged in farming in Living-ston county, Illinois, for several years, and was a breeder of fine stock. For four years was a dealer in coal and fuel at Chats worth, Illinois. In 1889 came t(» South Sioux Falls, and resided there until he removed to El wood, Iowa, but in 1896 he returned to South Sioux Falls, where he has since resided, engaged in the fuel and grain business. Mr. Gingerich has held some official position during all the time he has resided at South Sioux Falls, and is an enterprising, upright citizen.

The boundary lines of Wayne township were surveyed h\ \V. J. Xeeley in July, 1859, and the subdivision of the township was made l)y Carl C. P. Meyer in September, 1864. Accordino- to the o-overnment surve\' the township contains 23,037 and 99-l()0 acres of land. The water supply is o-ood. The Bio- Sioux river touches sections 13 and 24, and Skunk creek enters on section 6, and running- in a southeasterly course leaves the township on section 25. There are also several small streams which empty into Skunk creek.

The township was settled at an early date. Sylvester Delanev and wife came to the county in 1866, and it is said they were the first settlers in Wayne. Several of the present residents took up land in 1870. V. R. L. Barnes, Prank Raymond and William Bailey were all located there prior to June of that year. Solomon Pruner and D. W. Oaks settled there in 1871, and in 1872 quite a number of new settlers located in the township.

The first school was taug'ht by Miss Elsie Barnes in a duo-out located on the southwest corner of the northeast quarter of section 14. Durino- the spring- of 1873, Mr. Oaks and Mr. Barnes went down to Lodi Tabout fifteen miles north of Vermillion; and procured a small building- 12x12 feet in size, took it down and drew it onto the north half of the southwest quarter of section 14, and set it up for a schoolhouse. Miss Jennie Barnes taug-ht school in this building- duringthe spring- and early summer of that year. After the term of school closed, sometime in Aug-ust following-, the schoolhouse was missing-. Upon g-oing- to the place where it had been located one side of it was found lying- Hat on the g-round, the rest of the building- had entirely disappeared, except a piece of 2x4 which was found quite a distance away stuck in the g-round. Upon dig-g-ing- it out it was found to have entered the g-round to the depth of two feet. It was undoubtedly the work of a "little twister," and the most remarkable feature of the occurrence was the fact that it happened in the nig-ht time, and not a drop of rain fell. Very soon after, a schoolhouse 16x24 feet was built, and D. W. Oaks says he thinks it Avas the first frame schoolhouse built in the county. Mr. Barnes came from Wayne, Pennsylvania, and as he was one of the hrst settlers in the township wanted it called Wayne, it was so named, althoug-h several other names had been proposed.

Skunk Creek valley is noted for its fertilitv of soil, and as^the home of some of the most prosperous farmers in the county. The Chicag-o, St. Paul, Minneapolis & Omaha railroad runs throug-h the township and has a station called Ellis located on its line near the center of the township. There is a post oflfice, store, and three g-rain elevators at Ellis, but the residents of Wayne do the princii)al part of their business at Sioux Palls.

The board of supervisors of Wayne township met the first time after its organization as a civil township January 10, 1881. Seymour Hill and M. W. Pruner supervisors, and E. J. Tracey clerk, were present, E. Wiser, who had been elected supervisor, was absent. The bond of D. W. Oaks was approved, but the records do not disclose to what office he had been elected. July 23, the board directed that an order be drawn in the sum of $100, with ten per cent interest to Seymour Hill, he ag-reeing- to advance $95 to be expended in building bridges. At this meeting the township was divided into two road districts.

1882. Seymour Hill, M. W. Pruner and E. Wiser were reelected supervisors, O. Brandenburg clerk. A tax levy was made as follows: Town fund 2, bridges 5 and road 6 mills. Henry Smith made a report as treasurer early in the year 1883, and had undoubtedly been elected treasurer in 1882, but there is no record of his election.

1883. S. Hill, Charles Fleetwood and Carey Wiser were elected supervisors, S. Hill chairman, O. Brandenburg clerk. A tax levy of 9 mills was levied for all purposes.

1884. The township officers for 1884 were as follows: Supervisors, Charles Fleetwood chairman, Carey Wiser and Seymour Hill: clerk, O. Brandenburg; treasurer, E. J. Tracey; assessor, V. R. L. Barnes. The bond of the treasurer was fixed at $500, and that of the clerk, assessor and constable at $200 each. On the 15th day of March, A. M. Bowen qualified as one of the supervisors, in the place of Charles Fleetwood.

1885. At the annual March election the following- officers were elected: Supervisors, S. Hill, A. M. Bowen and E. Wiser; clerk, O. Brandenburg; treasurer, E. J. Tracy.

1887. At the annual election in March A. M. Bowen, John Alguire and W. H. Bryan were elected supervisors, C. H. Fleetwood treasurer, O. Brandenburg clerk. On the 30th day of April the resignation of C. H.Fleetwood as treasurer was accepted, and E. Wiser was appointed to fill the vacancy. At the same meeting C. S. Aikens was appointed assessor, and Wm. Vincent and Charles Babcock constables. The justices were M. W. Pruner and W. S. Jones.

1888. At the annual March election the following officers were elected: Supervisors, A. M. Bowen chairman, H. W. Smith, John Alguire; clerk, O. Brandenburg.

1890. Supervisors, John Alguire, Frank Barnes, Henry Frantz; clerk, O. Brandenburg; treasurer, G. B. Moulton. There was $146.63 in the treasury at the close of the fiscal year.

the expense of a resiirvev of the township. At the' same time hritl^-es across the Sioux river, Willow creek and Skunk creek were condemned. On January 5, 18*)2, the bills of C. Barrett for S25 and Michael Harris S90.for damag-es sustained owing- to defective bridg-es were allowed. At the close of the year the treasurer reported S7ScS.75 in the treasury.

1 S92. Supervisors, John Alguire, Prank Harnes, Henr\' Frant/.; clerk, (). Brandenburg-; treasurer, (i. B. INIoulton. At the end of the \ ear the treasurer reported S810.b() on hand.

1891V Supervisors, John Alg-uire chairman, Frank Barnes, Henrv Frantz; clerk, (). Brandenburg-; treasurer, (i. B. Moulton; assessor, D. Alg-uire.

181)4. Supervisors, John Alguire chairman, Frank Barnes, Henrv Frantz; clerk, (). Brandenburg-; treasurer, AV. F. Alg-uire; assessor, S. D. Alg-uire.

Alguire, John, one of the prosperous and substantial farmers of this county, was born in Canada, May 21, 1842. In 1853, he came with his parents to the United States and lived in Xew York ten vears. He then removed to Wisconsin, where he resided until 1873, when he came to Dakota and located a homestead in Brandon township, this county. In 1880, he sold out and went to Oregon, but returned within a year, and since then has been a ])ermanent resident of this countv. He is the owner of a large real estate, the g-reater portion of which is in Wayne township. His home farm comprises nearlv a thousand acres, and is well improved. In short, Mr. Alg-uire is one of the most successful farmers in this locality, and is a hig-hly respected citizen.

Alguire, Solomon D., has been a well known resident of this county for nearly thirty years. He is a native of Cromwell, Canada, and was born in 1854. AVhen only six years old, he came to New^ York, lived there four years, removed to Wisconsin in 18()4, and came to Dakota in 1872. He then secured as a homestead, the northeast quarter of section 3, in the town of Wayne, where he still resides and has a g-ood farm. Was assessor in 18*^2, and is a good citizen.

Bailey, William, was born in Ireland in June, 1846. His ancestors were of Scotch-Irish decent, and members of the Presbyterian church. When twenty-one years of a.ge he emig-rated to the United States, and came to Iowa in May, 1867. During- the next three years he traveled extensively over the country, staying- but a short time in any place. In May, 1870, he came to this county, and took up 160 acres of land in sections 10 and 15, in Wayne township, where he has since resided, and has added 160 acres more to his farm. He is one of the best and most industrious farmers in the county, and, aside from visiting- the World's Fair for two weeks, was never away from home to exceed a day or two at a time, and has undoubtedly spent more days in Wayne township, than any other person. He is a*g-ood neig-hbor, and a good citizen.

Barber, John B., has been a resident of Minnehaha county since March^ 1872. He took up a homestead and pre-emption in section 22 in Wayne township, where he still resides and has a well improved farm, with substantial building-s. He was born January 15, 1848, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and lived there and in Michig-an before coming- to this county.

Barnes, Van Rensselaer Lafayette, was born in Oneida county, N. Y., in February, 1820, and died May 11, 1887. He was reared on a farm, received an academic education, and taugfht school several years in New York and Pennsylvania. In 1864, enlisted in the 24th Pennsylvania Infantry, and serv^ed throug"h the war. From 1865, until 1869, was farming- in Pennsylvania and New York; came to Dakota in 1869, and stopped at Sioux Point until the spring- of 1870, when he removed to Wayne township in this county and took up the southwest quarter of section 11, and the east half of the southeast quarter of section 10. He resided in section 11 until one year before his death, when he removed to Sioux Falls. He held school, township and county offices, and the first year he resided in Dakota was elected member of the leg-islature. He is a g-ood neig-hbor, and a hig-hly respected citizen.

Barnes, Frank Wayne, son of V. R. L. Barnes, was born July 28, 1859, in Erie county, Pennsylvania, and came to Dakota with his parents in 1869, and has resided on section 11 in Wayne townshi]) since the spring- of 1870. He has added to the old homestead, and now owns a farm of 320 acres. He has no ambition to eng-ag-e in politics, but is a g-ood neig-hbor, an enterprising-, thriftv farmer, and a respected citizen.

Brandenburg, Oscar was born in Muscatine county, low^a, in 1850. After having- lived in Wisconsin for some time he came to Dakota and settled in this county in the spring- of 1876. He took up a pre-emption and tree claim, and owns at the present time the southeast quarter of section 31, the north half of northwest quarter of section 19, and the south half of the south half of section 18, in the town of Wayne, residing- on the last mentioned place. In 1898, he was nominated count}^ auditor by the Republican party, but the Fusion candidates were elected. He has held the office of town clerk since 1882, and is a respected citizen.

Bryan, William H., is a native of Cattaraug-us countv, New York, and was born May 16, 1836. He lived for some time in Wisconsin and Iowa, and came to Sioux Falls in September, 1872. He pre-empted the northeast quarter of section 33 in Hiji-hland l)ut disposed of it, and for a lonc>- time was in the employ (-!" his brother-in-law, C. K. Howard, in Sioux Falls. About fifteen vears .-i_o-o he bouo'ht a farm in section four in Wayne, and a few vears a^-o he moved on to it, and has g-reatly improved it, besides erectino- laroe and commodious building-s. He also purchased more real estate, and now owns five hundred and twenty acres of land in Wayne township. He has a fine herd of reg-istered Jerseys, a good stock of cattle, hog-s and horses, and is one of the prominent and well-to-do farmers of the county. He always takes an active part in town and countv affairs, and, while conservative, is not wantinof in public spirit. He has been supervisor of the town lioard, and assessor, and makes a ofood official.

Frantz, Henry, is a native of Pennsylvania and was born Julv 18, 1844. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. Before coming- to Wayne in this county in the spring- of 1873, he had lived in Ohio and Iowa. During- the civil war he enlisted in Company H, 15th Iowa infantry, and when his term of enlistment had expired re-enlisted and served in all, three years and eig-ht months. Upon coming- to Dakota he pre-empted the northeast qu:irter of section 31 in AVayne, and afterwards boug-ht the northwest quarter of the same section. He g-reatly improved his farm l)ut sohl out in October, 1894. He is a hig-hly respected citizen.

Hall, Francis S., was born in Ohio, May 10, 1858; lived there and in Iowa until 1886, when he came to this county and located on his present farm, which comprises one hundred and sixty acres in sections 6 and 7 in Wayne, and in section 12 in Benton. He resides in Wayne, is eng-ag-ed in farming- and has quite a g-ood farm, and is a g-ood citizen.

Jones, Wilson S., is a native of Erie county, Pennsylvania, and was born September 9, 1828; worked on a farm and attended the public schools until eig-hteen years of ag-e, when he commenced learningthe trade of carpenter and joiner. After becoming- of ag-e he was in poor health for several years, but says he g-ot well, in spite of the doctors, by stopping- taking- medicine. In 1857 he removed to Sparta, Wisconsin, where he eng-ag-ed in the livery and undertaking- business for several years, and was a member of the city council two years. He afterwards moved to Menominee, in Dunn county, where he kept a hotel and was sheriff one term. From there he went to New Lisbon, Wisconsin, and kept the Georg-ia House two years. After traveling- about for awhile endeavoring- to find a place that wr)uld suit him, he came to Sioux Falls in June, 1870. C)n his forty-second birthday he slept for the first time at his present home in a building- he had erected. From the first he claimed that g-ood corn could be raised in this part of South Dakota, and in this he was not disappointed. He has lived here to see the country settled with a prosperous people at the same time he has prospered himself, and adjoining- his farm there is now a mammoth packino- house erected. Mr. Jones is best known as "Corn Jones" and takes no exception to the prefix; he is a born liw-hter, energ-etic and enterprising-, takes a hand in public affairs and never was on the fence a minute in his whole life. Such a man always has his friends and enemies, but W. S. Jones is a kind neig-hbor and a good citizen.

McMuRREN, Henry, arrived in Minnehaha county in 1876. He lived in Sioux Falls the first three years, and located on his present homestead in 1879, which comprises 240 acres of section 6 in Wayne, and 8U acres of section 31, in Benton. He lives on his homestead in Wayne, and has quite a good farm. Has held several school district offices. He was born January 1, 1844, in Ireland, and emigrated to this country in 187().

MouLTON, Guerdon B., was born in Pewaukee, Waukesha county, Wisconsin, September 1, 1843. He was reared on a farm, and received his education in the common schools. In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, 1st Wisconsin cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He then returned to Wisconsin and engag-ed in farming- in Waukesha, Crawford and Trempealeau counties until April, 1873, when he came to Dakota. He took up a homestead and tree claim in Lincoln county, and pre-empted a quarter section of land in Wayne township in this county. His present farm contains 3)2'^) acres, and he resides on the northwest quarter of the northeast quarter of section 22 in Wayne. He is a g-ood farmer and a g-ood citizen, but the most prominent trait in his character is his g-reat love for the Democratic party. It mig-ht not do to sa}" that he is the only simon-pure Democrat in the county, but it is true that he believes a poor Democrat is better than a good Republican.

Oaks, Daniel W., was born in Chautauqua county, New York, May 18, 1833. Was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He resided in Illinois and Minnesota for some time but finally came to this county in 1871. He secured as a homestead the west half of the northwest quarter and the north half of the southwest quarter of section 14 in Wayne, where he has since resided, and took up the northwest quarter of section 22 in the same township as a tree claim. He built a log house on his homestead in September 1871, which was eleven feet square. The roof was covered with Cottonwood shingles, and when Mr. Oaks had paid for his shing-les he had only 50 cents left. The first winter several persons lived in this house. Mr. Oaks said in an interview: "I don't know how I should have wintered if it had not been for the kindness of C. K. Howard." He has been quite active in public matters. He was chairman of the first Republican county committee of Minnehaha county, and called the first Republican county convention to order. In the winter of 1872-3 he was one of the petit jurors of the first session of the United States district court at Yankton, and was one of the grand jurors at the first session of the United States court in Sioux Falls in April, 1890, after the admission of the State of South Dakota. He was the first assessor in Wayne and held this office three years and has been school treasurer eighteen years. Mr.

Oaks adds his testimony to the fact that Dakota blizzards are deo-eneratino- in force, and that they are of less frequent occurrence. He said: "When I came here, there was nothinjr to obstruct the wind, and the few first winters I spent in this county had at least two or three storms each winter that could be called blizzards. We were lookint>- for them all the time." Mr. Oaks is one of the most independent, determined men in the countv, and is esteemed as a kindhearted, upri<»-ht citizen.

Pruner, SolOxMON, came to this county in May, 1871, after having- previously lived in Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa. He pre-empted 120 acres of section 8, and 40 acres of section 17, in Wayne, which he changed to a homestead, and resided there twenty years. He then sold out and removed to the Pacific coast. He held several town offices while a resident of Wayne, and was a g-ood citizen. He is^ native of Ohio, and was born May 9, 1818.

Raymond, Prank, was born in Pawlet, Rutland county, Vermont, January 30, 1815. He was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools. He came to Dakota Octolw 20, 1868, and to this county February 25, - 1870. He pre-empted the four center forties in section 23 in Wayne on the 28th day of February, 1870. Before coming- here he had traveled throug-h nearly all of the northern states and Central America, and quite a portion of the time drove an ox-team. He said: "When I came to Sioux Falls there was a stone bviilding- near the rear of where the Emerson block now stands, and a log- house a little southwest of this, and a building- near where the Burling-ton depot now stands, occupied by a man manufacturingpipestone ornaments. In the winter of 1870, I moved into the stone l)uilding- and kept a hotel. I had one g-uest at Christmas, but did not have another for two months." Mr. Raymond has been a man of great activity, and has retained his vigor and energy so that at the age of eighty-four he is as sprig-htly and active as ever. He has not held office, but has exercised his right of citizenship whenever occasion offered.

Smith, Henry W., was born in Germany, January 3, 1844, and came to Maryland in 1857. In 1858 he went to Illinois, and resided there until 1872, when he removed to Dakota. He arrived in this county on the 27th day of March of that year, and took up a homestead in sections 25 and 26 in Wayne, where he built a frame house, hauling the lumber from Elk Point. He afterwards sold this homestead for a good price at the time the Sioux Falls Stock Yards were located in that vicinity, and purchased the northwest quarter of section 20 in Wayne, which he now occupies. Mr. Smith \vas elected as a Republican representative to the 16th territorial legislature convened at Bismarck in 1885. He has been an active member of the Farmers' Alliance since its organization in Dakota, and has been frequently elected president and secretary of the county alliance, and has also been chairman of the executive committee of the state alliance organization. In 1881 he was nominated for representative to Congress by the Independent party of South Dakota, and polled a large vote, receiving only 2,700 less votes than Jolley, the Republican candidate. He was elected auditor of Minnehaha county by the fusionists at the general election in 1896, and was re-elected in 1898.

Mr. Smith is a farmer, but finds time to eng-ag-e actively in politics, as the foregoing sketch indicates. He is a good citizen, and has earned a place in the front rank of the Populist party in the state.

Sweet, Jesse W., was born in Herkimer county. New York, July 0, 1847. He lived in Illinois two years, and in Iowa fifteen years, and came to this county July 16, i870. He engaged in farming, and has a good farm of 320 acres in sections 3 and 4 in Wayne, where he also resides. He is an industrious farmer and a good citizen.

Tracy, Erwin J., was born in New York, July 21, 1846. He removed from there to Illinois, and then to Wisconsin, and arrived in Dakota October 3, 1877. He bought 160 acres of land in sections 4 and 9 in Wayne township, where he resided engaged in farming until in 1898, when he moved into the city of Sioux Falls. When he first located on this farm he planted six hundred mapl^rees, from uhich he has made some excellent syrup. He has always been pretty active in politics, and was town clerk, justice of the peace eight years, town treasur^y five years, and president of the Farmers' Alliance of this county. »

Vincent, John W., was born in Illj^ois, February 10, 1858. He lived there and in Iowa until 1886, when he remove(J/to this county, where he arrived on the 11th day of March. He bought 160 acres of land in sections 5 and 6 in Wayne, where he has since resided. He has held some ofiices, and is a good citizen.

Vincent, William, was born August 21, 1830, in Somershire, England. He emigrated and lived in Cook county, Illinois; then in Blackhawk county, Iowa; and arrived in Minnehaha county in 1887. He bought and now owns the east half of the northwest quarter of section 7, in the town of Wayne, and resides there. He was road supervisor in 1890. Has a good farm and is an active and well-known citizen.

Vincent, William A., was born in London, England, February 10, 1856. He emigrated to the United States with his parents, anil liyed in Illinois and Iowa until 1884. During that year the subject of this sketch removed to Dakota, and settled in this county on" the 18th day of March, where he has since remained. By pre-emption and purchase he is the owner of a farm of 280,, acres in section 6 in Wayne, and resides on the southwest quarter of that section. He has held several school offices, is a good farmer and a good citizen.

Wiser, Elias and Carey. We had biographical sketches of l)oth Elias and Carey Wiser, but at the last moment, when it was too late to obtain the information desired to properly rewrite them, discovered that they had been lost. They were very early settlers in Wayne township, locating there in the early seventies. Their father took up the southwest quarter of section 9. He died about ten years ago, and Elias Wiser resides upon and owns the old homestead, besides 140 acres in sections 5 and 8, which he has purchased. Carey Wiser resides upon section 17, and his farm consists of 420 acres, and is located in sections 17, 8, 16, 20 and 21 in Wayne. They are both prosperous, enterprising farmers, well-known throughout the county, and are highly respected citizens.

This t()\vnshi[) is one of the best for farminj^- purposes in the county. The township lines were surveyed by William J. Neelev in AutJfust, 185*), and the subdivisions were made by James V, Bunker in June and July, 1867. It contains, according- to the o-overnment survey, 22,835.1(1 acres of land. It has no streams of sufficient size to appear upon the maps of the county, but there is a body of water on section 21 called Wall Lake, which covers 240.42 acres, and the map of the first survey of this township presents the peculiar fact that there were twelve small bodies of water besides Wall Lake, and w hen it was subdivided, ten of these [)onds were located around the corners of the subdivisions. Wall Lake is quite a resort for fishermen and pleasure seekers, and is onlv twelve miles from the city of Sioux Palls. It is a fine bodv of water, let the seasons be what they may, wet or dry. At as early a date as August 8, 1874, the Sioux Pails Pantagraph published the statement that the real estate firm of Cameron & Pettit of Sioux Palls had laid out a town at Wall Lake. The township has only one post office called Lake City, located near the lake. Its nep.rest railroad station is HartfOTd, located two miles and a half from the north township line. The residents are principally of (xermaji descent, and there can be found in no place in the county a more industrious, thrifty class of farmers than in Wall Lake township. Good substantial farm houses, large commodious barns, and fine stock can be seen in all parts of the township.

This church, which is known as the Wall Lake Zion (remeinde, was organized in 1881, with a membership of forty-five. In 1883 a very fine and commodious church building was erected, at a cost of

S3, (>()(), which was paid by members of the church. The church buildin^- and parsonag-e are located in the northeast corner of section 8. The first pastor of the church was the Rev. E. Hahnemann. The Rev. Mr. Voelkert was then pastor of the church for about two years, and was succeeded by the Rev. L. Weinrich, who remained until the present pastor, the Rev. J. Hansen, took charge of the church. Services are held every Sunday, and the present membership is seventylive. There is also a Sunday school connected with the church with an average attendance of thirty.

(German Lutheran Church. - This church, which is in the German language called Dreieinigkeits Gemeinde, was organized in Wall Lake in 1882, with about fifteen charter members. A church building was erected the same year on the northeast quarter of the northwest quarter of section 11, at a cost of about SI, 050. 00, which was raised by subsc^jiption. The Rev. E. G. Starck was the first pastor of the churcJi; he/ivas succeeded by the Rev. G. J. Fischer, who remained until J^he present pastor, the Rev. C. P. Thusius, took charge of the churc'lli The present membership is twenty-seven, and services are held every two weeks. There is also a Sunday school connected with the church, with an averag-e attendance of twenty-two scholars. In 1882, theie was a parsonage erected near the church, at a cost of about $400.00.

Free Methodist Church. - A Free Methodist society was organized in Wall Lake township by Mrs. Ulba Thompson of Grand Meadow in 1895, and services were held by her in one of the school houses until the winter of 1897, when the school authorities refused the further use of the school house. Mrs. Thompson upon receiving notice of the action of the school board decided at once that a church building should be erected for the use of the church society she had organized. Mr. S. A. Hoyt gave the society one and a half acres of land on the southwest corner bi section 21, and during the summer of 1898, a church building was e 'ected 23x24 feet in size, at a cost of SI, 027. On Sunday the 18th day of September, of that year, it was dedicated, and the sermon on the occasion was preached by the Rev. J. H. Wilson, a district elder in the Iowa conference.

1881. The first township officers were: Supervisors, T. J. Collins chairman, W. D. Alderson, Charles Lueth; justice, John Berguin; W. T. Pierce was elected clerk, but he removed from the township and *James A, Hooker was appointed to fill the vacancy. During the year the township was divided into four road districts.

son, Charles Lueth; clerk, A. P. Felt; treasurer, Charles I^ov; justices, H. Aulwes, C. Pelhafer; constables, James Hooker and \Vni. Miller.

1887. Supervisors, W. I^. Alderson chairman, Iv. E. Wehrkamp, Wm. Miller; clerk, James Tracy; treasurer, Charles Boy; assessor, C. Maehl; justices, J. A. Campbell and A. H. Janke; constables, Michael Darken, Carl Pelhafer.

1890. Supervisors, James Tracy chairman, Henr}' Aulwes, L. E. Wehrkamp; clerk, James Hooker; treasurer, Charles Boy; assessor, C. Maehl; justices, for two years, C. Sweenev, for one year, Jcmchim Muchow; constable, C. F. Maehl.

Alderson, Walter D., was born at Plymouth, Mass., April 9, 1853. He came West and located in this county in April, 1876, taking- up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 17, and as a tree claim the northwest quarter of the same section, which he afterwards sold. He is keeping- "bachelor's hall" on his homestead, and has a g-ood farm. He has been supervisor of the town board several years, also its chairman, and is an honest, uprig-ht citizen.

AuLWES, Henry, was born in Iowa October 25, 1847. He removed to Dakota in April, 1882, and boug-ht the southeast quarter of section 9, in Wall Lake, where he still resides. He is also the owner of 360 acres of land in section 16. He has a g-ood farm and eng-ag-es in stock and g-rain raising-. He has been justice of the peace two years, and a member of the town board of supervisors six years, three years of which he was its chairman. In November, 1896, he was elected representative from Minnehaha county to the state leg-islature upon the fusion ticket. He is a respected citizen.

Boy, Charles, was born April 12, 1839, in German3^ He emig-rated to the United States in 1872, stopped in Illinois for a short time, and came to Dakota in May, 1873, and took up a homestead in Lincoln county. Prom there he removed to Minnehaha county and settled in Wall Lake, where he boug-ht 640 acres of land in sections 8, 9 and 17, and eng-ag-ed in farming-. He was industrious and enterprising-, and soon had one of the best farms in the county. He was treasurer of Wall Lake twelve years, and was a member of the House of the state legislature two terms, in 1891 and 1893. He died May 15, 1893, from the eifects of an accident that happened to him a few days before while blasting- rock on his farm. He was an honest, uprig-ht citizen, and his loss was keenly felt throug-hout the countv.

Dargen, Michael, settled in this county March 13, 1878, upon his present homestead, the northwest quarter of section 32, in Wall Lake. A few years ag-o he boug-ht the northeast quarter of section 31, in the same town, and now resides at that place. He is a native of Columbus, Ohio, and was born December 23, 1849. He also lived in Wisconsin and Minnesota before coming- here. He has for several years held the office of treasurer of school district number 110, and has been supervisor and chairman of the town board, is a g-ood farmer and a good citizen.

Dreyer, Henry, has been a resident of this county since Mav 18, 1878, and is the owner of a good farm comprising- 160 acres of section 14, and also 80 acres of section 15, in Wall Lake. Has been a member of the town board for two years. He is a native of Germany, and was born January 8, 1832; "^emigrated to the United States in 1866; settled in Iowa and lived there till he came to this countv.

Pelt, Peter A., emio-rated to the United States in 1868; lived in Minnesota for ten years, and came to Dakota in the sprin*^- of 187S. lie hied a homestead upon the northwest quarter of section 34, in Wall Lake, where he resided until his death, which occurred Mav 1(), 18*)5. He held the office of school district clerk four years and «li rector three years. He was born in Sweden, November 11, 1825.

(tRAVE, Fritz, is a native of Germany, and was born Januarv 22, 1850. After comint>- to the United States in 1870 he lived in Illinois, then Iowa, and came to this county and settled on his present farm in the fall of 1882. At that time he secured as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 30, in Wall Lake, where he has since resided. ' He recently boug-ht the southwest quarter of section 18. in the same township. He has a o-ood farm and is a good citizen.

(tUNTHER, Frederick, is a native of Germany, and was born in 1820. He emigrated to the United States in 18()2, and lived for several years in Wisconsin. In the spring of 1884 he came to Dakota and settled in Wall Lake in this county, purchasing the northwest quarter of section 33. Mr. Gunther is an industrious, honest citizen.

Hooker, James A., has resided in this county since 1879, when he came from Iowa. He formerl\' lived in Illinois, and also in New York, where he was born September 29, 1845. He owns at this writing 40 Oacres of farm-land in sections 20, 28, and 29, in Wall Lake. He is a prosperous farmer and a well known citizen, and has been clerk of the town board several years.

HoYT, Stephen A., was born in Ulster county. New York, July 27, 1834. He enlisted in the 17th Illinois Infantry, and served during the war of the rebellion three years and three months. Since that time his home has been in the state of Illinois. He has been engag'ed in several lines of business, lumber, grain, hardware, and for several years past has been a banker at Forest, Illinois. Edward P. Beebe, a former banker of Sioux Falls, is cashier of the bank. Twelve years ago Mr. Hoyt purchased all the land in section 21 in Wall Lake, except 25 acres, also 280 acres adjoining in sections 20 and 22, and now has a good farm with fine buildings. Since he made his investment in this county he has spent the summer months on his farm and in the city of Sioux Falls, He is a pleasant man to meet, and is highly respected.

Jordan, Charles W., was born at Watertown, Wisconsin, June 17, 1857. He came to Dakota April 7, 1882, and bought the southeast quarter of section 19, in Wall Lake, where he still resides. He is a good farmer and respected citizen.

Kalb, Casper W., is a native of Prussia, and was l)orn in 1842. He came to this country in 1867, lived in Wisconsin for three years; then in Iowa, and located in this county May 28, 1879. He took up as a homestead the east half of the northwest quarter and the west half of the northeast quarter of section 20, in Wall Lake, where he still resides.

Knott, George A., was born in Surrey, Eng-land, in 1838, but lived in the city of London until 1856, At that time he emio-rated to the United States with his father, and settled in Belvidere, Illinois, where he lived until 1861. He then removed to Waverly, Iowa, and lived there until 1873, when he came to this county, and settled in Sioux Falls. He soon began the erection of the Sioux Palls Brewery in connection with a man b}^ the name of Nelson, but short!}' after its completion in 1874, Mr. Nelson sold out his interest to C. K. Howard. Prom this time until 1886 Mr. Knott was manager of the brewery. He then moved out on a farm which he had secured in Wall Lake township, and remained there engaged in farming until 1889, when he moved back to Sioux Palls and engaged in the livery business. He served as alderman from the Second ward in 1883-4-9; was one of the county commissioners in 1891-2, but resig-ned on the 31st day of December, 1892, to accept the office of sheriff of Minnehaha county, to which he had been elected in November preceding. He held this office two years, and then returned to his farm, where he has since resided. Mr. Knott made a good record in all the official positions which he held. He is a good neighbor, a generous, enterprising citizen, and one of most popular men in the county.

KuHN, Rudolph, was born in Dodg-e count3% Wisconsin, December 9, 1855. He came to Dakota March 6, 1880, and has been a resident of this county since then. He is the owner of 200 acres of land in sections 20 and 29 in Wall Lake, where he resides and has a g-ood farm. He has been one of the directors of school district No. 110 for several years, is a good farmer and a respected citizen.

Lowell, John, has lived in the town of Wall Lake since 1884. He owns about 240 acres of land in sections 35 and 36 in that town, and has a good farm with substantial buildings. He is a native of Maine, and was born May 17, 1838. He also resided in Wisconsin and Illinois before he settled here. He is an industrious farmer, and a good citizen.

LuETH, Charles, was born in Germany, May 5, 1848, and emigrated to the United States in 1864. He resided m Iowa until 1878, when he came to this county and settled in Wall Lake. He took up the northwest quarter of section 7 as a homestead, and afterwards purchased the southeast quarter of section 6 and the northwest quarter of section 8, where he now resides. Mr.'Lueth has been a successful farmer and will manage to get along without free silver. He has been one of the school officers in his district for several years, a member of the town board for five years, and its chairman since 1897. He is a good neighbor and a good citizen.

Miller, William, was born in Ozaukee county, W^isconsin, December 28, 1846. He lived there until he removed to this county, where he arrived June 5, 1881. He secured as a homestead the east half of the northwest quarter and the west half of the northeast quarter of section 22, and has recently bought the east half of the same quarter, in Wall Lake, where he resides and has a good farm. He has been a member of the town board of supervisors.

MiTCHOW, Henry, was horn in Mecklenl)uro-, (lermanv, in 1S52. He emiu-rated to Iowa and lived there for some time before lu- cuine to Dakota. He settled in this countv, December 29, 1875, filing- :i homestead upon the south half of the northwest quarter and thr north half of the southwest quarter of section 2, in the town of Wall Lake, where he has since resided. He has a well improved farm and is a t^-ood farmer. He is at this writino- treasurer of Wall Lake township.

MuCHOW, JocHiM, is a native of Mecklenber;"-, Germanv, and was horn December 5, 184L He was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. Prom the ag-e of about seventeen years he worked on the railroad and other public works until 1864, when he emig-rated to the United States. He stopped in New York a short time, and then lived in Toledo, Ohio, for about seven months; removed to Postville, Iowa, and resided there about six years, then went to Alg-ona county, Iowa, where he. lived two years. In 1874 he came to Minnehaha county, and located in Wall Lake on the 15th dav of Mav of that year. He took up as a tree claim the southeast quarter, as a homestead the northeast quarter, and later boug-ht the southwest quarter, all in section 11. He also at one time owned two other quarter sections, which he disposed of to his sons. He has three sons, John, Henry, and Charles, who are all industrious and g-ood citizens of the county. Mr. Muchow resides on his homestead, has a gfood, substantial farm, and is one of the larg"e and successful farmers in this locality. When he first located on his present farm he lived with his family in a tent for eleven weeks, and then moved into a small sod house which he built; two years later he built a frame house 14xl(). in which they lived a gfood many years until he built his present residence. The German Lutheran cemetery is located in the northwest corner of his homestead, and the German church, and the school house in district 29, are also located there.

MucHOW, William, is a native of Germany, and was horn Sej)- tember 8, 1858. He emig-rated with his parents and several brothers to the United States in 1873, and located in Kossuth county, Iowa, where they remained three years. At that time they removed to Dakota, and arrived in this county on the 16th day of March, 1876, taking- up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 5, in Wall Lake, which now belong-s to the subject of this sketch, and where he resides. He also owns the southeast quarter of section 21, in Hartford township. He has been a member of the town board of supervisors one year and clerk of the school board several years. He is a g-ood farmer and an honest, uprig-ht citizen.

Nicholson, Olof M., w^as born in Sweden, October 11, LS4S, and emig-rated to the United States in 1865. In February, 1885, he came to Wall Lake, and when the school lands were offered for sale he purchased a small farm in section 36. He is a g-ood, reliable citizen.

Riley, Michael, has been a resident of Minnehaha county since May, 1878, at which time he took up as a homestead, the southeast quarter of section 25, in the town of Wall Lake, to which he has added forty acres in section 36. He was born September 20, 1838, in Hicklow county, Ireland; emigrated to Iowa and lived there before he removed to his present place. He is a g-ood citizen.

Stowsand, Carl, is a native of Germany, and was born November 20, 1852. He emig-rated to the United States in 1872, and resided in Iowa till 1883, when he removed to this county. He boug-ht and still owns the southeast quarter of section 4, and the northeast quarter of section 9, in.Wall Lake, where he resides, and has a good farm. He has been school district clerk and treasurer several years, and town treasurer seven years. He is an enterprising- farmer and a g-ood citizen.

Sweeney, Carter, was born October 10, 1840, in Washing-ton countv, Kentucky. He lived there for twenty-one years, then in Illinois, and came to Dakota and settled in this county in March, 1889. He boug-ht the northeast quarter of section 32, in Wall Lake, where he resides and has a g-ood farm. On the 4th day of November, 1861, he enlisted in the army and remained until December 6, 1864, serving- the entire time under the noted General Georg-e H. Thomas. He has been justice of the peace and town clerk in Wall Lake, and is a g-ood citizen.

Tracy, James, is a native of Ireland, and was born in the county of Tipperarv, Aug-ust 31, 1846. He emig-rated to this country and resided in Pennsylvania, Vermont and Wisconsin, and came to this county March 13, 1878. He took up as a homestead the northeast ([uarter of section 32, in Wall Lake, but sold it to Carter Sweeney in 1889. He has held the office of school clerk several years, town clerk two years, and has been chairman of the town board four 3^ears. He is a g-ood neighbor and an active, honest, enterprising citizen.

VoELSCH, Charles, is a native of Germany, and was born November 26, 1871. He emigrated with his parents to the United States in 1881, who settled in Wall Lake township, taking up a homestead and tree claim in sections 6 and 18. Carl Voelsch, his father, died in 1891, and the subject of this sketch has since purchased 160 acres adjoining the old homestead and has a good farm. He has been assessor of Wall Lake township three years, and is a good citizen.

Wehrkamp, Lewis E., was born in Guttenberg, Clayton county, Iowa, November 10, 1849. He came to this countv in the fall of 1876, and secured the north half of the northwest quarter of section 14, and the north half of the northeast quarter of section 15 in Wall Lake, which he proved up as a homestead. He also owns the southeast quarter of section 10 in the same township. He resides on his homestead and has a good farm with substantial building-s, and well stocked. He has been a member of the towm board nine years, is an enterprising farmer, and highly esteemed as a neighbor and citizen.

Westphal, C. F. a., is a native of Prussia, and was born in 1832. He emigrated to the United States and lived in Iowa until 1884, when he removed to this county, where he now owns the northwest quarter of section 4, in Wall Lake. He is a good farmer and has a good farm well stocked with cattle and horses.

The township lines of Welling-ton were surveyed hv Wm. J. Xeeley in Auo-ust, 1859, and the subdivision of the township was made by James V. Bunker in June, 1867. According- to the g-overnment surve\' it contains 23,071.98 acres of land. At quite an earlv date in the settlement of the county the advantag-es of this splendid township beg-an to attract the attention of home-seekers, and it was only a short time until quite a number of energ-etic, thrifty youngmen located there to make for themselves permanent homes. At the present time there are quite a larg-e number of well improved farms, and the township as a whole has a prosperous appearance. For several years there was a post office located on the southeast quarter of section 2, called Celton, but it was discontinued, and another post office was established in the southwestern portion of the township, with the same name as the township. The southern half of Welling-- ton was first settled principally by Americans, and the northern half by farmers of German descent. Several small ponds of water appear on the first surveyor's map of the township, but it would be a difficult matter to find all of them in a dry season. There is a small stream, having- its source in two of these ponds, which flows from north to south throug-h the township. It has no railroad, the nearest railroad stations being- at Humboldt and Hartford in this county, and at Parker in Turner county.

German Methodist Episcopal Church. - This church was org-anized in 1880, with a membership of twenty. In 1890 a church building- was erected on the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 33 in Welling-ton. The following- ministers have had charg-e of the church: The Reverends William Schmidt, Aug-ust Hilmer, William Hilmer and H. G. Loenker, who is its present pastor. There is also a Sunday school connected with the church with an averag-e attendance of thirty-six.

Presbyterian Church. - This church was org-anized in 18">(), with a membership of seven. The services are held in the school house located on the southwest quarter of section 29 in Welling-ton, (jnce in two weeks, and the Rev. T. B. Boug-hton has been conductingthe services since its org-anization. The present membership is seventeen. There is a foreig-n missionary society connected with the church, also a Sunday school with about forty-five scholars.

Roman Catholic Church. - There is a Roman Catholic church in this township, but we have failed to obtain its history. The church building- erected a few years ag-o is quite a fine looking- structure, and is located near the west line and about the middle of the township north and south. The Rev. Lawrence Kerley is the present pastor.

Wellington Toavnship Board

188L Aside from what incidentally appears in the town records during- the vear 1881 there is nothing- to indicate who were the first officers of the township, but it seems certain that L. T. Harper was chairman and Wm. Pakler a member of the board of supervisors, Thomas W. Robert clerk, and D. Staples assessor. The assessed valuation of the township was S17,883. The first warrant drawn was in the sum of S22, payable to D. Staples for services as assessor.

1882. Supervisors, L. B. Moore chairman, Henry Borcherding-, Wm. Kasten; assessor, C. B. Martin; treasurer, F. Warner; Thomas W. Robertc was elected clerk, but not qualifying-, the board on the 7th day of January appointed Arthur Jones to fill the vacancy.

1884. At the first March election the following- officers were elected: Supervisors, Charles Searl chairman, Henry Borcherding-, Wm. Kasten; clerk, Arthur Jones; treasurer, L. T. Harper; assessor, Frank Chapin; justices, Arthur Jones, L. T. Harper; constables, Franklin Warner, Arthur McMillan. It was ordered that the town officers be paid S2 per day for services.

1885. Supervisors, Frank Chapin chairman, Henr}' Borcherding-, Wm. Kasten; clerk, Arthur Jones; treasurer, Stanley P. Searl; assessor, D. J. Greene; justice, W. D. Bishop; constables, Samuel Dawson, Peter Johnson. Thirty-six votes were cast at the annual election. It was voted that the treasurer receive 4 per cent, of all monev received by him for his services.

1886. Supervisors, L. T. Harper chairman, Henry Borcherding-, Fred Eisert; clerk, Arthur Jones; treasurer, S. P. Searl; assessor, Charles Searl; justices, O. S. Odell, Arthur Jones. Thirty-eight votes were cast at the annnal election.

1887. Supervisors, L. T. Harper chairman, Wm. Kasten, Nick Pott; clerk, Arthur Jones; treasurer, S. P. Searl; assessor, C. N. Searl; constables, S. Dawson, C. Beaumont. On the 20 day of June the board purchased a rig-ht of way around the slough on section 25, from John Tesh.

1888. Supervisors, Nick Pott chairman, R. C. Jones, Henry Borcherding; clerk, A. B. Jones; treasurer, S. P. Searl; assessor, C. N. Searl; justice, A. Jones, Nick Pott. Thirty-three votes were cast at the annual election.

1893. Supervisors, Wm. Kasten chairman, R. C. Jones, Herbert Jones; clerk, H. E. Jones; treasurer, Wm. Fakler; assessor, A. Jones; justices, A. Jones, W. D. Bishop; constables. Prank Keuter, S. Searl. At the annual March meetino" it was resolved that "hunting- by non-residents be prohibited in the township of Welling-ton."

Barnes, Erastus R., was born in Iowa county, Michig-an, June 7, 1844; worked on a farm and attended school until 1861, when he enlisted in Company I, Pirst Reg-iment of United States Sharpshooters, and served two years; then eng-aged in the boot and shoe l)usiness a few years; learned the tailor's trade, and came to Sioux Palls on the 15th day of September, 1887, and eng-ag-ed in the merchant tailor business, until 1896. He is now the owner of the L. T. Harper farm of 400 acres in Welling-ton township, and is eng-ag-ed in farming-. He is an enterprising- and respected citizen.

Bundy, John, was born in North Carolina, January 4, 1829. He removed from there to Indiana and then to Minnesota, from whence he came to Dakota, and located in this county May 20, 1878. He secured by pre-emption the east half of the northeast (quarter of section 22, and the west half of the ifbrthwest quarter of section 23, in Welling-ton, where he still resides. He enlisted and served in the 13th Indiana, Companies C and E, from April 19, 1861, till September 19, 1865, and was slig-htly wounded twice. He is a g-ood citizen.

Butt, Wm. Henry, was born in Carbon countv, Penn., March 3, 1867. On the 22d day of March, 1880, he came'to Welling-ton in this county, with his parents, and has since resided there. His father took up the northwest quarter of section 5, and the subject of this sketch still lives on the old homestead, to which he has added by purchase the southwest quarter of section 32 in Humboldt, and has a g-ood farm of 320 acres. He has been a member of the town board one year, and is a g-ood citizen.

Carls, Henry, came to the United States from Germany in 1870, and located in low^a for three years; then removed to Nevadaand lived there about seven years, and came to this county in 1882, where he has since remained. He located a tree claim on the northwest cj^uarter of section 12, which he afterwards changed into a homestead, and purchased the southwest quarter of the same section, in Wellington, and now has a good farm. He w^as born November 20, 1850.

Case, Francis H., was born at Canton Center, Hartford county, Connecticut, June 29, 1862, and lived there until he removed to Dakota, except one summer which he spent in Minnesota. He came to this county in March, 1878, and his mother, Mrs. Polly Case, took up as a homestead the west half of the southwest quarter of section 20, and the west half of the northwest quarter of section 20, in Wellington, where he still resides. His sister, now Mrs. Stanley P. Searl, also took up as a homestead the east half of section 29, which he afterwards bought from her, and now resides there. He has been constable of Wellington several years, and has held school district offices.

Chapin, Frank H., is a native of New^ York, and w^as born in 1856. His parents removed to Minnesota when he was twelve years old. He was educated in the public schools, and graduated from the high school at Owatonna, Minnesota. On the 26th day of February,

1878, he came to this county and settled in Wellington"^ township, and resided there until 1894, w^hen he removed to Escondido, California. He was a good farmer, and ow^ned three-fourths of a section of land. He was highly respected as a neighbor and citizen, and a wide circle of acquaintances regretted his departure to his present home.

Even, John B., was born in Iowa, May 13, 1864; was educated in the public schools, and has always been"^ engaged in farming. In March, 1893, he settled in Wellington, where he purchased the northeast quarter of section 29. He has been a member of the town board three years, and is its present chairman. In Julv, 1894, he was appointed postmaster and still retains the office. He is an enterprising, respected citizen.

Engle, Jurgen, came to this country from Germany in 1869. He located m Wisconsin and remained there twelve years; then removed to this county and took up by pre-emption the northeast quarter of section 26, in Wellington, where he resides with his family. He was born March 16, 1833,

Fakler, William, has been a resident of Welling-ton township since April 7, 1878. He is a native of Germany, and was born December 12, 1830. He emig-rated to Minnesota and resided there until he removed to this county. Under the homestead and tree culture laws he secured a farm of 320 acres in sections 2-1- and 25. He has a u-ood farm, and is an active and respected citizen; was one of the hrst supervisors of the town board of Welling-ton, and has been town treasurer since 1889.

Gramkow, J. H., was ])orn in Mecklenburg-, Germany, Aug-ust 2, 1862. He emig-rated and lived in Wisconsin until he located in this county January 29, 1879. He took up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 34, in Welling-ton, where he still resides and has a g-ood farm. He has leld the office of clerk of the school board several years, and is a gofm citizen.

Gramkow, Joseph, is ^j^ative of Mecklenburg-, Germany, and was born in 1834. He emig-rated and came to Dakota in 1880, when he took up as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 27, in Welling-ton, where he still resides.

Harper, L. T., one of the first settlers of Welling-ton township, was born in the town of Darien, Genesee county, New York, March 28, 1830. He removed to Pennsylvania and lived there and in Illinois and Minnesota before he came to Dakota. In Januarv, 1878, he took up a homestead and tree claim in section 21, in Welling-ton, where he resided until November, 1889, when he sold his farm to Mr. Barnes of Sioux Falls, and removed to Parker, Turner county, 8. D. In 1893, he removed to California, where he has since resided. He held several town offices while a resident of Welling-ton, and was hig-hly esteemed as a citizen.

Homan, Theodore, was born in Jackson county, Iowa, September 13, 1855. He lived there for tw^enty-eig-ht years, and came to Welling-ton, March 25, 1883, where he has since resided. He owns the northwest quarter of section 9, and the southeast quarter of section 5, and is a successful farmer. He has been a member of the town board of supervisors several years, two years as chairman, and is a hig-hly esteemed citizen.

Jones, Arthur B., was born in New York on the 4th day of February, 1854; was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He resided for some time in Michig-an and Minnesota, and arrived in this county in February, 1878, and settled in Welling-ton. He took up the southeast quarter of section 29 and the northeast quarter of section 32 under the homestead and tree culture laws. He built the first frame house in Welling-ton on his homestead, and planted the first tree in the township. He g-reatly improved his farm with fruit trees, gfroves and comfortable building-s. He was town clerk from 1882 to 1893, justice of the peace for several years, and served as county commissioner five years. He was well liked as a neig-hbor, was an upright official, and a public-spirited citizen. He sold his farm and moved to the Pacific coast in 1893. It will take him some years in his new home to secure as long- a list of warm friends as he left in Minnehaha county.

Kasten, William, was born in Pommern, Germany, in 1855; emigrated to the United States in 1872, and resided in Wisconsin six years; removed to Dakota in 1878, and settled in Minnehaha county in 1879; took up as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 31, and a few vears ag'o purchased the Arthur Jones farm in sections 29 and 32, where he now resides, and is farming- his old homestead in connection ^vith his purchase. He is an enterprising- and successful farmer; has held town offices several years, and is arespected citizen.

Klucker, Samuel, was born in Switzerland, November 8, 1839, and emigfrated to the United States and located in Ohio in 1852. On the 18th day of April, 1861, he enlisted for three months in Company D, 4th Ohio Infantry, and on the 4th day of June, 1861, enlisted in the same company and regiment for three years. In the fall of 1862, he was transferred at Harpers Perry into the 4th U. S. Artillery under Gen. Call. When the order was issued that those who had less than ninety days to serve and w^ould re-enlist, could have a f urloug-h for thirty days, he availed himself of the order, g-ot his furloug'h and re-enlisted for three years. Nineteen days after the issuance of the furlougfh he was back in camp at Brandy Station. He served out his time of enlistment, which expired the 13th day of February, 1867, having- been in the field in active service five years and nine months. This is his war record, and comments are unnecessary. He was for a short time a resident of Larchwood, Iowa, and then came to Welling-ton, where at that time not an acre of prairie had been broken. He made a timber claim filing- on the southwest quarter of section 13, where he still resides. Mr. Klucker is a good, substantial farmer, and highly esteemed as a neighbor and citizen.

Koester, Henry, is a native of Germany, and was born April 20, 1828. He emigrated to the United States and lived in Wisconsin until 1880, when he removed to this county. He secured a homestead upon the northwest quarter of section 35, in Wellington, where he resides and has a good farm. He has added to his farm by purchase, and now owns about 480 acres of land. He is an enterprising farmer and a good citizen.

Lechner, Jacob, came to this country from Germany, where he was born July 24, 1848. He was in the German army, and served during the war between Germany and France for three vears. Soon after the close of the war he emigrated to this country, and after residing in Wisconsin, Illinois and Missouri a few^ years, came to Wellington October 10, 1878, and located on the southwest quarter of section 32, where he has since resided, and has a good farm.

LowTH, Michael F., came to Sioux Falls in April, 1878. He soon after located a homestead in Wellington, where he died October 18, 1883. Before coming to this county he had been engaged extensively in the foundry and machine business at Owatonna, Minnesota. From January 1, 1880, until January 1, 1883, he was county sui)erintendent of schools, and filled the office to the great satisfaction of the public. He was a charter member of Cvrene Command- (M-v of Knights Templar of Sioux Falls, and was" an industrious,

TviTETH, Carl M., was born in 1849, in Mecklenburg-, (Germany. He emigrated to the United States and resided in Iowa for several years. He removed to Welling-ton, this county, in 1882, and bougfht the southeast quarter of section 1, where he has since resided, engaged in farming-, and has a valuable, well improved farm, '"comprising at this writing- about 480 acres. He is an industrious, enterprising- farmer and a good neig'hbor and esteemed citizen.

Odell, Oswald, was born in St. Lawrence county, N. Y., July 9, 1852; moved with his parents to Salem, LaCrosse county, 'Wisconsin, in 185(), and on the 21st day of March, 1877, came to this county and settled in Welling-ton, taking- up a homestead and tree claim in sections 19 and 20, where he has since resided. He has held school and town offices, is active in politics, and is an esteemed citizen.

Rang, Joseph, was born in Germany January 9, 1853. He emigrated to the United States and lived in Michig-an until he removed to this county in 1887. He boug-ht 280 acres of land in sections 35 and 36 in Welling-ton, and is eng-ag-ed in farming-. He has a g-ood farm, and is an enterprising-, respected citizen.

ScHiEVELBEiN, Pred, is a native of Germany, and was born May 7, 1857. He emig-rated and located in Iowa until 1879, when he removed to Dakota and settled in this county on his present homestead, the northwest quarter and the west half of the southw^est quarter of section 3 in Welling-ton, which is a g-ood farm. He also owns the southwest quarter of section 34 in Humboldt. He has been director of the school board in district No. 112, for several years, is an industrious farmer and a g-ood citizen.

Searl, Charles N., was born at Ellicottville, New York, in 1856; lived in Minnesota for some time, and came to Dakota February 26, 1878; took up as a homestead and tree claim the north half of section 33 in Welling-ton, where he resided until 1898, when he rented his farm and removed with his family to the city of Sioux Palls to educate his children. He has held several town offices, was assessor of Welling-ton and Wall Lake in 1890, and is an enterprising- and respected citizen.

Searl, Stanley P., was born in 1855 in the state of New- York. He lived there and in Minnesota and Missouri prior to his coming- to Dakota in 1878, from which time he has been a resident of this county. He entered as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 32 in Welling-ton, where he still resides. He has held the office of town treasurer, is a g-ood farmer and a respected citizen.

This township is bounded oh the east by the Minnesota state line, and was surveyed in July, 1862. The north, south and west lines were surveyed by M. K. Armstrong- in October, 1864, and the subdivisions made by Carl C. P. Meyer during" the same month, and according- to the government survey contains 15,123.40 acres of land. It has but little waste land. Beaver creek enters near the center of the north line of section three, and pursues a southerly course through the township, and a tributary to the Split Rock river runs through the northwestern portion. The first settlers were E. S. Buzzell and C. M. Johnson. They took up land in 1872. The Sioux City & Northern railroad runs through the northeastern part, and has a station called Booge, on the southeast quarter of section 10. Nine blocks were platted at this point bv J. R. Manning and wife in January, 1891.

The first school meeting was held on the 4th day of June, 1877, and the first school was taught b}^ Alta H. Buzzell in the dwelling house of P. W. Buzzell on the southwest quarter of section 27. A post office was established at Booge on the 19th day of March, 1891. The residents of this township are highly favored with shipping- facilities as the stations at Valley Springs, Brandon, Corson and Garretson are but a few miles away.

The resurvey of this township resulted in some highly contested law suits, in fact, in more litigation than any other township in the county, except Burk. There are several fine farms in the township, and the farmers are industrious and thrifty.

The first meeting of this board was held on the 13th day of January, 1881. The supervisors were J. R. Manning chairman, J. C. Shephard, Mag-nus Swenson; clerk, F. W. Buzzell; constable, Ed. Stone. October 17, G. D, Bannister was appointed supervisor in place of J. C. Shephard, who had resigned.

1882. Supervisors, D. J. Walker, Thomas Whealey, C. M. Johnson; assessor, G. D. Bannister; justice, P. G. Chaphe. April 17, the board met and adopted measures to prevent the spreading of smallpox, which had broken out in the township.

1889. Supervisors, G. W. Pay, Thomas Whealey, Homer Mc- Connell; clerk, H. M. McConnell; treasurer, R. P. Buzzell; assessor, G. D. Bannister; justices, J. R. Manning-, Homer Caldwell; constable, Lars Aker. On the 5th day of March, a petition sig-ned by twentv resident taxpayers was hied with the town board, praying- that a special township meeting- be called to determine whether the township would order a resurvey of the township. The special meetingwas called for March 21, at which time the vote stood 42 for and 19 (lirahisf the resurvey. A tax of two mills was levied to defray the expense.

1893. Supervisors, Robert Kyle, G. W. Pay, C. M. Johnson; clerk, P. W. Buzzell; treasurer, O. M. Wood; assessor, C. A. Liem; justices, J. R. Manning-, H. McConnell; constable, W. J. Kyle. At the annual town meeting- it was voted to refund to the persons who had advanced money in the survey suits the amount they had s(» advanced.

1895. Supervisors, Robert Kyle, G. W. Pay, C. xM. Johnson; clerk, P. W. Buzzell; treasurer, P. A. Johnson; assessor, C, A. Liem; justice, C. D. Harris; constable, W. J. Kyle. At the annual town meeting- it was voted that the township would defend the persons who should be prosecuted for any acts done by them in carrying- into effect the new survey.

1896. Supervisors, Robert Kyle, G. W. Fay, C.M.Johnson; clerk, P. W. Buzzell; treasurer, P. A. Johnson; assessor, C. A. Liem; justices, J. R. Manning-, C. A. Liem; constable, Amund Amundson.

1898. Supervisors, Robert Kyle, G. W. Pay, C.M.Johnson; clerk, P. W. Buzzell; treasurer, P. A. Johnson; assessor, C. A. Liem; justice, Pred. Grandberg-; constable, Charles Porsbergf.

Bannister, Gaston D., was born in Leroy, New York, December 1, 1828. He was reared on a farm and educated in the public schools. Before coming- to this county he resided in Wisconsin and Iowa. He secured a tree claim and homestead in sections 21 and 22 in Red Rock, and resided in that township until he removed to the Pacific coast in 1892. He was one of the county commissioners of Minnehaha county from 1885 to 1891, and was elected a member of the lower house of the leg-islature in 1891. Mr. Bannister was a quiet, unassuming- man, and, as his record shows, had a larg-e circle of friends.

Bengtson, Nels, is a native of Sweden, and was born Pebruary 22, 1840. He emig-rated to the United States and lived in Iowa till 1884, when he removed from there and arrived in this county Pebruary 19. He bought the southwest quarter of section 29 in Red Rock, but sold it in the spring- of 1893 for $3,000, with the intention of spending- his remaining- days in his native country, but, after a short stay there, he returned to this country and boug-ht a farm in Minnesota, where he now resides.

Buzzell, Elijah S., is a native of Maine, and was born June 28, 1828. He was educated in the common schools, and remained on a farm until eig-hteen years of ag-e, at which time he commenced work as a house and carriag-e painter. During- the war he enlisted in the 27th Maine infantry, and served ten months. In 1872 he came to this county, and was so much pleased with the country that he took up the northeast quarter of section 34 in Red Rock, as a homestead, and removed his family there in April, 1873, and has since resided there. He is one of the reliable, popular citizens of Red Rock.

Buzzell, Charles P., was born in Maine, December 29, 1869; is a son of E. S. Buzzell, and came to Red Rock in 1873, and resides upon the home farm.

BuzzELL, Frank W., was born in Maine in December, 1853. He lived in New York before he came West with his brother, R. P. Biizzel. He settled in this county and took up a homestead on the northwest ([uarter of section 28 in Red Rock, where he has since resided, and has a orood farm. He has held the office of town cli-rk, and several school offices, and is an esteemed citizen.

BuzzEL, Royal P., was born in Maine, May 2, 1855. He li\e(l in New York until the spring- of 1873, when he came West. He arrived in Dakota April 14, 1873, and located in this county, on the northeast quarter of section 28 in Red Rock, which he took up as a homestead, and resided there until 1893, when he removed to California. While a resident of Red Rock, he was town treasurer and constable several years.

Cadwell, H. a., was born in Indiana December 15, 1852. He removed to Minnesota in 1855, and lived there until February, 1876, when he settled in this county and took up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 4, in Red Rock, where he resided until in 1893, when he moved into the villag-e of Valley Springs.

Fay, G. W., came to Red Rock in the fall of 1873, and took u]) two quarter sections of land comprising- the southwest quarter of section 22, and the east tier of forties in section 27. He resides on the southeast corner of section 27, and when he feels disposed to visit Minnesota he has only to cross the hig-hway and he is there. He has been elected to township offices, and is at the present writingchairman of the board of supervisors. He is a g-ood farmer and a g-ood citizen.

FoRSETH, E. O., was born in Norway in 1856. He arrived in Dakota in 1883, and settled in this county, securing- as a homestead the east half of the northwest quarter of section 9 in Red Rock, where he still resides. He has also boug-ht some school land in section 16 in the same town, and has a g-ood farm.

FccHS, Nick, a native of Germany, was born January 20, 1834. He came to Dakota in October, 1892, and located on the southwest quarter of section 5, in Red Rock, where he resided with his family until his death, which occurred a few years ag-o.

Hansen, Severt, was born in Norway in 1849. He emig-rated to the United States, and in 1885 located on his present farm, comprising- 120 acres in section 6 in Red Rock, where he has since resided. He has held several town offices, was school director three years, and is a g-ood citizen.

Harris, C. D., was born at Sherburne, Chenango count\-. New York, in 1858; lived there and in Minnesota until 1884, when he removed to Dakota. He arrived in this county on the 31st day of January of that vear, and soon after boug-ht the northwest quarter of section 29 in Red Rock, where he has since resided engag-ed in farming-. He has a g-ood farm with substantial buildings, and is a g-ood citizen.

Johnson, Morris, is a native of Norway, and was born March 9, 1844. He emigrated to the United States in 1859, and located in Illinois. In Aug-ust, 1861, he enlisted in Company C, 34th Illinois Infantry, and in 1863, re-enlisted and remained in the service until July 22, 1865, when he received his discharg-e. He was wounded slio-htly several times during- the war, and once quite severely, a minie bullet striking- him over the rig-ht eye, leaving- a larg-e scar to remind him of the service he eng-ag-ed in so early in the cause of his adopted country. Near the close of the war he was taken prisoner at BentonV'ille, N. C, and was incarcerated in Libbey Prison, where he remained until Lee's surrender. He went from Illinois to Grand Porks county. North Dakota, in 1882, and resided there until 188*), when he removed to this county. He purchased the northwest quarter of section 5 in Red Rock, where he now resides with his family, eng-ag-ed in farming-. He is a g-ood reliable citizen.

JORGENSON, MiKKEL, was born in Norway, August 15, 1848. He emig-rated to America and lived in Iowa until 1876, when he came to Dakota and settled in this co-anty, taking- up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 10, in Red Rock, where he has since resided.

JuLSON, Halvor, was born in Norway in 1849. He emig-rated to this country and lived in Wisconsin and Minnesota until in 1874, when he came to Dakota and located in this county, taking- up as a homestead the northeast quarter of section 10, in Red Rock, where he still resides.

Kyle, John P., and M. C, two sons of Robert Kyle, were both born on their father's farm in Wisconsin, the former on the 5th dav of October, 1870, and the latter on the 21st day of January, 1872. John Kyle owns 120 acres of land in section 16, in Red Rock, but resides in Minnesota, eng-ag-ed in the g-rain business. M. C. Kyle owns 80 acres of land in the same section and resides with his father.

Kyle, Robert, of Red Rock, is a native of Scotland, and was born Aug-ust 15, 1843. In 1861, he emig-rated to the United States and eng-ag-ed in farming- in Waushara county. Wis., for ten years, then carried on a lumber business in Michig-an for about two years. In 1870, he boug-ht 80 acres of land in Red Rock, but he did not remove there with his family until in 1874. He has been a very successful farmer, and is at this writing- the owner of 720 acres of g-ood farm-land in sections 16, 21, and 22, in Red Rock, and during- 1898, raised 8,000 bushels of wheat, 4,000 bushels of barley, 2,500 bushels of oats, and 4,500 bushels of corn. He resides on the southeast quarter of section 21, and has a splendid farm, well stocked. He has also taken an active part in town affairs; was chairman of the town board of supervisors seven years, and has held several school offices. Mr. Kyle is an honest, uprig-ht citizen, and well liked by his neig-hbors and acquaintances.

Larson, Christian, was born in Norway in 1847. He emig-rated to Iowa and lived there until he removed to Dakota in 1874 and settled in Red Rock. He took up as homestead 40 acres of section 6 and 120 acres of section 7, where he still resides.

Larson, Iver, is a native of Norway, and was born in 1843. He emig-rated to Iowa and lived there until 1871, when he removed to Dakota. In 1873 he came to this county and took up as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 31, in Red Rock, when- he has since resided.

LiEM, Charles A., was born at Fredericksruhe, (German v, October 18, 1862. He received his early education in the citv schools, attended collegfe three years and a poly technical institute the same leng-th of time, and learned the trade of mason and builder. In 1882 he came to Fon du Lac, Wisconsin, and resided there three years. In 1885 he removed to Dakota and located at Valley Spring-s, following- his trade until the fall of 1888, when he engag-ed in farming- in Red Rock. He has been assessor since 1892, and in 1898 was nominated for the leg-islature by the Republican party, but was defeated with the balance of the ticket. He is a gfood citizen and well liked bv his acquaintances.

Manning, John R., was born at Andover, Windsor count v, Vermont, in 1826, He was reared on a farm and educated in the pul)lic schools. After having- resided in his native state and in Indiana, Wisconsin and Iowa, he removed to Dakota in 1874 and located in this county. He took up the northeast quarter of section 22, as a homestead, and as a tree claim the southeast quarter of section 10 in Red Rock. He was chairman of the first town board in 1881, and has held several town offices. He was elected a member of the leg-islature when South Dakota was endeavoring to org-anize into a state in 1885, and was also elected to the first legislature of South Dakota in 1889. He is now residing- at Boog-e, a station on the Sioux City and (xreat Northern railroad, which is located on the southeast quarter of section 10. A post office was established at this place on the 19th day of March, 1891, and Mr. Manning- was appointed postmaster, which position he has since held. He is an honest, uprig-ht citizen, a g-ood official, and highly esteemed by his neighbors.

McCoNNELL, Marshall, was born in LaG range county, Indiana, September 28, 1847. He lived for awhile in Wisconsin: came to Dakota in 1875, and settled in this county, taking up as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 19, in Red Rock, where he still resides.

McCjINTY, Thomas, was born in the state of Wisconsin in 1848, and came to Minnehaha county in April, 1874, where he has remained ever since. He took up as a homestead the south half of the southeast quarter of section 17, and the north half of the northeast quarter of section 20 in Red Rock, where he still resides, and has a good farm.

NoRD, Peter, has been living on his homestead, the northeast quarter of section 29 in Red Rock since 1875, when he came here from New Brunswick, Canada. He was born in Sweden in 1844 and came to America in 1871. He is keeping "bachelor's hall" on his homestead and is a good citizen.

Oakstrom, E. W., is a native of Sweden, was born November 6, 1842. He emig-rated to America, and came to Dakota in 1875. He settled in this county, taking- up as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 30, in Red Rock, where he resided until recently, when he removed to South Carolina.

Olson, Axel, is a native of Sw^eden, and was born December 12, 1836. He emig-rated to the United States in 1868, and located in Illinois. He removed from there to Iowa and came to this county in 1882, and took up as a homestead the northeast quarter of section 31 in Red Rock, and purchased the southeast quarter of section 30 in the same township, and has a good farm. He has been one of the supervisors of the town board several years, has held other local offices and has frequently been a deleg-ate to political conventions. Mr. Olson is a kind neighbor and a gfood, reliable citizen.

Parish, H. T., w^as born January 21, 1833, at Oyster Bay, Oueens county. New York. He lived in Wisconsin and Missouri before he came to Dakota, November 9, 1872. He took up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 22, which he sold, and then boug-ht the northwest quarter of section 34, where he resided until recently, when he removed to Colorado. He enlisted in Co. A, 15th Reg. of New York National Guard Volunteers, serving as sergeant thirty days from June 4, till July 7, 1864, when he was discharg-ed.

ROLLOG, Austin K., was born in Thelemarken, Norway, October 1, 1854. He emig-rated to Wisconsin in 1874, but left there for Dakota in March the following year, and located in this county. In April, 1876, he secured the northeast quarter of section 15, in Red Rock, as a homestead, to which he has added by purchase about 110 acres. He has a first-class farm, with fine improvements, and is one of the prog-ressive and prosperous farmers of this section.

ScHEFFER, Charles E., of Red Rock, was born in Pennsylvania in 1859. Prom there he moved to New Jersey and came to Dakota in 1878. He first secured a homestead in the town of Palisade, but disposed of it and bought the east half of the southwest quarter of section 22 in Red Rock, where he now resides.

Swenson, Magnus, was born in Sweden, July 27, 1836. He emigrated to the United States in 1868, and located in low^a. On the 4th day of June, 1873, he arrived in this county, and two days later filed a pre-emption on the southwest quarter of section 9, in Brandon, and in January, 1874, filed a homestead on the northwest quarter of section 18, in Red Rock, where he has since resided. A few years ago he bought forty acres in school section 16, in the same township, and also owns 160 acres in Moody county. Mr. Swenson is a prosperous, good farmer and has a good farm. He has been elected to town offices, and is a respected citizen.

Walker, David J., was born in the town of Adams, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, Mav 22, 1825. He lived in New York, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota before he settled in Dakota in 1883. He took up a homestead in sections 21 and 22, and a tree claim in section 15, in Red Rock. He has been assessor, and chairman of the town

Wood, Okamel M., a native of Vermont, was horn June 4, 1S4(). He lived in New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota before coming- to Dakota in July, 1873. At that time he secured a homestead of 160 acres in sections 21 and 22 in Red Rock, where he has since resided. He has held school district and township offices, and is a y-ood farmer and a reliable citizen.

Brandon Tom Nship

The township of Brandon, owing to its proximity to Sioux Falls, was one of the earliest settled townships in the county. The soil is g-ood, and streams of water at the time of the gfovernment survey in 1864, were flowing over twent\'-seven sections of land. The principal stream, the Big Sioux river, enters the township in the northwest portion of section 31, flowing thence northeasterly about three-fourths of a mile to the center of section 30, thence southeasterly through section 29, to the center of the south line of section 28, thence in a southwesterly course through section 33, leaving the township a little west of the center line of the section. Three branches of Split Rock unite on the southwest quarter of section 10, and the stream from this point flows in a tortuous course through sections 15, 23, 26 and 35, leaving the township about three-fourths of a mile southeast from the village of Brandon, near the southeast corner of section 34. The town line on the west was surveyed by W. J. Neeley in July, 1859, and the south line by Cortez Fessenden in July, 1862, and the north and east lines by M. K. Armstrong in October, 1864, at which time the town was sub-divided by the same surveyor. It contains 23,007.60 acres of land. It has one small village named after the township, located on the southwest quarter of section 34, which was platted by the Worthington & Sioux Falls R. R. Co, The plat was filed on the 18th day of September, 1878, and comprised eight blocks divided into one hundred and thirty lots. Brandon village is located on the Omaha railroad line and is 8.6 miles from Sioux Falls. There is a post office at this place, which was established in 1878, and N. J. Ronlund was the first postmaster. Since his resignation W. J. Jones, D. A. Wright, John T. Lee and Martin Brusveen have held this office, Mr. Brusveen being the present incumbent. There is one elevator, two stores and a blacksmith shop in the village, also a Norweg-ian Lutheran church, which was built in 1883, and a school house built in 1885. The first school was taught in the fall of 1873 by Celia Fauske, now Mrs. John Holden, in a sod house built for school purposes, which was located on the northeast corner of the southeast quarter of section 27. There was only a dirt floor in this primitive school house during the first vear it was occupied. The whole structure cost nine dollars, and was paid for by subscription.

ern R. R. Co., called Corson, named for Henry Corson, one of the lirst directors of this road. It is eleven miles northeast of Sioux Falls. May 12, 1888, E. A. Sherman filed a plat of Corson comprising- ten blocks divided into eio-hty-five lots. At the present time there is a post office, store and elevator at this place, and Ole E. Pauske is the postmaster and proprietor of the store.

Nels Nelson Graff built the first house in the township) in the fall of 1873. It was built of log-s with a shing-le roof, and was located on the northwest quarter of section 35, where it is still standing, and is a part of the building- shown in the illustration of N. N. Graff's residence. Mr. Graff settled in Brandon in May, 1870, and at that time only a few furrows of land had been plowed. Georg-e Christianson constructed a dug-out in 1869, and lived in it for awhile. It was on the southeast quarter of section 32. In the early seventies he moved into Split Rock and took a homestead, where he resided until his death a few years ag-o. Mr. Graff lived in a dug-out about three years before building- his log- house.

Split Rock Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. - This church was org-anized in the fall of 1871, with seven or eight families. At the same time grounds for a cemetery were secured by the organization in the southwest corner of section 33 in Brandon. The first person buried in this cemetery was Carl T. Lee, who died in the fall of 1871, aged 24 years, and the second one was a son of Nels Nelson Graff, 2^4 years of age, who died the following year. The church was organized by the Rev. E. Olson, of the Norwegian Synod. The first regular minister was the Rev. O. O. Sando, who preached his first sermon in the fall of 1873, and remained in charge until the spring of 1880. During the two years following, the Rev. Naseth, now professor in the Lutheran college at Decorah, Iowa, had charge of the congregation, and he was succeeded by the Rev. A. J. Lee, who remained until 1885, when the Rev. Olaf Stub became its pastor and remained until his death, which occurred in the fall of that year. The Rev. Aanestad then had temporary charge of the church, until the Rev. Hans B. Thorgrimson assumed the duties of pastor in the summer of 1886, and remained until the spring of 1891. The church then was without a pastor until the spring of 1892, when its present pastor, the Rev. N. N. Boe took charge. The first trustees of the church were N. N. Graff, C. T. Clauson and G. O. Lillihaven. Its first secretary was H. G. Hovdestad. From 1875 to 1877, N. N. Graff was secretary, and since that time the office by successive elections has been held by John T. Lee. In 1883 a church was built, and the money for its erection was raised by subscription among the members of the church. The church building has a seating capacity of 300 people, and is well finished. The tower of the church is seventy feet in height, and the whole work was done by members of the congregation under the direction of John T. Lee and N. N. Graff as a building committee. The membership comprises about thirty-five families.

NoRDRE Split Rock Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church. - The members of this church ortranization reside princi- ])allv in the northern part of Brandon. In 1897 a neat and commodious church building- was erected by T. O. Hokenstad on the northeast corner of section 11, at a cost of about fifteen hundred dollars, which amount was raised among- the members. The Rev. O. O. Sando was the first pastor of the congreg-ation, and he was succeeded bv A. J. Lee, and the Rev. H. Aanestad is the present pastor. It is connected with the Norweg-ian Evang-elical Lutheran Synod of America. There is a Ladies' Aid society, and a Young- People's society, and the memljership of the church comprises about eleven families.