Valley Springs Township

Valley Springs Township

The villag-e of Valley Spring's is pleasantly and favorably located both for residence and business purposes, and since the location of the station on the Omaha line in 1878 its population and business have been steadily increasing-.

At a session of the territorial leg-islature in 1879, an act was passed authorizing- the incorporation of the villag-e of Valley Spring-s, but the people did not perfect an org-anization under its provisions.

In 1883 another act of incorporation was passed. The territory comprised the south half of the south half of section 34, and the southeast quarter of the southeast quarter of section 33 in Red Rock township, and all of section 3, and the east half of the east half of section 4 in Valley Spring-s township, making- in all a little over 1100 acres of land. This territory of the villag-e has been g-reatly reduced, and comprises at the present writing- only the south half of the northwest quarter and the north half of the southwest quarter of section 3 in Valley Spring-s township. The charter was nearly the same in its provisions as the one incorporating- the villag-e of Sioux Palls; in fact, all the villag-e charters g-ranted in territorial days were similar in character. The g-overnment of the corporation and the manag-ement of its affairs were vested in a president, who was cx officio a trustee, and four trustees. The other elective officers were clerk, treasurer, and villag-e justice of the peace. The board of trustees was empowered to appoint and remove at pleasure a chief of the fire department, a fire warden, attorney, street commissioner, and marshal. The annual election was directed to be held on the first Tuesday in March.

The first election was held on the 6th day of March, 1883. Forty-six votes were cast, and the following- named persons were elected: W. H. Riddell, president, J. E. Hallett, Paul Zimmerman, J. Dunham, and Geo. Cassady, trustees; F. Mellen, justice of the peace; D. B. Cook, treasurer; P. C. Bell, clerk. D. B. Cook declined to qualify, and Richard Barnett was appointed. Henry Howe was appointed marshal. During- the summer a villag-e jail was built.

In March, 1884, the villag-e license for saloon keepers from April, 1884, to January 1, 1885, was fixed at S75. In December the license was fixed at $200 per year. In December, 1885, the saloon license was fixed at S600.

In 1886, two cisterns were built, of a capacity of 200 bbls. each, at a cost of S230, and 320 feet of hose and other fire apparatus purchased. A town hall and eng-ine room were built, at a cost of S914, and a fire department was org-anized on the 10th day of June, 1886, with twenty-eig-ht members and W. R. Burkholder as chief.

On the 6th day of Aug-ust, 1888, a special election was held to determine whether the villag-e should issue bonds in the sum of S800 to pay the indebtedness of the villag-e incurred in building- eng-ine room and hall. The vote cast was thirty-four for, and one ag-aiust the issuing- of bonds, and the bonds were issued. In December the saloon license was fixed at $700.

amendments to the charter, but as this could not be accomplished by leg-islation, and the provisions of the g-eneral law for the incorporation of muncipal bodies were more to their liking-, the villag-e board on the 4th day of March, 1895, took the necessary steps and dissolved the corporation of the villag-e, and reincorporated under the g'eneral law as the Town of Valley Springs.

There is not a village in the state that has a better grade of schools, and a higher percentage of church-going people. It has three church organizations, but no saloon, three resident ministers, but no lawyer. Its business men are thrifty and enterprising, and but few have fallen by the wayside.

The village has outgrown the two story school building- which was erected in 1878, at a cost of $1,600, and the old bank building is rented for one department. At the present time 109 scholars are enrolled in the three departments into which the school is divided. The number of scholars of school age within the village limits is 137. Three teachers are employed, and Prof. J. A. Ross, one of the best and most efficient teachers in the county, is in charge of the school.

All lines of business usually found in villages of the size of Valley Springs, are not only well represented, but there are some enterprises of which the people are justly proud. In 1878, L. K. Lee, then a resident of Valley Springs, built a flouring- mill of 100-barrel capacity. It is a iirst-class mill in every detail, and its product grades high upon the market. He also built an elevator of upwards of 30,000 bushel capacity. The mill has been owned and successfully operated by the Valley Springs Roller Mill Company since 1893. The Hubbard & Palmer Elevator Compan}^ handles grain at this point, and the capacity of their elevator is ample to meet the demands of its patrons.

In June, 1896, the Valley Springs Creamery Companv was organized. It is not incorporated, but is organized on the co-operative plan. At the present time there are upwards of seventy-five shareholders. The public-spirited citizens of the village, in order to aid in the project, adopted a novel plan of procedure. They organized the Valley Springs Building Association, with shares of stock at twenty-five dollars each, and secured S1,000 in this way, which was used in erecting a creamery building. The use of this building was given to the creamery company free of charge as long as it was operated as a creamery. During the year 1898 the companv paid S8,945.69 for 1,469,273 lbs. of milk. From this milk 63,895 lbs. of butter was made, which was sold for $10,946.64. The whole cost of the plant, including a skimming station at Corson, is a little upwards of $3,000. It has three separators, and so far has been running at only about one-half its capacity. It has been well conducted, and is under able management. J. J. Urquhart is president, Tolle J. Bye vice president, J. G. Kimball secretary and manager, Charles Lathrop treasurer and L. Christianson buttermaker.

To summarize - Valley Springs has good educational advantages and church privileges, excellent business facilities, and a thriftv, enterprising, honest class of citizens.

Valley Springs Enterprise. - This was the first newspaper published in Valley Springs. T. J. Martin was the proprietor and editor, and for several years published a g-ood local paper, but removed to Toledo, Ohio, in 1890, where he published] a newspaper until his death, w^hich occurred December 19, 1897.

Valley Springs Vidette. - In the summer of 1891, the Valley Springs Publishing- Company was organized, and the last w^eek in September of that year 'the first issue of the Valley Springs Vidette appeared. The following- March, Charles E. Hill assumed the editorial control and management of the Vidette, and since then it has been a good local newspaper, is well patronized, and a credit to the towai.

Congregational Church. - A Congregational church was organized at Valley Springs June 11, 1878, with a membership of thirteen. In 1884 a commodious church building was erected at a cost of about $2,000, which w'as all paid during the same year, S500 having been granted by the Congregational Church Building Society, and the balance raised by members and friends. The building was dedicated November 2, 1884. The following" ministers have acted as pastors of the church in the order named: The Revs. J. A. Palmer, S. F. Tobv, H. G. Miller, D. H. Clapp, C. W. Wiley, W. H. Watson, W. Mooney, B. F. Marsden, M. A. Ball, W. C. Gilmore. Services are held morning and evening every Sunday, and a Ladies' Aid society, a Missionary society and a Sunday school, wnth an average attendance of fifty, are connected wdth this church. The present membership of the church is fifty-one.

Free Will Baptist Church. - This church was organized May 31, 1885, with three members. In 1886 the Rev. J. J. Hull became its pastor, and a church building- w^as erected that year at a cost of about SI, 000. In April, 1890, after having built up a very prosperous church, he was succeeded by the Rev. R. A. Coats, who remained until the fall of 1893, when he accepted a call from Estherville, Iowa, and the Rev. George W. Mathews became its pastor. In 1895 the Rev. R. A. Coats returned to Valley Springs and again assumed the duties of pastor of this church. He was succeeded by the Rev. M. W. Dodge and in 1899 Mr. Dodge was succeeded by Rev. M. L. Dewey. The membership is now seventyseven, and there are two Aid societies and a Sunday school of one hundred members connected with this church.

The Methodist Episcopal Church. - This church has an organization, but no church building. The pulpit is supplied by the Rev. T. Morris, and a church building is soon to be erected.

Fraternal Societies

Modern Woodmen. - This organization was effected about three years ag-o, and is in a flourishing- condition. Its present officers are: Lew Allen, venerable counsel; D. A. Shaffer, worthy adviser; Archie Kimball, clerk; E. A. Harris, banker; Wm. Brill, escort; Steve Markuson, watchman; Eli Jones, sentinel.

Royal Neighbors of America. - An org^anization of the R. N. A., a companion of the Modern Woodmen, is one of the societies existing- at Vallev Spring-s. The officers are: Mrs. Cora Brill, oracle; Mrs. Elizabeth Bell, V. O.; Miss Winnie Pinnev, M.; Mrs. Alma Markuson, R. P. O.

Fraternal Brotherhood of the World. - This order has recently established a branch office in Valley Spring-s with the following- officers: Dr. Geo. W. Bliss, president; Mrs. Geo. W. Bliss, V. C; H. A. Cadwell, escort; Charles Potting-er, clerk; M. L. Rilev, overseer; R. P. Cadwell, Past P.

Valley Springs Prom 1895 To 1899

188:-5. W. H. Riddell, president; J. E. Hallett, Paul Zimmermann, J. Dunham and Geo. Cassady, trustees; P. Mellen, justice; D. B. Cook, treasurer; P. C. Bell, clerk; Henry Howe, marshal; Charles Harvev, street commissioner. D. B. Cook declined to act as treasurer and R. Barnett was appointed.

1884. W. H. Riddell, president; J. E. Hallett, P. Zimmerman, Geo. Cassady and J. Dunham, trustees; P. Mellen, justice; P. C. Bell, clerk; Richard Barnett, treasurer; Edson Wheeler, marshal and street commissioner.

1885. J. E. Hallett, president; T. B. Riley, P. C. Bell, P. Eastman and C. Potting-er, trustees; D. W. Lawrence, clerk; Z. R. Big-g-s, justice; R. Barnett, treasurer; Charles Harvey, street commissioner; Edson Wheeler, marshal.

1 887. A. L. Whaley, president; G. W. Wrig-ht, Charles Harvey, John Bowman and J. L. Harring-ton, trustees; W. A. Hill, clerk, Richard Barnett, treasurer; L. P. Mosier, justice; Charles Bender, marshal.

1897. Charles Haig-ht, president; L. S. Hetland, Charles Potting-er, and James Eschels, trustees; W. H. James, clerk; F. L. Skillman, treasurer; James Jameson, assessor; Frank Eastman, justice.

1898. Charles Haig-ht, president; L. S. Hetland, Charles Potting-er and James Eschels, trustees; H. W. Ferg-uson, clerk; F. L. Skillman, treasurer; Wm. Brill, marshal; Frank M. Eastman, justice.

Biographical Sketches

BuRGHARDT, J. DeWitt, is a native of Broome county. New York, and was born January 12, 1852. He lived there until he removed to Valley Springfs in May, 1881. He resided in Red Rock township for a few years, and there held the office of justice of the peace for three years, and has also held the same office in Valley Spring's for the same leng-th of time. He has for several years been eng-ag-ed in the implement business in the village of Valley Springs, and is well liked as a neighbor and citizen.

BuRKHOLDER, RoLLA W., was born at Carlisle, Pa., February (), 1854; attended the city schools until fifteen years of ag-e; then was employed in a g-eneral store five years, and in a g-rocer}- store seven years; in 1881 removed to this county, and located in Valley Spring's on July 4, and opened a hardware and general store; in 1886, sold out, and eng-ag-ed in the collection business until 1890, when he was employed for three years in the Indian service at the Lower Brule Agfencv; at the expiration of that time he returned to Valley Spring's, and has been eng-ag-ed in farming- since then. Mr. Burkholder has been chairman of the board of supervisors in Valley Spring-s township several years. He is a man of positive characteristics, nev^er on the fence, outspoken upon all public questions, and a participator in all local matters, a g-ood neig-hbor, and a g-ood citizen.

Cassady, George, is a native of Harrison, Ohio, and was born in 1849. He resided for some time in Indiana and Minnesota and came to Valley Spring's in this county in June, 1878, where he has since resided. Soon after the railroad station was established at Valley Spring's he was appointed station ag-ent there, and has held this position since that time. He has been president of the villagfe four years, a member of the school board nearly all the time since his residence there, and town and school treasurer for several years. His careful, conservative business qualifications, tog-ether with his honesty of purpose and genial manners, have made him one of the most respected citizens of the county.

CoNOVER, John, was born in Onondaga county, New York, September 16, 1843, and was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools. During the rebellion he enlisted in the First New- York Light Artillery for three years, but after thirteen months of service was discharged for disability. He again enlisted in the Ninth New York Heavy Artillery for one year, serving ten months and until the close of the war. For a few years he resided in Minnesota, but removed from there to Red Rock, this county, in 1883. He now resides in Valley Springs.

Deisher, N. J., was born in Lycoming county, Pennsylvania, September 24, 1854. He resided there and in Illinois and Nebraska before his coming to this county in March, 1886. He located at Valley Springs, where he engaged in the banking business until 1895, when he removed from the state. Mr. Deisher was a very active citizen while a resident of the county, and he enjoys the distinction of being the first banker in Valley Springs.

Dunham, Jonathan, is a native of Tompkins county, New York, and was born September 24, 1821. Mr. Dunham is one of the residents of this county who is qualified to speak of its comparative merits, having lived, in addition to his native state, in Canada, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois before coming here. In 1872 he arrived in Sioux Falls, and very soon thereafter took up the east half of section 3 in Valley Springs as a homestead and by pre-emption, and also secured 160 acres in section 27 in Red Rock under the tree culture act. He has now 500 acres of farm land. Mr. Dunham since coming to Dakota has attended strictly to business, and although an active citizen and interested in all public matters, has not been a candidate for office. He is an independent conservative man, but considerate of the opinion of those who differ with him. His rig-hts of citizenship are conscientiously exercised, and his influence is felt in all local matters.

Eastman, Francis M., was born in Wisconsin, Aug-ust 2, 1850. After starting- out in life for himself he spent a few years in Minnesota but removed to this county in 1876, arriving- in Palisade on the 12th day of March of that year. He took up a quarter section of land as a homestead in section 33, and a tree claim in section 8 in Red Rock township, both of which he has disposed of, and now resides in Valley Spring's. He was assessor of Palisade in 1881, president of the villag-e of Valley Springs in 1894, and justice of the peace since 1896. He is a g-ood neig"hbor and a g-ood citizen.

Haight, Charles, was born in Gloversville, Pulton county. New York, Julv 10, 1852. He resided in his native state and in Indiana and Illinois until 1889. On the 20th day of April of that year he came to Valley Spring's, and since then has been in business at that place. He is associated with T. D. Haig-ht under the firm name of T. D. & C. Haig-ht, and the firm is eng-ag-ed in the hardware, grocery, harness, and boot and shoe business. The firm has been successful, and is doing- a good business. Mr. Haight has the respect of the citizens of Valley Springs, and has been elected to school, village and township offices, in all of which he has proved himself to be a good official.

Haight, T. D., is a native of Albany, New York, and was born 1834. After having lived in Indiana and Virginia he removed to Dakota and located at Valley Springs in May, 1888. In October of that vear he entered into a co-partnership with his brother, C. Haight, under the firm name of T. D. & C. Haig-ht and bought a stock of hardware of Ed Wheeler, who was then doing- business at Valley Springs, and also the grocery stock of Carl Chapman, to which they added the sale of boots and shoes, trunks and harnesses. Mr. Haight is a good business man and the firm has done a successful business. He is a good, reliable citizen.

Harvey, William, was born in Caledonia county, Vermont, on the 1st day of April, 1817, and died at Valley Springs "on the 28th day of April, 1895. He was a physician of the old school, and practiced his profession in Ohio and Iowa before coming to Dakota. He arrived in this county in June, 1876, and settled in Valley Springs, taking up a homestead in section 19. He continued the practice of medicine a few years, but gradually retired from this work as old ag-e advanced. He was well liked by his neig-hbors and was a kind, genial gentleman.

Hetland, L. S., is a native of Norway, and was born April 21, 1858. He emigrated to the United States in 1872, and resided in Illinois until the fall of 1879, at which time he removed to Dakota and located at Valley Springs. In 1885 he eng-ag-ed in g-eneral merchandizing in the village of Valley Springs in which he has since con- tinued. He is a g-ood business man, and has made a success of his business. He has held the office of clerk of the town board for two years, was one of the trustees of the villag-e of Valley Spring's in 1898, and is one of the best citizens in the villag-e, well liked by his neig-hbors and customers.

Hill, Charles E., was born in Greene county, Ohio, December 1, 1854, and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, where he was educated in the city schools. He learned the printer's trade, on the Cleveland (Ohio) Herald. After learning- his trade he concluded he would see something- of the world before settling- down, and he traveled throug-hout the United States, Canada, Cuba and Eng-land, workingat his trade for a livelihood. He arrived in Sioux Palls in 1891, and worked for awhile on the Press. In March, 18*)2, he married Mrs. Emma A. Pixley of Valley Spring's, and became the proprietor of the Valley Spring-s Hotel, and editor of the Valley Spring-s Vidette, but sold out the hotel business in the fall of 1892, and since that time has given his undivided attention to the management of the Vidette. He is a good newspaper man, and the Vidette has grown to be a good county paper under his editorial control.

Hunt, Washington J., was born in Chenango county, New York, February 23, 1856. He removed with his parents to Payette, Payette county, Iowa, in 1857, and resided there until he was twenty-two vears of age, working on a farm and attending- the common schools and the Iowa University. At that age he commenced work as a mason, and followed this trade until he removed to Dakota, where he arrived September 19, 1878. He then took up the northeast quarter of section 14 in Clear Lake, this county, and resided there until 1887, when he removed to Sioux Palls. In 1889 he removed to East Sioux Palls, where he resided, until November, 1898, when he located at Valley Springs. While a resident of Clear Lake he was a justice of the peace seven years, and town clerk five years. He has taught at least fifteen terms of school in this county, and has proved himself to be a successful teacher. He was county superintendent of schools of Minnehaha county in 1893 and 1894, and faithfully performed the duties of the office, ably assisted by his wife, who is well educated and has been a successful teacher in this county since its pioneer days. In 1895, Mr. Hunt was elected a member of the city council of East Sioux Palls. He is an upright, honest man, a good citizen, a kind neighbor, and has a host of friends.

James, William Henry, was born in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, December 25, 1858. He lived in Wisconsin until 1884, engaged in farming and milling, and then removed to Minnesota where he remained until the 15th day of August, 1886. At that time he located at Valley Springs, and has been engaged in the grain and insurance business at that place since then. He has held various township and village offices, was clerk of the village board for several years, and made a good official. Mr. James is a genial, good fellow, a good neighbor and esteemed citizen, and justly popular with all who know him.

KiFFE, H., was born in Mankato, Minnesota, April 12, 1857. He resided in Iowa for a few years, and came from there to Sioux Palls in 1878. Soon after he took up a homestead in McCook county, this state, and in 1879 removed to Rock county, Minnesota, where he remained ten years. In 1889 he returned to this county and settled in Valley Spring's. While a resident of Minnesota he held town offices for several years. He is an industrious honest citizen.

KiNYON, HoLDEN D., vvas born in Dodg-e county Wisconsin, September 15, 1854. and resided there until he removed to this county in March, 1886. He settled on the southeast quarter of section 18 in Red Rock, and was so pleased with the country that he induced several of his friends and relatives from his old home to come here and locate. He held several town offices while living- in Wisconsin, and also while a resident of Red Rock. In April, 1890, having- removed to Valley Spring-s villag-e, he was appointed postmaster at that place. He is'a reliable, uprig-ht man, and well liked by his neig-hbors.

Mellen, Frank, is a native of Boston. Mass., and was born Mav 18, 1828. He learned the shoemaker's trade and worked at it for several years. Resided for some time in Connecticut, and came from there to this county on the 15th day of Aug-ust, 1874, and located in Valley Spring-s, taking- up a homestead in sections 3 and 10 of that township. He has resided in the villag-e of Valley Spring-s since its incorporation, eng-ag-ed in the hotel business during- the entire time. He has been justice of the peace a g-ood many years, and has practiced law in the justice court since coming- to Dakota, and has acquired quite a g-ood knowledg-e of law. He is an active, energ-etic and independent citizen, and is quite a factor in the affairs of the villag-e of Valley Spring-s.

PoTTiNGER, Charles O., was born in South Bend, Indiana, May 4, 1850. He resided in Illinois and Iowa for several years, but removed from the last named state to Valley Spring-s in March, 1884. He held the office of town clerk in Iowa for two years, and since residing- in the villag-e of Valley Spring-s has been assessor and justice of the peace, and one of the trustees of the villag-e since 1897. He is in the g-rocery and confectionery business. He is a quiet, unassuming- citizen and respected by his neig-hbors and acquaintances.

Riddell, William H., was born in Belvidere, Illinois, in 1848, and resided there until he was twenty-one years of ag-e. He then went to Sheldon, Iowa, where he secured a homestead and eng-ag-ed in farming- until May, 1878, at which time he removed to this county and settled in Valley Spring-s. He eng-aged in the lumber business for nine years, and then in the mercantile business for about three years. Was township treasurer and clerk, president of the villag-e of Valley Spring-s, and also a member of the board of education and justice of the peace. In 1885, was a member of the lower house of the territorial legfislature from Minnehaha county. It is hardly necessar}- to add that he was a hig-hly respected citizen, and that his departure for Oreg-on in July, 1892, was g-reatly regfretted by all who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.

Riley, J. W., was born September 15, 1858, in Wisconsin. In 1867 he removed with his parents to Mason City, Iowa, where he received his education and decided to become a teacher. In 1876 he finished a course in the hig-h school and since then has devoted his time to educational pursuits. In 1883 he came to this countv, and in October of that year commenced teachinjj- school in the Poster school house in Benton. He remained there three years and then took charg-e of the Whittier school in Wayne one year. In 1888 he became principal of the villag-e school at Valley Spring's, which position he held until 1897. He is an enthusiast in his profession, and has done g-ood service in advancing- the standing- of the schools in this county. In 1896 he was nominated by the Republican party for county superintendent of schools, but the Fusion party polled too many votes for his success at the election. Mr, Riley is a g-enial, g-ood fellow, and an exemplary citizen.

Riley, Thomas B., was born at New Albany, Indiana, June 26, 1836; was educated in the city schools, and when eig-hteen years old entered into a contract for three years as an apprentice to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner. At the expiration of that time he continued to work at his trade until the breaking- out of the civil war, and in 1861 enlisted in Co. P, 59th Indiana, and served until October, 1864. After his discharg-e he went to Illinois and eng-ag-ed in farming- until 1883, when he came to Dakota and settled in Valley Spring-s. He purchased two quarter sections in Valley Spring's township, and one quarter section in Martin township, Rock county, Minnesota. He took up his residence in the villag-e of Valley Spring-s, and for ten years eng-ag-ed in the lumber business. He was one of the trustees of the villag-e several years. In June, 1898, he removed to Sioux Palls, where he now resides. He still owns his farms and town property in Valley Spring-s, is a thoroug-h business man, and a respected citizen.

Skillman, p. L., was born in Chenang-o county. New York, January 21, 1844, and lived there until 1856 when he removed to Wabasha county, Wisconsin. November 2, 1861, he enlisted in Co. (t, 3d Minnesota infantry, and re-enlisted as a veteran in the same regfiment in 1863. In April, 1865, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant Co. K, 113 U. S. C. T., and remained in the service until September 4, of that year. After the war he remained in Minnesota until 1879, when he removed to Brooking-s county, Dakota, and from there to Valley Springs in September, 1886. His business since coming- to Dakota has been that of a drug-g-ist. Mr. Skillman is a g-ood business man, and an uprig-ht, honest citizen, and his influence is always felt in the furtherance of such projects as promise to elevate the standard of g-ood society in the community in which he lives. He was one of the trustees of the villag-e of Valley Spring-s two years, and has been treasurer of the same since 1897.

Urquhart, J. J., was born in Cornwall, Canada. After his coming- to the United States he resided in New York and Vermont, and came to Dakota and located at Valley Spring-s April 1, 1886. At that time his entire capital consisted of five dollars in cash. The first summer he worked out by the month, and saved enoug-h money to pay for a marriag-e license and a few household g-oods. In the spring- of 1887, he rented a farm for three years, ran in debt for a team, and commenced farming-. At the end of three years he held an auction and sold his stock and machinery-, paid his debts and had SI, 300 left. He then boug-ht a house and lot in the villag-e of Valley Spring-s and commenced clerking- for L. S. Hetland. He has held the office of constable and deputy sheriff. Mr. Urquhart is an active, energ-etic business man and a g-ood citizen.

Whaley, Archie L., was born in Oneida county. New York, in September, 1835, and died at the village of Valley Spring-s, May 6, 1895. When a mere lad he moved with his parents to Wisconsin, where he was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He resided in Iowa twenty-five years engag-ed in farming. In May, 1876, he came to this county and settled in Red Rock, taking up a homestead. When the railroad reached Valley Springs he commenced business there, in which he continued until his decease. During his residence in Valley Spring's he held several official positions; was president of the village and school board, village treasurer, postmaster for four years and deputy postmaster for several years. He always took quite an interest in political matters, and was frequently a delegate to political conv^entions. He was successful in business, and was one of the most noticeable men upon the streets of the village. He was an enterprising citizen, a kind neighbor and an upright, honest man.

Wright, G. W., was born at Ottawa, Canada, September 26, 1860,^and emigrated with his parents to the United States in 1862. In 1873 he came to Luverne, Minnesota, and in June, 1885, removed to this county and located at Valley Springs. He then engaged in business at that place with A. Peterson, and in the spring of 1886 he bought his partner's interest and entered into copartnership with W. J. Carey, which continued until 1890. Soon after the building of the flouring mill at Valley Springs he became the salesman and bookkeeper of that concern. "He has been president of the board of trustees of the village of Valley Springs and clerk of both the village and township. He is an upright, honest man, and a respected citizen.

The boundary lines of Split Rock township were surveyed at an early date. The portion of the south line bounded by the Iowa state line was surveyed in 1852, the remainder of the south^line and the west line were surveyed by Wm. J. Neeley in July, 1859, the north and east lines by Cortez Pessenden in July, 1862, and the subdivision was made by Carl C. P. Meyer in Aug-ust, 1864. It contains 23,057.57 acres of land. The Bitr Sioux river enters the township on the northwest quarter of section 4, and running- thence almost due south, leaves the township and county near the center of the south line of section 33. Split Rock river enters the township in the northeast (juarter of section 2, but after pursuing- its course in a southwesterly direction a short distance, turns north, and flows around the southwest corner of section 35 in Brandon, and ag-ain enters the township upon the same quarter section. From this point it flows in a southwesterly course, and forms a junction with the Big- Sioux a few rods south of the center of section 16. This stream was at an early date known by the name of Emenija, and so well known as to appear in Johnson's Illustrated Atlas of the World. In the same atlas it also appears that there was a town located at the junction of the Big- Sioux and this stream, with the same name. Two branches of Beaver creek form a junction in section 13, and flowing- in a westerly course, unite with the Split Rock in section 15 near its north line. There was also another small stream according to the g-overnment survey, flowing- diag-onally throug-h the southeast portion of the township, forming- a junction with the Sioux river at the center of the south line of section 33, but if a survey should be made in a dry season it would not find a place upon the map.

In 1877 a small flouring- mill was built on the east bank of the Sioux river in the northeast quarter of section 33, known as Banning-'s mill. In 1881 it was nearly destroyed by hig-h water, and was not repaired and put in operation ag-ain until in 1892. In some respects it is an important township, having- within its boundaries the incorporated city of East Sioux Falls, and quite a village called Rowena. The presence of Sioux quartzite in large quantities in section 26, induced Thomas J. Ryan of Iowa to purchase several hundred acres of land and commence quarrying the stone. In October, 1888, he platted forty-three blocks in the southeast quarter of this section, and the little village of Rowena sprung into existence. A station on the Illinois Central railroad was located at this point, a post office established, and some fine building-s and two warehouses erected. One of the remarkable features attending- this post office is the number of postmasters who have been in charg-e during- its existence, (leorg-e M. Nix was appointed postmaster November 9, 1888; H. J. Eag-er, Mav 27, 1889; John E. Brown, December 5, 1889; F. H. Marshall, September 6, 1890; F. R. Wrig-ht, June 22, 1894; Charles H. Matthews, June 1, 1896; and Alfred Reid, December 1, 1897. The Electric Motor Line from Sioux Falls had its terminus at East Sioux Falls, while in existence, and the C, St. P., M. & O. railroad runs throug-h sections 1 and 2, and the northwest corner of section 3. The first settler in this township was Ole B. Iverson, who located on section 21. Four days after Mr. Iverson's arrival Ole Berg-erson came, and took up 320 acres of land in section 4. The first house, a dugf-jout, was built in the fall of 1868, on the southwest quarter of section 21, about thirty rods northwest of the east end of the bridg-e across the Sioux River. It was built by Mr. Iverson, Ole and Soren Berg-erson, and Mr. Iverson and wife tog-ether with the Berg-ersons lived there the following- winter.

1881. The first meeting- of the township board was held at the house of Peter Iverson, January 11, 1881, and the board was org-anized by the election of Charles Olander as chairman, R. S. Svolde, one of the supervisors, and George White, clerk, were present. June 9, a second meeting- was held and all the members of the board, Charles Olander, R. S. Svolde and Ale Abramson, were present, also Ole Berg-erson, justice of the peace. At this meeting-, Amon Johnson was appointed clerk. July 18, the board met and allowed the bill of Christ Clauson, for twelve days' work as assessor, in the sum of twenty-four dollars.

1882. January 2, the board met at the house of Evan Frislev, and the newly elected officers qualified. May 4, the board met, Charles Olander, chairman, Soren Berg-erson and David Banning-, supervisors. Amon Johnson having- removed from town, Alo Abrahamson was appointed clerk. Gust Plorell was treasurer of the township in 1882.

1883. January 2, the board met and officers qualified. Charles Olander chairman, Soren Berg-erson, supervisor, Alo Abrahamson, clerk, Georg-e Larson, treasurer, John O. Walker and Ole Berg-erson justices of the peace. The clerk was directed to post notices in five different places ten days before town meetings. January 24, the board met and appointed M. South supervisor and Sivert Swenson constable, and re-districted the road districts.

1884. January 2, a town meeting was held at the house of John O. Walker, to determine whether the town would raise eleven hundred dollars to aid in the construction of a bridge at Peter Iverson's across the Sioux river, but the records are silent in regard to the action of the meeting, except that John O. Walker was elected moderator. At a meeting of the board February 26, a resolution was passed, that the construction of a bridge at Banning's mill, should not become a charg-e upon the town, for the reason that it was constructed regfardless of public demand and was of no use to a majority of the people of the town. March 4, the following- officers were elected: Charles Olander chairman, M. South and Ole Berg-erson supervisors, John T. Lee assessor, John O. Walker clerk, (ieorg-e Larson treasurer, Thomas Cuthbert and Nels Simons justices. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Larson for the use of their house for town meeting's. March 17, the town board met and discontinued a highway "that crossed a creek in numerous places, passed over hills and throug-h sloug-hs, and was useless as a public highway." March 18, John O. Walker was appointed justice of the peace, to hll the vacancy occasioned by Thomas Cuthbert failing- to qualify.

1886. The annual town meeting was held March 2, at the house of Andrew Larson. In addition to the election of officers, the town voted to elect road overseers and pound masters by the ballot. The following officers were elected: Ole Bergerson chairman, C. T. Clauson and Thomas Cuthbert supervisors, John T. Lee clerk, George Larson treasurer, Claus Clauson assessor and Gust Peterson justice. May 18 the board allowed John Nelson S15().00 for damages sustained bv reason of a road being laid through his land.

1887. At the annual town meeting- March 1, the following officers were elected: Ole Bergerson chairman, Thomas Cuthbert and John T. Lee supervisors, George Larson treasurer, Charles Olander assessor, Nels Simons and Martin Tvee justices, and Claus Clauson and Samuel Thompson constables.

1888. The annual town meeting was held at the house of C. T. Clauson, March 6, and the following officers were elected: Charles Olander chairman, Oliver Munson and Ward Benedict supervisors, George Larson treasurer, J. T. Lee assessor, Thomas Cuthbert clerk, B. S. Peterson and John W. Briggs constables.

1880. The annual town meeting was held at East Sioux Falls on the 5th day of March, and the following persons were elected to the respective offices: Ward Benedict chairman, Charles Olander and Oliver Munson supervisors, Nels Simons clerk, S. C. Peaslee treasurer, J. T. Lee assessor. Prank Chaphe and A. M. Christie justices, and J. R. Reed and J. R. Blue constables. October 29, S. C. Peaslee having resigned as treasurer George Larson was appointed.

1890. The annual meeting- was held March 4, atRowena, and 186 votes were cast. C. A. Lindstrom was elected chairman and Charles Olander and Halvor Mork supervisors, Nels Simons clerk, George Larson treasurer, J. T. Lee assessor, Wiley Lowe justice and Mike Welch constable. It was voted that all town meetings be held at East Sioux Falls. March 20 a town meeting was held to vote on the question of a resurvey of the town. 78 votes w^ere cast, 21 for and 51 (ig-aiust.

1891. March 3, annual town meeting held at Rowena. C. Lindstrom, moderator. The following named persons were elected: W^ard Benedict chairman, Halvor Mork and Fred Jacobson supervisors, Alfred Reid clerk, George Larson treasurer, Nels Simons asses- sor, Charles Olander and Georg-e Powers justices, M. S. Vance and M. Christiansen constables. April 7, the board examined roads and brido-es and ag-reed with the town board of Valley Spring-s to build a bridg'e across Pour Mile creek on rang-e line south of sections 7 and 12, expenses to be equally borne by Split Rock and Valley Spring-s. September 18, board met in joint session w^ith Valley Spring's board to consider the petition for opening- the road on line between the towns praved for. Petition g'ranted, and the amount of damag-es different persons would sustain b\' reason of opening- the road ag-reed upon.

1892. The annual town meeting- was held March 1, at Rowena. Ward Benedict elected chairman, Halvor Mork and Ole Berg-erson supervisors, Alfred Reid clerk, George Larson treasurer, Nels Simons assessor and A. A. Christie justice. October 25, John C. Newbold was appointed justice in place of William Paulton resig-ned.

1893. The annual town meeting- held at Rowena, March 7, and the following- officers were elected: Ward Benedict chairman, Oliver Munson and Martin Lee supervisors, W. J. Benedict, Jr., clerk, W. M. Webster treasurer, Nels Simons assessor, E. Erling-son and J. C. Newbold justices, T. Carlson and J. H. Brig-g-s constables. April 15, a special town meeting- was held "to determine whether land marks should be erected at section and quarter section corners throug-hout the town; and also whether the board should enter into a contract with the county surveyor, or any other competent surveyor, to make true survey of all sections and cause land marks to be erected permanently at each section and quarter section corner, as established by the U. S. Government survey." Pifty-eig-ht votes were cast - '\2 for and 16 ag-ahist. June 20, board met and allowed bill of T. M. Patten, county surveyor, for surveying- the township at 8275.00.

1895. Supervisors, Richard Banning chairman, Martin Lee and C. A. Lindstrom; clerk, P. R. Wright; treasurer, Alf. Reid; assessor, Claus Clauson.

1899. Supervisors, Richard Banning chairman, H. C. McGilvray and Tollef Neste; clerk, A. N. Brown; treasurer, Alf. Reid; assessor, Claus Clauson; justice of the peace, Martin Lee.

East Sioux Palls

The platted portion of East Sioitx Palls is situated on the southeast quarter of section twenty and the northwest quarter of section twentv-ei<»-ht in Split Rock township. The Bio- Sioux river runs throuy-h the city, and the Illinois Central railroad has a station at this point. It is six miles east, and one mile south of the city of Sioux Falls.

A petition was presented to the board of county commissioners at its July meetino- in 1890, sig-ned by the requisite number of citizens residing- within certain territory in Split Rock township, requesting- the board to order an election to determine whether it should become an incorporated city. An election was ordered to to be held on the 19th day of August, at which time one hundred and forty-two votes were cast; all being* in favor -of incorporation. The result was reported to the county board, and the territory included in the petition was declared to be incorporated as the City of East Sioux Palls An election of city officers took place soon after, and the city council held its first meeting October 15, 1890.

The incorporation of the city of East Sioux Palls was the result of the extensive quarrying- of the Sioux quartzite at this point, the supply being inexhaustible, and near a railroad station. Por two or three years quite a large business was transacted, and the little city presented a lively appearance, but the hard times had a depressingeffect upon its principal industry, and other lines of business suffered in a corresponding deg-ree. But this valuable stone is still there in larg-e quantities and it is a favorable point for shipment, with a picturesque location, surrounded by a rich farming country, and although in a dormant state at the present time, it is not a Rip Van Winkle sleep that has overtaken this enterprising- little burg.

List Op Officers Op The City 1890-1899

18D0. Mayor, J. C. Russell; aldermen, James McGrath, George Anderson, Samuel Thompson, Charles Delaney, Thomas Morris and Wm. Handley; James McGrath was elected president and Thomas Morris vice president of the city council; G. W. Jones, auditor; T. P. Howard, assessor; J. H. Voorhees, attorney; Edward J. Riley, treasurer; H. C. Cornell, city justice; Wiley V. Lowe, police justice; I). C. Rice, city eng-ineer.

At the first meeting of the city council, which was held in the East Sioux Palls Granite Company's office, at the date above mentioned, the bonds of the officers were fixed as follows: mayor, S3, 000; treasurer, SI, 000, and all other officers S500 each. At the meeting held October 23, the council ordered a map to be made of the city, and the Sioux Palls Argus-Leader was made the official newspaper. On the 15th day of December the committee on streets and alleys was directed to" purchase six lamps, and engage a man to light them when necessary.

1891. Mayor, J. C. Russell; alderman, 1st ward, Thomas P. Howard, Samuel Thompson; 2d ward, H. C. Cornell, (yeorge Anderson; 3d ward, James McGrath, Thomas Hosken; E. J. Riley, treas- urer; Charles Delanev, auditor; J. H. Voorhees, attorney; J. J. Warner, assessor; Wiley V. Lowe, police justice; Isaac Whittle, city justice; John O'Brien, chief of police.

At a meetingf of the council on the 5th day of January, the salary of the officers was fixed as follows: mayor, $2', aldermen, SI each; treasurer, S25; auditor, S50; attorney, S150, to take effect from the l5th dav of October, 1890. D. C. Rice presented his bill amountingto S32 for making- a map of the city, which was allowed.

1892. Mayor, James McGrath; aldermen, 1st ward, Samuel Thompson, Georg-e V. Lowe, to fill unexpired term; 2d ward, H. C. Cornell, Georg-e Anderson; 3d ward, Georg-e Waldrum, Harry Wardie, to fill unexpired term; Wiley V. Lowe, auditor; J. H. Voorhees, attorney; E. J. Riley, treasurer; W. J. Hunt, assessor, and he was appointed police justice June 13; Fred Rudkin, city justice; Harry Baum, chief of police, moved from the city and Mike Welsh was appointed, but was sent to the insane asylum, and Al Martin was appointed to fill the vacancy December 6.

1893. Mayor, James McGrath; aldermen, 1st ward, Sam Thompson and J. T Ward, to fill vacancy; 2d ward, H. C. Cornell and Georg-e Anderson; 3d ward, Harry Wardle and Thomas Iverson; E. J. Riley, treasurer; Wiley V. Lowe, auditor; J. H. Voorhees, attorney; W. J. Hunt, police justice; Edward Peterson, city justice; Al. Martin, chief of police.

Board of Education, 1st ward, Mrs. W. J. Hunt and David Banning-; 2d ward, John Hawkins and Hans Sinklin; 3d ward, Al. Martin and Alfred Anderson.

1894. Mayor, Sam. Thompson; Alderman, 1st ward, John J. Warner; 2d ward, Georg-e Anderson; 3d ward, Thomas Iverson; W. V. Lowe, auditor; Edward J. Riley, treasurer; W. J. Hunt, police justice; Edward Peterson, city justice; Allen Martin, chief of police; Thomas Thompson, assessor.

1895. Mayor, Sam. Thompson; aldermen, 1st ward, W. J. Hunt; 2d ward, Edward Peterson, 3d ward, Peter Helg-erson; W. V. Lowe, auditor; Thomas Iverson, treasurer: Peter A. Anderson, assessor; Oliver Bursheim, police justice; Charles Safe, citv justice; Rudolph Meyers, chief of police.

1896. Mayor, Sam. Thompson; aldermen, 1st ward, Thomas Thompson; 2d ward, Henry C. Cornell; 3d ward, William Meyers; W. V .Lowe, auditor; Thomas Iverson, treasurer; Oliver Bursheim, police justice; Charles Safe, city justice; Rudolph Meyers, chief of police; Peter A. Anderson, assessor.

Lowe, auditor; Thomas Iverson, treasurer; Peter A. Anderson, assessor; John Gilliver, police justice; Peter F. Claussen, city justice; Henry C Cornell, chief of police.

1898. Mayor, Samuel Thompson; aldermen, 1st ward, Charles Sibson; 2d ward, (xeor^fe Anderson; 3d ward, Alfred Wakeling-; W. V. Lowe, auditor; Thomas Iverson, treasurer; H. C. Cornell, assessor; Peter F, Claussen, city justice; H. C. Cornell, chief of police.

1899. Mayor, Samuel Thompson; aldermen, 1st w^ard, Lars Anderson; 2d ward, Georg-e Anderson; 3d ward, John Gilliver; W. V. Lowe, auditor; Thomas Iverson, treasurer; Henry C. Cornell, assessor; William Boyce, police justice; Peter Smith, city justice; H. C. Cornell, chief of police.

Anderson, George L., is a native of Norway, and was born June 10, 1861. He came to the United States in 1879, and lived with his uncle in Iowa for about two years; came to Sioux Falls in 1881, and when the penitentiary was built he was employed there; then worked for C. W. Hubbard in the stone quarries several years; moved to East Sioux Falls in 1888, and in 1892 commenced work for the East Sioux Falls Quarry Company. Mr. Anderson has been alderman from the second ward in East Sioux Falls nearly every year since its organization as a city in 1890, has been a member of the board of health, and is an industrious, good citizen.

Ask, Ole Swenson, one of the early settlers in this countv, was born in Norway January 6, 1822, and emigrated to the United States in 1866. He lived in Iowa four years, and came to Minnehaha county in 1870. He secured a homestead in section 10 in S])lit Rock, where he still resides and has a good farm.

Banning, Abraham, was born in Knox countv, Ohio, on the 5th day of January, 1846. He resided in Winneshiek county, Iowa, for a few years, but removed from there to this countv on the 6th day of March, 1876, and bought the northeast quarter of section 33 in Split Rock, where he has since resided. He is one of the proprietors of Banning's mill, located on the east bank of the Sioux River near his residence. He is an industrious, upright and respected citizen.

Benedict, Ward, w^as born in Steuben county, New York, July 1836. When seven years of age he removed to Wisconsin with his parents, and resided there until 1886, w^hen he went to Dakota and arrived in Sioux Falls April 30, of that year. He bought the west half of section 24 in Split Rock and resided there for several years. He was elected town supervisor in 1888, and was chairman of the board four years. He disposed of his farm in 1893 and moved into the city of Sioux Falls, and for some time was the proprietor of the Central House. But Mr. Benedict is best known as a farmer, and since coming to this county has won the respect and confidence of his neighbors and acquaintances.

Bergerson, Ole, was born in Norway September 27, 1844, and came to the United States with his parents in 1851. He resided in Wisconsin and Iowa until 1868, when he removed to this county. He took up 320 acres of land in section 4 in Split Rock, and 160 acres in section 24, in Brandon, and made his home on the homestead in section 4. Ole B. Iverson was the only man who settled in Split Rockprior to him, and he had only been there four days when Mr. Bery-- erson arrived. During- the fall of 1868, Mr. Iverson and Ole and Soren Bercrerson constructed the first house in Split Rock. It was in part a dug-out, and in front of it a few^ posts were set up and a roof put on, and in this place Mr. Iverson, his wife, and the Berg^ersons lived the following- winter. It was located about thirty rods northwest of the east end of the bridg-e crossing- the Sioux River at East Sioux Falls. They were so much pleased with the country that they made a systematic effort to induce Scandinavians to come here and settle, and throug-h their influence quite a larg-e number of farmers of that nationality located in this county. Mr. Berg-erson has been very prominent in the affairs of Split Rock township, havingheld all of the town offices, and was also county commissioner from 1871 to 187*). He is a larg-e ])roperty owner, and has some investments in mining- property in the State of Washing-ton. He has always been held in hig-h esteem by his neig-hbors, and is recog-nized as one of the most reliable citizens in the countv.

Bowman, S. A., is another of the old settlers. He was born in Linkoping-, Sweden, in 1830; emig-rated to the United States in 186'), lived in Michig-an four years, and located in this county in 1873. He filed a pre-emption on the northeast quarter of section 11 in the town of Split Rock, where he still resides. He also boug-ht and now owns 40 acres in section 2, in the same township. He has a g-ood farm, and is a respected citizen.

Charleson, Thomas, is a native of Norway, and born in 1851. He emig-rated to this country and lived in Iowa for two years; removed to Minnehaha county in the spring- of 1872, and took up the north half of the northeast quarter of section 10, and the north half of the northwest quarter of section 11, in the town of Split Rock, where he has since resided and has a g-ood farm.

Clauson, Claus, is one of the pioneers of Minnehaha countv, having lived here since June 30, 1869. He came from W^inneshiek county, Iowa, where he was born December 29, 1854. He took up a homestead in section 14, and a tree claim in section 15 in Split Rock. He resides on his homestead, and is a g-ood farmer and a g-ood citizen; has been town assessor in Split Rock several years.

Clauson, Christ T., is one of the early settlers of this county, having- lived on his present farm since 1872. He came from Winneshiek county, Iowa, where he was born in 1854. He was the first assessor in Split Rock, and has also been a member of the town board of supervisors. His farm comprises 160 acres in sections 14 and 15. He is a g-ood citizen and has a good farm.

Plorell, Andrew, came direct from Sweden to Dakota, and settled in this county in May, 1873. He took up as a homestead the northeast quarter of section 3, in the town of Split Rock, where he has lived ever since, and has now a g-ood farm. He was born June 17, 1828.

Iverson, Peter, was born in Norway in 1853. When only six years of ag-e he emig-rated with his parents to the United States, and settled in Iowa. In 1871 Mr. Iverson came to this covmty, where he secured as a homestead the northwest quarter of section 21, in Split Rock township. He also owns some real estate in Minnesota, but resides on his homestead, which is a g-ood farm. He is a good citi/en.

Jacobson, Fred, a son of L. A. Jacobson, was born in Sweden, Aug-ust 24, 1863, and came to this country with his father in 1871. He bought and now owns 160 acres in section 13, in Split Rock, where he resides. He was a member of the town board of supervisors in 1891, and is a good citizen.

Jacobson, Lars Anders, is a native of Sweden and was born at Motala, October 17, 1829. He emigrated to the United States in 1871, lived in Illinois one year, and in Iowa, until 1875, when he removed to Dakota and settled in this county, where he has since been a permanent resident. Mr. Jacobson took up a homestead in section 12, in Split Rock, where he still resides and has a well improved farm with good buildings. He is a good citizen.

Jacobson, Phillip, another son of L. A. Jacobson, was born in Sweden, October 18, 1864. He owns a good farm comprising 160 acres in section 24, where he resides, and also 80 acres in section 3(), in Split Rock. He is a good farmer and a good citizen.

Jones, Thomas P., was born in Anglesey, North Wales, England, October 8, 1855. He emigrated to this country and lived a few years in Mankato, Minnesota. August 20, 1888, he became a resident of this county, where he has bought and now owns 80 acres in section 36, in Split Rock, one lot on east Sixth street in the citv of Sioux Palls, and a house and lot in Rowena.

Johnson, Charles, was born in Stockholm, Sweden, June 25, 1834. In 1868, he emigrated to the United States, and resided at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, live years, then at Sioux City for a short time, and removed from there to Dakota in 1873 and settled in this county. He took up as a homestead the southwest quarter of section 12, in Split Rock, where he still resides and has a good farm.

Knutson, John, was ])()rn August 10, 1843, in Norway. He emigrated to the United States, lived in Iowa for three years and removed to Minnehaha county in 1873. He then filed a pre-emption, which he changed to a homestead, on the northwest quarter of section 15, in the town of Split Rock, where he still resides. He afterwards bought 160 acres of land in section 17, in the same town. He is a respected citizen and an enterprising farmer.

Larson, George, is a native of Sweden, and was born May 13, 1860. In June, 1871, he came to this county with his parents, who settled in Split Rock township. His father, Andreas Larson, who died a few years ag-o, took up 160 acres of land in sections 22 and 23. of which the subject of this sketch is now the owner, besides another quarter section which he also owns, and has a g-ood farm. He has been township treasurer ten successive years, and is a o-ood farmer and a g^ood citi/.en.

Lee, Martin T., was born in Christiania, Norwa}-, January 16, 1861, and came to the United States with his parents in 1867. For three years his parents resided in Iowa, but in June, 1870, removed to Split Rock in this county. They arrived on the 18th day of June, and the subject of this sketch, was old enough to remember that during- the first two w^eeks of their residence there they lived on fish and milk. The old homestead is located on the northwest quarter of section 2 in Split Rock, and he now resides there with his father. He has boug-ht some farm land near the homestead, and is an industrious, upright man and a good citizen. He has been town supervisor for several years.

Lee, Thorsten A., was born near Christiania, Norway, August 11, 1846. In June, 1867, he emigrated to the United States, settled in Iowa for three years, and then came to Split Rock, arriving there June 18, 1870. He soon after took up 160 acres in section 2 in Split Rock, where he has since resided. He is a good farmer and a good citizen.

LiNDSTROM, Charles A., is a native of Sweden, and was born on the 29th day of November, 1841. In 1853 he emigrated to the United States with his parents, and resided in Illinois and Iowa until about the first day of June, 1871, when he came to this countv. He settled in Split Rock, and took up 240 acres of land in sections 17 and 20 in that township. In 1873 he was elected sheriif of the count}^ of Minnehaha, but did not qualify. He has held school district offices and has been chairman of the town board. In July, 1861, he enlisted in the 42d Illinois regiment and served until January, 1866. He was wounded in the battle of Stone River, and again in the battle of Resaca, Georgia. He was sergeant two years, and when discharg-ed was lieutenant in Co. I. Mr. Lindstrom is an honest, upright citizen, and is one of the most respected farmers in the county.

Lowe, Wiley V., was born at Wheeling, West Virginia, August 13, 1865; was reared in the State of Illinois, and educated at the Normal school at Stanberry, Mo.; was then employed as bookkeeper for several corporations in Iowa; came to East Sioux Palls in 1889, and took the position of bookkeeper for the East Sioux Brails Granite Co.; in 1896, he became the local manager of the East Sioux Falls Quarry Co., which position he still holds. He has been postmaster of East Sioux Palls post office for several years, and has been city auditor since 1892. Mr. Lowe is a young man of sterling worth, industrious and enterprising, and is an honest, upright citizen.

MoNSON, Oliver, has been a w-ell known resident of this county since November 21, 1875; he came to this county from Pennsylvania, where he first located after his coming to the United States. He secured a homestead of 160 acres in section 19, in the town of S])lit

Rock, where lie has since resided, and lias a well ini])r()ve(l farm, with ^'ood biiildino-s. He has held the oHice of justice of the peace, and has been a menil)er of the town and school hoards. He is a nati\e of Sweden and was horn July 2*^ 1851. He is an industrious farmer and a ij-ood citizen.

NiLSSON, Andrew, was born in the province of Werniland, Sweden, on the r2th day of March, 1834. He eniig-rated to the United States in 1867, lived in Illinois live years, and came to Dakota in 1872, and located in this county, where he has since been a well and favorably known resident. He secured a homestead and tree claim in section 1 in Split Rock, and has since purchased about 200 acres of land adjoining-, and has a g'ood farm. He is also the owner of some real estate in the city of Sioux Falls. He resides on his homestead with his family, having- five sons and two g'irls, and is a respected and g'ood citizen. He has been treasurer of the school board in S]ilit Rock several years.

Olander, Charles, one of the early settlers of this county, is a native of Sweden, and was born in 1844. He emig-rated to the United States, lived in Michig-an for some time, and located on his present homestead in 1872, which comprises the southeast (juarter of section 11 in Split Rock township. He also owns land in sections 2 and 11 in the same township, and eig-hty acres in section 1() in Valley Spring's township. He has been a member of the town board of supervisors several years, was assessor in 1888, and justice of the peace in 1891. He is one of the well-to-do farmers of the township, and is a g-ood citizen.

Peterson, Bernt S., one of the pioneers of Split Rock, was born in Norway June 23, 1846, emigrated to the United States in 1860, and lived in Iowa until 1869, when he located in Split Rock, where he has since remained a permanent resident. The only settlers in this township at that time were OleBerg-erson, Soren Berg-erson and O. B. Iverson. He says he w^as the second man who secured a marriag-e license in this county, and Rev. Olson, now living- at Canton, solemnized the marriag-e. They lived in a sod and log- house for ten years, which, as prosperity advanced, g-ave place for more modern structures. He has been a successful farmer, and resides on his homestead in section 9, and has a well improved farm, well stocked. He was constable in 1871, has been road master for about fifteen years, and is a g-ood citizen.

Reid, Alfred, was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1870, and emig-rated to the United States and settled in this county in 1887. He took up his residence at Rovvena, and eng-aged in the stone business until quite recently, when he opened a g-eneral store at that place. He has been town clerk two years, and town treasurer since 1897, and postmaster since December of that year, is an energ-etic, active citizen, and popular with his neig-hbors, and all who know him.

Robertson, John, was born in the state of New York in 1<S47. In 1864 he enlisted in the na\y, and served until the close of the war. He then engag-ed in farming- in Illinois and Iowa until 1884, when he removed to Dakota and settled on his present homestead, the southeast quarter of section 23, in Split Rock, where he still resides. He is a good farmer and a respected citizen.

Rydo, Charles, is a native of Sweden, and was born in Nerike December 18, 1835. He came to this country in 1871, and lived in Pennsylvania and Iowa until 1876, when he settled in this countv. He owns the northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section 14, and resides there.

Samuelson, John A., is one of the iirst settlers in Split Rock. He was born in Sweden, June 26, 1837; emigrated to the United States in 1868, and lived one year in Iowa. In 1869 he came to Dakota and settled on his present homestead of 160 acres in section 13, in Split Rock, where he has since resided engaged in farming. He is a good citizen.

Simons, Nels, was born in Norway November 15, 1848, and emigrated to the United States in 1869. After having remained in Wisconsin for about two months he went to work on a steamboat on the Mississippi river. The next winter he spent in Clinton, Iowa, and in the spring of 1870 went to Sioux City and engaged in steamboating on the Missouri river. In 1871 he came to Split Rock, this county, and took up the northeast quarter of section 35. He has since sold one-half of this land, and purchased other land near by and has now a farm of 295 acres. He resides on the west half of the northwest quarter of section 35. Until 1882 he was engaged every year in steamboating- either on the Mississippi or Missouri rivers, and during two seasons since then was engaged in the same business on the upper Missouri. For fifteen years he held a license as first mate. Mr. Simons is a character. He is a g-ood talker and takes an active part in politics, and is on one side or the other on all political questions. He has held school district and town offices and is a g-ood official, and a republican convention in this county without his presence as a delegate would not only be noticed but reg-retted. He is a keen, sharp man, and maintains a good reputation as an honest, public-spirited citizen.

SwENSON, Sever Martin, was born in Norway April 15, 1859. He emigrated to the United States with his pareiits in 1866, and located in Iowa till 1870, when they removed to this county. Some years ago he bought the southeast quarter of section 10, where he now resides, and has quite a good farm. He has held some school offices, and is a good citizen.

Thompson, Samuel, is a native of Norway, and was born August 11, 1863; attended school and worked on a farm until he emigrated to the United States with his parents in 1874. His father, Thomas Thompson, took up one hundred and sixty acres in section 29 in Split Rock township in 1874, but died two years later. A part of the homestead is within the limits of the city of Kast Sioux Falls, and the subject of this sketch resides in the city. He has been alderman two years, and mayor of the city hve years; was nominated for representative to the legislature by the Republican party of this county in

Thompson, Thomas L., a brother of Samuel Thompson, was born in Norway in March, 18G1, and came to this county with his parents in 1874, since which time he has been a resident of Split Rock township. He resides at Kast Sioux Palls, and has been alderman of that city one term, and is a respected citizen,

ToRKiLDSON, IvER, has lived in Minnehaha county since 1873. He formerh' resided in Iowa, where he first settled after coming- to the United States. He is the owner of a g-ood homestead on the southeast quarter of section 1, in the town of Split Rock, where he now lives. He is a native of Norway, and was born in 1848.

Webster, Madison, is a native of New York, and was born in 1840. He resided for a while in Iowa, but removed to Split Rock in this county in 1873. He took up a homestead in section 26, and since then has added to his real estate by pre-emption and purchase so that now he has 550 acres of farm land. The stone quarry near Rowena is located on land purchased from him. Mr. Webster is an industrious man and a good citizen.

White, CtEorge B., has been a resident of this county since June, 1870, at which time he came here and took up as a homestead the southeast quarter of section 35, in Split Rock. He now resides in Sioux Palls. He has been clerk of the town board, and treasurer and clerk of school district No. 6. Mr.AVhite is a gfood farmer and a g-ood citizen. He was born January 3, 1853, in Athens county, Ohio.

Woehrle, John, came to the United States in 1880, from Wurtemberg-, Germany, where he was born April 21, 1848. He owns the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of section 6, in the town of Split Rock. He is a g-ood citizen.

The first settlement in the county was made in Sioux Palls township. In the first chapter it appears at what time and by whom the first settlement was made; in fact, the, history of the township comprises so much of the early history of the county that it will be found interwoven with and a part of nearly all its events of importance. There is some fine land in the township; but a short distance from the Big Sioux river, especially in the northwestern part of the township, there are some hig-h bluifs where the soil is lig-ht and sandy. It is watered by the Big- Sioux river, and its course in the township runs in the direction of nearly all the points of the compass. It enters on section five, and leaves the township on section one, after passing- throug-h not less than nineteen sections. The township lines were surveyed by W. J. Neeley in July, 1859, and the subdivisions were made by him in Aug-ust and September of the same year. By this survey the township contained 23,022.83 acres of land, and what is now called Covell's lake covered eighty acres. The map of the township made by Surveyor Neeley is very interesting. It appears from this map that the first settlers intended to build the town at the foot of the falls on the west bank, as there is a plat of thirty blocks, five deep, east and west following the course of the river, and six north and south. There were fifteen blocks on each side of the section line between sections nine and sixteen. Of course, no other record was ever made of this the first plat made in the county. As appears elsewhere in this book, the first building- erected in the county was called the Dubuque house, and appears on this map as being in the third block from the west, and just north of the section line mentioned above, and as near the middle of the plat as it could be placed. A small space, near where Levi Carter's residence now stands on section four, extending into section three, is designated as a field. At the southeast corner of section four there is a representation of a building, with the word "Fuller's"; and a field a few rods south in sections nine and ten. There is also another field near the south line of section ten. The northeast quarter of the northeast quarter of section seventeen, what is now platted as McClellan's Addition to West Sioux Palls, was designated as " Jarrett's farm," and a small field appears on the south line of this quarter section. This map also indicates that Gov. Masters had a house on the southeast (juarter of section seventeen, and it appears to have been located as near as may be on what is now block eleven in Bennett's Pirst Addi- tion, between Spring- and Duluth avenues and Seventh and Eighth streets in the city of Sioux Palls. Another small field appears a little west and south of where the Jordan Methodist church is now located, on the east side of the river. This field is designated as " Little's field." Another small field appears in what is now Park Addition, and still another called "White's field" situated on the north side of the river in the northwest quarter of section thirtyfour. There also appears to have been a stone house in the southeast corner of the southwest quarter of section twenty-two.

In 1877, the village of Sioux Palls, comprising twelve hundred acres, was carved out of this township. On the 3d day of March, 1883, the city of Sioux Palls was incorporated, comprising all the territory of the village and much more, as it took nine full sections from the township, and since that time a little more than two sections have been added to the citv. Upon the incorporation of the town of South Sioux Palls three and one-half sections more ware taken from the township, so that it has only about twenty-orte sections left, and this portion is so covered with plats that it seems out of place to attempt to raise anything uj)()n it but "garden-truck."

188L Supervisors, H. R. Hunter, chairman, A. P. Davenport and Knut Thompson; clerk, Edward C. Currey; treasurer, G. B. Sammons; assessor, Henry Callender; constables, C. T. Jeffers and Henry Callender; justice. Prank S. Emerson. July 22, E. C. Currey resigned as clerk and C. W. McDonald was appointed in his place, and at the same time L. D. Henry was appointed justice of the peace. December 29, D. S. Glidden was appointed treasurer, G. B. Sammons having removed from the township.

1882. Supervisors, A. A. Grant, chairman, J. H. Stockton and Knut Thompson; clerk, C. W. McDonald; treasurer, D. S. Glidden; justices, L. D. Henry and Prank S. Emerson. April 29, McDonald not having qualified as assessor. Prank S. Emerson was appointed, and on the ()th day of July, McDonald resigned as clerk, and Prank S. Emerson was appointed to fill vacancy.

1883. Supervisors, A. A. (xrant, chairman, J. H. Stockton and Knut Thompson; clerk, H. M. Avery; treasurer. H. S. Hill; assessor, P. S. Emerson; justices, L. D. Henry and E. C. Hawkins; constables, John Sundback and T. D. Ouigley. "^May 28, D. S. (Glidden was appointed treasurer, and a contract was made with Cashman & Smith for building a bridge across the Sioux river at the Yankton crossing forS423.

1885. Supervisors, A. P. Davenport, chairman, D. Reynolds and H. Hunter; clerk, Prank Porde; treasurer, John T. Udell; asassessor, J. D. Redding.

1887. Supervisors, A. J. Rowland, chairman, Wm. Howie, Sr., and H. C. Aid rich; clerk, W. P. Willard; treasurer, C. E. Place; assessor, J. T. Udell; justice, (i. A. Campbell. The treasurer reported he had received durin^f the year Sl,%8.20, and that the balance on hand was S37.08.

1880. Supervisors, Henry Hunter, chairman, A. C. Aldrich and John Schaetzel; clerk, W. P. Williard; treasurer, Henry Pummel; assessor, E. W. Tufts; justice, G. A. Campbell; constable, J. T. McGarraug-h. October 12, W. P. Willard resigned the office of clerk and W. H. Heiss was appointed to fill vacancy.

1890. Supervisors, John Fortune, chairman, E. W. Tufts and A. C. Collins; clerk, W. H. Heiss; treasurer, Isaac Waring-; assessor, J. C. Tufts; justices, J. T. McGarraug-h and Georg-e Baker; constables, H. C. Aldrich and Georg-e Dukelow.

1891. Supervisors, A. C. Collins, chairman, P. H. Georg-e and E. W. Tufts; clerk, Wm. H. Heiss, Jr.; assessor, P. D. Gushard; treasurer, James A. Waring-; justice, H. C. Aldrich and E. Caldwell; constables, J. T. McGarraugh and L. P. Caldwell. P. D. Gushard did not qualify for assessor, and Fred M. Carter was appointed. At a special, town meeting- March 19, it was decided b}^ a vote of 71 to 37 to appropriate S5,500 for construction and repair of hig-hways.

1894. Supervisors, S. W. Helsen, chairman, W. G. Lacey and A. Caldwell; clerk, W. H. Heiss, Jr.; treasurer, Henry Truxes; assessor, James R. Waring-.

1896. Supervisors, S. W. Helson, chairman, Georg-e A. Baker and Prank Porde; clerk, E. S. Carter; treasurer, Richard E. Brooks; assessor, A. C. Long-.

1897. Supervisors, George A. Baker, chairman, John Kleeman and L. D. Lacey; clerk, W. P. Willard; treasurer, Richard Brooks; assessor, P. M. Carter.

1898. Supervisors, Prank Porde, chairman, L. D. Lacey and E. S. Carter; clerk, W. P. Willard; treasurer, Louis Zentle; assessor, Wm. Howie, Jr.; justice of the peace, Wm. Caldwell.

1899. Supervisors, L. D. Lacey, chairman. Prank Porde and Geo. A. Baker; clerk, W. P. Willard; treasurer, Louis Zentle; assessor, Wm. Howie, Jr.; justice of the peace, D. P. Harring-ton; constable, Ralph Den slow.

Baker, Gp:urge A., is a native of Enj^-land, and was born on the 18th day of February, 1849. He received a common school education, and worked on a farm until he was twenty-one years of age, at which time he emig-rated to the United States, and for a while resided in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In 1871 he took up his residence in Rock Rapids, Iowa, and remained there two years. He then removed to South Dakota, and located in this county, taking- up the southwest quarter of section 33 in Sioux Palls township, where he has since resided. In addition to this, he has 80 acres of land in Lincoln county, which he also farms. He was chairman of the township board of supervisors during- 18% and 1897. He made a gfood official, is a g-ood citizen, and an enterprising-, prog-ressive farmer.

Caldwell, Erasmus, was born in Port Hope, Canada, January 30, 1822. He removed from there to Minnesota, and came to this county in 1871, and took up what is now known as the Bunker place in Sioux Falls township. After residing- there a few years he disposed of it and settled in section twenty-five same township. He is a quiet, unassuming- man and a g-ood citizen. He has two sons Louis P., and x^delbert, who are both enterprising- young- farmers, and g-ood citizens of the county. Mr. Caldwell had his share of the hardships of pioneer life, but he courag-eously braved it throug-h, without outside help, freig-hting- for C. K. Howard when farming- would not pay. He said when he first arrived in Sioux Falls he tendered a one hundred dollar check on a bank in Redwing-, Minn., in payment for g-oods in Moulton's store. Mr. Moulton was unable to chang-e it, but at last True Dennis was found to be in possession of sufficient readv money to make the exchang-e. However, he was uncertain about the validity of the check, althoug-h Mr. Moulton assured him "You bet it is all rig-ht," but finally, after a g-ood hour's neg-otiation, accommodated Mr. Caldwell. At the first visit to Sioux City the check was promptly honored by the bank, and Mr. Caldwell had no further trouble about the acceptance of his checks whenever presented.

Caldwell, William, is a native of Ontario, Canada, and was born June 5, 1849, in the villag-e of Orono, in Durham county, was reared on his father's farm, and attended the public schools, and a commercial collegfe at London, Canada; came to the United States and eng-ag-ed in farming- at Redwing, Minn., for two years and a half; came to Sioux Falls and worked for C. K. Howard for about two years; returned to Canada, and was a commercial traveler for^ nearlv ten years; in 1881 took up land in Miner county, South Dakota, and engaged in farming at that place for seven years, and managed the Corson Brothers' farm in this county for two years. He has been justice of the peace of Sioux Falls township since 1393, and is popularly known as Judge Caldwell. He is a good citizen.

FoRDE, Frank, was born in Ireland February 26, 1848, and emigrated from the land of his nativity to Pennsylvania in 1866, where he resided two years. He then went to England and remained six months, returned to the oil region in Pennsylvania for six months, and then started West with his brother. Arrivino- at Omaha in the summer of 1869 he and his brother agreed to "flip a copper" and let it decide whether they would go to California or to Sioux Palls, where Jack had been before. The turn of the copper decided in favor of Sioux Falls, and they came. Hunting was a pretty good business in this reg-ion of the country in those days, and they immediately purchased an outfit of traps and other equipments for hunting and commenced business. The brothers built a log shanty on the bank of the Big Sioux west of town, in the fall of 1869, and trapped muskrat, mink, beaver, fox and wolf. There were at this time muskrats in great abundance, and the other animals enumerated v.^ere not scarce, and occasionally an otter would be caught. Porde savs, "I believe I have stood in one place and shot 100 muskrats before stopping." In 1870 Prank formed a partnership with Big Eagle, chief of the Santee Sioux, and Lewis Hulitt, and engag-ed in trapping and hunting in what is now Minnehaha and Lake counties. Late in the spring of 1871 they loaded their furs upon an old wagon, and with a pair of oxen, started for New Ulm, Minnesota, to dispose of their season's work. They arrived there in June and sold their furs for a little over SI, 000; then loaded their wagon with provisions, ammunition and whiskey, and started back. Arriving at Plandreau they met Cash Coats, and he was taken into a partnership in a new scheme. They went to Pipestone and quarried a quantity of pipestone sawed it into 600 blocks of such size that they could be easily manufactured into pipes. Then all but Big- Eagle came to Sioux Palls. Among other purchases the firm had made were ten gallons of whiskey and ten gallons of alcohol. They all pledged themselves not to take a single drink, and started back to Plandreau where Big Eagde was to join them, and then they would proceed across the country to Port Thompson west of the Missouri river, to dispose of their pipestone, whiskey and alcohol. They went north and camped the first nig-ht about twelve miles from Sioux Palls. The next morning-, being very dry, they finally concluded to vote on the question whether they would take a drink, and the ballot showed three ayes. At Plandreau, Big Eagle joined them, and they started on the Brooking's trail, as it was called, for the west. They did not make very rapid marches with their ox-team, but they did hold a good many elections on the way, and every time the vote was taken they had less whiskey. At last they arrived at their destination, but they had nothing to dispose of but their pipestone. Por a day or two everything went on smoothly. Thev were selling the Indians ten pipes for a good pony, four for a buffalo robe, one for a blanket and so on. when the Indians began to claim the pipestone belong-ed to the Indians, and that Porde and company had no right to quarry it. The party was soon brought before the agent, and he read them a portion of a treaty from which it appeared that the pipestone quarry was Indian property, and he advised them it would be best to move on. They g-ot in motion at once, taking- w^ith them all their effects, and they kept on the march until eleven o'clock at night, when they camped, got their supper and retired. But it was not long before they heard unearthly yells and found they were surrounded by

Indians, who proceeded to business at once, takino- into their possession all the property they had sold, and contiscated "as contraband" all the remaining- material for pipes. The party was now nearly bankrupt, having- only a small quantity of provision and Coats a little money. They proceeded to Yankton, and from there came to Sioux Palls. They held no elections on the way, a yea vote on the question that they voted on g"oing- out, would have been meaningdess, in fact - dispiriting-. Mr. Forde says: "Beavers are g-ood eating-, and the tail of a beaver is a g-reat delicacy; have cooked and eaten them a g-reat many times in mv shanty." He at first "squatted" on what is now Park Addition in the city of Sioux Palls, but there being- no fuel or water upon it, abandoned it, and took by pre-emption the northwest quarter of section 19, where his dairy farm is now located. In 1873 he g;ot his patent to this land, sig-ned by Gen. Grant, and afterwards offered to sell the land for S400, but was compelled to keep it. In 1888 he sold a half interest in it to Melvin Grig-sby for S10,000. He has now a larg-e dairy and sells milk all the year round to the people of Sioux Palls. The building-s upon this farm cost several thousand dollars. Mr. Porde is a man of g-reat energ-y, is an active enterprising- citizen and alwavs takes a lively interest in political matters. He has been a member of the township board several years and was its chairman in 1898 and was elected for the three vears term to the same office in March, 1899.

Carter, Levi S., is a native of New Hampton. New Hampshire, and was born May 4, 1831. He was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools and New Hampton Academy. When twenty-one years of ag-e he eng-ag-ed in teaching- school. Two years later he learned photog-raphy and for live years was eng-ag-ed in the photog-raphic business in New Eng'land and Chicag-o. In 1858 he turned his attention to dentistry, and after g-raduating- from the Baltimore Dental Colleg-e practiced his profession for ten years in Illinois. He then eng-ag-ed in the drug- business about thirteen years at Mendota, Illinois. On the 28th day of July, 1882, he arrived in Sioux Palls, and soon after purchased the northeast quarter of section 4, in Sioux Palls township, where he has since resided. He has been employed to make crop reports for this county since the first year of his residence here, and has kept a climatic record since 1885. He has for several years been Volunteer Meteorological Observer at Sioux Palls for the U. S. Department of Agriculture, and is an active, and hig-hly respected citizen.

Jones, Daniel W., was born in Deerfield, Franklin counlv , Massachusetts, Pebruary 28, 1832. He was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He resided in Vermont two years and for several vears in Illinois, and came to this county in 187'). He boug-ht the northwest (piarter of section 13, in Sioux Palls township and has resided there since then. It is a g-ood farm, and he has a handsome home. He is also the owner of other farm lands in Split Rock and Valley Spring-s. Mr. Jones is an honest, upright citizen.

until the fall of 1858, when he moved to Marshal county, Iowa, where he resided until the fall of 1874, when he came to Dakota and settled in Lincoln county, half a mile from Sioux Palls township. He was chairman of the supervisors of Spring-dale township fourteen years. In 1893 he removed to Sioux Falls township where he now resides. He is a respected citizen,

Johns, Henry, was born in Germany, September 21, 1851; was reared on a farm, and attended the public schools until seventeen years of ag-e, when he learned the cooper's trade, and until 1881 was a journeyman cooper in his native country. In February, 1881, arrived in America; worked at his trade in the State of New York one year, and in Chicago until April, 1886, when he came to Sioux Falls. Soon after his arrival at this place he was employed in the cooper shop at the brewery, and remained there until the fall of 1888, when he purchased a few acres of land in section eleven in Sioux Falls tow^nship and commenced market gardening-, in which he still continues. He has been a school officer in school district No. 16 for ten years, is a good neighbor, and an industrious, uprig-ht citizen.

Kingsbury, Edgar J., was born April 3, 1831, at Andover, Connecticut. He was reared on a farm, and was educated in the common schools and the high school of East Hampton, Massachusetts. At the age of seventeen years he commenced teaching- school, and for the next eight years worked on the farm and taught school during the winters. From this time until he came to this county in 1880, he was engaged in farming- on the old homestead in Andover. He resided in Sioux Falls two years, and then moved onto his farm of 320 acres in sections 14 and 23 in Mapleton, where he remained until a few years ag-o, when he built a fine residence on section 3 in Sioux Falls township where he now resides. Mr. Kingsbury is an honest, upright citizen, and well liked bv his neighbors and acquaintances.

Lacey, William G., was born at Wheatland, Monroe county, N. Y., October 26, 1814; graduated at Vermont University; took a law course at Yale; graduated at Geneva Medical College, and practiced medicine in New York city; was a member of the Masonic order, and was a politician of note, and held responsible positions of trust in New York; came to Sioux Falls June 27, 1883, and purchased a farm in section 13 in Sioux Falls township, and section 18 in Split Rock township. He died February 28, 1891. His two sons, William G., and Levi D., are now residing- on the home-farm. They were eng-aged in the g-rain business several years. William has been a member of the town board of supervisors of Sioux Falls township three years, and Levi two years.

WiLLARD. William P., is a native of Medina county, Ohio, and was born on the 7th day of May, 1842. He was raised on'his father's farm, and received a common school education. When the war of the rebellion broke out he promptly responded to the call for volunteers, and enlisted in the three months service in Co. K, 8th Ohio Volunteer Infantry, and after serving- five months was discharged. In Aug-ust, 1862, he re-enlisted, for three vears, in Co. B, 124 Ohio,

.iiitl st-r\ctl to tlu' close ol tlu- w.'ir. At Chick.'iinauo"i he received a slitj'ht wound in his ami from a splinter, and was at another time hit by a bullet, which fortunately struck his beltplate. and thus saved his life. After the war he returned to Ohio and lived there until 1865, when he moved to Des Moines county, Iowa, got married, and eno-ag-ed in farming- until the fall of 1882. At that time he removed to Dakota, and boug-ht a farm in Sioux Palls township, of Mrs. Clara Lewis, but sold it the next ;^ear, and bougfht his present farm, which comprises 160 acres in section 12, Sioux Falls township, and section 7, Split Rock township. He resided on this farm until 1889, when he went to Escondido, California, and eng-agfed in raisingorang-es and lemons for seven years, when business interests compelled him to return to his farm in Minnehaha county, where he has since resided, and has a g-ood farm. He has been clerk of the town board of Sioux Falls township five years, is a careful painstaking official, and an enterprising-, highly esteemed citizen.

WoERHLE, David, is a native of Germany, and was born August 21, 1846. He was in the military service four years and served in the German and French war. In 1877 he emig-rated to the United States, and in 1878 came to Sioux P^alls. He took up a homestead in section 1, but sold it a few years ago. He is still eng-aged in farming, and is an industrious, good citizen.

This illiistralion is from a pholotJ^raph taken at an lailv date, llie rock was exactly eit?Iit feet squaie, and wlien the water in the river was at its ordinary height, its top was about four feet ahove the water. It was frequently visited by the early settlers of Sioux Falls. When the ice went out during- the spring of iSSi it broke this rock fron; its fouiid.ition, and it fell into a hole about twenty feet in depth, just below where it stood.