History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 117

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1262

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Mr. Bauer was married on September 14, 1880, in Russia, to Miss Christina Buckenberger and they have become the parents of ten children: Maggie; Katherine; Fred and John, who are engaged in business with their father; Eveline; Ottilie; Ida; Martha and Hertha, twins; and Huldah.

Mr. and Mrs. Bauer are members of the German Reformed church and the sincerity of their religious belief is evidenced in the uprightness and integrity of their daily lives. Mr. Baner is a republican in politics and has served on the school board for several years and as assessor for two terms. In 1904 he was honored by election to the state legislature. He takes a great interest in the development of his adopted state and is willing if need be to sacrifice personal interest to the general welfare.

HON. GEORGE H. HOFFMAN.

Hon. George H. Hoffman, a leading and influential citizen of Selby, has been a resident of Walworth county for more than three decades and has been long and prominently identified with ranching and farming interests there, as well as taking an active part in public affairs. His birth occurred in Adams county, Pennsylvania, near the Gettysburg battlefield near the village of Mummasburg, where his father was engaged as a teacher in the public schools. He was a son of George R. and Sarah J. (Cramer) Hoffman, both of German parentage and natives of Pennsylvania, the latter being born in Little York. that state. John Henry Hoff- man, the paternal grandfather of our subject, served as a soldier of the Revolutionary war. In 1844 George R. Hoffman removed with his family to De Kalb county, Indiana, where he bought a farm and continued teaching school and also conducted singing classes. Subsequently he became county recorder and in that capacity served most creditably and acceptably. He passed away in 1871, having long survived his wife, who was called to her final rest in the year 1848. They became the parents of six children. three sons and three daughters, of whom two sons survive.

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George H. Hoffman, the fourth in order of birth, acquired his education in the public schools of Pennsylvania and De Kalb county, Indiana, and a seminary near Fort Wayne, Indiana. After putting aside his textbooks he began work at the carpenter's trade and subse- quently devoted his attention to agricultural pursuits until 1863, when he enlisted in the Union army as a member of the Thirteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Under Generals Butler and Terry he took part in the engagements at Deep Bottom, Bermuda Hundreds, Fort Fisher, Fort Anderson, Wilmington, Bentonville, Kingston and Mount Olive. When hostilities ceased he was mustered out of the service at Goldsboro, North Carolina, and returned to Indiana, in which state he carried on farming until 1884, when he came to Dakota territory with his sons. All took up lands in Walworth county and have since been prominently identi- tied with the interests of that section of the state. George H. Hoffman left the farm in 1909 but with two of his sons still retains the ownership and control of a ranch of one thousand acres and also four hundred and eighty acres, in his old home in Walworth county. For many years he was a breeder of Hereford cattle and his well directed activities resulted in the attainment of a gratifying and richly merited measure of prosperity.

On the 27th of September, 1860, Mr. Hoffman was united in marriage to Miss Sarah .J. Crouse, a native of Dayton, Ohio, and a daughter of Charles F. and Barbara Crouse. In early life she removed with her parents from the Buckeye state to Indiana, settling at Fort Wayne. By her marriage she became the mother of eleven children, as follows: William Elmer, auditor of Selby, Walworth county, South Dakota; Franz Sigel, who is a resident of Minneapolis, Minnesota; Laura, the wife of C. T. Smithers, now of Minneapolis; George, who is deceased; Charles Franklin, of Selby, South Dakota, who is a rural mail carrier; Edward C., a resident agriculturist of Walworth county; John J., who has passed away; Clara Elizabeth, who gave her hand in marriage to Clarence Clark, of Selby; Benjamin H., who lives on the ranch prop- erty near Lowry; Jessie, the wife of Denslay Carman, of Walworth county; and Mabel, who is the wife of Henry Moos, of Walworth county. Mr. Hoffman also has eight grandchildren and has every reason to be proud of his splendid family. In November, 1911, he was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife and her death was deeply deplored by the many who knew and loved her.

In politics Mr. Hoffman is a stanch republican who has been signally honored in official preferment. He served as state senator for Walworth and Campbell counties in the first session of the senate in 1889, while during the years 1891 and 1892 he held the office of lieutenant governor and was acting governor for a time in Governor Melette's administration. Governor Vessey appointed him one of the trustees of the State Soldiers' Home and he won reappointment from Governor Byrne. Mr. Hoffman has always been a stanch friend and champion of the cause of education, served on school boards for many years and was instru- mental in establishing the first Central school in Walworth county. In Grand Army circles he is likewise prominent. serving as the first commander of John Managan Post, No. 150, G. A. R., of Selby, South Dakota, while for many years he has been post quartermaster. Coming to this state thirty-one years ago in limited financial circumstances, he has since accumulate a comfortable competence and has long been numbered among its most valued. esteemed and leading citizens.

EDWARD W. PHELAN.

Edward W. Phelan, of Milbank, who for almost a third of a century has been road- master for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, is a native of Ireland, born in County Waterford, June 23, 1850. His parents, William and Mary Elizabeth (Powers) Phelan, were also natives of that county, the former born in 1808 and the latter in 1815. Both passed their entire lives there, the father dying January 6, 1865, and the mother in 1876. William Phelan, who was a farmer by occupation, was employed as caretaker on a large estate and became one of the substantial men of his community. He was well edu- cated and well informed on all questions of general interest and his opinion was listened to with great respect. His religions faith was that of the Roman Catholic church. To him and his wife were born eleven children, two of whom survive, the brother of our subject being

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Nicholas, who is still living in Ireland. The family has resided in County Waterford for eleven hundred years.

Edward W. Phelan attended school in his native land but in 1867, when seventeen years of age, emigrated to America and located in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Feeling the need of a better education, he attended a select school in Caledonia, that state, and also pursued a course in the Mayhew Business College at La Crosse, holding a life scholarship there. On coming to this country he was first employed on the railroad and held the position of section foreman for some time. For three months he also worked as engine wiper and was fireman on the road for nine months. In 1867 he went to Hokalı, Minnesota, where he was con- nected with the bridge department for four years hut on the 21st of April, 1874, returned to the track department, making his home at Whitehall and La Crosse, Wisconsin. His ability and close application to business won him steady promotion and he was given charge of the construction of the branch road from Onalaska to La Crosse. On the 28th of April, 1883, he was made roadmaster for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad, a position which he still fills to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He built the branch of that road from Northfield to Red Wing, Minnesota. At one time he was stationed at Flandrean, South Dakota, and homesteaded a farm in that vieinity, becoming the owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land on the northeast quarter of section 13, township 108, range 49, Moody county, which property he sold in 1911. He was stationed at Northfield, Minnesota, for a time and while there built forty miles of railroad in that locality. Since April, 1883, he has resided in Milbank and in the more than three decades that have intervened since that time he has built a large amount of track for the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul and his work has gained him the commendation of his superiors. He has the faculty of securing the cooperation of others and those who work with and under him respect him highly.

On the 1st of May, 1877, Mr. Phelan was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Brennan, who was born in Boston, Massachusetts, a daughter of Frank and Mary (O'Hearn) Brennan, who removed to La Crosse, Wisconsin, in 1866. Mr. and Mrs. Phelan have become the parents of six children, namely: William E., who is chief clerk for the superintendent of the Three Forks division of the Chieago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad; Jolin P., who is chief train dispateher at Missoula, Montana; George, who is employed in his father's office; Mary Eliza- beth, the wife of Glenn S. Bills, an attorney of Spokane; Frank, who is assistant roadmaster, residing in Milbank; and E. A., who is a conductor.

Mr. Phelan is a republican and for eighteen years served as alderman of Milbank. He and his family belong to the Roman Catholic church and fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the Knights of Pythias. He has gained a gratifying measure of success in his chosen work and he has also won the unqualified respect and esteem of all who have been brought in contact with him as his life has conformed to high standards.

HENRY F. LIVINGSTON, M. D.

The late Dr. Henry F. Livingston of Yankton devoted his entire life to the practice of medicine and during much of the period his experiences were those of the pioneer physician who adds to the strenuous labors of the profession the difficulties incident to practice upon the frontier. His ability was pronounced and at all times he kept in touch with the onward march of the profession in its scientific investigations through his wide reading and research. He was born in the province of Quebec, Canada, on the 18th of April, 1843, and was a repre- sentative of one of the old colonial families of Connecticut. His parents were Farrand and Judith Livingston and he was their third son. At the age of fourteen he crossed the border into the United States and not long afterward became a resident of Iowa, settling at Daven- port, where he remained until 1865. In the meantime he had determined upon the practice of medieine as a life work and to that end entered the Keokuk Medical College, from which he was in due time graduated. He also attended Rush Medical College of Chicago and the Griswold College of Davenport, Iowa. The thoroughness with which he prepared for his profession was characteristic of his manner of practice in later life.

Immediately following his graduation Dr. Livingston removed to Yankton, where he

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practiced for two years. He then received government appointment to the position of physician to the Sioux Indians, with headquarters at the upper Missouri Sioux Agency, known as Crow Creek. There he remained for twelve years, filling the position of government physician for four years and that of United States agent for eight years. His fair treatment and his consideration of the red men won their high regard and he had notable influence over them. A contemporary biographer said: "He gained the respect of the turbulent Indians under his control in a remarkable manner and was regarded as one of the most efficient government employes who ever undertook the serious problem of the management of an Indian agency in the pioneer days." On the conclusion of his term of office Dr. Livingston returned to Yankton, where he had always maintained a home, and there he continued to reside until his life's labors were ended. Soon after taking up his abode in Yankton for the second time he was appointed assistant superintendent of the state hospital for the insane, remaining in that connection for two years and then after an interval of a year returning to the same institution as the medical superintendent, in which capacity he remained for two years. On the expiration of that period he resumed the private practice of medicine, in which he continued almost to the last, and during much of that period he also held the office of coroner of Yankton county. He was interested in his profession from both the scientific and the humanitarian standpoints and his sympathy, resulting in almost intuitive understanding of his patients, was one of the strong factors in his success.

In April, 1871, Dr. Livingston was united in marriage to Miss Ann E. Hoyt, the second daughter of the Rev. Melanethon and Ann E. Y. Hoyt, who were among the pioneer residents of Yankton. Dr. and Mrs. Livingston became the parents of three sons who, with the mother, survive. Guy Farrand, the eldest, was born at Fort Thompson, South Dakota, June 16, 1873, and completed his public-school education by graduation from the high school with the class of 1890. He then engaged in the stationery business in connection with Franklin Wells and in 1900 formed a partnership with his brother under the firm style of Livingston Brothers and has since continued as one of the leading merchants of the city. He took a course in optometry in 1903 and has specialized in his profession along with the jewelry business since then. He is both a forceful and resourceful business man and his industry and sagacity are features in his growing success. He was married October 5, 1904, to Miss Grace E. Summers, her parents being John W. and Julia E. Summers, natives of England, who came to South Dakota in 1886. By this union there is one child, Henry Farrand. Guy F. Livingston and his wife hold membership in the Episcopal church. in which he has served as a vestryman for twelve years. He is a member of St. Johns Lodge, No. 1, F. & A. M., and in politics casts his vote for the republican party where national issues are involved hut votes independently at local elections. The only public office that he has ever filled is that of member of the state board of examiners of optometry, of which board he is now secretary. He also belongs to the Commercial Club. Harry Leavenworth, the second son, born in the Crow Creek Agency, July 26, 1876, supple- mented his grammar-school education by three years' study in the high school and received his initial business training in the jewelry store of L. A. Cobb. He spent one year in a similar line in Rochester, Minnesota, and in 1900 joined his brother Guy in organizing the present firm of Livingston Brothers. On the 29th of November, 1904, he was united in marriage to Miss Emma Matthews English, a daughter of John C. English, of Yankton. Harry L. Livingston is also a member of the Episcopal church and a republican in politics, while in Masonry he has attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. The third son, Everett Yarrington, was born in Yankton, July 2, 1886, and supplemented his public- school course by study in the Yankton Academy and by a business course in Oakland, California. After attending the academy he went to the western coast in 1906. He made his home in Berkeley, California, and was in the employ of the Southern Pacific and afterward in newspaper work. Later he was at Bay Point. California, where he engaged in the lumber business. In 1910 he returned to Yankton to become a member of the well known firm of Livingston Brothers. His fraternal relations are with the Elks and the Odd Fellows and, like his brothers, he is a stanch advocate of the republican party. The sons are indeed a credit to their parents, following a course of life which had its example in the splendid record of their father.

The career of Dr. Livingston was ever actuated by high and honorable principles. He was an exemplary member of the Masonic fraternity, in which he attained high rank, holding membership in De Molay Commandery, No. 3, K. T., and in Oriental Consistory, No. 1, A. A.

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S. R. He was also a charter member of the Modern Woodmen camp at Yankton. He was a member of Christ Episcopal church and for many years served on its vestry and for years served as junior then as senior warden of the church. The history of South Dakota from an early period in its development was familiar to him and, possessing an observing eye and retentive memory, his mind was stored with many interesting incidents of the early days. In fact his opinions were accepted as authority concerning points of history. In disposition he was genial, was at all times generous and kindly and was popular wherever he was known. He was at home with the Indians and with the most cultured. In a word, he had that adaptability and tact which enabled him to put everyone at ease in his presence. Of him it might well be said:

"His life was noble, and the elements So mixed in him that Nature might stand up And say to all the world: This was a man."

W. H. AND SAMUEL G. GILLILAND.

W. H. and Samuel G. Gilliland are the owners of valuable landed interests in Yankton county, comprising five hundred and seventy acres on which at one time was established the camp of Chief Smutty Bear, thus making it one of the historic sections of the state. Their interests are carefully conducted, sound business methods being displayed in all that they undertake. The brothers are natives of Warren county, Illinois, and sons of D. J. and Susan B. (Line) Gilliland. The father was a native of Big Stone Valley, Pennsylvania, and on leaving that state removed to the west. He was married in Illinois and for many years resided in Warren county, where both he and his wife were highly esteemed, being members of the Presbyterian church there.

The sons attended the public schools, W. H. Gilliland pursuing his education in that manner to the age of twelve years, after which he concentrated his energies upon farm work, assisting his father. In 1880 he left Illinois and made his way to Yankton county, South Dakota, where he went upon the preemption claim of his brother, John Albert Gilliland, who died in the year 1908. When W. H. Gilliland came to the west he was accompanied by his brother, Samuel G. Gilliland, and they have since been associated in business. At the time of the memorable flood of 1881. W. H. Gilliland was working on a steamboat and for four days stayed upon the bar in the river. His brother, Samuel G., attended Yankton College. He was married in Yankton county in June, 1907, to Miss Clara Rudel and they now have four children: Sammy, six years of age; Willie, aged five; Susan B., who was named for her grandmother Gilliland, and David James. W. H. Gilliland lives with his brother, S. G. Gilli- land, and they occupy a very creditable position among the representative farmers and stock- raisers of Yankton county. They are active, energetic and progressive and along well defined lines of labor have reached a position of success.

EDWARD L. DE MELT.

Edward L. De Melt, who is engaged in the transfer business in Springfield, was born in the village of South Westerlo, Albany county, New York, August 20, 1872, a son of John De Melt, who was also a native of the Empire state and in all probability a descendant of the French Huguenots who settled in the American colonies in the latter part of the seven- teenth century, having been driven out of their native land by religious persecution. The mother, who bore the maiden name of Emma Lake, was born in Pennsylvania and removed with her parents to New York when but a child.

Edward L. De Melt resided in New York until he was fifteen years of age and then in 1887 accompanied his parents on their removal to Bon Homme county, South Dakota. The father rented land in the vicinity of Springfield for a number of years but in 1902 filed on a homestead claim in Charles Mix county, where he and his wife have since resided.

Their son, Edward L. De Melt, remained at home until his marriage and then began

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farming on his own account. In 1900 he removed to Springfield and established a transfer business which he is still conducting and which has proven very lucrative. He possesses sound practical judgment and as he is also a man of energy and integrity his business has grown steadily and promises to further increase in volume.

Mr. De Melt was married December 12, 1894, at Springfield, to Miss Rose Stanley, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Elwood and Sarah (Stowe) Stanley, who arrived with their family in Bon Homme county in 1875. They suffered from the depredations of the grasshoppers. saw the flood after the winter of the deep snow and experienced a number of the worst blizzards in the history of the state. In those early days most of the inhabitants of the state lived in sodhouses and families living at a considerable distance from the groves along the rivers and small streams were compelled to use hay for fuel. Added to these trials was the constant menace during the late summer from prairie fires. Four children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. De Melt, Blanche and Carlton, both of whom are attending the state normal school at Springfield; and Grace and Calvin, who died in infancy.

Mr. De Melt is a republican and takes a citizen's interest in public affairs. He holds membership in the blue lodge of the Masonie order at Springfield and belongs to the various bodies of the Scottish Rite, including the consistory at Yankton, having attained the thirty- second degree therein. He is also a Noble of the Mystic Shrine, holding membership in El Riad Temple at Sioux Falls. In 1913 he purchased one of the finest residence properties in Springfield and his home is the meeting-place of the many friends of the family. His sterling traits of character are recognized by all and he is spoken of in terms of high regard.

EDWIN T. CLARK.

Edwin T. Clark, who is filling the office of sheriff in Fall River county and makes his home in Hot Springs, was born in Geneseo county, New York, July 17, 1864, a son of John and Fidelia (Burr) Clark, both of whom were natives of Connecticut, the former born July 1, 1814, and the latter Mareh 16, 1825. In early life John Clark engaged in farming and he was also connected with educational activities, serving as county superintendent of schools in Geneseo county, New York. He went to Greeley, Colorado, when the town was dedicated to the temperance cause and was a delegate there from the Good Templars Grand Lodge of Geneseo county, New York. He served as a soldier in the Civil war with the Twenty-fifth Light Artillery, New York Volunteers, and all through his life his aid and influence were given on the side of humanity and its uplift. His activities in behalf of education were of immense value to the communities in which he put forth his efforts. He served as school superintendent in Geneseo county and as sehool commissioner and for a number of years he rendered fair and impartial decisions as justice of the peace. His life exemplified many of the sterling qualities of honorable manhood and citizenship and his record is an example that others might profitably follow.

Edwin T. Clark pursued his education in the schools of Indian Falls, New York, and at the age of seventeen years came to the northwest as one of the pioneer settlers of Dakota territory. He made his way to Fall River county, then a part of Custer county, and was employed as a cow puncher, continuing in that position for fourteen years, making long rides over the prairies in the eare of the stock that ranged over the country. He then engaged in the ranching business on his own account for about a year and at the end of that time went to Edgemont, where he engaged in the transfer business. He was also employed in a feed store for five years and seven months and later was connected with a general store for two years. At the end of that time he was elected sheriff and now devotes his undi- vided time and attention to the duties of the office. At a former period, however, he carried on merchandising at Ardmore for two years and was likewise engaged in the real- estate business there. His brother, Phillip S. Clark, was the first among cattlemen to locate in Fall River county and engage in the stock business, he being foreman of the Bar T out- fit, driving cattle from Cheyenne, Wyoming.

At different periods Mr. Clark has filled various public offices. His political allegiance has always been given the republican party and he has been a recognized leader in its ranks in the Black Hills country. That he is a man true and loyal to the duties which devolve

EDWIN T. CLARK

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upon him in public connections is indicated in the fact that he is now serving for his fourth term as sheriff, having been three times reelected to that position. He served as county commissioner by appointment for two years previous to his election to the office of sheriff. He was first sworn into the office as sheriff in 1904, again in 1912 and once more, on the 4th of January, 1915. He was a member of the board of education at Edgemont for two years and was on the school board of the district prior to that time. Every phase of the county's upbuilding and development has been of interest to him and has enjoyed his cooper- ation in large measure. He recognizes possibilities and opportunities and his efforts have at all times been practical and resultant.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 117

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920 Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1262

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1262