History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 121

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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Dr. Winston was married on the 1st of October, 1914, to Miss Emerald G. Frankman, a daughter of John and Barbara (Gubka) Frankman, who were both natives of Germany. The father devoted his time to ranching after emigrating to the United States. During the Civil war he served in a Wisconsin regiment, thus proving his loyalty to his adopted country. He passed away in Arkansas and his wife died in South Dakota. Mrs. Winston was born in Sioux county, this state, and has always been interested in the development and advance- ment of South Dakota.

Dr. Winston is a republican but has been content to perform his civie duties as a private citizen, finding that his practice leaves him no time to participate actively in political affairs. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonie blue lodge and in his life embodies the spirit of human brotherhood which is the basic principle of Masonry. He stands high in bis pro- fession and the success which he has gained is fully deserved.

WILLIAM G. GESLEY.

William G. Gesley, who has served ably as elerk of the courts, is a young man of ability, well known in Watertown, his native city, and throughout that section of the state. He was born on the 4th of April, 1883, his parents being Ole and Annie Gesley, who arrived in South Dakota in the spring of 1879. The father first engaged in business as a hardware and implement merchant and after continuing in that line for a period started the Merchants Bank, becoming a prominent factor in financial circles. While in the store he also served as county treasurer. In 1892 he disposed of his interests in the Merchants Bank, which was one of the first financial institutions of Watertown. He then engaged in the real-estate business, in which he continued until his death, which occurred in 1902. His widow survives and yet makes her home in Watertown.

At the usual age William G. Gesley became a public-school pupil and passed through consecutive grades until he became a student in the high school. Still later he took a course in a business college and then entered the employ of Lee Stover, with whom he remained from April, 1904, until the 1st of January, 1907. In 1906 he was elected to the office of clerk of the courts and entered upon the duties of that position on the 1st of January fol- lowing. He has been again and again elected, and his reelection stands as unmistakable evidence of his ability and his trustworthiness in office. In October, 1910, he was admitted to the bar, and aside from his official duties he is acting as secretary of the Watertown Home Building & Savings Association.

In his political views Mr. Gesley has always been a stalwart republican, unswerving in his advocacy of party principles. He belongs to the Lutheran church and is secretary of the Lutheran Hospital Association of South Dakota, which has recently erected a fine seventy- five thousand dollar hospital in Watertown. Fraternally he is connected with the Elks and he is a lover of manly outdoor sports. In Codington county, where he has always lived, he has a wide acquaintance and among those who have known him from boyhood he num- bers many stanch friends.

WILLIAM T. HARRISON.

William T. Harrison is a power in civic affairs in Hot Springs as the owner and editor of the Times Herald, one of the influential papers of that city. His birth occurred in Paris, Kentucky, on the 14th of November. 1875, and he is the seventh in order of birth of the eight children born of the marriage of Edmond P. and Mary Catherine (Moss) Harrison. The father was born in Mason county, Kentucky, and the mother was a native of Bourbon county, that state. Edmond P. Harrison engaged in the boot and shoe business in Paris, Kentucky, in his early manhood, but later turned his attention to dealing in and breeding thoroughbred horses, being very successful in that line. His last years were spent in retire- ment in Lexington, Kentucky, and there he passed away in April, 1901. His widow sur- vives and still resides in Lexington. Two of the relatives and connections of the Harrison

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family have been honored with election to the presidency of the United States. A sister of our subject is well known as a writer for periodicals, being a frequent contributor to the Country Gentleman, the Breeders Gazette and other publications.

William T. Harrison attended distriet school and supplemented the education thius acquired by study in the Lexington schools. After his father sold the farm and removed to Lexington Mr. Harrison of this review became connected with the Lexington Leader, his first wages being two dollars and a half a week. He continued with that paper for sixteen years and his attention to business, combined with his natural ability for journalistic work, won him rapid promotion so that when he severed his connection with the Leader he was getting fifty dollars per week. The strenuous work, however, impaired his health and he spent a year in travel over the United States, after which he went to Hot Springs, thinking to derive benefit from the spring water at that place. He arrived there in July, 1911, and two weeks later, seeing an excellent business opportunity, purchased the Times Herald, which he has since conducted. He has installed a great deal of new equipment and has one of the best printing offices in that part of the state, doing all kinds of job work in addition to publishing the Times Herald. The paper has a representative subseription list and is well patronized by the local business men as an advertising medium. In connection with his brother and sister Mr. Harrison owns very valuable property iu Lexington, Ken- tneky, and he has a number of other business interests. He has found a great deal of pleasure in collecting old coins and has in his possession coins dating from 1801, owning a ten dollar gold piece of that year.

On the 26th of July, 1905, Mr. Harrison was married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Jones, who was born in Hardin county, Kentucky, of the marriage of Strother and Sarah Jones, both natives of that state. Her father conducted a hotel at Crab Orchard for a number of years, but spent his declining days in Lexington in honorable retirement. He passed away in that eity and his wife died there in 1912.

Mr. Harrison is a republican and was appointed auditor of Fall river county to fill the unexpired term of Senator Parks. He was also assistant to Commissioner Frederick Pfeiffer, of the Pan-American Exposition. Mr. Harrison's religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and its teachings form the guiding principles of his life. He has thoroughly identi- fied his interests with those of Hot Springs, where be intends to spend the rest of his life. He is recognized as one of the most up-to-date and able editors of the state and is held in high esteem by the press, while his fellow townsmen justly consider him one of the leading citizens of Hot Springs.

OLE JOHNSON.

Ole Johnson is the popular proprietor of the Johnson Pharmacy of Garretson, South Dakota, and is widely recognized as one of the representative and successful business men of the town. His birth occurred in Union county, this state, on the 26th of February, 1876, his parents being John A. Olson and Gertrude Olson, who emigrated to the United States immediately after their marriage in 1864. From Denison, Iowa, they drove through by ox team to Union county, South Dakota. There the father took up a homestead on which he resided during the remainder of his life, passing away in 1904. His death was sincerely mourned by an extensive circle of friends, and his widow, who still lives on the old home farm and has resided in the community for a half century, is well known and highly esteemed.

Ole Johnson was reared to manhood under the parental roof and acquired his education in the public schools of Union county and Augustana College of Canton, South Dakota. Fol- lowing the completion of his studies he removed to Garretson on Christmas Day of 1899 and there secured employment in a drug store. He thoroughly familiarized himself with the business in principle and detail and since purchasing the establishment of his employer in 1905 has conducted the same independently. He carries a comprehensive line of drugs and druggists' sundries in an attractive and well appointed store and is accorded a liberal and gratifying patronage.

On the 28th of November, 1906, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Bertina

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Wangsness, a daughter of Marcus H. Wangsness, who was for years the leading merchant of Garretson but is now living retired. Our subject and his wife have a daughter, Gertrude Olive.

Mr. Johnson gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a loyal and pub- lic-spirited citizen who has ever taken an active and helpful interest in all matters pertaining to the general welfare and the advancement of Garretson, now giving valuable service as a member of the town council. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. They are popular in social circles and enjoy the regard and esteem of many friends.

FRED HUSTON.

Fred Huston, occupying the position of deputy sheriff in Gregory county, was born in Grundy county, Iowa, September 27, 1870, and is a son of Robert and Prudence (Hargan) Huston, who have passed away. The father was a pioneer farmer of Iowa and became actively identified with the early development of Grundy county.

There amid pioneer surroundings Fred Huston was reared, spending his youthful days in the usual manner of farm lads, his time being divided between attending the public schools and working in the fields. At the age of sixteen years he left home to go upon the road as a traveling representative of a harvester company, with which he remained for sixteen years, his territory being northwestern Iowa and South Dakota. On the expiration of that period he removed to Rosebud and secured a homestead claim. During the first year of his residence there he was appointed county commissioner, which position he filled for a year. He became postmaster of Gregory, serving in that capacity until May. 1915. He has occupied the position of deputy sheriff for a year, discharging the duties of that office in connection with the duties of postmaster until May, when he resigned as postmaster, having occupied the office for eight years. He has also been chairman of the school board and is interested in every plan and measure for the development, progress and improvement of the town and county.

Mr. Huston married Miss Mary Powers, a daughter of John Powers, a South Dakota pioneer. Mrs. Huston passed away January 9, 1914, leaving a little daughter, Lorraine.

Mr. Huston belongs to the Episcopal church, to the Masonic lodge, the Odd Fellows society, the Knights of Pythias and the United Commercial Travelers. He is a republican and takes an active interest in politics, doing all in his power to further the growth and secure the success of his party. However, he always makes partisanship subservient to good citizenship and is keenly interested in everything that tends to promote the welfare of his state. He has made an excellent public official and over his record there falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil.

ROBERT FLOYD REYNOLDS.

A fine farm of three hundred and twenty acres situated on section 34, La Prairie town- ship, Spink county, is the property of Robert Floyd Reynolds and its fine condition is evi- dence of his energy and progressiveness. He has resided in South Dakota for over thirty years, coming in 1880 when this region was almost an unbroken prairie. He was born in Newport, Ohio, on the 12th of May, 1850, a son of Samuel and Frances A. (Jones) Reynolds, who were early settlers of that locality and are both deceased. The father was buried in Newport, Ohio, but the mother was laid to rest in a cemetery in La Prairie township, Spink county, this state. He was a farmer by occupation. The family is of English origin but has been established in this country for many years.

Robert F. Reynolds attended the schools of Newport, Ohio, until the age of eighteen, when he became associated with his father in the cultivation of a farm. He was later, for a few years, employed upon steamboats and then worked as a carpenter for some time

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previous to his arrival in South Dakota. On coming to this state he spent one summer in Goodwin, Deuel county, and then filed on his present place in Spink county as a tree claim, September 9, 1880. He then returned to Pennsylvania, where he remained until 1883 but in the spring of that year again came to South Dakota. He worked at the carpenter's trade in Athol, Spink county, until the spring of 1885, when he located upon his claim. The year previ- ous, on account of the change in law, he was afraid he would be unable to prove up on his tree claim so changed it to a homestead. He devoted his time to the cultivation of his land, raising mostly grain, and his crops were generally good. He lived economically and saved his money, so that in 1887 he was able to purchase another one hundred and sixty acres directly north of his homestead. He has improved his land, erecting a good residence, barns and other necessary buildings. He also divided the land into fields of convenient size by strong and durable fences, and in every way possible developed the place. He raises grain chiefly and is now devoting some attention to alfalfa, raising eighteen acres of that product in 1914. He also raises some stock as he finds that more profitable than confining his attention exclusively to grain. He is a stockholder in the Farmers Union Grain Company, which has a chain of elevators throughout the southeastern part of South Dakota, and he has found his stock therein an excellent investment.

Mr. Reynolds was married at New Brighton, Beaver county, Pennsylvania, on the 9th of September, 1878, to Miss Ida Tea, a daughter of Richard and Mary (Oliver) Tea. The Tea family is of German descent. Her father who was a carpenter in Pennsylvania, is now deceased and is buried in New Brighton. Her mother survived him for some time but has now passed away and is buried in Deadwood, this state. Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds have three children: Clarence E., a farmer of Minnesota, who married Frances Gray, a native of Yonkers, New York; Ida M., the wife of John Kettering, a farmer in Tetonke township, Spring county; and Brady T., assisting his father.

Mr. Reynolds has witnessed the development of South Dakota from a wilderness to a highly developed agricultural section and from a territory to a state and it is a source of pride to him that he has been one of those who by their industry and courage have inade possible the great transformation of three decades. All who know him respect him for his undoubted integrity of character, and his friends hold him in warm regard because of his agreeable personality.

NICHOLAS R. FURLONG.

Nicholas R. Furlong is a well known attorney of Oacoma, where he has built up an extensive and gratifying practice. His birth occurred in Grant county, Wisconsin, on the 9th of March, 1879, his parents being William and Alice (McCarthy) Furlong, the former a farmer by occupation. William Furlong was the first white child horn in Galena, Illinois, where his parents had located in 1824. His father, Watt Furlong, who was a native of Ireland and emigrated to the United States in boyhood, hecame one of the pioneers of the lead mining industry at Galena. His wife was one of the Baltimore Carrolls of Revolution- ary fame. William Furlong, the father of Nicholas R. Furlong, died in 1897, when lie had attained the age of seventy-three years. His wife, who hore the maiden name of Alice McCarthy, was born in County Wexford, Ireland, a daughter of Patrick and Martha Me- Carthy, who were likewise natives of the Emerald isle. Her demise occurred in 1911, when she was seventy-two years of age.

Nicholas R. Furlong, the eighth in order of birth in a family of eleven children, acquired his early education in the public schools of Dubuque and following his graduation from the high school entered Notre Dame University at South Bend, Indiana, in which institution he pursued courses in history, economy and law and which conferred upon him the degree of LL. B. in 1904. He at once hegan the practice of his chosen profession in Galena, Illi- nois, but later in the same year removed to Mitchell, South Dakota, where he remained until 1906, when he removed to Murdo. At the end of seven years, in 1913, he located in Oacoma and has there practiced to the present time, being accorded an extensive and well merited clientage. As a lawyer he is noted for his integrity; he prides himself upon never urging a client into a suit for the sake of fees, and will not prosecute a case unless he has every

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reason to believe he will win it. Aside from his professional interests he is the president of the Oacoma Electric Light Company and a member of the board of directors of the Cham- berlain Electric Light Company and also owns considerable farm land.

On the 30th of October, 1907, Mr. Furlong was united in marriage to Miss Agnes Sullivan, a daughter of Patrick and Margaret (Desmond) Sullivan, of Sheldon, Iowa. She is a graduate of St. Mary's College of South Bend, Indiana, and by her marriage has become the mother of five children, two of whom are deceased. Those surviving are Irene Agnes, Nicholas Raymond and Loraine Margaret.

Politically Mr. Furlong is a stanch republican, while fraternally he is identified with the Knights of Columbus, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He is also a devout communicant of the Catholic church. Hunting and fishing afford him recreation and he is a patron of all manly outdoor sports. He played right guard on the football team at Notre Dame and was a member of the championship team of 1903, which was not scored against during the entire season. The circle of his friends and acquaintances is a wide one, for his salient characteristics are such as bave gained for him the unqualified respect, esteem and goodwill of his fellowmen.

FREDOLPH H. MELQUIST.

Fredolph H. Melquist. engaged in the practice of law at Sioux Falls as a member of the firm of Christopherson & Melquist, was born in Carver county, Minnesota, October 18, 1887, a son of S. A. and Sophia (Johnson) Melquist. About 1890 they removed with their family to Sioux Falls, where they now reside. To them were born six children.

Fredolph H. Melquist acquired his education in Gustavus Adolphus College at St. Peter, Minnesota, in the University of Minnesota and in the University of South Dakota, gradu- ating in law from the last named institution in 1911. He then removed to Sioux Falls and on the 1st of October. 1913, entered the office of C. A. Christopherson. The partnership between them has been maintained under the firm style of Christopherson & Melquist and their ability is evidenced in the large clientage accorded them, connecting them with much important litigation.

Mr. Melquist married Miss Gertrude Walsh, a daughter of John Walsh, of Marshall, Minneosta. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and he and his wife are well known socially in Sioux Falls, where the hospitality of the best homes is freely accorded them.

T. ERNEST DOYON.

T. Ernest Doyon, a resident of South Dakota during the past twenty-seven years, now acts as clerk at the State School and Home for Feeble Minded in Redfield, assuming the duties of that position on the 1st of January, 1914. His birth occurred in Montreal, Canada, on the 8th of February, 1854, his parents being Moise Y. and Stephanie Doyon, both of whom are deceased and lie buried in Montreal. The father passed away in 1887, while the mother was called to her final rest in 1912.

T. Ernest Doyon attended school in his native city until fourteen years of age and after putting aside his textbooks entered a mercantile establishment, in which he was employed until 1882. In that year he embarked in business on his own account at Ironton, Wisconsin, and in 1884 removed to Redfield, South Dakota, there conducting a mercantile establishment continuously and successfully until June, 1913. He built up an extensive and gratifying patronage by dint of close application and untiring energy and enjoyed an enviable reputation as an enterprising, reliable and prosperous merchant of the city. On the 1st of January, 1914, he assumed the duties of clerk at the State School and Home for Feeble Minded and in this connection is making a very creditable record.

In 1881, at Ironton, Wisconsin, Mr. Doyon was united in marriage to Miss Martha L. Bierd, whose parents are deceased and lie buried in Redfield, this state. Our subject and his

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wife have three children, namely : Moses A., a traveling salesman; Florence M., who is the wife of W. J. Hagenat, a utility expert residing in Chicago, Illinois; and Geneva, at home.

Mr. Doyon gives his political allegiance to the democracy and has held the position of postmaster in both Wisconsin and at Redfield, South Dakota. He has likewise done able service as a member of the city council. His fraternal relations are with the Ancient Order of United Workmen, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masons. He is honored by all who know him for the splendid qualities of his character and stands high in the con- fidence of his fellow citizens.

ARTHUR L. FREELOVE.

In any community there are a few men who are generally recognized as leaders and among that number in Lyman county is Arthur L. Freelove, of Kennebec, who has played an important part in the financial development of the county and also in the advancement of dairying and farming interests. A native of Iowa, he was born in Arcadia, on the 24th of November, 1876, a son of Madison B. and Mary (Gaundry) Freelove. The father was born in Vermont, but in his early manhood removed to Iowa, where he engaged in farming until his demise in 1896, at the age of fifty-six years. He was one of the pioneer settlers of Manning, Iowa, and was highly esteemed by all who knew him. The mother is of Eng- lish and Dutch parentage. She is still living at Manning and has reached the age of sixty- six years, while her mother, who also resides at that place, is eighty-six years of age.

Arthur L. Freelove, who is the second in order of birth in a family of five children, attended the graded and high schools of Manning and subsequently entered the College of Law of Valparaiso University at Valparaiso, Indiana, from which he was graduated with the class of 1897. The business ability and energy which have enabled him to gain a foremost place in financial and business circles of his county were demonstrated during his student days as he worked his way through college. He first located for practice at Britt, Iowa, where he remained for a year and a half, after which he removed to Sioux Rapids, Iowa, practicing there until 1908. While residing in that city he also became con- nected with banking and with the real-estate business and proved successful in those lines. In 1910 he located in Kennebec, Lyman county, South Dakota, where he has since remained, and purchased the controlling interest in the Security State Bank, which he converted by charter into the First National Bank of Kennebec in 1911. This institution is the largest bank and the only national bank in Lyman county and the excellent condition of its affairs is chiefly due to the wise management of its president, Mr. Freelove. He is also president of the First National Bank of Oldham, which he purchased in 1911 as the State Bank of Oldham, and of the Reliance Savings Bank of Reliance, South Dakota. His high standing among bankers is indicated hy the fact that he has served as vice president of the State Bankers Association. His activity, however, is not confined to banking, as he is a member of the Freelove & Coster Land Company, who own extensive tracts of land and operate the largest ranch in the county devoted to stock-raising and alfalfa growing. They breed shorthorn and Hereford cattle and have played an important part in the develop- ment of the stock-raising interests of the county. It is acknowledged that no other man in the county has done so much to further the stock-raising and dairy development of the county as Mr. Freelove, as he is not only one of the county's largest stock-raisers, but has also assisted many others to get a start in stock-raising and especially in dairying through the giving of advice and of financial assistance. He is also president of the Lyman Agricultural Extension Association, which promotes cooperation in the purchase and dis- tribution of seeds and in the breeding and exchange of registered stock and disseminates information as to the scientific methods of farming, dairying and stock-raising.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 121

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