History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 125

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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On the 26th of February, 1845, Mr. Parker was united in marriage to Miss Mary W. Colburn, who departed this life December 6, 1846. On the 23d of January, 1848, he married Miss Rebecca Brown Colburn, who survives. She was born at Sacket Harbor, New York, a daughter of Charles and Rebecca Colburn and a lineal descendent of Rev. Samuel Whiting, of Lynn, Massachusetts, who sailed from England for the new world in 1636. Mrs. Parker was a member of the Presbyterian church in early life but later joined the Freewill Baptist church, of which her husband was a member. In her Mr. Parker had an efficient helpmate whose life has ever been characterized by strong religious faith, devotion to family and friends, deep sympathy and remarkable fortitude. To Mr. and Mrs. Parker were born seven children: George and Mary E., both now deceased; Carrie A .; James W., who has also passed away; Jessie R .; Fannie C .; and Sarah, who is deceased.

Mr. Parker possessed in large measure "the saving sense of humor." He was ever recognized as an earnest, consistent Christian man and in the faith of his church he passed away on the 14th of April, 1893, at the age of seventy-six years. The Freewill Baptish church found in him a most earnest and consistent adherent and worker and he gave generously to its support at all times. In his later life he voted with the prohibition party, for he was a strong advocate of temperance principles and regarded the question of the abolition or control of the liquor traffic as the paramount one before the people. He held to the highest standards and ideals of life. Ever in the vanguard of reform, he was an early and earnest supporter of abolition principles. He advocated woman suffrage long before there was any general interest in the subject. He also employed women clerks fifty years ago-a decided innovation at that time. He was fond of animals; kind to them himself and intolerant of their ill-treatment by others. He loved children and they, in turn, loved him; he was in truth the children's friend. With Mr. Parker, as with so many others, education was less a matter of schools than of lessons in the world's university, in which he was a diligent learner. Moreover, his tastes were scholarly; he was a careful, appreciative reader of solid literature. In a practical way he was a student of natural history. He loved trees, taking great pleasure in planting them and watching their growth. Hundreds of them were planted by him in Sioux Falls.

Of the funeral, which was a remarkable demonstration, a local paper said: "The funeral of Joel W. Parker was an event without a parallel in the history of this city, and one which will probably never be equaled in many particulars,-the result of a life without a spot or blemish in the eyes of the community. The attendance of sym- pathetic friends took in all grades of society from the president of a bank to the most humble citizen-just as the sympathy and charity of the departed had done during all the years he had been a resident of the Queen City." One who knew him well said of him: "He was a most kindly, lovable Christian gentleman, and all of his friends and acquaintances are the better for having known him." A contemporary biographer has written of him: "Mr. Parker did much for the material advancement of Sioux Falls, having erected a number of good buildings and having been a generous subscriber to public enterprises. In politics he gave bis allegiance and stanch support to the prohibition

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party, and thus showed in a significent way, as he did in all relations of life, that he had the courage to stand boldly forward as an advocate of and worker for those principles which he believed to be right. He was humanity's friend, and as such did all in his power to uplift his fellowmen and enrich their lives, this spirit, not less than definite principle, accounting for the exalted attitude which he maintained in political matters. He was an uncompromising foe to the liquor traffic, as he was to all else that tends to lower the standard of human ideals, and his labors in the moral field, in which he taught not less by personal example than by precept and kindly admonition. were such as to justify the revering of his memory for all time to come."

EDWIN S. JOHNSON.

Edwin S. Jobnson is a banker and capitalist living at Yankton. With the substantial development and progress of the state he has been closely associated, and though his life has been rather one of modest reserve than of ambitious self-seeking, he has shown himself the peer of the leading business men of the state and his efforts have been an important element in the substantial growth of the northwest.

Mr. Johnson was born on a farm near Spencer, Owen county, Indiana, February 26, 1857, and is a son of Allison C. and Emily (Brenton) Johnson. The father was a representa- tive of an old Virginian family that at an early day removed to Indiana, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers. It was in the Hoosier state that Allison C. Johnson was born in 1827 and upon the home farm he was reared, with the usual experiences of the lad who spends his boyhood and youth on the western frontier. His wife was also born in Indiana, in the year 1832, and after their marriage they began their domestie life upon a farm in that state, the father there continuing to carry on general agricultural pursuits until 1857, when with his wife and two children he removed westward to Iowa, settling in Osceola. The trip was made overland in a covered wagon, after the primitive manner of travel in those days. After reaching Osceola, Mr. Johnson became connected with merchandising and with the real-estate business and so continued until 1886. In that year he removed to South Dakota, joining his sons at Armour, where his last days were passed, his death occurring on the 5th of January, 1899. For a brief period he had survived his wife, who died in December, 1895. They were both active, helpful and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church, taking a deep interest in all departments of the church work and doing all in their power to further its growth and extend its influence. Mr. Johnson was also an influential factor in the Sunday school work and his life was ever guided by the most high and honor- able principles. At one time he served as register of deeds in Clarke county, Iowa.

To him and his wife were born ten children, of whom six reached adult age, as follows: Eudora, who gave her hand in marriage to Byron Allen, of Sioux City, Iowa; Edwin S., of this review; Homer W., who is associated in business with his brother, Edwin; Belle J., the wife of W. W. Sparks, of Sioux City, Iowa; Frank H., a resident of Geddes, South Dakota; and Cornelia, who is the wife of Dr. P. E. Sawyer, of Sioux City, Iowa.

Edwin S. Johnson, whose name introduces this review, was reared to manhood in Osceola, Iowa, to which place his parents removed when he was yet an infant. He was educated there and in 1876, wben a youth of nineteen years, engaged in the clothing and furnishing goods business with his father at that place. In 1880 he went to Wheeler county, Nebraska. becoming a pioneer settler there, and established the county seat of Cedar City, now Harring- ton, upon his claim. Later, however. he disposed of his interests there and returned to Osceola, where he entered the Osceola Bank, in which he was employed for three years.

In 1884, in company with his brother, Homer, who at that time was a resident of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, Mr. Johnson went to Douglas county and established the Citizens Bank at Grandview. The project prospered from the beginning and from that time to the present Edwin S. Johnson has figured prominently in connection with the financial interests of the state, making gradual advancement in his business career until he stands today among the leading bankers and capitalists of the commonwealth. Early in the period of his residence in South Dakota he studied law and was admitted to the bar of this state in 1888, but has since given little time to practice, although his knowledge of law has been of inestimable benefit and value to him in the conduct of his private business interests. In 1892 he was

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elected states attorney for Douglas county and in 1894 became one of the lawmakers of South Dakota, having been elected a member of the state senate. While connected with the upper house of the general assembly he gave most earnest attention to all the questions which came up for consideration and his support of or opposition to a measure indicated his firm belief in its value or in its deleterious results. In 1896 he became a Bryan democrat, severing his ties with the republican party, which he had previously supported. He is today a stanch advocate of democracy and does everything in his power to promote the growth and advance the success of the party. Mr. Johnson has aided in molding the policy of the party, having been chairman of the democratic state central committee from June, 1902, until March, 1904, when he resigned and became a member of the democratic national committee for South Dakota.

While thus more or less active in public office, Mr. Johnson continued his business affairs and in connection with his brother Homer organized and incorporated the Johnson Brothers Company, which was capitalized for one hundred thousand dollars. In 1886 they removed their headquarters from Grandview to Armour, South Dakota, and with the advancement and upbuilding of that place have been closely identified. In business circles they won for themselves a commanding position, conducting a loan and real-estate business, Edwin S. Johnson being the president of the company. They represented clients all over Iowa, Minne- sota and South Dakota. In 1886 they organized the Citizens State Bank of Armour with E. S. Johnson as cashier, in which position he continued for sixteen years or until 1902, when they disposed of their extensive banking interests, which had been extended to Geddes, South Dakota, and to Horning, Iowa. They still have large investments and are numbered among the well known capitalists of the state.

On the 1st of October. 1884, Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to Miss Anna Shoreau, the wedding being celebrated at Osceola, Iowa. Their children are five in number. The life work of Edwin S. Johnson is not only crowned with success but also with respect and honor, for through the long years of his connection with South Dakota's interests his has been an unblemished character. With him success in life has been reached by his sterling qualities of mind, taking advantage at no time of the necessities of others but utilizing the legitimate opportunities which are always offered in a new country.

WILLIAM R. MORGAN.

William R. Morgan is the efficient county treasurer of Fall River county, now serving for the fourth term, and as the custodian of public funds he is most loyal, careful and sys- tematic. He was born in Poweshiek county, Iowa, August 22, 1852, and is the elder of the two children of Andrew J. and Pamelia (Durbin) Morgan, both of whom were born near Zanesville, Ohio. The father followed both carpentering and farming and on leaving his native state removed to Iowa, settling in Poweshiek county, where he owned land and carried on general agricultural pursuits. He afterward removed to northern Missouri, where he continued to engage in farming, spending the remainder of his days in Harrison county, that state. He was at one time a member of the Missouri state militia and died while in the service in the year 1862. His widow long survived him and passed away about 1888.

William R. Morgan was a pupil in the public schools near his father's home in Mis- souri, but was only about ten years of age when his father died and, as the family was left in somewhat straitened financial circumstances, he began earning his own living. He worked for others in that state until 1883, when, hoping to find more advantageons oppor- tunities elsewhere, he made his way to the Black Hills country in August of that year and located on the Belle Fourche river, where he engaged in ranching. There he resided for about eighteen months or two years, on the expiration of which period he went to Buffalo Gap in the fall of 1885 and was there connected with a drug store until the fall of 1886. The latter date witnessed his arrival in Hot Springs, where he engaged in the drug business and was also employed in the postoffice for about six years. At the end of that time he was appointed postmaster and served for a period of four years. When he retired from that position he was once more employed in a drug store until he was called to his present office.

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After four years in that position he established a drug business of his own, of which he has since been the proprietor and he is also a property holder in Hot Springs. The major por- tion of his time and attention, however, is given to his official duties.

In his political views Mr. Morgan is a stalwart republican and, having been elected county treasurer, he assumed the duties of that office in 1898, serving until 1902. He was once more elected and took the office on the 1st of January, 1913, and at the end of two years was reelected, so that he entered upon his fourth term on the 1st of January, 1915. He is most faithful in this connection, discharges his duties with promptness and fidelity and has a most creditable record.

In September, 1885, was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Morgan and Miss Lillian Cham- berlain, who was horn near Denver, Colorado, a daughter of Henry Chamberlain, a native of Michigan. He engaged in the meat business and after removing with his family to Colo- rado turned his attention to the freighting business in 1876, freighting between Denver and the Hills. For a time he resided in Deadwood, afterward became a resident of Belle Fourche and lived for a time on a ranch on the Belle Fourche river. Both he and his wife have passed away.

Mr. Morgan is well known in fraternal circles. He belongs to the Masonic Lodge, to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, in which he has taken the various degrees, the Mod- ern Woodmen of America, the Knights of Pythias and the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He enjoys the high regard of his brethren in these fraternities and that he is favorably known throughout Fall River county is indicated by the liberal support which has been given him when he has been the candidate for the office of county treasurer. Over the rec- ord of his official career there falls no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil and in private life, too, he displays the admirable qualities which have made his acquaintances his friends.

HON. JOSEPH H. BOTTUM.

Hon. Joseph H. Bottum, now serving for the sixth year as circuit judge, is well known both as a lawyer and law maker and his record reflects credit upon the profession which he has chosen as a life work. He was born in West Bloomfield, September 26, 1853, a son of Henry C. and Helen M. (Burnham) Bottum, natives of Vermont, the former born in January, 1826, while the latter was three or four years his junior. Henry C. Bottum always followed the occupation of farming, removing from Vermont to New York, but soon afterward went to Fond du Lac county, Wisconsin, settling near Ripon, where he continued active in the work of the fields for many years, winning success by his well directed efforts. Appreciation of his worth and ability on the part of his fellow citizens led to his election to various local offices and for three terms he represented his district in the state legislature. He died in 1913, while his widow now resides in Ripon.

In a family of six children Judge Bottum was the eldest. He attended Ripon College, Ripon, Wisconsin, graduating in 1877. In early life he engaged in teaching and also took up the study of law, which he followed in Wisconsin until 1880, when he came to South Dakota. He was admitted to the bar of this state in that year and first settled in Sioux Falls, where he practiced for a year. He afterward removed to Spink county and for a year was connected with the Ashton bar. In the spring of 1883 he arrived in Faulk county. He took up his abode at La Foon, which was then the county seat, remaining there until the railroad was built through in 1886, when the county seat was removed to Faulkton. He took up his abode in the town at that time and has since made it his home. In the interven- ing years he has continued in the general practice of law save when his entire time has been occupied with official duties.

In politics he has ever been an earnest republican, giving stalwart support to the prin- ciples of the party, and upon that ticket he was elected the first register of deeds of Faulk county, serving in the years 1883 and 1884. He has also been states attorney for three terms and in 1899 was chosen to represent his district in the state senate, where he made so cred- itable a record that he was reelected in 1903, remaining a member of the upper house of the general assembly for four years. He was connected with much important constructive legislation and left the impress of his individuality upon laws which were enacted during

HON. JOSEPH H. BOTTUM

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that period. In 1909 on the formation of the tenth judicial circuit he was appointed judge of that circuit, has since been twice elected to that position and is now serving upon the bench for the sixth year. His decisions are strictly fair and impartial and are characterized by a masterful grasp of every problem presented for solution.

In June, 1885, Judge Bottum was married to Miss Sylvia Smith, who was born in Jefferson county, Missouri, a daughter of Darius S. and Adelia M. (Williams) Smith, natives of North Carolina and Missouri respectively. The father was also at one time a legislator of South Dakota, serving in the state senate through the term beginning in 1895. He was also county commissioner of Faulk county for one term and was prominently identified with public affairs for many years. He came to the state in 1882 and was actively engaged in farming for an extended period, passing away in 1914. His widow, however, still resides in Faulkton. Judge and Mrs. Bottum have become the parents of seven children: Helen M., a teacher in the schools of Faulkton; Fannie C., the wife of William P. Givens, who is engaged in the automobile business at Goldfield, Iowa, and by whom she has one child, Sylvia Helen; Dora H., who is teaching in Minnesota; Emily, a teacher in the schools of Faulk county; Julia, a teacher of music in the School for Feeble Minded at Redfield; and Roswell and Joseph, both attending school. The family is prominently and favorably known in Faulk county and that section of the state, the hospitality of the best homes being freely accorded them.

Judge Bottum is a prominent Mason, belonging to the blue lodge and chapter at Faulk- ton, to the commandery at Redfield and for twenty years he served as principal sojourner in the chapter. He is also identified with the Odd Fellows and the United Workmen at Faulk- ton and is a member of the Congregational church, shaping his life according to its teachings and never deviating from the high standards which he has set up. He has made an enviable record in various connections, especially in office, where his loyalty to the public welfare is ahove question.

FRANK A. PANGBURN.

Frank A. Pangburn has been filling the office of clerk of the courts in Faulk county since January 1, 1915. He had previously been closely and prominently connected with educa- tional interests and for four years had filled the office of county superintendent of schools. Iowa claims him as a native son, his birth having occurred in Fayette county, that state, in 1857. His father, William Pangburn, was born in New Jersey in September, 1820, and throughout his active business life engaged in farming. He was among the early settlers of lowa and walked from Dubuque to Fayette county on taking up his abode in that state. His household effects were conveyed to the west with an ox team and he and his family experienced the hardships and privations of pioneer life, but as the years passed their labors were attended with the success that always follows well directed agricultural effort in the rich prairie states of the middle west. He married Amanda Stranahan, who was born in New York in April, 1820. She died in 1908 and the father afterward went to live with his daughter in Fort Dodge, Iowa, there passing away in 1910.

Frank A. Pangburn was the third in their family of seven children. He completed his education in the Upper Iowa University at Fayette, where he was graduated with the class of 1881. He began teaching school when seventeen years of age, after which he divided his time between teaching and attending school until he had completed his university course. He afterward taught for two years at Le Roy, Minnesota, and later in Arlington, Iowa, and in 1883 he came to South Dakota, where he took up land. He again taught at Le Roy for one year, after which he returned to South Dakota, settling at Faulkton, where he engaged in the real-estate business for about two years. He next resumed teaching in his county, being connected with the public schools there for two years, at the end of which time he was elected county superintendent, filling that position in a most creditable manner for four years, the educational interests of the county experiencing a marked impetus as the result of his efforts. On retiring from office he resumed farming, which he followed through the summer months, while the winter seasons were devoted to teaching until he was elected to his present position, to which he is now devoting the greater part of his attention, alhough

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he still superintends the operation of his farm lands, comprising a half section. He has tenants upon the place and the land is largely devoted to the raising of grain.

On the 23d of June, 1887, Mr. Pangburn married Miss Minnie M. Johnson, who was born in Cedar county, Iowa, a daughter of Paul W. and Sarah (Wiggins) Johnson, natives of Ohio and early settlers of Iowa, to which state they removed with a team and wagon. There the father followed the occupation of farming and he also held some local offices there. Both he and his wife died in that state. To Mr. and Mrs. Pangburn have been born four children. Jessie M., the eldest, is a graduate of the Faulkton high school and of the State Normal School at Madison and entered the State University in the fall of 1915. She has assisted her father in the work of the office and for two years was engaged as a teacher at Asotin, Washington. Paul W. operates the home farm and also works at the carpenter's trade. Frank J. is assistant manager of an elevator at Redfield. Merrill W. is in school.

Mr. and Mrs. Pangburn are adherents of the Christian faith, holding membership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Fraternally he is connected with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and is holding office in the local lodge. In politics he has always been an earnest republican, never faltering in his allegiance to the party, and appreciation of his service and of his capability on the part of his fellow townsmen was shown in his election to the office of clerk of the courts, in which he is now acceptably serving.

JAY H. RUSSELL.

Jay H. Russell, occupying the position of sheriff of Marshall county, maintaining his residence in Britton, was born in Battle Creek, Michigan, November 20, 1868. a son of Wil- liam and Caroline M. (Cole) Russell. The father was born in Findlay, Ohio, in 1837, and was a son of Thomas Russell, a native of Ireland, who in early manhood came to the United States and died in Ohio, where he had followed the occupation of farming. The maternal grandfather was Levi Cole and that family is of Scotch and English descent. William Russell was born in Findlay, Ohio, in 1837, and was educated in the University of Michigan and in an allopathie medical school of Cincinnati, after which he attended the Bellevue Hospital Medical College of New York city. He became a strong believer of homeopathy, which he utilized in his practice. He entered upon the active work of his profession at Battle Creek, Michigan, and for twelve years was a physician and surgeon at the Battle Creek Sanitarium. In 1882 he removed to Minneapolis, where he conducted a hospital for a number of years, and it was he who established the Finsen light for the treatment of skin diseases and cancer. This was the second one established in the United States. He won a well earned reputation for ability in his chosen profession and his death was the occasion of deep regret, for lie passed away in 1910. His wife, who was born in Wisconsin, survives. He was a member of the Unitarian church, as is his wife, and he gave his political allegiance to the republican party. To Dr. and Mrs. Russell were born nine children, two of whom are yet living, namely : Mrs. F. D. Dassett, whose husband is the proprietor of a meat market in Minne- apolis; and Jay H., of this review.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 125

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