History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 133

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 15th of April, 1896, Mr. Ayers was married to Miss Nelle Hellenbeck, a daughter of Henry C. Hellenbeck, and to them is extended the hospitality of the best homes of Dallas and the surrounding country.

Mr. Ayers was elected school treasurer in June, 1915, and is deeply interested in the cause of education. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the degrees of the York Rite and of the Eastern Star. He is also a Knight of Pythias and a United Commercial Traveler. He is finding in the expanding opportunities of the west the chance which he sought in a business way and his study of conditions here has led him to the belief that the western section of the state is bound to become a thickly populous district. Already in its town building it has utilized every modern improvement and the spirit of enterprise and progress as manifested by the citizens is bringing about radical and com- mendable changes.

ELETHAN B. TOWNSEND.

Elethan B. Townsend, a leading representative of financial interests in Lyman county, acts as cashier of the Murdo State Bank of Murdo, which he purchased in 1909 and still owns in association with his father and brother, George M. Townsend. His birth occurred on a farm near Ashton, Iowa, on the 3d of October, 1874, his parents being James E. and Emma C. (Jones) Townsend, hoth of whom are natives of Michigan. They took up their abode among the pioneer residents of Iowa in 1872 and still make their home at Ashton, that state.

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Elethan B. Townsend, the second in order of birth in a family of six children, acquired his education in the public schools of Ashton, Iowa, and also pursued a commercial course at Des Moines. At the age of twenty he secured a position as clerk in the Sib.ey State Bank of Sibley, Iowa, being thus employed until 1900, when he went to Melvin, Iowa, and there served as cashier of the First National Bank until 1906. In that year he came to Murdo, South Dakota, and embarked in the real-estate business, in which he still operates extensively. His identification with financial interests here dates from 1909, when he purchased the Murdo State Bank, which is entirely owned by his father, his brother and himself. He is widely recognized as an able, courteous and popular official of the institution and his efforts have been a potent factor in its continued growth and success. He also deals largely in live stock, is among the largest shippers of the community and has done much to improve the grade of stock raised, having a number of thoroughbred Hereford sires. He owns two thou- sand acres of land in Lyman county and operates two large ranches.

On the 18th of June, 1902, Mr. Townsend was united in marriage to Miss Florence L. McCallum, a daughter of Daniel D. and Angeline (Ord) McCallum, of Sibley, Iowa. She is a graduate of the Minnesota State Normal School and followed the profession of teaching for some years prior to her marriage. To Mr. and Mrs. Townsend have been born two children, Ruth M. and John M.

Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Townsend has supported the men and measures of the republican party and he has ably served in a number of local offices. His fraternal relations are with the Masons and the Knights of Pythias. He greatly enjoys outdoor sports, is fond of motoring and is an enthusiastic advocate of the good roads move- ment. Prosperity has come to him as the result of his ably directed business interests and he enjoys an enviable reputation as one of the substantial, esteemed and valued citizens of Lyman county.

JOHN A. SAMUELSON.

John A. Samuelson, residing on section 13, Split Rock township, Minnehaha county, is deserving of particular mention in this work as the first pioneer settler of his township. His birth occurred in Sweden on the 27th of June, 1837. His father, Samuel Anderson, passed away in Sweden when the subject of this review was but a lad of six years. He remained in his native land until a young man of about thirty-one years, when he emigrated to the United States, hoping to find better opportunities for advancement in this uncrowded new world. He made his way to the interior, locating in Boone, Iowa, where for some time he was engaged in construction work on the railroad, being built to Cedar Rapids. In 1869 he went to Sioux City and in that year while working there came up into South Dakota and filed a preemption on his present home farm. He subsequently entered the land as a home- stead claim rather than as a preemption, but did not make his home there permanently until 1872, when his marriage occurred. Mr. Samuelson has found excellent opportunities here for advancement and, as he has utilized the same, is now a well-to-do man and enjoys the com- forts of life. Besides his farm in Split Rock township, he holds title to one hundred and sixty acres of land situated ten miles northeast of Pierre in Hughes county, and also owns city property in the state capital. For sixteen years he resided upon his land in Hughes county, engaging in the raising of horses and cattle, which proved a very lucrative ocenpa- tion. He, however, has recently returned to his homestead in Minnehaha county, where he is at present living.

In 1872 Mr. Samuelson was united in marriage to Miss Anna L. Johnson, of Sioux City, who was also born in Sweden and who came to the United States at about the same time as our subject. Eight children have been born to this union as follows: Anna M., at home; Celia L .; John, of Meade county, South Dakota; August, of Pierre, who is operating his father's farm; Christina E., the wife of Samuel Peterson, who farms Mr. Samuelson's land in Split Rock township; Carl E., and Emil O., both ranchmen of Meade county; and Martin, engaged in ranching in Hughes county.

The family are devout members of the Lutheran church. Mr. Samuelson is a republican in his political allegiance and has served some years as a member of the school board. He

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was not only the first settler of Split Rock township, but he is one of the leading and inilu- ential citizens of the county, being well known within its borders and exercising a potent influence in securing its advancement and progress.

ROSCOE KNODELL.

The office of states attorney in Tripp county is being acceptably filled by Roscoe Knodell of Winner, who is a native of Wayne county, Illinois. He was born September 13, 1882, of the marriage of William and Christina (Melrose) Knodell. The father, who made farming his life work, has now passed away but the mother is still living and makes her home in Illinois. He was a soldier of the Union army, enlisting twice in defense of the Federal gov- ernment and serving for four years with the boys in blue.

Roscoe Knodell pursued his law studies in the Northwestern University of Chicago after mastering the common branches of learning as a public-school pupil in Illinois. In 1906 he was admitted to practice and for a year followed his profession in his native state, during which time he was city attorney of Fairfield, Illinois. When he retired from that position be sought the opportunities of the northwest and became a resident of Fairfax, South Dakota in 1907. He was admitted to practice in the courts of this state in 1907 and in 1908 opened an office at Lamro, Tripp county, but when the railroad was built through the county the town of Lamro was moved and Mr. Knodell located in Winner, where he entered upon the active practice of law. It was not long before he won a liberal share of the public patronage and in the fall of 1914 he was elected states attorney on the republican ticket. He is well qualified for the duties of the position, being an able young lawyer, his ability being displayed in the masterly manner in which he handles his cases.

On the 10th of December, 1914, Mr. Knodell was united in marriage to Miss Clara Brown, a daughter of O. S. Brown, of Cisne, Illinois. Their religious belief is that of the Methodist. church, of which they are loyal adherents, and Mr. Knodell also belongs to the Masonic lodge, to the Woodmen camp and the American Yeomen. He is interested in South Dakota's devel- opment, is a progressive citizen of Tripp county and is highly respected for his sterling qualities of manhood.

WILLIAM A. CROOKS.

William A. Crooks is now living retired at Sioux Falls, enjoying a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. A native of Canada, he was born in the province of Quebec, October 22, 1849, a son of John N. and Caroline Crooks. The father was a farmer by occupation and in 1875 came with his family to Dakota territory, where he homesteaded and thereafter engaged in farming until his life's labors were ended in death. In the mean- time, however, he had removed with his family from Canada to Wisconsin and from that state made his way to South Dakota.

In the public schools of Wisconsin William A. Crooks pursued his education and through the periods of vacation and after his school days were over he assisted his father in the work of the home farm. The year 1877 witnessed his arrival in Dakota territory, at which time he took up his abode on the present site of the town of Crooks, homesteading the northeast quarter of section 3, township 103, range 50. He also seenred a tree claim, after which he devoted his time and energies to general farming until about six years ago, when he sold his property and took up his abode in Sioux Falls, where he now has some valuable realty. While upon his farm he converted the land into productive fields, working diligently and persistently year after year to make the place a profitable property. He added to it many modern improvements and equipments, using the latest farm machinery to facilitate the work of the fields.

In 1867 Mr. Crooks married Miss Sarah Emery and they became the parents of five children : David N., living at Lyons; George, who is living at Crooks and who is mentioned

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elsewhere in this volume; William H., residing in Montana; Alma N. deceased; and Arthur, who died in infancy.

Mr. Crooks has always been a believer in the teachings of the Methodist church, in which he holds membership. In politics he was formerly very active and he has always supported the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has filled a number of publie positions of honor and trust. He was deputy sheriff for six years and for eight years was at the state penitentiary as assistant deputy warden, hut was obliged to give up that position on account of ill health. He served for one term as sergeant-at-arms in the state legislature and for one term represented his district in the general assembly, covering the years 1894 and 1895. He has also been assessor and justice of the peace at Crooks and in these different positions has discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity that have won for him confidence and high regard. His record at all times has been that of a progressive business man, a loyal, publie-spirited citizen and a faithful friend.

REV. CHARLES N. GOERGEN.

Rev. Charles N. Goergen is pastor of St. Isadoris Catholic church at Colome. He was born at Ponca, Nebraska, February 5, 1883, a son of Martin and Marie (Hentgen) Goergen, who were farming people, the father devoting his attention to general agricultural pursuits for many years, hut at the present time he is living retired, he and his wife making their home at Ponca.

After attending the district schools and spending a year in a public school, Rev. Charles N. Goergen pursued a course in Conception College at Conception, Missouri, and further continued his preparation for the priesthood in the study of philosophy and theology at St. Meinrad, Indiana. Having thus prepared for holy orders, he was ordained at Louisville, Kentucky, by Bishop O'Donohue in the year 1910. He afterward had charge of various missions with headquarters at Philip, South Dakota, where he remained for four years, after which he came to Colome in June, 1914. There are twenty-five Catholic families in the parish and Father Goergen also attends several small missions elsewhere. He is bending every energy to the upbuilding of the church and the extension of the cause and he has gained the hearty cooperation of his parishioners.

Rev. Goergen is a democrat in his political views. He belongs to Rapid City Council, No. 1489, Knights of Columbus, and is interested in promoting the social as well as other features of that organization. He feels that his interests are thoroughly allied with those of the community in which he is now located and he is doing much for the material and moral uplift of the town.

HON. WILLIAM WILLIAMSON, JR.

Hon. William Williamson, Jr., judge of the eleventh judicial district of South Dakota and one of the leading members of the state bar, was born upon a farm in Mahaska county, lowa, October 7, 1875. His father, William Williamson, was a native of Norway, born in 1843, and when a young man he became a resident of Mahaska county, Iowa, whence in 1882 he removed to Aurora county, Dakota territory, securing a homestead claim which he con- verted into a valuable farm. In time he became one of the prosperous landowners of the county and was also one of its most prominent citizens. He retired from active business in 1913 and is now a resident of Mitchell, South Dakota. In Norway, in 1871, he married Miss Mary Erland and the same year they came to America to establish their home. Their family numbered seven children, of whom the Judge is the third. The mother died in 1883 and by a second marriage the father had five children.

In the public schools of Aurora county William Williamson mastered the elementary branches of learning and continued his course in the Wayne Normal school at Wayne, Nebraska, later entering the University of South Dakota, from which he was graduated with the class of 1903, winning the Bachelor of Arts degree. He continued as a student in

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that institution, however, and completed the law course in 1905, at which time the degree of LL. B. was conferred upon him. His education was secured entirely through his own efforts, for he paid his way through college by his labor, thus showing the elemental strength of his character. He was editor in chief of the Cayote, the first college annual of the State University of South Dakota; also editor-in-chief of the Volante, the college weekly, during his junior year, and he was a member of the university debating team. He also won the Stirling prize for the best thesis upon graduation from the law school. While still in college he had located for practice at Oacoma, Lyman county, and he had the distinction of being nominated for the office of state's attorney of the county before his graduation. He was duly elected and served in that position from 1904 until 1908 continuously, his administration being characterized by a most vigorous prosecution of wrongdoers, and through his efforts is largely due the credit of breaking up cattle rustling and other forms of outlawry of which the early settlers of Lyman county were victims. He was elected for the third time as state's attorney in the fall of 1910. The experiences of pioneer days proved a fair test of his honesty, courage and manhood as well as of his legal ability. So clean was his record as state's attorney that in March, 1911, Governor Vessey appointed him judge of the eleventh district, to which office he was again chosen by election in 1914. His work is characterized by an intelligent and impartial fairness and he has won the confidence and esteem of both the bar and the public, his course being a credit to the legal profession and to the state's judicial machinery. Judge Williamson is largely interested in Lyman county enterprises and is also an extensive landowner and one of the partners in the Lyman County Abstract and Loan Company.

On the 5th of October, 1910, Judge Williamson was married to Miss Clara Victoria Dice, a daughter of Caspar Dice, of Lincoln, Nebraska. They hold membership in the Congrega- tional church and the Judge affiliates with the Odd Fellows and with the Masons. In politics he has always been a republican since the attainment of his majority brought to him the right of franchise. He is active in both local and state politics and was a delegate to the republican national convention of 1912. He enjoys various phases of outdoor life, including hunting, fishing and camping, but outside of his professional duties his time is chiefly given to the study and practice of horticulture and floriculture and upon his grounds are seen the finest kinds of fruit and vegetables, together with a most beautiful and won- derful collection of flowers, making his gardens famous throughout the state. He has become recognized as an authority upon scientific propagation, his example being one well worthy of being followed by those who make such work a life business.

ADELBERT A. RICKS.

Adelbert A. Ricks, who since 1906 has had charge of the Murdo shops of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway, is one of the veteran and trusted employes of that corpora- tion and one of the substantial and highly respected citizens of Murdo. His birth occurred in Boscobel, Wisconsin, on the 25th of March, 1863, his parents being Charles W. and Sarah (Barnhart) Ricks. The father, a mason contractor, was a native of New York state who removed to Wisconsin in 1856 and died at Boscobel in 1881, at the age of forty-six years. He was the son of Joseph Ricks, an Englishman by birth, who resided for some years in New York following his emigration to the United States, subsequently removing with his family to Wisconsin. The mother of our subject was a native of Pennsylvania and came of old Holland Dutch ancestors who were among the early settlers of the Keystone state.

Adelbert A. Ricks, the third in order of birth in a family of five children, acquired his education in the public schools of his native town. In 1882, when a young man of nineteen years, he secured employment in the shops of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, as a blacksmith's helper. A few months later he went to North McGregor, Iowa, in the same capacity, and the following ten years were devoted to nearly every kind of railway roundhouse work. In 1893 he was sent to Calmar, lowa, as head blacksmith and in 1902 was made roundhouse foreman, so continuing until 1906, when he removed to Murdo, South Dakota, to take charge of the shops on the completion of the Milwaukee line to that place. In this capacity he has ably served the corporation

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to the present time. He is the owner of valuable farm lands in Lyman and Mallette counties and is numbered among the prosperous and esteemed citizens of his community.

On the 27th of March, 1885, Mr. Ricks was united in marriage to Miss Hannah C. Carlson, a daughter of John Carlson, of Monona, Iowa. They have one daughter, Carola Florence, who is a graduate of the State Normal School at Spearfish. Mr. and Mrs. Ricks are Congregationalists in religious faith and the latter takes an active part in church work, is a helpful member of the Ladies Aid Society and also belongs to the Eastern Star. In his political views Mr. Rieks is a republican, while fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to the blue lodge, chapter and commandery, to El Riad Temple of the Mystic Shrine at Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and to the Eastern Star. He is also connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. In hunting and fishing he finds rest and recreation and is fond of outdoor sports. Progressive and public-spirited, he is an enthusiastic advocate and champion of good roads and good schools, giving his support to every measure insti- tuted to promote the interests of his county and commonwealth. The solid character of Mr. Ricks' citizenship is indicated by the high esteem in which he is held by his fellow townsmen and hy his long retention and numerous promotions in the service of the Milwaukee railway system.

FRED L. FLINT.

Almost coexistent with the first settlement of a new country comes newspaper pub- lication. It is the tie which connects and unifies all interests; it is the promoter of publie progress, the molder of public opinion and in many instances the inspiration for work that culminates in great good for the community. Fred L. Flint is owner and editor of one of the progressive sheets published in western South Dakota, the Colome Times, and there is no project put forth for the benefit and upbuilding of town or county which does not receive the indorsement and support of this paper, which reflects the enterprising spirit of its owner. Mr. Flint is a native of Iowa, born on the 19th of January, 1873, at Spirit Lake, his parents being J. W. and Ella R. (Cloud) Flint, who were farming people, the father devoting his attention to the tilling of the soil until his life's labors were ended in death. His widow, surviving, now lives in Colome.

Reared in his native state, Fred L. Flint was educated.in the public and high schools of Sibley, Iowa, and then turned his attention to newspaper work, becoming owner of the Advertiser at Fairfax, South Dakota, in 1903. He later homesteaded near Hamill, South Dakota, and hegan the development of a farm but afterward returned to Colome and purchased the Colome Times, of which he is now owner and editor. This paper has a sub- scription list of twelve hundred and is accorded a good advertising patronage. The paper is neat and attractive in its make-up and furnishes its readers all the local and much of the general news of interest.

In May, 1910, Mr. Flint was united in marriage to Miss Dorothy Parchen, a daughter of W. H. Parchen, of Hoskins, Nebraska. To them have been horn three children, namely : Dorothy, Gail and Roma. The family are Protestants in religious belief and Mr. Flint is a republican in his political connection. He served as a member of the school board at Hamill and at all times his cooperation can be counted upon to further practical measures for the general good. He realizes the value of improved public highways and stanchly advo- cates the good roads movement; in a word, he stands for progress and improvement at all times in all parts of South Dakota, but particularly in the Rosebud district.

CHARLES D. KIMBALL.

Charles D. Kimball, conducting an extensive tailoring establishment at Sioux Falls, was born in Portland, Michigan, March 21, 1877, a son of Richard Henry and Myra Louise (Halladay) Kimhall. The father died in Michigan, but the mother is still living in that state.

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In the common schools of his native city Charles D. Kimball pursued his education and afterward became a traveling salesman, spending several years upon the road. He then became a partner in the firm of Snow & Kimball, purchasing what was known as the Snow system of dressmaking, and established headquarters at Rockford, Illinois. They hegan teaching and introducing this system into the public schools and as the value of the system became recognized their patronage increased and the system is still being taught in the public schools both east and west. The idea was to give instruction in the mechanical side of cutting and similar work as well as in sewing and the plan proved a great success. Mr. Kimball remained a member of the firm from 1905 until 1908, but in July of the latter year sold his interest and removed to Sioux Falls and established a school of dressmaking, which he conducted for two years. He then converted this into a ladies' tailoring establish- ment and in January, 1915, he opened his present business for the tailoring of the garments of both men and woman, having the finest establishment of this kind west of Chicago. He is located on Phillips avenue, the finest business section of the city, and has been accorded an extensive and gratifying patronage.

On the 6th of November, 1905, Mr. Kimball was married at St. Paul, Minnesota, to Miss Louise Pohn, a daughter of Henry W. and Louise Pohn, of Winona, Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Kimball have two children: Gretchen Louise, who was born December 26, 1906; and Richard Henry, born October 8, 1908.

Mr. Kimball holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and with Minnehaha Lodge, F. & A. M., of Sioux Falls. He and his wife are active members of the First Church of Christ Scientist of Sioux Falls and as a business man he is well known and highly respected, depending upon ability, enterprise and energy to win him success, which is the merited reward of laudable ambition.

HENRY W. SMITH.

Henry W. Smith, of West Sioux Falls, Minnehaha county, was born in Bavaria, Ger- many, January 3, 1844, a son of John Peter and Margaret (Grampp) Smith. The family came to the United States in 1857, settling in Livingston county, Illinois, where the father carried on general agricultural pursuits until his death. The mother has also passed away.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 133

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