History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 141

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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In religious faith the family are Lutherans and they are held in the highest esteem by all who know them. On attaining his majority Mr. Thoreson became identified with the republican party and his fellow citizens, recognizing his worth and ability, soon called him to office. For some years he served as town clerk and since his death his wife has filled that position. So acceptably did he fill all minor offices that in 1906 he was elected to the state legislature and two years later was sent as a representative to the state senate, being the incumbent in that position at the time of his death, which occurred on the 8th of May, 1910. His public life was above reproach and he never withheld his support from any enterprise which he believed would prove of benefit to his county or state. His home life was one of love and devotion to his family and his death was both widely and deeply mourned.

COLONEL OWEN FREDERICK MCNULTY.

With educational and business interests of Sioux Falls Colonel Owen Frederick MeNulty was closely associated for many years. He was a popular hotel proprietor, his geniality and sterling worth gaining him the warm friendship of many with whom business relations brought him in contact. His birth occurred at Delavan, Wisconsin, on the 20th of February, 1864, and his youthful days were spent in the usual manner of farm lads. His father, Patrick MeNulty, was a farmer, who died March 14, 1913, just five years after the death of his son, Owen F., his funeral being held on the same day of the month.

In his youthful days Owen F. McNulty attended the public schools and afterward became a pupil in the College of the Sacred Heart at Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, from which he was graduated in June, 1887. Believing that better business opportunities might be secured in the west. he located in Sioux Falls on the 13th of October of the same year and taught school in Benton during the succeeding fall and winter. He then returned to Sioux Falls and when W. W. Cooke was appointed county auditor Mr. MeNulty entered his office as chief clerk, there remaining for six months. In December, 1888, he returned to Wisconsin but in the following spring again came to South Dakota and accepted the position of teacher at Rowena. During the fall of that year he became proprietor of the hotel at South Sioux Falls but left there soon afterward and taught school at the Oaks district in Wayne. While thus engaged in teaching a great blizzard occurred on the 12th of February, the snow being so blinding that all traces of the road were lost, rendering it neces- sary for teacher and pupils to remain in the school. He chopped up and burned his desk to keep himself and the children from freezing and when morning came neighbors arrived with a pot of hot coffee. During the spring of 1890 he went into the restaurant business in Sioux Falls and continued therein and also in the hotel business throughout the remainder of his life. He was popular both as a restaurant proprietor and as owner of the hotel. He carefully looked after the interests of his guests, paying every attention to their comfort and welfare, and thus he secured a growing and well merited patronage.

In 1890 Colonel MeNulty was united in marriage to Miss Alta LaSalle, of Iowa, and to them were born seven children, of whom six are living: Mabel, who was for two years society editor on the Sioux Falls Daily News; Pearl; Owen; Myrtle; Clifford; and Hazel. The death of the husband and father occurred March 14, 1908, at the comparatively early age of forty-four years. He was a public-spirited man and served as one of the city council from the second ward and was a member at the time of his death. He was a man of strong constitution and a great worker and led a very active, busy life. He took a progressive

COLONEL OWEN F. MCNULTY

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stand upon public questions and was interested in all that pertained to the progress and welfare of Sioux Falls, of the county and of the state. Under Governor Lee during the Spanish-American war he was appointed colonel and thereafter was known by the title of Colonel MeNulty. Fraternally he was connected with the Elks, the United Workmen and the Maccabees and his religious faith was that of the Catholic church. Death often removes from our midst those whom we can ill afford to spare and thus it seemed when Colonel MeNulty was called away. He had made for himself an enviable position in business circles and at the same time had greatly endeared himself to his colleagues and contemporaries, many of whom he numbered among his warm friends.

HENRY F. SLAUGHTER.

Henry F. Slaughter, a real-estate dealer and auctioneer of Dallas, was born in lowa on the 16th of October, 1877, and is a son of Solomon and Elizabeth (Sumpter) Slaughter, both of whom have passed away. The father made farming his life work and in following that pursuit provided for his family.

The youthful experiences of Henry F. Slaughter were those which usually fall to the farm lad who divides his time between the work of the fields and the acquirement of a publie school education. He did not wish to continue in farm life. however, and in early manhood turned his attention to the real-estate business and to auctioneering, which he followed at Naper, Nebraska. After seven years spent at that place he arrived in Gregory county, South Dakota, living upon a farmi for seven years. In 1914 he took up his abode in Dallas, where he has since remained, and he is accorded a good patronage, both as a real-estate dealer and as an auctioneer. He has cried many sales and he has also negotiated many important realty transfers. He is thoroughly acquainted with property values in this part of the state and he has himself made judicious investments, owning considerable good farm land.

In 1899 Mr. Slaughter was united in marriage to Miss Anna C. Hansen, who died in 1910, leaving a daughter, Dorothy. On the 25th of May, 1914, Mr. Slaughter was again married, his second union being with Miss Merle O. Sharpe. They have a wide acquaintance in Dallas and have gained many warm friends. Their membership is in the Episcopal church and Mr. Slaughter is also affiliated with the Masons, the Elks and the Odd Fellows. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and while not an office seeker he cooperates in all well defined plans and projects for the upbuilding of the community. He is strongly in favor of good roads and he believes in promoting the rapid development of the state and particularly of the Rosebud reservation along the lines of substantial and permanent improvement. He was one of the founders of the city of Dallas, for he was formerly in business with Jackson Brothers. He is fond of all manly outdoor sports and in that way gains rest and recreation.

GUNERIUS S. THOMPSON.

The wealth of South Dakota depends to a large extent upon her agricultural resources, and those who aid in the development of the land perform a great service for their state. Gunerius S. Thompson has thus won not only material success for himself through his farming operations but has contributed to the prosperity of South Dakota. He resides on section 29. Dell Rapids township, Minnehaha county, and is the owner of fifteen hundred and twenty acres of land situated in the Sioux river valley.

His birth occurred in Norway, his natal day being March 7, 1857, and his parents heing Goodthorn and Galand (Klaven) Thompson. The family came to the United States in 1865, locating in Goodhne county, Minnesota, where three years were spent. In 1868 they removed to South Dakota, settling on the farm upon which the subject of this review now resides. This place was taken up as a homestead and to file upon the land it was necessary to walk to Vermillion, where the land office was then located. The willingness to make the journey to

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Vermillion and back on foot is but one indication of the dauntless spirit which characterized Mr. Thompson and which made possible his success. When the family located in Dell Rapids township there was not a white settler in the Sioux river valley north of the Thompson home. The nearest neighbors were miles away and the days of Indian occupancy seemed but yester- day. The father had set himself to win a home in this new land and with resolute spirit persevered until the task was accomplished and he was the owner of a well improved farm. His death occurred npon the homestead in 1886, and his wife died in 1897.

Gunerius S. Thompson was reared at home and received excellent physical and moral training alike in the arduous school of pioneer life. He did his full share in the development of the farm, thus becoming familiar with the methods of agriculture best adapted to local conditions, while his knowledge of books was acquired in the district school, conducted in a log house. On reaching his majority, in 1878. he bought one hundred and twenty acres of land from his father and began farming independently. From the beginning he has been industrious and ambitious and, as these qualities have brought him success, he has from time to time added to his holdings until he now owns fifteen hundred and twenty acres of land in the Sioux river valley, all of which lies in Dell Rapids township, Minnehaha connty, with the exception of a half section in Sverdrup township. This land is especially valuable, being as fine as any in South Dakota. The fact that Mr. Thompson so successfully operates such an extensive tract of land is proof not only of his knowledge of farming in all of its phases, but also of his sagacity and good judgment as a business man.

Mr. Thompson was married on the 7th of May. 1878. to Miss Caroline Thompson, of Burk township. Minnehaha county, her father, Torger Thompson, having come to the county from Winneshiek county, Iowa, in 1874. Seventeen children were born to this union, thirteen of whom survive and eleven are yet at home. They are as follows: Clarence; Thomas: Gleora. the wife of Alexander Johnson, of Sioux Falls; Elmer; Clara, the wife of George Nearman, a farmer, who operates one of his father-in-law's farms; Dolly; Myrtle; Lillian; Robert ; Frances; Darwin; Wallace; and Fern.

The family are members of the United Lutheran church and are active in the work of the organization. Mr. Thompson is a republican in his political allegiance and is quite prominent in local affairs. He is the present chairman of the township board and is also chairman of the school board. Although he has served in these positions for many years, he has never sought any other office. feeling that his extensive business interests demand his time and attention. He has been eminently successful in attaining material prosperity and has also secured that which is above wealth-the sincere respect and honor of those who know him best.

NEIL GRAFF.

Neil Graff, one of the leading agriculturists of Brandon township, Minnehaha county. residing on section 35, is busily engaged in the cultivation of about three hundred acres of valable land. His birth occurred in Brandon township on the 11th of January, 1881, his parents being Nils and Elise (Axelson) Graff, of whom more extended mention is made on another page of this work in connection with the sketch of Martin N. Graff. a brother of our subject.

In the acquirement of an education Neil Graff attended the public schools and Sioux Falls College, also spending one term in the University of South Dakota at Vermillion. After reach- ing man's estate he continued work in cooperation with his father until the time of his marriage and subsequently cultivated rented land for a few years. The father then divided a portion of his farm holdings among his four sons, Neil Graff receiving his present home place of one hundred and sixty aeres on section 35, Brandon township. He also operates another tract and cultivates altogether about three hundred acres of land. General farming has claimed his time and energies throughout his business career and he is widely recognized as one of the sub- stantial and representative young agriculturists of his community.

In 1907 Mr. Graff was joined in wedlock to Miss Ella Mork, her father being H. O. Mork, a native of Norway and one of the pioneer settlers of Minnehaha county. South Dakota. He now lives retired in Sioux Falls. Mr. and Mrs. Graff have three children: Oral R., Harlan N. and Bernie H. Since age conferred upon him the right of franchise Mr. Graff has supported the

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men and measures of the republican party, being firmly convinced that its principles are most conducive to good government. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. In the community where his entire life has been spent he has won an extensive circle of friends who have been attracted by his genuine personal worth and commendable qualities of character.

JOHN E. ANDERSON.

John E. Anderson, a well-to-do and progressive agriculturist of Minnehaha county, South Dakota, owns and operates two hundred and eighty acres of land on section 21, Dell Rapids township, comprising one of the finest and most valuable farms in the township. His birth occurred on the old home farm in Dell Rapids township, August 2, 1879, his parents being Rolluf and Anna (Forton) Anderson. A sketch of the deceased father, who was among the first settlers of that township, appears on another page of this work.

John E. Anderson was reared at home and acquired his early education in the common schools, while subsequently he attended the University of South Dakota at Vermillion and the Minnesota State Agricultural College at Minneapolis, Minnesota. Following the com- pletion of his studies he purchased a quarter section of land in Alberta, Canada, where he spent two years in farming and in improving his place. Subsequently he resided for one year in Dickey county, North Dakota, and there bought a half section of land. In 1912, however, he returned to Minnehaha county, locating on his present home farm of two hun- dred and eighty acres in the Big Sioux valley. He still owns his North Dakota farm and land in Alberta, Canada, and is widely recognized as one of the prosperous agriculturists and representative citizens of this section. He is a stockholder in the Dell Rapids Co- operative Linnber Company and the Farmers Elevator Company of Dell Rapids

In 1911 Mr. Anderson was united in marriage to Miss Lena G. Thompson, her father being Gunder Thompson, one of the pioneer settlers of Minnehaha county, who is now living retired in Dell Rapids. Our subject and his wife have two children, Gunder Rolfe and John Edward.

In his political views Mr. Anderson is independent, supporting men and measures rather than party. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Lutheran church, to which his wife also belongs. A native son of South Dakota, he has always kept well informed as to the progress of events in this section and has assisted to the extent of his ability in forwarding the permanent interests of the community.

OLE G. BRENDE.

Ole G. Brende, residing on section 22, Sverdrup township, is one of the substantial agriculturists and representative citizens of Minnehaha county, where he has resided for forty-four years and where he owns five hundred and twenty acres of valuable land. His birth occurred in Norway on the 13th of November, 1863. his parents being Gudmund O. and Lisbet Brende, who emigrated to the United States in 1868 and took up their abode in Goodhue county, Minnesota. Three years later, in 1871, they came to South Dakota, locating in Sverdrup township, Minnehaha county, where the father homesteaded the farm on which our subject now lives. On that property he spent the remainder of his life, passing away in 1902. His demise was the occasion of deep and widespread regret, for he had gained many friends during the long period of his residence in the community.

Ole G. Brende, who was a lad of eight years when he came to this state with his parents, attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education and assisted his father in the work of the home farm until the time of his marriage. It was in 18>5 that he wedded Miss Brynhild L. Renaa, a native of Norway, and subsequently he took up his abode on eighty acres of his present farm, which was then owned by his father and was afterward deeded to him. From time to time Mr. Brende has augmented his landed hold- ings until they now embrace five hundred and twenty aeres in Minnehaha county and one

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hundred and sixty acres in Brown county, South Dakota. In the conduct of his agricultural interests he has followed modern and resultant methods that have insured his success and have gained him recognition among the leading and enterprising farmers of his county.

Mr. and Mrs. Brende are the parents of eight children, namely: Gust, Christina, Gil- bert, Adolph, Gida, Olga, Pauline and Oscar, all at home. The parents and children are devoted members of the Lutheran church. They are widely and favorably known and have an extensive circle of friends throughout the community.

ROY GEORGE STEVENS, M. D.

Dr. Roy George Stevens, one of the leading and successful physicians of Sioux Falls, engaged in the general practice of medicine in partnership with Dr. N. J. Nessa, was born in Lewis, Iowa, May 12, 1880, and is a son of George and Mary (Morton) Stevens. The family is of English origin and was founded in America by the father of the subject of this review, who came from his native Derbyshire to the United States in 1871, when he was twenty-one years of age.

In 1896 Dr. Roy George Stevens was graduated from the high school at Springfield, South Dakota, and in 1900 from the Springfield (S. D.) Normal School. Following this he entered the medical department of the University of Illinois, graduating from that insti- tution with the degree of M. D. in 1905. Following the completion of his course he located at Heron Lake, Minnesota, as assistant in the Southwestern Hospital, retaining that con- nection for four years. In 1909 he removed to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and formed a partnership with Dr. N. J. Nessa, with whom, in 1910, he established the Samaritan Hos- pital. They conduct this institution for the comfort and convenience of their own patients and they have made it one of the finest and most complete institutions of its kind in the state. Dr. Stevens controls a large and representative patronage and he is a director in the Sioux Life & Casualty Company of Sioux Falls. He belongs to the American Medical Association, the South Dakota and Seventh Distriet Medical Societies and the Sioux Valley Medical Association, of which he was vice president in 1913, his membership in these bodies keeping him in touch with the most advanced thought of his profession.

On the 25th of March, 1907, at Heron Lake, Minnesota, Dr. Stevens was united in marriage to Miss Henrietta O. Diekinson, a daughter of Edwin and Sarah (Nelson) Dickin- son. Dr. Stevens is connected fraternally with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows,, the Masonie chapter and Shrine, the Knights of Pythias and the Order of the Eastern Star. He holds membership in the Episcopal church and is a republican in his political views. Practically all of his time and attention is given to the duties of his profession in which he has made rapid and steady advancement, standing today among its foremost representa- tives in his part of the state.

ALFRED J. JOHNSON.

Alfred J. Johnson, well known in business circles of Sioux Falls through his connection with the firm of Clark & Johnson, dealers in insurance, real estate and loans, and prominent in public life as chairman of the board of commissions of Minnehaha county, was born in Eksjo, Sweden, February 4, 1865. He is a son of Franz and Maria (Jonson) Johnson, both of whom have passed away, the father dying in Clay county, South Dakota, in 1897, and the mother in Sioux Falls in 1907. The family came to America in 1878 and located at Des Moines, Iowa, whence they moved in 1882 to Clay county, South Dakota.

Alfred J. Johnson was still a child when he came with his parents to the United States, and he completed an education begun in Sweden in the high schools of Des Moines and in a business college of that city. He learned the tinner's trade and in 1884, in partnership with his elder brother, Edward, opened a hardware and tin shop in Beresford, Union county, Dakota territory, about four miles from his home in Clay county. This enterprise they continued to conduct until 1889 and then disposed of it, Mr. Johnson of this review be-

DR. ROY G. STEVENS

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coming traveling salesman for a wholesale grocery concern in Sioux City, Iowa. He retained this connection until 1895, when he removed to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, turn- ing his attention to the wholesale vinegar and pickle business. He disposed of his interests along this line in 1899 and embarked in the real-estate business, with which he has since been connected. He is a member of the firm of Clark & Johnson, dealers in insurance, real estate and loans, and his executive ability and enterprising spirit have been important factors in the gratifying success of the concern.

On the 22d of November, 1892, at Sioux City, Iowa, Mr. Johnson was united in mar- riage to Miss Carrie H. Lovegren, and they have a son, Francis Alfred, born January 2, 1903. Mr. Johnson is a member of the Swedish Lutheran church, belongs to the Elks Club and is connected with the Modern Brotherhood of America. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is prominent in public affairs. In November, 1910, he was elected commissioner of Minnehaha county, and on the 1st of January, 1913, was made chairman of the board. In this position he has proven capable and far-sighted, and accom- plishing an important work of public service. His diligence and perseverance are the basis of his success, and his life is a busy, active and useful one.

REV. R. A. HEINZMANN.

Rev. R. A. Heinzmann, pastor of the Immaculate Conception church at Bonesteel, was born in Heidelberg, Germany, March 15, 1869, a son of James F. and Mary Ann (Rudolf) Heinzmann. The father devoted his life to the occupation of farming and thereby provided for his family, but hoth he and his wife are deceased.

Rev. R. A. Heinzmann pursued his early education in the schools of Germany and obtained his seminary education at St. Meinrad's in Indiana, and at St. Mary's Seminary of the West. He was ordained to the priesthood in Cincinnati on the 15th of August, 1895, and celebrated his first mass at Louisville, Kentucky, in St. Martin's church, on the 29th of August. He held his first mission in Wisconsin and was then transferred to the Black Hills, doing pastoral duty at Custer and at Edgemont for four years. In 1911 he was assigned to the Immaculate Conception church at Bonesteel and has done active and effective work in promoting the interests of Catholicism in that district. He was instrumental in building the schoolhouse at a cost of six thousand dollars and four Sisters of Benedictine, of Sturgis, have charge of the work of the eight grades of the parish school, in which sixty pupils are enrolled. Rev. Heinzmann also has charge of the missions of Fort Randall and of Fairfax, the latter containing seventy families.

In his political views Father Heinzmann is a democrat and is interested in many public questions concerning the welfare of the state. He belongs to the Knights of Columbus at Lead and he utilizes every means in his power to advance the interests of Catholicism and promote the upbuilding of his church.

H. H. OIEN.

H. H. Oien, one of the venerable and highly esteemed citizens of Minnehaha county, South Dakota, has continuously resided on his present home farm on section 25, Dell Rapids township, during the past four decades. He owns six hundred acres of valuable land and is widely recognized as one of the prosperous agriculturists of the community. His birth occurred in Norway on the 30th of May, 1843, his parents being Halver and Gerta Oien, who passed away in that country.

H. H. Oien spent the first twenty-nine years of his life in the land of his nativity and obtained a common-school education in his youth. In 1872 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating in Goodhne county, Minnesota, and two years later he came to South Dakota, homesteading the farm on which he has resided continuously since. As the years have passed and his financial resources have increased, owing to his untiring industry and ahle management, he has augmented his holding by purchase until they now embrace six

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hundred acres of rich and productive land. His undertakings as an agriculturist have been attended with a most gratifying measure of success and he has long been numbered among the substantial and representative citizens of Minnehaha county.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 141

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