History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 28

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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until 1884, when his store was burned and all of his stoek. He was compelled to begin at the bottom again and worked for others until 1886, when he removed to Buffalo Gap, this state. He entered the Lake & Halley Bank there as bookkeeper and proved so valuable that he was made cashier Jannary 1, 1887. He continued in that capacity until New Year's Day, 1894, when the bank was moved to Hot Springs and the name was changed to the Bank of Hot Springs. He is the present cashier of that institution and takes just pride in its growth and solidity, while much of its prosperity is directly due to his vigilance and sound financial judgment. He devotes his entire time to the bank and is popular with stockholders and directors of the institution as well as with the general public.

On the 10th of December, 1889, Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. Woods, who was born at Monmouth, Illinois, a daughter of Wilson and Rebecca (Armstrong) Woods. The family removed to Iowa and thence to Nebraska, where they remained until 1876, when they went to Wyoming. The father js deceased, but the mother still resides at Cheyenne. The acquaintanceship of Mr. and Mrs. Smith began when they were twelve years of age and their married life has been one of close companionship. To their union has been born a daughter, Rhea, who is now the wife of Joe Roth, of Omaha, Nebraska, who is presi- dent of the American Sarcophagus Company. Mr. Smith is a republican, but has never aspired to political office, although he served on the board of education at Buffalo Gap. His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian church and fraternally he is connected with the blue lodge and the chapter of the Masonic order and with the Eastern Star. His life is in harmony with the teachings of those organizations and the respect and esteem of his fellows is his in gen- crous measure.

C. B. JENSEN.

C. B. Jensen was a pioneer settler of the vicinity of Oldham and a well known dealer in farm implements of that town. He had other extensive interests as he was a breeder of pure bred Jersey cattle and also dealt in imported Percheron horses. In addition to this he owned some two thousand acres of land in the state and did quite an important real-estate business. He was a native of Germany, born September 19, 1861, of the marriage of Jens J. and Mary W. Jensen. The father, who was a farmer, is deceased, as is also the mother.

C. B. Jensen was educated in the fatherland and was there apprenticed to the black- smith's trade until 1885 and then emigrated to the United States, as he had heard much concerning the unusual opportunities which the great middle west afforded. He first located in Iowa but after spending a year there removed to Lake Preston, South Dakota. In 1887 he went to Oldham and opened the first blacksmith shop in that place. The lumber for the building was purchased at Madison and taken to Oldham. He did blacksmithing until 1890, when he turned bis attention to the implement business. The old shop, the first busi- ness building in Oldham, is twelve by fourteen feet in dimensions and around it Mr. Jensen built other structures until his place of business covered nearly an entire block. He carried farm implements, shelf and heavy hardware, paints, oils, furniture, etc., and as he under- stood thoroughly the needs and demands of his customers and purchased his stock with the local conditions in mind he was able to supply his trade with the articles desired without the long delay occasioned by the necessity of ordering them from elsewhere. He was also engaged in the breeding of pedigreed Jersey cattle and dealt in pedigreed imported Percheron horses and mares. He did much to raise the standard of stock in the county and was a mem- ber of the Aberdeen Angus Society and the Percheron Horse Society. He was very fond of horses and cattle and his love for the work was one factor in his marked success as a stock- man. South Dakota has gained quite a reputation as a stock-raising state and there are no finer horses and cattle in its limits than those which were found upon the farm of Mr. Jensen. He manifested his faith in the value of South Dakota land by becoming the owner of over two thousand acres in Kingsbury county, most of which lies adjacent to Oldham. He also sold a great deal of land and his real-estate business was quite important.

On the 9th of November, 1888, the marriage of Mr. Jensen and Miss Netta Christensen, a daughter of Soren Christensen, was solemnized. To their union were born the following children: Jens J., Soren C., C. Boysen, Kelly M., Minnie, Adolph, Elvin, Olga and Merle. His

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children were associated with Mr. Jensen in business and the family is highly respected in commercial circles.

Mr. Jensen was a Lutheran in his religious faith and in polities gives his adherence to the republican party. Fraternally he was identified with the Modern Woodmen of America. At five o'clock in the morning on the 9th of February, 1915, a fire broke out which destroyed the residence and store of Mr. Jensen, causing him a loss of about sixty thousand dollars, on which he carried only five thousand dollars insurance. He had been ill for two years and on that morning he fled from his home into the cold, where he remained for some time until a friend took him' into his home. The excitement and the exposure incident to the fire undoubtedly hastened his death. After that he was able to be about for two days ere death called him on the 24th of July, 1915. His demise was a matter of deep regret to many who knew him and respected him as a thoroughly enterprising and upright business man, a pro- gressive citizen and a faithful friend. As one of the early residents of his section of the state he contributed much to its substantial development and progress and his name will long be remembered and honored in the community in which he lived.

ELMER R. CAMPBELL.

Elmer R. Campbell is a young business man of enterprising, progressive spirit who is filling the position of cashier of the State Bank of Spencer. He has always been a resident of the middle west and is imbued with the spirit of progress which has ever actuated this seetion of the country. His birth occurred at Hanover, Jo Daviess county, Illinois, on the 9th of September, 1886, his parents being Robert H. and Cora E. (Reed) Campbell, the for- mer being now a resident of Ireton, Iowa, and the mother died January 16, 1915. For many years the father carried on agricultural pursuits and thus provided for the needs of his family, but is now living retired.

Elmer R. Campbell was educated in the rural public schools and also attended the high school at Ireton, Iowa. He also spent a year in college and a year in the University of Storm Lake, Iowa, thus being well trained for the later responsibilities and duties of life. When his textbooks were put aside he turned his attention to the banking business, becoming assistant cashier in the Farmers & Merchants Bank at Ireton, Iowa, where he remained for five and a half years, gaining an intimate and comprehensive knowledge of various phases of the banking business. He then came to South Dakota and on the 1st of January, 1914, entered the State Bank of Spencer as cashier and has since been active in managing the hank, of which his father is the president.

On the 30th of August, 1911, Mr. Campbell was married to Miss Lillian M. Mauer, a daughter of C. A. and Louisa (Koch) Mauer, of Le Mars, Iowa, and to this union has been born a son, Eugene M. Both Mr. and Mrs. Campbell hold membership in the Presbyterian church and already they have won for themselves an enviable position in the social circles of the town, gaining many friends by reason of their sterling traits of character. In politics Mr. Campbell is a progressive republican and fraternally he is connected with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Masonic blue lodge. His chief source of recreation comes through the automobile. He intends to make South Dakota his home and although he has been a resident of the state for less than two years he has already won for himself a cred- itable position in business and other connections.

SILAS B. ENSIGN, M. D.

Dr. Silas B. Ensign, of Lake Preston, South Dakota, enjoyed a large practice while living in Iowa but since coming to South Dakota has devoted his attention largely to farming interests. He is now, however, living retired. He was born in Delaware county, New York, September 25, 1839, a son of Elias and Clara Ensign, the former a well known farmer. Both are now deceased.

· PHIC

INE

DR. SILAS B. ENSIGN

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Dr. Ensign gained his knowledge of the fundamental hranches of learning in the public schools and obtained his knowledge of medicine largely by private study. Ile was given a diploma by the Cedar Valley Medical Association, which credential was accepted by the state authorities, and he practiced in Butler and Grundy counties, Iowa, for thirty-five years. He gained an enviable reputation for success in his chosen profession but because of failing health left that state and removed to South Dakota, locating upon a homestead. He also took up a desert claim, upon which he now makes his home and which is situated just outside the town of Lake Preston. That town was not in existence at the time that he came to this state. Upon his arrival here he turned his attention to farming and in the course of time his health improved, but he did not give up his agricultural pursuits. At the time of his arrival the section of the state in which he lives ahonnded with game and conditions were those of a pioneer section.

Dr. Ensign was married on the 23d of October, 1879, to Miss Hattie H. Strout, a daughter of Benjamin B. Strout. The Doctor and his wife have no children of their own, but have an adopted daughter, Hattie R. Whiteman, who is a resident of Iowa. Dr. Ensign is a Christadelphian in his religious belief and in politics is an advocate of reform movements. He owns one hundred and forty acres of good land, is a stockholder in the Cooperative Com- pany and the Lake Preston Milling Company. He finds his chief delight in study and reading and has written quite extensively, especially upon religious subjects. He has read widely and thought deeply along those lines and as he possesses a clear, forceful style, his writings are favorably received. He was at one time quite prominent in the populist party in his section, being chairman of the county committee, and was asked to run for senator but declined the nomination. All who have been admitted into the circle of his friendship are proud of being numbered among his friends and esteem him highly, knowing him to be a man of strong mentality, upright character and attractive personality.

HON. EDGAR KELLEY.

Hon. Edgar Kelley, who since 1905 has lived retired in Milbank, South Dakota, is one of the large landowners of Grant county, where he has a section of land. He was born in Walworth county, Wisconsin, November 23, 1851, a son of Stephen and Mary A. (Liddell) Kelley. The father was born and reared in Herkimer county, New York, and comes of Scotch-Irish descent, the family having been established in America in early colonial days, at which time they took up their abode in New England. The mother, who was born in Burlington, Vermont, was of English lineage. The father, upon leaving his native state. came to the middle west, settling in Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming until 1866. He then removed to Freeborn county, Minnesota, where he continued farming. While still a resident of Wisconsin, however, he hecame a member of Company I, Forty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and did valiant duty at the front. His death occurred in 1898 and the death of his wife occurred in 1895, when she was seventy-one years of age. In their family were three sons and three daughters, all of whom survive with the exception of Benjamin and William.

Edgar Kelley accompanied his parents on their various removals and acquired his educa- tion in the schools of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, having removed to the latter state when he was twenty years of age. After completing his studies he engaged in farming for three years in Franklin county, that state, when he returned to the home farm in Minnesota and assumed charge of the homestead for his father. In 1879 he went to Grant county, South Dakota, and entered a homestead claim in Melrose township, which constitutes a portion of his present holdings. He at once undertook the development and improvement of his place and it is today one of the model farms of that section of Grant county. There are found modern and substantial buildings and good fences, while the soil has been brought to that point where it is adapted to raising the various cereals produced in this state. He also gave much attention to the raising of live stock and had a dairy in connection with his farm. Despite the fact that he led a busy and active life on the farm he always found time to cooperate in movements in which the public benefited. He was one of the organizers of the creamery at Milbank in 1895 and from that time to 1912 served on the directorate. Vol. V 11

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He is also a stockholder and director of the Farmers Cooperative Elevator Company at Mil- bank, which is one of the successful concerns of that section of the state, having in 1903 paid a dividend of fifty per cent. He is also a director in the Merchants National Bank there. His energy has frequently been at the service of the community as will be seen in the fact that he was called to serve in the state legislature in 1903, his work there proving so effective and so helpful that he was again called to serve in 1905. In the latter year he put aside all business cares and took up his abode in Milbank, where he occupies a nice residence and is now living in honorable retirement.

Mr. Kelley was married July 26, 1879, to Miss Eliza Bessenger, who was born and reared in Freeborn county, Minnesota, a daughter of Morris and Anna Bessenger, who were natives of Germany. Her father was a marble dealer in his native land and became an early settler of Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have a son and daughter: Elmer, who is a graduate of the business college at Mankato, and is now on his father's farm; and Elsie M., the wife of Henry Vandervoort. a prominent farmer of Grant county. Mr. Kelley gives firm support to the republican party. He belongs to the Masons, to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and to the Yeomen. On all public questions where the best interests of the community are involved he is ever to be found on the right side. He is a successful man because of the use he has made of his talents and his opportunities, because his thoughts are not self-centered but are given to the mastery of life problems and the fulfillment of his duty as a man in his relations to his fellowmen and as a citizen in his relations to his city, state and country.

CHRIST J. BANGERT.

Christ J. Bangert has represented his district in the state legislature and is now mayor of Avon and in all of his public service has proved efficient and conscientious. He was born in the village of Hesperinghausen, forty-five miles from Berlin, Prussia, a son of Fred and Minnie (Volke) Bangert, who in 1871 emigrated to America, sailing from Bremen Haven on the steamer Rhine, which arrived in New York after a voyage of twelve days. Mrs. Bangert had a brother living at Alden, Hardin county, lowa, and the family located there, the father finding work herding cattle, harvesting, etc. In 1878 they removed to what is now Bon Homme county, South Dakota, and the father filed on a homestead seven miles south of Avon. He devoted his time to the cultivation of his farm and resided there until his demise. To him and his wife were born eight children: Charles, deceased: Christ J .; Mary, the wife of Herman Walkes, residing near Avon; Nettie, deceased; Louise, who married Klase Walkes, a farmer living a mile south of Avon: Minnie, now Mrs. Henry Lamkee, of Avon; and Fred and Herman, who are farming south of Avon. The two younger children were born in this country.

Christ J. Bangert secured work near Lakeport soon after arriving in this state and was there at the time of the flood of March, 1881, and helped to rescue a Mr. Jasper and his daughter from the roof of their house, the rest of the family having fled earlier. Added to the terror of the water was the suffering occasioned by the cold and the young lady lost three of her fingers by freezing during her hours spent upon the housetop. Mr. Bangert relates many interesting reminiscences of the early days and tales of the privations and hardships which were met by the early settlers. At the time of the great blizzard of January 12, 1888, it was necessary for him to go out in the storm to gather corn to burn, as the coal bin was filled with snow packed so tightly that it was impossible to get at the fuel. For four years Mr. Bangert worked at Lakeport with the exception of three months in the third winter, when he went home to attend school. Upon attaining his majority he filed on a homestead claim two miles north of Avon, and later he purchased one hundred and twenty acres more, remaining upon the farm for a number of years. In 1902 he removed to Avon, where he has since resided. While living upon the farm he learned the carpenter's trade and since removing to Avon has done considerable work as a contractor and builder. In fact, he has erected most of the houses in that town. In 1907 he became associated in the grain busi- ness with Henry D. Giedd and the connection has since been continued with mutual pleasure and profit.

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Mr. Bangert has been married three times, his first union being with Miss Lena Walkes, who died, leaving an infant daughter, Lena, now Mrs. Ed. Minow living southeast of Avon. Mr. Bangert subsequently married Miss Carrie Walkes, who became the mother of a son, Reuben, and passed away when he was eight years old. Mr. Bangert's third marriage was with Johanna Billigmier, who has also passed away. To their union two children were born, Elgin Theodore and Pearl Netta, both in school.

Mr. Bangert is a republican and was a member of the state legislature in 1897 and again in 1901. He is serving his third term as mayor of Avon and is giving the municipality an excellent administration characterized hy businesslike methods and strict honesty. He does not belong to any church but attends the services and contributes to the support of all de- nominations. Mr. Bangert is well known in his section of the state and wherever known is highly esteemed, his admirable qualities of character gaining him the high regard of all who are brought in contact with him.

CARL A. AUSTIN.

Carl A. Austin, a representative and enterprising agriculturist of Minnehaha county, South Dakota, is the owner of a well improved farm of one hundred and seventy acres in Taopi township. His birth occurred in Minnesota on the 27th of June, 1882, his parents being A. T. and Christina Austin, who are people of Scandinavian extraction. In 1884 the family came to South Dakota, purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land in Grand Meadow township, Minnehaha county, where Mr. Austin was successfully engaged in farming throughout the remainder of his active business career. He and his wife are now residing at Colton, enjoying the fruits of their former toil in well earned retirement. Mr. and Mrs. A. T. Austin have lived in the community continuously for the past three decades and have gained an extensive and favorable acquaintance.

Carl A. Austin acquired his early education in the public schools and subsequently at- tended the Lutheran Normal School of Sioux Falls. He then returned to the home farm but subsequently took up a claim in North Dakota. In 1909 he purchased one hundred and seventy acres of land in Taopi township, Minnehaha county, and has since devoted his time and energies to its operation. He utilizes up-to-date farm machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and in the conduet of his agricultural interests is meeting with excellent results. In connection with the cultivation of cereals he keeps about twenty head of cattle and one hundred and twenty-five head of hogs, his live-stock interests proving a profitable branch of his business.

On the 30th of March, 1910, Mr. Austin married Miss Agnes Rygg, a daughter of Andrew Rygg, one of the honored pioneer residents of South Dakota. Our subject and his wife had three children, Walter Eugene, born January 1, 1911, who died July 12, 1913; Gertrude, born September 14. 1912; and Dagmore C., born September 21, 1914. Mr. Austin gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a Lutheran in religious faith. He belongs to the Farm, Stock and Home Club and is an enthusiastic supporter of all measures instituted to promote the general welfare and which will advance the best interests of South Dakota. He has many friends in his home community and enjoys an enviable reputation as a pro- gressive and successful young agriculturist.

EARLE MONTGOMERY YOUNG, M. D.

Dr. Earle Montgomery Young, a popular physician of Plankinton, has already gained high rank in his profession and has the confidence of his colleagues and the general public. He was born in Tyndall, South Dakota, on the 3d of February. 1887, a son of C. M. and Retta F. (Murray) Young. The father was an educator and for twenty-two years was asso- ciated with the State University of South Dakota at Vermillion. Previous to his con- nection with that institution he was a high-school teacher and was at one time the editor of a paper at Tyndall. At the time of his death he was dean of the college of arts and

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sciences of the university and as he was the first man to hold that position he was largely responsible for the organization of that college and the formulation of the policies that gov- erned the various departments thereof in their relation to each other and to the university as a whole. He was the anthor of a number of educational works of merit and was well known and highly respected in the edneational world.

Dr. Young attended the public and high schools of Vermillion and the State University. Ile was graduated from the latter institution with the degrees of A. B. and M. A., in 1908 and then entered Rush Medical College of Chicago for preparation for the medical profession. He was graduated in December, 1912, but did not consider that he was fully qualified for the independent practice of medicine and therefore spent a year and a half as interne, thus gaining practical experience. For six months he was connected with the Home for Desti- tute Children and for one year was interne in the Presbyterian Hospital under Dr. D. W. Graham. Upon returning to South Dakota he located at Mount Vernon, where he practiced for a short time, but on the 1st of August, 1914, he removed to Plankinton, where he has since resided. He is accurate in diagnosis and as he keeps thoroughly informed as to the latest improvements in medical practice and the discoveries of investigators he gives his patients the benefit of the advance that is constantly being made in medical science. He has gained a large and lucrative practice and is highly esteemed by his colleagues. He is now county physician and he belongs to the Mitchell District Medical Society and to the American Medical Association. Dr. Young is an adherent of the Baptist church and fra- ternally is identified with the Masons, the Odd Fellows and a number of college fraternities. He has great faith in the future of South Dakota and is making his life a factor in the development of his section of the state. A representative of one of the early and influential families of South Dakota, he is proud of the fact that his parents were among those who laid the foundation for the greatness of the commonwealth, and he believes the opportunities offered the ambitious young professional man here are equal to those found elsewhere.

CHARLES ANDREW CHRISTOPHERSON.

Charles Andrew Christopherson, a lawyer of Sioux Falls, recognized at the outset of liis career the fact that advancement at the bar must depend upon individual merit and capability. Accordingly he has been most determined and careful in preparing his law cases and wisely employs every legitimate advantage to attain success, but, while his devotion to his clients' interests is proverbial, he never forgets that he owes a still higher allegiance to the majesty of the law.

Mr. Christopherson was born in Amherst, Minnesota, July 23, 1871. His father, Knute C. Christopherson, was a native of Norway, born on the 24th of June, 1836. In 1850, or when a youth of fourteen years, he came to the United States, settling in Wisconsin, and later he removed westward to Amherst, Minnesota, where he established a home. He conducted a farm in that locality and devoted bis remaining days to the tilling of the soil, passing away February 11. 1894. He was a devoted member of and an activer worker in the Lutheran ehnreh, and his life was at all times guided by high and honorable principles. In early man- hood he wedded Julia Nelson, who was born November 15, 1843, and was called to her final rest on the 8th of May, 1904. In their family were seven children: Gilbert C., who is presi- dent of the Sioux Falls Business College in Sioux Falls; Henry M., living on the old homestead; Charles Andrew; Mary C., who is in Portland, Oregon; Alfred J., also of Portland; and two who died in infancy.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 28

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