History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 4

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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Mr. Erickson is a democrat and although not an office seeker is at present serving as constable. He was formerly identified with the ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of America but has severed his connection with those organizations. In all that lie has done he has displayed the pioneer spirit, brooking no obstacles that might be overcome by determined effort and, believing always that industry, good judgment and perseverance would bring success, his faith has been justified and he is now numbered among the prosperous agriculturists of Clay county.

DANIEL SMITH GLIDDEN.

Sioux Falls numbers among its most representative and valued citizens Daniel S. Glidden, who has been a resident of the city since 1878. During the intervening period his interests have extended to many fields touching closely the political and business growth of the com- munity, so that he has taken an active part in the work of progress. He has been a power in the councils of the democratic party in his part of the territory and state and has held various positions of public trust and responsibility, all of which he filled with credit and ability. He is now practically retired from active business.

Mr. Glidden was born in Clarendon, Orleans county, New York. February 24, 1844, and was reared upon a farm in that locality, attending the district schools during his childhood. He later completed his education at the Halley Academy and State Normal School at Brock- port, New York, and afterward taught in that state for one term. In 1867 he removed to Anamosa, Iowa, and there engaged in teaching school during the following winter, afterward moving to Indian Town, where he was in charge of the public schools for four years. Dur- ing the next four years he was interested in a mercantile business at Montour, Iowa, and at the same time had charge of the public schools of that community for four years.

In 1878 Mr. Glidden removed to Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and he is consequently one of the early settlers in this city, in the development and growth of which he has taken an active interest since that time. For five years after his arrival he engaged in the boot and shoe business, but later he resumed his political activities, becoming a member of the terri- torial executive committee of the democratic party and treasurer of the organization. In 1887 he was elected warden of the South Dakota penitentiary and he conducted that insti- tution for two years, with credit to himself and the territory. Of late years Mr. Glidden has given his attention to the insurance business in Sioux Falls and has built up a large and representative patronage, winning an enviable place in business circles.

Mr. Glidden has been an active Mason for thirty-nine years and has held nearly every office in his lodge, chapter and commandery, being past master, past high priest and past commander. During the year 1887-8 he held the office of grand commander of the territory of Dakota. A wide reader and of broad and liheral views, be is regarded as one of the best informed men in the state and his discussion of any subject shows a cultured and well trained mind. These gifts make him very popular in social circles and during the period of his residence in Sioux Falls he has gained a wide and representative circle of friends. Sioux Falls is proud to number him among her citizens and he in turn is proud of the achievements of the city with which he has allied his interests for thirty-six years.

In 1871 Mr. Glidden was united in marriage to Miss Josephine Martin, of Clarendon, New York, a daughter of Dan and Dorcas Martin, who were prominent citizens of that place. In the spring of 1885 Mr. and Mrs. Martin came to Sioux Falls and made their home with our

DANIEL S. GLIDDEN

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

subject and his wife until called to their final rest. Mrs. Glidden has been very active in connection with the public library and its development. Some thirty years ago a little band of ten started an association to organize a library, Mrs. Glidden becoming one of its charter members. For about fifteen years a small fee was charged and the library was cared for by volunteers from the ranks of the organizers. From this as a nucleus, the Carnegie Library today has grown and Mrs. Glidden has been actively connected with it throughout all these years in an official capacity, serving as a member of the board for many years and is still secretary. She is a member of the Woman's Study Club and was one of the charter members of The History Club, which was the first woman's club organized in the territory of Dakota.

ETHAN ALLEN.

The name of Allen has been closely associated with the work of upbuilding and advance- ment in Rapid City and the Black Hills country. Ethan Allen was horn at New Lebanon, Sullivan county, Indiana, March 7, 1864. His father, Levi Allen, who made farming a life occupation, died when his son Ethan was but five years of age. The mother bore the maiden name of Eliza J. Cartwright and both were natives of Indiana, to which state the paternal grandfather, John Allen, removed on leaving Kentucky. He became one of the pioneers of Sullivan county, establishing his home there in 1835.

Ethan Allen acquired his education in the common schools of his native county and in a business college at Terre Haute, Indiana. At the age of nineteen years he became eon- nected with the news and confectionery business, having a lobby stand in the Sullivan postoffice, where he remained for three years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and came to Dakota territory in May, 1886, to join his brother Edward. Making his way to Rapid City, the brothers formed a partnership for the conduet of a restaurant business and later established a confectionery store, which they conducted tor a year and a half. In 1887 they went to the Box Elder district, where they began stock-raising and farming. They secured a homestead, a tree claim and a preemption claim in that district. The mother went to the Box Elder distriet with her two sons and their adopted sister and likewise took a claim. The family added to their properties until they were owners of a ranch of twenty-four hundred acres, on which they engaged in the raising of cattle and horses and also carried on general farming and which was known as the Allen Brothers' A. L. N. Ranch.

In 1901 Ethan Allen came to Rapid City and the following year disposed of his ranch interests. On settling in Rapid City he opened a real-estate office and the next year was joined by his brother Edward under the firm style of Allen Brothers. They have since continued in the real-estate business with gratifying success. They organized the Rapid City Real Estate & Abstract Company, of which Ethan Allen is the secretary and treasurer. He is likewise secretary of the Rapid City Implement Company and is a stockholder in the Rapid Town Site Company. He is the vice president and one of the stockholders in the U'nity Block, Inc., and is a stockholder in the Dakota Power Company, in the Rapid City Packing Company, the First National Life and Accident Insurance Company, the Black Hills Building & Loan Company and in the Rapid Investment Company. He has thus extended his interests and activities to various connections, making him one of the leading business men of this section of the state. His interests have ever been of a character which have contributed to publie progress as well as to individual success.

Mr. Allen lost his mother on the 6th of August, 1912, when she had reached the age of seventy-four years. Since coming to South Dakota with her sons she had been continu- ously a resident of this state and had been connected with them in some of their business investments.

In his political views Mr. Allen has ever been an earnest republican and is one of the recognized leaders of the party in this section of the state. He was county assessor from 1892 until 1895 inclusive, or for a term of four years, and for many years was treasurer of the Moulton school district. He also served as alderman of the first ward of Rapid City in 1907 and in 1911 he was appointed to fill a vacancy in the office of county treasurer,

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

while later he was elected to that position for a term of two years, serving until January 1, 1915. For six years he filled the office of clerk of the school board and in May, 1914, he was elected one of the first three city commissioners for a term of four years. He was made commissioner of police, fire, streets, alleys and public property and is now serving in that capacity, making a most creditable record in office by his fidelity and devotion to the general welfare.

In his fraternal connections Mr. Allen is an Elk and a Knight of Pythias. In the lodge of the latter organization he has been keeper of the records and seal for five years. He belongs to the Methodist church, is a member of its board of trustees and is a director of the Mountain View Cemetery Association. He has always taken an active interest in all progressive movements and is one of the representative citizens of the county and state. His untiring efforts have carried him steadily forward and his work has ever been of an important nature, contributing to public progress as well as to individual success.

CHARLES LANSING DAWLEY.

Charles Lansing Dawley, successfully engaged in the real-estate and insurance business at De Smet, is well known as one of the honored pioneer settlers of the state, coming here more than a third of a century ago. His birth occurred in Plymouth, Wisconsin, on the 29th of February, 1856, his parents being Richard L. and Mary (Averill) Dawley. He acquired his education in the public schools of St. Charles, Minnesota, and in 1879, when a young man of twenty-three years, came to South Dakota, locating at Goodwin, Deuel county. When De Smet was platted he removed to that place and there embarked in the lumber business, being thus engaged for six years. On the expiration of that period he was appointed clerk of courts under the Cleveland administration, holding that position all through the territorial days and serving as clerk under Judge, afterward Governor, Church. When the territory was divided he embarked in the real-estate and insurance business and in that field of activity has remained continuously to the present time, having won a gratifying and well merited measure of prosperity through the careful conduct of his inter- ests. After arriving in this state he preempted the northwest quarter of section 22, town- ship 111, range 56, and also homesteaded the southeast quarter of section 21, township 111, range 56, and encountered many of the experiences and hardships of the pioneer in an undeveloped and sparsely settled region.

On the 7th of December, 1887, Mr. Dawley was united in marriage to Miss Florence Garland, a daughter of Walter Garland, who came to South Dakota in the year 1878. To them have been born two children, namely: Edmund, who died when eighteen years of age; and Walter A.

Mr. Dawley is a stanch democrat in his political views and has done able service as a member of the city council and the school board. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and being a member of the Mystic Shrine at Sioux Falls. He also belongs to the Ancient Order of United Work- men and the Modern Woodmen of America. Hunting and fishing afford him recreation and pleasure and he is equally popular and esteemed in the social as well as the business circles of his adopted city and state.

CHARLES R. ROBERTSON.

Charles R. Robertson is a member of the Robertson-Schwartz Company at Redfield, where he has been active in business since 1911. Although the interim to the present is of brief duration, it has been sufficient to establish his position as an energetic, enterprising and ambitions business man-such a one as contributes to publie prosperity while advancing individual success. He was born on the 5th of September, 1887, in Arlington, Wisconsin, and is a son of William and Janet (Mair) Robertson, natives of Scotland. The father was one of the pioneer settlers of the Badger state and there followed farming to the time of

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

his death, which occurred November 2, 1909, when he was seventy-three years of age. His widow still resides in Lodi, where they reared their family of six children: Robert H., who is now residing in Creston, South Dakota; Agnes, at home; Thomas, who is living in Winne- bago, Minnesota; William, who died in May, 1913, at the age of thirty-seven years and was buried in Winnebago, Minnesota; Charles R .; and David J., who was manager of the advertising department of the Dakota Farmer, until September 1, 1914, when he resigned to enter the Iowa State College at Ames, Iowa, where he is specializing in animal hns- bandry. After completing his course there he intends to return to South Dakota and engage in modern scientific farming.

Charles R. Robertson acquired his education in Arlington and Poynette, Wisconsin, and in Parker College, Winnebago, Minnesota, where he was graduated with the class of 1906. He then went to Minneapolis, where he was employed by Wyman Patridge & Company, wholesale dry-goods merchants, with whom he continued for one year, receiving his initial business experience there. He afterward went to Winnebago, Minnesota, where he had ex- perience in the retail dry-goods line, continuing for two years at that place. He subsequently occupied positions with various large department stores in Chicago and other cities before taking up his permanent abode in South Dakota. He removed to this state from Lodi, Wis- consin. At Aberdeen, South Dakota, he was with the Olwin Angell Company with which he continued for two years and then established an exclusive shoe business at Aberdeen, which he conducted for two years. On selling out there in the spring of 1911, he came to Redfield and took over The Leader, a department store of Redfield, organizing the Robertson-Schwartz Company for the conduct of the business, which has proven successful from the beginning. Theirs is today one of the largest stores of the kind in South Dakota, outside of Sionx Falls, their trade covering a wide territory and reaching a large figure annually. They carry an extensive and carefully selected line of goods and their business merits the substantial growth which has come to it.

On the 14th of February, 1914, in Kansas City, Missouri, Mr. Robertson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Armstrong, a daughter of Dr. J. Clayton Armstrong of that place, and their hospitable home is most popular with the many friends that they have won during the brief period of their residence in Redfield. In politics Mr. Robertson is a progressive republican and fraternally he is connected with the Masons in the lodge, chapter and commandery. Laudable ambition has guided him in all of his business relations and indefatigable energy and unfaltering determination are bringing to him substantial success.

CAMILLO VON WOEHRMANN.

Camillo Von Woehrmann, editor and owner of the Harney Peak Mining News, published at Hill City, was born in Dresden, Germany, October 4, 1852, a son of Harry and Virginia Von Woehrmann, both of whom were natives of Livonia, Russia, and never left Europe to become residents of the new world.

Camillo Von Woehrmann attended college at Dresden and in 1875, when in the twenty- third year of his age, bade adieu to friends and native land and sailed for the United States. He landed at New York, after which he traveled through Texas and Old Mexico, and in the summer of 1877 arrived in the Hills. For a short time he was in Deadwood and then went to Rockerville, where he engaged in placer mining for six years. He devoted the suc- ceeding summer to prospecting for tin and in 1885 he arrived in Hill City, where he also prospected for tin. In 1890 he turned his attention to newspaper publication, purchasing a paper which had been established for about a month. He then began the publication of a democratie paper known as the Harney Peak Mining News, which he has since conducted. It is published weekly and is devoted to the interests of mining and to the Black Hills in general. It is a well patronized sheet and meets a need in the life of the community. Mr. Von Woehrmann is a stockholder in a number of mines near Hill City and also in Nevada but devotes the greater part of his attention to his newspaper office, which is equipped for all kinds of job printing and turns out excellent work.

In his political views Mr. Von Woehrmann has always been a stalwart democrat and is now serving as justice of the peace, which position he has occupied continuously since

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

1890. He is well known in Masonic circles, having taken the degrees of the Scottish Rite, and is the present master of the blue lodge at Hill City. He also has membership with the Elks at Rapid City. An alert, enterprising business man, he accomplishes what he under- takes and is ever actuated by the spirit of progress and advancement.

KNUT HELGESEN.

Among those of foreign birth who have become loyal and valuable citizens of this coun- try is numbered Knut Helgesen, a farmer and stock-raiser, residing on section 5, Spirit Mound township, Clay county. A native of Norway, his birth occurring in 1843, he remained there until a man of mature years and in 1888 emigrated to the United States, settling in South Dakota. His parents never left their native land. While in Norway Mr. Helgesen engaged in merchandising for many years and at the same time owned a fishing vessel. After arriv- ing in this state he worked at the carpenter's trade until his second marriage, which occurred in 1894, and since that date has devoted his time and attention to farming, owning a product- ive and valuable tract of land which comprises two hundred and eighty acres situated in school district No. 2, Spirit Mound township, Clay county. In addition to the production of grain he raises stock and finds that the two phases of agriculture coordinate well. He is energetic and enterprising and receives a good income from his farm.

Mr. Helgesen was first married to Miss Guli Sirina, who passed away in 1882, and to that union were born seven children, six of whom survive: Helga Bernt, residing in Norway; Martha, whose home is at Great Falls, Montana; Engbaar, also living in Norway; Amelia, of Great Falls, Montana; Signi T. Constance, who lives in Norway; and Carl John, of Turner county, South Dakota. In 1894 Mr. Helgesen was joined in wedlock to Miss Martha Siverson, a native of Iowa and a daughter of Ingebrigt and Susan Siverson. Her parents were both born in Norway but emigrated to America in 1856 and settled in Iowa, where they resided for a time. They next went to Nebraska and a short time later removed to Dakota territory, where they continued to reside. The father was one of the first settlers of Clay county and took up both a preemption and homestead claim. He followed farming and stock-raising until his retirement from active life, passing away in 1896, having survived his wife for about twenty years. They were the parents of four daughters, two of whom survive: Mrs. Helgesen; and Gurine, the wife of John Rice, of Clay county, who purchased a part of the Siverson homestead. At one time Mr. Siverson owned nearly one thousand acres of land but at the time of his death had disposed of all but five hundred and twenty acres, all of which was under cultivation. Two hundred and sixty acres of Mr. Helgesen's farm was formerly in the possession of his father-in-law. To our subject and his wife was born a son, Simon, who died in infancy.

Mr. and Mrs. Helgesen are members of the Lutheran church and are active in the sup- port of all good works. Mr. Helgesen is a republican in his political belief but has never songht nor desired public office. He takes, however, a commendable interest in the welfare of his community and is recognized as a good citizen. His record is one of honor and has gained him many stanch friends.

MRS. LYDIA BERNHARDINA JOHNSON.

South Dakota is proud of the record of Mrs. Lydia Bernhardina Johnson, the wife of Julius H. Johnson of Fort Pierre. As lecturer and lawyer she has gained wide reputation and her clear and forceful presentation of the subjects of which she treats shows that she has mastered every phase of the point at issue. She has done effective work in club organ- izations, on the political platform and in behalf of progressive measures dealing with the most vital and significant problems of the age. Mrs. Johnson was born in Sweden, March 6, 1875, a daughter of Jacob Erik and Caroline Ulrika (Erickson) Carlsson, the former for almost forty years a teacher in the schools of Sweden. It was in that country that Mrs. Johnson acquired her early education and after coming to the new world she entered the

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MR. AND MRS. KNUT HELGESEN

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

high school of West Superior, Wisconsin; from which she was in due time graduated. She next became a student in the University of Minnesota and won the Bachelor of Literature degree in 1900. Later she studied for the bar and was graduated from the University of South Dakota with the Bachelor of Laws degree in 1912.

It was on the 19th of June, 1901, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, that she became the wife of Julius H. Johnson, now a prominent lawyer and lecturer of South Dakota. Their home is in Fort Pierre, although public work calls them in many sections of the state. They are parents of a little daughter, Charlotte Amelia Johnson. In the Lutheran church they hold membership and Mrs. Johnson is also well known in elub circles. She became a charter member of the Fort Pierre Woman's Club and her activity in the local organization led to her selection for state offices. She served as corresponding secretary from 1906 to 1908 and as president of the South Dakota Federation of Women's Clubs from 1908 to 1910 inclusive. She was likewise president of the South Dakota Equal Suffrage Association in 1909 and 1910. She is an advocate of the principles of the progressive party and was chosen by the national committee as a campaign speaker in 1912. She belongs to the Eastern Star, and is also an active worker in the Woman's Christian Temperance Union. Her interests are wide and she is active in that great field of social service where men and women are working together for the benefit and uplift of the race. On the lecture platform she has been widely known and extensive travel in Europe has given her a broad view of vital questions. She has been a close and discriminating student of many points now uppermost in the public mind. The following titles of her lectures indicate the extent and breadth of her investigations and researches: The School-Our Social Center; Domestic Science; Club Work-A Social Service: Equal Suffrage- Civic Duty; Child Labor and the Minimum Wage; Legal Status of Women; and Social and Industrial Justice. In all these Mrs. Johnson is doing much to solve the problems connected with the sociologie and economic questions of the day and her work is fruitful of good results.

HIRAM B. BIERCE.

Hiram B. Bierce is president of the Volin State Bank and an enterprising, alert and wide-awake citizen who has contributed in substantial measure to the upbuilding and advancement of the town and county in which he lives. He first came to Dakota in Sep- tember, 1876, to look over the country. He then returned to Iowa, but again came here in July, 1877, and has since been a resident of this state. He was born in Mercer county, Penn- sylvania, in 1854, a son of Watson and Emily (Ward) Bierce, who in 1865 left their home in the Keystone state and removed westward to Iowa. In 1881 they joined their son, Hiram B. Bierce in Dakota. The father died in Clay county, South Dakota, while the mother passed away in Brule county, this state.

Following his arrival in Dakota territory, Hiram B. Bierce rented land and in that way continued to engage in farming for a decade, during which period he carefully saved his earnings. At the end of that time he bought a farm of one hundred and twenty acres on section 16, Bethel township, Clay county, where he established his home, and as the years passed his careful management of his business affairs and his practical methods of develop- ing his farm won him a substantial measure of prosperity. He continued to reside thereon until 1909. He sold the property in that year and the following year removed to Volin, where he has since made his home. He had become interested in the Volin State Bank upon its organization in 1902 and has since been identified therewith, advancing with the insti- tution until he is now president of the bank. He hends his energies toward its further development and the extension of its business relations and he has made it a strong financial concern.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 4

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