History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 41

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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VACLAV F. HOUDA.

Bohemia has given many excellent citizens to South Dakota, among them being Vaclav F. Houda, cashier of the Kimball Commercial & Savings Bank, who was born in that country on the 24th of January, 1884, a son of Joseph and Barbara Houda. The father has passed to his reward, but the mother is still living.

Vaclav F. Honda attended school in his native land, but when twenty years of age emigrated to the United States and settled in Chicago. Two years later, or in 1905, he came to South Dakota. He realized the advantage that would accrue to him from continuing his education in this country, and after settling in Springfield took advantage of the oppor- tunities afforded by the State Normal School. He paid his own way while attending school and upon leaving the institution had a balance of six hundred dollars, although he had but twenty-eight dollars when he came to this state. He entered the National Bank of Springfield, with which he remained for four years. He then went to Prague, Bohemia, in the capacity of secretary to the American consul, and upon his return to South Dakota he entered the Kimball Commercial & Savings Bank as cashier, which position he still holds, and is also a stockholder and director. He has fully demonstrated his ability to discharge the responsible duties devolving upon him and his policy in regard to the extension of credit is a prudent yet liberal one which both protects the interests of the bank and further legiti- mate business expansion.

In November, 1911, Mr. Houda married Miss Marie Marek, a daughter of Vaclav Marek, and to their union has been born a son, Vaclav. Jr.

Mr. Houda is independent in politics, believing that the interests of the party may be best served by considering the qualifications of the candidate rather than the party to which he belongs. He is numbered among the substantial men of Kimball. Anything that affects the welfare of the state is of interest to him, and if need be he is willing to subordinate his private interests to the good of his community.

GEORGE A. BABCOCK.

George A. Babcock, a merchant of Custer, was born at Hazel Green, Grant county, Wisconsin. on the 16th of March, 1855, of the marriage of George W. and Elizabeth ( Martin- dale) Babcock, natives, respectively, of the state of New York and of England. In early life the father engaged in carpentering and later became a chemist. About 1847 he removed to Wisconsin and for a time gave his attention to contracting, while subsequently he was connected with the operation of a lead mine in Grant county. In 1864 he was called to his reward. His widow survived for many years and died at the home of G. A. Babcock in 1908.

George A. Babcock, who is the youngest of a family of three children, attended school in Grant county, Wisconsin, and also in Albion, Michigan. He was but nine years of age when he left his home in Wisconsin and went to live with an unele in Michigan, with whom he

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resided for three years. In 1868 he removed to Iowa and was employed in a livery barn at Cedar Falls for five years, after which he became connected with a larger establishment of the same character in Waterloo. In 1875 he went to Des Moines, where he drove a public carriage for fourteen months, and then returned to Michigan, where he remained until the following spring. He next went again to Waterloo and during the summer was con- nected with the livery business there. The following two years he campaigned trotting borses in St. Paul, Minneapolis, and all over the Illinois, Ohio and Michigan circuits. In the fall of 1878 he returned to Waterloo and began conducting a boarding barn. After six- teen months he disposed of his business and was employed in a livery barn until 1887, when he removed to South Dakota. For the first year after arriving in this state he was employed on a raneh near Custer and then squatted on a ranch thirty miles west of that city. He and his family continued to reside there until 1896, when they removed to Custer and he engaged in the livery business for three years. He next turned his attention to retailing feed of all kinds, but after a year began dealing in general implements and coal. He is at present conducting a store for the sale of farm machinery and carries the International truck and many other standard makes of implements and also garage supplies. He is also a stock- holder in the Custer Electric Light, Heat & Power Company and is local agent for the Standard Oil Company. His interests include the ownership of considerable business and residence property in Custer and he is known as one of its substantial citizens.

Mr. Babcock was married in June, 1880, to Miss Helen Barro, who was born in Baden, Baden, Germany, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Caspar Barro. About 1837 the family crossed the Atlantic and continued their journey westward, settling near Freeport. Illinois. Subse- quently they removed to Waterloo, Iowa, and the father engaged in business there, although he had previously been an agriculturist. He passed away about 1879 and his widow sur- vived for several years. They were estimable people and highly respected by all who knew them. Mr. and Mrs. Babcock have four children. George C., who was born in April. 1881, married Miss Nellie Truax, of Hill City, by whom he has a son, Caspar A., who was born December 9. 1914. The family reside upon a ranch thirty miles west of Custer. William M., whose natal day was December 28, 1882, is residing near his brother, George C., and is also a rancher. Fred, born February 11, 1885, married Miss Effie Russell, and is a farmer residing near Winfield, Kansas, Eva C., the only daughter, was born on the 4th of January, 1894. and is now the wife of Fred Richardson, a resident of Big Horn, Wyoming. They have one child.

. MIr. Babcock is a republican and is now serving his sixth year as a member of the town council. He is the present noble grand of the Odd Fellows lodge at Custer and is an enthusi- astic member of that great order. His life has been one of continual industry and has been characterized by a spirit of enterprise that is common to western people and bis activities have been a force in promoting the advancement of the localities in which he has lived.

FRED GRISWOLD.

Fred Griswold, vice president of the Kimball State Bank, was born in Waukon, Iowa, on the 3d of February, 1879, a son of F. H. and Hannah Griswold, who came to South Dakota with their family in 1883 and located upon a homestead in Brule county. The father farmed there until about 1907, when he retired to Kimball, where he and his wife are still living

Fred Griswold attended the public schools of Brule county and the high school of Cham- berlain and was graduated from the latter institution in 1895, when but sixteen years of age. He devoted some time thereafter to teaching school but in 1901 entered the State Bank of Kimball as bookkeeper. He was promoted successively to assistant cashier, cashier and vice president and as he has worked his way upward he has learned thoroughly all phases of the banking business and is a most efficient officer. The deposits of the bank are steadily increasing as the public has the utmost confidence in the stability of the institution and the care with which the officers guard the interests of the depositors. How- ever, the bank is so well managed that it also pays good dividends to its stockholders. Mr. Griswold gives much time and attention to the affairs of the bank and has much influence

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in its management, but he also has other interests, having investments in a number of properties in the state and being treasurer of the Brule County Telephone Company.

Miss Genevieve M. Ochsner became the wife of Mr. Griswold on the 14th of October, 1908. Her father, E. P. Ochsner, is still living and is one of the early settlers of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Griswold have a son, Edward Hale.

Sinice attaining his majority Mr. Griswold has cast his ballot in support of the repub- liean party and has taken considerable interest in public affairs. He has served as city treasurer and proved a capable and conscientious official. In religious belief he is a Protestant. Fraternally he is connected with the Masonie order, in which he has taken the degrees of the chapter. He has great faith in the future of his state, and the willingness to do anything within his power to help realize that future which is characteristic of the men of the west and he is an important factor in the progress and advancement of his community.

JOHN HARTMAN.

John Hartman, one of the foremost citizens and prosperous agriculturists of Buffalo township, Minnehaha county, where he has resided for more than a third of a century, is the owner of an excellent farm of three bundred and twenty acres on section 33. His birth occurred in Wisconsin on the 4th of February, 1856, his parents being John and Susan Hart- man, who were born, reared and married in Germany. They crossed the Atlantic to the United States about 1854, settling in Pierce county, Wisconsin, and subsequently removing to Red Wing. Minnesota, where John Hartman, Sr., spent the remainder of his life. His widow afterward came to South Dakota and now makes her home with our subject.

John Hartman, who acquired his education in the common schools of Minnesota, was a young man of twenty-two years when in 1878 he came to South Dakota. He resided for one year at Sioux Falls and then homesteaded his present home farm, also taking up a tree claim. These three hundred and twenty acres of land still remain in his possession and lie in Buffalo township, Minnehaha county. As the years have gone by he has conducted his agricultural interests in accordance with the best methods and his well directed labors have brought him a gratifying annual income. He breeds black polled cattle and in both his farming and live-stock interests has won success.

In 1880 Mr. Hartman was united in marriage to Miss Christine Frantz. of Red Wing, Minnesota, by whom he has six children, as follows: Pearl, at home; Ray, who is with the American Tobacco Company. of Chicago, Illinois: Fred, a resident of Norfolk, Nebraska; and Margaret. Carroll and Lewis, all at home.

Mr. Hartman gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has always taken an active interest in educational matters. Ile organized the first school district in Buffalo township and has been a member of the present school board for several years. Fraternally he is identified with the Masons, belonging to the blue lodge at Colton. He merits the con- fidence and respect of all who know him and is numbered among the most substantial citizens of his community.

JUDGE PETER F. WARD.

Judge Peter F. Ward, who has a high reputation as a lawyer and jurist of Hot Springs and that section of the state, was born in O'Neill, Nebraska, on the 3d of May, 1883, a son of M. P. and Mary D. (MeGrane) Ward, who were born respectively in Cincinnati, Ohio, in 1844, and in Boston, Massachusetts, in 1866. In his young manhood the father resided on a farm in Iowa, near Marshalltown, but later emigrated with his family to Nebraska, before the building of the Northwestern Railroad through that state. The transportation business was almost entirely in the hands of freighters and he found the hauling of goods to be a profitable business. From about 1878 to 1884 he freighted from Neligh to Valentine, but in the latter year removed to Rapid City, Dakota territory, where he entered the grocery business. He was also financially interested in mines at Hill City and at Silver

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City. He passed away at Rapid City in February, 1891, and the following year his widow returned to O'Neill, Nebraska, where she is now living. Their children were five in number.

Peter F. Ward, the firstborn, was reared under the parental roof and was given the advantage of excellent home training. His scholastic education was acquired in the publie schools of Rapid City, the grammar schools of Brimfield and the high school at Peoria, Illinois. As he had decided that the legal profession afforded him the most congenial field of work, he entered a law school at Omaha, which conferred upon him the LL. B. degree in 1910. Before beginning his professional studies he had, when sixteen years of age, left home and was for four years employed as a cowboy on a cattle ranchi in western Nebraska. After that he worked at O'Neill, Nebraska, for a concern that conducted stores at a num- ber of points in that state, and was so occupied until 1907, when he began the study of law. After graduating in 1910 he remained in Omaha until the spring of 1911, when he removed to Hot Springs and became a partner of E. R. Juckett. That relation was main- tained for only a year and Judge Ward has since practiced alone. In 1912 he was elected county judge and his record was so creditable that on the expiration of his first term he was reelected without opposition. As a lawyer he is painstaking in the preparation of his cases, convincing in their presentation and, always mindful of the high standards of the law, represents only such causes as he considers just. His record as judge shows him to be possessed in an unusual degree of that fairness and detached point of view so essen- tial to securing justice. He is also connected with business affairs in Hot Springs, as he is president of the Tri-State Land & Loan Company of that city.

Judge Ward was married on the 5th of May, 1913, to Miss Aion Shouse, who was born in Plankinton, South Dakota, and is a daughter of Dr. A. C. and Jennie (Jacobs) Shouse. Her father is a practicing physician and surgeon of that city and her mother passed away there. To their union were born eight children, of whom Mrs. Ward was the fifth in order of birth. Her brother, Willis Shouse, was elected county judge of Aurora county in 1912 and in 1914 was reelected without opposition.

Judge Ward is a democrat and is stanch in his support of the candidates of that party, as he believes that the principles of government advocated by that party are those best suited to secure the welfare of the country.' Both he and his wife are popular socially in Hot Springs and, although he has already gained an enviable place in the ranks of his profession, his friends believe that still greater achievement lies before him.

FRANK WARD BILGER, M. D.

Dr. Frank Ward Bilger is engaged in the practice of medicine at Ardmore, where he is also proprietor of a drug store. At the same time he is interested in dry farming and stock-raising, being connected therewith since 1910. Aside from business he is prominently known in his part of the state, for he is the representative from the forty-sixth district in the South Dakota general assembly. He was born at Oakland, Iowa, October 10, 1883, a son of Wellington W. and Hattie Virginia (Louis) Bilger. The father, who engaged in law practice as a life work, died in 1893, but his wife survives at the age of fifty-four years.

Dr. Bilger spent his youthful days in his native state and attended the common schools of Council Bluffs and of Harlan, Iowa, after which he spent three years as a high-school pupil at Oakland, Iowa. He then attended the John A. Creighton Medical College at Omaha, Nebraska, for four years and was graduated therefrom on the 4th of May, 1907. He has since engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery, being an active representative of the profession. He came to Ardmore in 1909 and in the intervening years has so demonstrated his ability that he is now accorded an extensive practice and also enjoys the high regard of his professional brethren. In 1910 he became interested in dry farming and stock-raising, owning a ranch and stock farm near Ardmore. He further extended the scope of his busi- ness activities by establishing a retail drug store in 1913, and he is likewise interested in the Ardmore Telephone Company.

Along other lines he is almost equally active. He has always been a stalwart supporter of the democratic party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and has lahored earnestly to advance its interests and secure the adoption of its principles. In 1910 he

DR. FRANK W. BILGER

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was elected city health officer for Ardmore and has filled the position since that time. In 1914 he was elected to represent his district in the state legislature and became one of the leaders in the session of 1915, serving on a number of important committees and taking a prominent part in debate on the floor of the house. He gives careful consideration to each question that comes up for settlement and is well informed concerning the vital prob- lems that occupy the attention of the general assembly.

On the 1st of June, 1907, at Beresford, South Dakota, Dr. Bilger was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Rose, whose parents are deceased and who is the youngest in a family of seven children. There is an interesting military chapter in the life record of Dr. Bilger, for during three years he served as a private of Company G, Second Regiment of the Nebraska National Guard. Fraternally he is a Mason, holding membership in the Knight Templar com- mandery and in the Mystic Shrine. He is also a Modern Woodman and is a past noble grand in the Odd Fellows lodge. He belongs to the Ardmore Commercial Club and in 1911 was elected its president. After two years' service he retired for one year, but in 1914 was reelected and again in 1915, so he is now at the head of that organization, which through its well defined purposes and carefully executed plans is doing much for the upbuilding of the city and surrounding country. He studies municipal and civic questions with thoroughness and in working for the welfare and upbuilding of the state looks beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities and opportunities of the future.

BERNARD PESCHONG.

Bernard Peschong, who owns six hundred and forty acres of excellent land in Grant county, was born in Ozaukee county, Wisconsin, December 16, 1856, a son of Peter and Katherine Peschong, both natives of Germany, the former born in 1832 and the latter in 1833. The father went to Wisconsin in 1845 and in that state grew to manhood. For a number of years he worked on a farm in Michigan but later took up a homestead in Wis- consin and there resided upon his farm until the death of his wife in 1866. He then sold one hundred acres of land and returned to Michigan, where he remained for a number of years. He passed away in 1910. He was a member of the Roman Catholic church and gave his political allegiance to the democratic party. He was successful in business and all who knew him held him in bigh respect. In Wisconsin he was united in marriage to Kath- erine Pioron, a daughter of Peter Pioron, who settled on a farm in Wisconsin about 1848. To this union seven children were born, five of whom survive: Bernard; Lonis, who is a priest and is the head of St. Francis Seminary at Milwaukee; Kate, who is with her brother Rev Louis; Elizabeth, who is now a sister in Notre Dame Convent in Michigan City, Indiana; and John, who is a priest and is stationed near Milwaukee.

Bernard Peschong received his education in Wisconsin and partly completed a course in preparation for the priesthood but his health would not permit him to continue his study. In 1880 he removed to Lincoln county, South Dakota, and on the 3d of April of that year purchased a relinquishment of one hundred and sixty acres, upon which he resided until 1903. He then removed to Grant county, where he now holds title to six hundred and forty acres of excellent land. He erected a commodious residence and also built a granary and improved his barn. He carries on general farming and stock-raising and is meeting with a gratifying measure of success in both branches of his business. When he came to South Dakota his capital was only five hundred dollars but his industry and enterprise have enabled him to gain finaneial independence.

Mr. Peschong was married in 1883 to Miss Elizabeth Krell, who was born in Wisconsin and is a danghter of Peter Krell. Her father settled in that state in 1849 and continued to reside upon the farm until his demise. Mr. and Mrs. Peschong have become the parents of eight children, seven of whom survive: Peter, who is on his father's farm and who is a member of the Knights of Columbus; Agnes, the wife of Joseph Loehrer, a farmer of Grant county : Rose, the wife of Stanley Farley, who conducts a hardware store in Milbank: Nicho- las, who resides at home and who is a member of the Knights of Columbus; Anna, who is a school teacher; Anthony, at home; and Loretta, who is attending school. The sons Peter and Nicholas, are considered the best baseball players in their county.

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Mr. Peschong is a republican and has served on both the school board and the town board and was town treasurer but has not taken a very active part in politics as the manage- ment of his farm demands the greater part of his time. He and his family are communnieants of the Roman Catholic church and do all in their power to aid in the work of that organization.

JOIIN SEVERSON.

General agricultural pursuits elaim the attention of John Severson, who owns a well improved farm comprising one hundred and sixty acres on section 12, Buffalo township, Minnehaha county. His birth occurred in Norway on the 8th of June, 1856, his parents heing Severt Olson and Emma Ordal, who emigrated to the United States in 1864. They took up their abode in Decorah, Iowa, and there continued to reside until 1880, when they eame to South Dakota. the father preempting a quarter section of land in Taopi township, Minne- haha county. After proving up on this he homesteaded one hundred and sixty aeres in Buffalo township and later sold his preemption, residing on his homestead until the time of his death in 1903. He won success in his undertakings as an agriculturist and enjoyed reeog- nition among the substantial and respected citizens of his community.

John Severson, who was a lad of eight years when he accompanied his parents on their emigration to the new world, acquired but a limited education in the pioneer schools of Jowa. In 1880, on coming to South Dakota with his father, he took up a homestead in Taopi township and subsequently traded the property for his present home farm of one hun- dred and sixty aeres in Buffalo township, Minnehaha county. His place is well equipped with substantial buildings and modern machinery and is a valuable property in every respect, reflecting the intelligent eare and management of its owner, who is a progressive and prac- tical agriculturist.

On July 13, 1884, Mr. Severson was united in marriage to Miss Betsy Neshem, of Fill- more county, Minnesota, by whom he had ten children, nine of whom survive, namely: Senvil, who follows farming in Buffalo township; Minnie; Hannah; Anna, the wife of George Aker; Emma; Mary; Josie; Mabel; and Elmer. All the children live at home except Senvil and Anna.

Mr. Severson gives his political allegiance to the republican party, while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Norwegian Lutheran church, to which his wife . and children also belong. The period of his residence in Minnehaha county covers more than a third of a century and he has won an extensive and favorable acquaintance throughout the community.

ROBERT F. MeADAM.

Robert F. McAdam, of Custer, has many business interests in the state but probably the greater part of his attention is given to the conduct of his general store, which is one of the leading establishments of its kind in Custer county. He was born in Snyder county, Pennsylvania, on the 15th of January, 1874, the fifth child in a family of ten born to William F. and Mary C. (Darkes) McAdam, both natives of the Keystone state. On the 9th of October, 1847. the birth of the father occurred and the mother's natal day was the 27th of June, 1850. In early life the father was a shoemaker but later turned his attention to farming and after his removal to Trego county, Kansas, near the famous Castle Rock, William F. MeAdam turned his attention to stock-raising. He resided there for seven years but in 1885 removed to Chadron. Nebraska, and engaged in stockraising there until 1890. He then settled near Wind Cave, in Custer county, South Dakota, and is now engaged in the stock business there. During the Civil war he served for three years and eleven months as a member of Company 11, Fiftieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and has a medal given him for being the first Union soldier to carry the stars and stripes over the rebel breastworks at Petersburg. His regiment opened the battle at Gettysburg and in view of that faet it was chosen to repre- sent the infantry at the dedication of the Gettysburg monument. His brigade made the

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famous charge at Petersburg when the fort was blown up and he was many times in the thick of the fight but escaped being wounded nor was he ever confined in a hospital through illness. His father, Thomas MeAdam, was born at Londonderry, Ireland, on the 27th of August, 1791, and his uncle, Samuel T. MeAdam, was born in Philadelphia on the 27th of August, 1797. When the American progenitor of the family emigrated to this country from Ireland he brought with him the old family Bible, which is now in the possession of R. F. MeAdam and which contains a record of the family history.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 41

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