History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 7

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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John F. Parks was the second in a family of four children and after attending a private school in his native state be continued his education in Rugby College at Louisville. When a youth of seventeen years he was employed as bookkeeper by his father, whom he assisted generally until a short time after the family removed to Chicago. He then entered the employ of the Central Union Telephone Company as clerk and bookkeeper and continued with them for a period of ten years. He next entered a bank in Englewood, now a part of the eity of Chicago, as a bookkeeper, remaining there for about a year, after which he removed to Hot Springs, South Dakota, and became cashier of the First National Bank. When he had occupied that position for about two years he resigned and turned his attention to the real-estate and insurance business, in which he is still engaged. Few men have more intimate or aceurate knowledge concerning realty values or know more concerning the property that is upon the market than Mr. Parks. He has also figured prominently in other business con- nections, having been elected president of the Peoples National Bank, in which capacity he served for five years, while at this writing in 1915, he is one of its directors. He is likewise president of the Evans Quarries, is president of the Parks & Marty Company and has been connected with many other important enterprises of his city. In business affairs he displays sound judgment, unfaltering enterprise and notable sagacity. Centuries ago an old Greek

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

sage said: "Earn thy reward; the gods give nought to sloth." Mr. Parks carly recognized the spirit of that admonition and throughout his business career industry has been the beacon light of his life.

On the 2d of June, 1887, occurred the marriage of Mr. Parks and Miss Sallie M. Wilson, who was born near New Albany, Indiana, a daughter of James A. and Eleanor (Clark) Wilson, hoth of whom were natives of Kentucky. Her father was a photographer of New Albany for thirty-five years or longer and both he and his wife have now passed away. The latter died in Hot Springs and her remains were returned to Louisville for burial beside those of hier husband. To Mr. and Mrs. Parks have been born six children. Walter E., who married Miss Theresa Keenan, resides at Hot Springs and under his father is connected with the Ilot Springs Water, Light & Power Company, being assistant auditor of the company. James Floyd, the second of the family, is at home. Stanley M. was graduated from the high school with the class of 1914. Nellie is the wife of W. J. Schilleman, a printer residing at Casper, Wyoming. Margie W. and Gertrude J. are both at home.

Mr. Parks occupies a prominent position in connection with fraternal interests, being identified with various organizations. He is an Elk, an Odd Fellow, a Yeoman, and he also has membership with the Modern Woodmen of America, the Modern Brotherhood of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. His religious belief is that of the Christian Science church and his political faith is that of the republican party. He has served as county auditor for five years and as city auditor for nine years and has been a member of the board of education of Hot Springs for about eight years. In 1912 he was elected to the state senate and at the present time he is superintendent of the Hot Springs Water; Light & Power Com- pany, having occupied that position for eighteen years. No trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree and in all of his official service he has placed the publie good before personal aggrandizement.

JAMES I. HEFFERNAN.

James I Heffernan, who has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits in Grant county for the past thirty-four years, now owns and cultivates three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land on section 19, Melrose township, and is one of the best known citizens of his community. His birth occurred in Ireland on the 17th of March, 1855, his parents being Patrick and Alice (Irish) Heffernan, who were born in the year 1810 and spent their entire lives on the Emerald isle, the father passing away in 1875 and the mother in 1893. Patrick Heffernan was an agriculturist by occupation and suc- cessfully carried on farming throughout his active business career. In religious faith lie was a devout Catholie. . To him and his wife were born seven children, six sons and one daughter, three of whom survive, as follows: Michael, who is living on the old family homestead in Ireland; John, a resident of Grant county, South Dakota, where he lives on a farm: and James I., of this review. John Heffernan, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was also a farmer by occupation and died in Ireland.

James 1. Heffernan acquired his education in his native country and after putting aside his textbooks continued to assist his father in the operation of the home farm until twenty- six years of age. In 1881 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and settled in Grant county. South Dakota, first purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land and subsequently buying another tract of similar size, so that his holdings now embrace three hundred and twenty acres. Ilow greatly the value of this property has increased is indicated in the fact that he was recently offered thirteen thousand dollars for the first quarter section which he obtained for five hundred and forty dollars. Mr. Heffernan owes his present prosperity entirely to his own well directed efforts and able management and is widely recognized as one of the substantial and representative agriculturists of his community.

In 1888 Mr. Heffernan was united in marriage to Miss Bridget Walsh, who was born in Illinois and comes of Irish descent. Their children are eight in number, as follows: Leo, who is engaged in farming; May, at home; Vincent, who is pursuing a law course in the college at Valparaiso, Indiana; John Francis, who is engaged in the drug business at MeIn-

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

tosh, South Dakota; Andrew J., a school teacher by profession; and Clarence, Ellen and Ambrose, all at home.

Politically Mr. Heffernan is a democrat and for twenty-four years has ably served as supervisor of Melrose township, acting in that capacity at the present time, while for a period of twenty-six years he has held the office of school treasurer. Fraternally he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their wise utilization has reached the desired goal.

ALVA LEROY SOMMARS.

Alva Leroy Sommars is conducting a first class restaurant in Chester and is also pro- prietor of a pool room. A native of Wisconsin, he was born in Richland county in 1873, a son of John B. and Rosetta (Johnson) Sommars, who in the year 1881 removed with their family to South Dakota, settling first at Dell Rapids. The father looked about him for a favorable location and afterward purchased two relinquishments in Chester township, Lake eonnty. He then took up his abode upon his land and at once began to cultivate the place, continuing actively in farming operations until 1895, when with a substantial compe- tence which he had acquired from his lahors he retired to Sioux Falls. His wife passed away about five years ago and he is now in Arkansas.

Alva L. Sommars was one of a family of six children, five sons and a daughter, and was a lad of about eight years when the family came to this state. He is therefore indebted to its public-school system for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed, and when his school days were over he learned the barber's trade. beginning at the age of eighteen years and following that occupation for eighteen years. On the 5th of August, 1912, he hecame a resident of Chester and opened his present place of business. He has the largest restaurant business in the town and has been very successful, serving a good meal in attractive style and at reasonable prices. He also conducts a pool room and both branches of his business are proving profitable.

On the 4th of February, 1897, Mr. Sommars was united in marriage to Miss Gunda A. Olson, a daughter of Peter Olson of Norway. They have four children, namely: Sidney L., Florence, Caroline and Dora. Mr. Sommars votes with the democratic party and has held the office of constahle but has not been an aspirant for political preferment. He holds mem- bership in the Methodist Episcopal church and enjoys the confidence and goodwill of his fellow townsmen. Although a resident of Chester for but three years, he has made many friends here and is widely and favorably known throughout the county in which much of his life has been passed.

WILLIAM H. MUTH.

William H. Muth, manufacturer of fixtures and interior finishings at Yankton, has been thus connected with the business interests of his city since 1899. A native of the state of New York, he was born May 20, 1864, a son of Valentine and Christina (Schilly) Muth, both of whom are now deceased. The father was a farmer hy occupation and in following that pursuit provided for the support of his family of six children, of whom William H. is the fifth in order of birth. He was educated in the public schools and in the Skaneateles Academy at Skaneateles, New York. When his school days were over he entered upon an apprenticeship to the cabinetmaker's trade in Rochester. New York, and was employed in that line of industrial activity for seven years. In 1897 he founded the Rochester Rug & Hassock Company, which has grown to be the largest plant of its kind in the United States. He continued in active connection with the business for two years, but in 1899 disposed of his interests there and came to Yankton, where be established a eabinetmaking shop which he has developed into one of the city's profitable productive enter-

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

prises, specializing in store and interior finishings. His output is of high grade, displaying the finest workmanship with a thorough understanding of every phase of the business, and in some of the leading establishments of the city are seen his store fixtures and interior finishings.

In 1904 Mr. Muth was united in marriage to Miss Verda Lee, a daughter of George S. Bailey, of Spokane, Washington, and they have gained many friends during the period of their residence in Yankton. They hold membership with the Congregational church, and Mr. Auth's views upon the temperanee question are evidenced in the fact that he votes with the prohibition party. He is one of the city's substantial and respected citizens, his influence being against anything that is inimical to the best interests of the individual and the community. On the contrary he upholds every practical effort for good and for progress and the genuine worth of his character has established him firmly in the high regard of his fellow eitizens.

ALFRED LEE WYMAN.

Alfred Lee Wyman is filling the office of county attorney and public interests are care- fully protected through his ability in handling the litigated interests in which the county becomes involved. The city of Yankton, in which he now resides, is the place of his nativity. He was born on the 9th of December, 1874, and is a son of Frank D. Wyman, a native of the state of New York, who, however, was taken to Walworth county, Wisconsin, during his infancy. He died December 13, 1913, at the age of seventy-two years. He had married Mat- tie C. Robertson, a native of Alabama, and she is still a resident of Yankton. In their fam- ily were six children, of whom three died in infancy, the others being: Mattie M., the wife of F. A. Kloppe, a resident of Yankton; Alfred Lee; and Lute A., who is engaged in the butchering business in Yankton.

Alfred Lee Wyman was educated in the public schools of Yankton and is a high-school graduate. The profession of law proved to him an attractive one when he made choice of a life work and in preparation for practice he read law in the office of French & Orvis. He was admitted to the bar in October, 1896, and was thereafter variously employed until the fall of 1899, when he opened a law office in Bridgewater, MeCook county, South Dakota, where he remained for two years. He then came to Yankton in January, 1902, and entered at once upon the active practice of his profession in this city. He remained in general prac- tice until elected state's attorney of Yankton connty in the fall of 1904, qualifying for the office in January, 1905. He made so excellent a record in that position that he was reelected in 1906 and so served until January, 1909. He had been elected a member of the state legis- lature in 1908 and the following year entered upon his duties in that position. His course in the lower house led to his election to the state senate in the fall of 1910 for a two years' term and in both the upper and lower houses of the general assembly he gave careful consid- eration to the questions which came up for settlement. In the fall of 1912 and again in 1914 he was reelected state's attorney of Yankton connty and is serving in that position at the present time. From May, 1909, until May, 1914, four terms in all, he was city attorney and was reelected bnt refused to continne longer in the position. His political allegiance has always been given to the republican party and he has been an active, earnest and effective worker in its ranks, his opinions carrying weight in its local councils and his efforts contrib- uting to its success. He has never desired to hold office, however, outside the strict path of his profession.

On the 8th of December, 1900, Mr. Wyman was married to Miss Bessie MI. White, a native of Hutchinson county, South Dakota, and a daughter of W. B. White, a pioneer of that county, who laid out and platted the townsite of Olivet, the county seat. Mr. and Mrs. Wyman have become parents of seven children, as follows: Leila, who was born September 30, 1901; Gale, whose birth occurred November 23, 1902: Frank, born February 2, 1904; Keith, April 6, 1905; Blake, December 25, 1908; Ward, October 13, 1910; and Lyle, Decem- ber 4, 1912.

In fraternal circles Mr. Wyman is widely known and he is ever loyal to the basic prin- ciples upon which such organizations are founded. He has membership in St. John's Lodge,

ALFRED L. WYMAN

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

No. 1, A. F. & A. M., and in Oriental Consistory, No. 1, S. P. R. S., has attained the thirty- second degree of the Scottish Rite. He belongs also to Phoenix Lodge, No. 34, K. P .; Yank- ton Lodge, No. 994, B. P. O. E .; the Modern Woodmen of America; and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Yankton county is proud of his record as that of one of her native sons, for, while there have been no spectacular phases in his life, he has been loyal to the duties which each day has brought him and has been actuated by a progressive spirit in all that he has undertaken, whereby he has won a creditable place as a representative of the Yankton county bar.

ROBBIE W. BAKER.

Robbie W. Baker, who has been a resident of South Dakota for three decades, has for the past nineteen years been successfully engaged in the draying business at Redfield, Spink county, and in that connection has been accorded an extensive patronage. His birth occurred at Leon, near Sparta, Wisconsin, on the 12th of April, 1864, his parents being Almanza and Frances (Willsey) Baker. They came to this state in 1884, settling in Red- field, where Almanza Baker remained a prominent and esteemed resident until his demise, which occurred in 1903. His widow made her home with our subject until April, 1915, when she too was called to her last rest. Both are buried at Redfield.

Robbie W. Baker attended school near Sparta, Wisconsin, until eighteen years of age and subsequently followed farming in his native state until 1884, when he came to South Dakota. Here he continued his identification with agricultural interests for abont twelve years and on the expiration of that period embarked in the draying business at Redfield, in which he has since been successfully engaged. He has built up an enviable and gratify- ing patronage and his success may be attributed entirely to his own energy, perseverance and judicious management.

On March 23, 1887, near Sparta, Wisconsin, Mr. Baker was united in marriage to Miss Lina Critchett, a daughter of Joseph and Ruth (Sheldon) Critchett, who settled in Spink county in the '90s. The father passed away in 1906 and was buried at Ashton, South Dakota, but the mother survives and makes her home at Mellette, this state. Our subject and his wife have two sons, Morse and Lloyd, who assist their father in the conduct of his business.

Mr. Baker gives his political allegiance to the republican party and has held school offices in Spink county. the cause of education ever finding in him a stanch champion. He is identified fraternally with the Ancient Order of United Workmen. while his religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist church. He enjoys a high reputation in his community and is esteemed for his many good qualities of character.

. GEORGE BOARDMAN.

George Boardman, a well known and successful agriculturist of Wayne township, Minne- haha county, is busily engaged in the cultivation of two hundred acres of arable land. His birth occurred in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on the 29th of December, 1880. his parents being George and Mary Boardman. The father came to this state with the Sixth Iowa Cavalry in 1861 and served during the days of the Indian trouble in South Dakota. He underwent many interesting and exciting experiences during the campaign and was fond of relating to his children the stories of those stirring times. When the campaign was ended Mr. Boardman returned to Iowa and was mustered out of the service. He then again came to South Dakota and took up his abode in Sioux Falls, opening the first bakery at that place and conducting his business in a tent. He also embarked in the stone business and quarried mueh of the stone that was used in the state buildings in various sections of South Dakota. George Boardman, Sr., passed away in 1910, after forty-five years' residence in this state, and his community monrned the loss of one of its best known and most respected citizens. His wife was called to her final rest in 1901.

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

George Boardman, whose name introduces this review, acquired his education in the graded and high schools of Sioux Falls and subsequently assisted his father in his work. He has followed farming on an extensive scale and now cultivates two hundred acres of land in Wayne township, one hundred and sixty of which he owns, having purchased the same in 1912. He also acted as stage manager of the "new opera house" at Sioux Falls for a period of six years and is widely recognized as one of the substantial and enterprising young citizens of his native county and state.

On the 26th of November, 1913, Mr. Boardman was united in marriage to Miss Mae Walker, a daughter of J. E. and Delia Walker of Sioux Falls. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is a Presbyterian in religious faith. In Masonry he has attained high rank, belonging to both the Consistory and the Shrine at Sioux Falls. He is fond of baseball and other outdoor sports, which are his favorite form of recreation. As a lifelong resident of Minnehaha county he has been loyal in his advocacy of everything pertaining to the welfare of the community and has made some substantial contributions to its develop- ment and progress.

ANTON FREDERICK HENRIKSEN.

Anton Frederick Henriksen, a well known farmer of Clay county, was born in Denmark, January 8, 1864, a son of Christian and Carolina (Clausen) Henriksen, both likewise natives of Denmark. In 1874 the family emigrated to America, coming direct to South Dakota, where the father purchased a homestead from his son, Claus Matson, who had resided in Garfield township, Clay county, for five years. Mr. Henriksen, Sr., lived upon his farm until his death in 1902. He survived his wife for three years, her demise occurring in 1899. They were the parents of ten children, namely: Claus Matson, who is a retired shoe merchant of Sioux City, lowa; Rika, who married Louis Matson, of Nebraska, and at her demise left four children; Annie, Jens Peter, Jane C. and Ida. all deceased: Augusta, the wife of Jens P. Jensen, of Vesington Springs, South Dakota; Anton Fred: and Carl H., who owns and oper- ates the family homestead in Clay county; and one who died in infancy.

Anton F. Henriksen grew to manhood in Clay county and attended the district schools until he was seventeen years of age. After putting aside his textbooks he worked for others during the harvest season and then returned home and assisted his father. At the age of twenty he was married and rented a farm, which he operated for seven years. At the end of that time he had accumulated sufficient capital to enable him to buy one hundred and sixty acres and he later purchased an additional eighty-acre tract. All of his land is in a high state of cultivation and although he does general farming, his principal crop is corn. He also raises stock for the market, specializing in Red Polled cattle and Duroe Jersey hogs. His energy, industry and sound judgment are rewarded by abundant crops which find a ready sale on the market, and he also derives a good income from his stock-raising interests. He was one of the organizers of the A. B. & E. Telephone Company of South Dakota, for one term served as president of that company and for five years was a member of the board of directors. He was also an organizer of the Farmers Elevator Company of Beresford and for several years was a director therein.

Mr. Henriksen was married September 5, 1884, Miss Christina Jensen, a native of Schles- wig and a daughter of H. P. and Magdelena Jensen, becoming his wife. To them have been born eight children: Clara, the wife of Holly Burnie, who is engaged in the meat business at Beresford; Mary, the wife of Chris Jensen, a farmer of Clay County; Christian, who is at home and is assisting his father with the farm work; Ida, the wife of Peter Rasmussen, a farmer of Clay county; Laura, who married Walter Rasmussen, a brother of Peter and a farmer of Union county; Hans P., who is attending school; Annie, fourteen years of age, also in school; and Frederick C., eleven years old and likewise a student in the public schools.

Mr. Henriksen is a democrat and has served as trustee and as chairman of the township board, of which he was a member for twelve years. His membership in the Lutheran church is an indication of his religious belief, which is the guiding principle of his life. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic blue lodge and to the Modern Woodmen of America, in which he has held all of the chairs. A great lover of outdoor sports, he finds much enjoyment in

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

hunting and fishing. He is a representative of that large body of intelligent, energetic, pro- gressive farmers who constitute the greatest source of South Dakota's strength and to whom her development is largely due, and his upright life has gained him a high place in the estimation of those who know him.

GUY RAMSEY, M. D.

Dr. Guy Ramsey, physician and surgeon of Salem, South Dakota, where he has practiced continuously for the past seven years, is widely recognized as an able and successful repre- sentative of his profession and as a leading citizen of his town. His birth oceurred in Hunt- ingdon eounty, Pennsylvania, on the 17th of March, 1870, his parents being John F. and Mary Ellen (Grabam) Ramsey, who were born, reared and married in that county. In 1879 they removed to Johnson county, Iowa, and there the father engaged in farming until 1906, when he put aside the active work of the fields and took up his abode in North Liberty, Iowa, where he and his wife have since lived retired. During the period of the Civil war he served in the Union army for three years as a member of the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsyl- vania Volunteer Regiment.

Guy Ramsey was reared under the parental roof and in the acquirement of an education attended the public schools and the Iowa City Academy. Subsequently he took up the pro- fession of teaching and during the following five years divided his time between teaching and farming. In 1897 he began the study of medicine, entering the medical department of Drake University at Des Moines, Iowa, and during his vaeations spent his time in the office of Dr. James Murphy in Iowa. He won the degree of M. D. at Drake Univesity in 1901 and during the following summer resided at home. In October, 1901, he married Miss Emily Young, of Mount Pleasant, Iowa, and soon afterward located in Marathon, Iowa, where he began the practice of medicine. At the end of two years he removed to North Liberty and there followed his profession successfully for a period of four years. In 1907 he located in Salem, Sonth Dakota, which eity has remained the scene of his professional labors to the present time and in which he has built up an extensive and remunerative practice. He keeps in elose touel with the advancement that is being continually made by the fraternity through his member- ship in the Mitchell District Medical Society, the Sioux Valley Medical Society, the South Dakota State Medical Society and the American Medical Association. The Doctor serves as pension examiner, being secretary of the board, and also aets in the capacity of coroner of McCook county and as city health officer.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 7

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