History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 71

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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On the 8th of October, 1885, Mr. Richter was married to Miss Emelia Ermes, a daughter of Jolin Ermes, a native of Germany, and their family now numbers the following named: Arthur, Oscar, Herman, Esther, Waldemar, Elsie, Erna, Myrtle, Amelia, Jakob and Ulda. In religious belief the family are Baptists and the political faith of Mr. Richter is that of the republican party. He has served as road supervisor for sixteen years and strongly favors the improvement of public highways. He has also been a member of the township board for three years and his influence is always on the side of progress and improvement. He belongs to the fair association, which has done much to stimulate pride in their achievements among the farmers of the county and has been a factor in holding up high standards before the people. Mr. Richter has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought, and as the years have gone by he has wisely used his time and talents with the result that he is now one of the pros- perous farmers of his adopted country.

C. F. SLATE.

Among the respected and successful business men of Platte, is C. F. Slate, who owns and conducts a drug store. He was born in Fort Dodge, Iowa, on the 4th of December, 1866, a son of F. G. and Mary L. (Levis) Slate. His father, who was a dentist by profession, removed to Fort Dodge in 1857 from Boston and practiced there until 1900. In that year he took up a homestead in Gregory county, South Dakota, where he resided until his death in 1913. His widow survived until December 29, 1914.

C. F. Slate entered the public schools of Fort Dodge at the usual age and, passing from grade to grade, hecame in time a student in the high school, from which he was graduated in 1885, at the age of nineteen years. He then learned the drug business in Fort Dodge and for some time worked in Bowdle, South Dakota. He had been in business for himself for twelve years when he located in Platte in 1900 on the completion of the railroad, having disposed of his business at Bowdle. He is the pioneer druggist in Platte and has gained a large and lucrative patronage. He has prospered finaneially and has invested quite extensively in land in this state.

Mr. Slate was married on the 16th of February, 1895, to Miss Ida Lund, a daughter of Helge Lund. Their children are: Florence, who is attending the South Dakota State Normal School at Aberdeen; Hazel, who graduated from the local high school with the class of 1915; and Charles, who is attending school.

Mr. Slate is independent in politics, voting for the man rather than the party. He has served as city auditor for two years and for a similar period was a member of the town council. He has also been mayor of Platte. Fraternally he belongs to the Masonic blue lodge and to the Odd Fellows. He has gained the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens and it is a recognized fact that no movement seeking the advancement of this community and of the state lacks his hearty cooperation and generous support.

J. T. WHITMORE.

J. T. Whitmore, living on section 30, Farmington township, was born in the state of New York on the 16th of February, 1857. his parents being William and Mary Whitmore. The father devoted his life to farming, which occupation he followed in the Empire state and in Indiana until he came to South Dakota in 1884 with Madison as his destination. Soon afterward he purchased a quarter section of land within the corporation limits of Madison and for twenty years he engaged continuously in farming, thus providing a good living for his family and laying up a competence for old age. He then retired, spending his remaining days in the enjoyment of well earned rest. His death occurred in 1909, while his wife passed away in 1915. He was a soldier in the Union army, participating for two years in the struggle that upheld the supremacv of the Federal government.

Following the removal of his parents to Indiana during his early boyhood J. T. Whitmore

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pursued his education in the public schools of South Bend, where the family home was established. He assisted his father through the periods of vacation and after leaving school and later engaged in farming in connection with his father for six years in Madison. He next started out independently, locating on a tree claim in Herman township, to which he afterward added by purchase a tract of eighty acres, so that his farm comprised two hundred and forty acres. Later he sold that property and came to his present place, which is situated on section 30, Farmington township. He now owns eight hundred acres of rich and valuable land and cultivates three hundred and twenty acres, utilizing the latest improved farm machinery to carry on the work of the fields. Upon his place he keeps fifty head of cattle, seventy-five head of hogs and twenty-four head of horses. He is also president of the Farmers Elevator of Junius and he is known as one of the representative agriculturists of his part of the state. He is ever ready to take a forward step when the way opens and he quickly and wisely utilizes the opportunities that are presented.

On the 1st of October, 1890, Mr. Whitmore was married to Miss Bertha Nunnemaker, a daughter of William Nunnemaker, and to them have been horn seven children: Clarence, who died at the age of twenty-four years; Frank; Mabel, the wife of George Stanford; and Ada, Louisa, Lloyd and Florence, all yet at home.

Mr. Whitmore and his wife hold membership in the Methodist church and guide their lives by its teachings. He is a republican in politics and for sixteen years has served on the town board, his various reclections indicating the confidence reposed in him as well as the ability which he displays in the discharge of his official duties. For three years he has served on the school hoard and the cause of education lias ever found in him a stalwart champion and one whose efforts in behalf of the schools are far-reaching and effective.

FRANKLIN L. HEALY.

The name of Franklin L. Healy, who is now deceased, is closely interwoven with the history of pioneer development in the northwest and he became a prominent and successful agriculturist of Lake county, South Dakota, where his holdings embraced three hundred and twenty acres in Farmington township. He was born in Webster, Massachusetts, on the 11th of February, 1838, and his death occurred on the old homestead farm in South Dakota, Feb- ruary 22, 1908, when he had passed the seventieth milestone on life's journey. His parents were Davis and Zaraiah (Williams) Healy, representatives of an old colonial family. The public-school system afforded him his educational opportunities and when twenty-five years of age he entered the Union army, joining Company F, Tenth Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, and serving for about three years with the hoys in blue, whose efforts led to the preservation of the Union. At the time of the Indian outbreak, when the attack was made on the settlers at New Ulm, his regiment went to their defense and was active in bringing the red men to terms. He was mustered out with the rank of corporal and returned to his home with a most creditable military record.

For a considerable period Mr. Healy made his home in Houston county, Minnesota, where he resided until 1880, when he came to Dakota territory and took up a homestead in Farmington township, Lake county. With characteristic energy he took up the arduous task of developing the quarter section and converting it into productive fields. Later he purchased one hundred and sixty acres adjoining and thus left to his family a good farm of three hundred and twenty acres.

On the 8th of April, 1868, in Houston county, Minnesota, Mr. Healy was united in mar- riage to Miss Esther E. Pease, who was born in Maine, September 24, 1847, and is a repre- sentative of a well known old family of that state, her parents being Hosea, and Orra (Everett) Pease. Her maternal grandfather, Josiah Everett, participated in the Revolution- ary war and held the rank of colonel. Mr. and Mrs. Hosea Pease went to Minnesota in 1858 and subsequently removed to De Smet, South Dakota, where they spent the remainder of their lives. The two living children of Mr. and Mrs. Healy are Frank E. and Flora E. The former, residing in Madison, South Dakota, wedded Miss Lena Haufschild, by whom he has four children. Flora E. gave her hand in marriage to Carmie J. Litch, now of Moscow, Idaho, and has become the mother of six children.

FRANKLIN L. HEALY

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In his political views Mr. Healy was a republican, believing firmly in the principles of the party, but at local elections where no issue was involved he cast an independent ballot. lle held no politieal offices but for many years was school treasurer and was a stalwart champion of the cause of education. He belonged to Madison Post, G. A. R., and was a con- sistent member of the Methodist church, its teachings guiding him in all the relations of life. He was one of the county's highly esteemed pioneer citizens and took an active and helpful interest in everything pertaining to the welfare and upbuilding of the district in which he lived. There were many interesting and some exciting experiences in his career. He knew every phase of pioneer life, for he lived in the west when the Indians were numer- ous, when the land was unclaimed and uncultivated and the work of civilization seemed scarcely begun. He bore his part in bringing about the changes which have made the eastern part of the state a highly improved district and his worth was acknowledged by all with whom he had been brought in contact.

In addition to her farm, Mrs. Healy is interested in the Farmers Elevator Company at Romona. She is a woman of liberal education and excellent business ability and upon her husband's death assumed the responsibility of managing the homestead farm, which she is now most capably doing, meeting with excellent success in her undertakings.

JOHN O. SWENUMSON.

South Dakota is indebted in no small degree for her development to those who have had their nativity in or owe their lineage to the Seandinavian countries. To this class belongs John O. Swenumson, who was born in Chickasaw county, lowa, on the 11th of October, 1862, but is of Norwegian descent, his parents, Ola and Helga (Saunderson) Swenumson, both having been natives of the land of the midnight sun. The father was born in 1837 and the mother in 1836. They were married in lowa, to which state the father had come in 1848. Throughout his entire life he engaged in farming, settling npon a place of his own in 1856. He survives at the age of seventy-nine years, but his wife passed away in 1902. They had a family of ten children, eight of whom are yet living: John O .; Emma, the wife of Nels Bor- lung, a farmer of Iowa; Lena, living in Iowa; Sundry, who carries on farming in Roberts county, South Dakota; Swenumson of Baldwin, Wisconsin, a lawyer and real-estate dealer : Nels, a farmer living near Appleton, Minnesota; Esther, residing in Iowa; and Ola, who ocenpies the old homestead farm in the Hawkeye state. The parents were members of the Lutheran church, with which the father is still identified.

John O. Swenumson hegan life on a farm. He removed to Roberts county, South Dakota in 1894. Three years later, or in 1897, he secured a homestead claim in Roberts county, proved up on it and there resided for a decade.

In 1885 Mr. Swenumson was united in marriage to Miss Bessie Himle, a native of Iowa, and to them have been born four children: Hilda, who is the wife of Henry G. Rockwell, a farmer living near Kidder, Sonth Dakota; Gertrude, the wife of Lawrence B. Sateren, who is president of a college at Everett, Washington; Oscar, who was graduated at St. Olaf College, Northfield, Minnesota, and is now at home; and Mabel, who is a high-school graduate and is also under the parental roof. The family hold membership in the Lutheran church and Mr. Swenumson is also a member of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In polities he is an earnest republican, has held numerous township ofliees, and in the fall of 1912 was elected to the office of register of deeds, in which capacity he is now serving.

ALBERT R. BEYER.

Albert R. Beyer, business manager of the Minnehaha Creamery Company of Mobridge, was born in Edgewood, Iowa, on the 15th of June, 1887, a son of Henry F. and Alma (Fenner) Beyer, both natives of Clayton county, Iowa. The paternal grandfather, William Boyer, became a resident of that county in 1845, removing to the west from Pennsylvania and was among the earliest of Iowa's pioneer citizens. The maternal grandfather arrived

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in Clayton county soon after the Beyer family and was one of the founders of the town of Edgewood, where Henry F. Beyer still makes his home. He was for about thirty years identified with merchandising there and was also actively connected with the creamery business and with farming interests and was, in fact, prominent in business circles in many ways, his efforts being a potent force in the substantial upbuilding and improvement of the district. He is the present mayor of the city and is the treasurer of the board of trustees of the Upper Iowa University at Fayette. Clayton county numbers him among its most valued residents and honors him for what he has accomplished in his own behalf and for the publie good.

Albert R. Beyer, spending his youthful days under the parental roof, completed a course in the Edgewood high school, from which he was graduated with the class of 1901. Sub- sequently he entered the Northwestern University and is numbered among its alumni of 1907, in which year the Bachelor of Science degree was conferred upon him. His standing is also indicated in the fact that he was elected to membership in Phi Beta Kappa. Following his graduation he returned home and for a year acted as secretary for his father in connec- tion with his various business enterprises. He then identified himself with the Otis Elevator Company, operating both in Chicago and Moline, but after about a year he returned home and again became an active factor in the control and management of his father's extensive interests. In 1913 he arrived in Mobridge and with previous experience along that line he established the Minnehaha Creamery Company, of which he is the general manager and which is today regarded as one of the most important industries of the town, its business grow- ing rapidly in volume and importance. The company conducts a wholesale ice cream busi- ness and furnishes the nearest market for the large dairy interests west of the Missouri river. Mr. Beyer understands every phase of the business, carefully directs its policy and has so managed its interests that the enterprise is now a most substantial concern.

Fraternally Mr. Beyer is connected with Avalon Lodge, No. 606, A. F. & A. M., of Edge- wood and he is a member of the United church of Mobridge. In polities he is a republican, conversant with the questions and issues of the day, but is not an officeseeker. He is pre- eminently a business man, alert, determined, enterprising, and his success is attributable in large measure to his recognition and prompt utilization of opportunities.

OWEN OWENS.

Owen Owens carries on general merchandising in Junius and builds his success upon the substantial qualities of close application, undaunted enterprise and capable management. He is a native of Wisconsin, his birth having occurred in Dodge county on the 7th of June, 1864, his parents being Owen D. and Grace (Jones) Owens. The year 1878 witnessed the arrival of the family in South Dakota, which was then still under territorial rule and so remained for eleven years. The family took up their ahode in Herman township, Lake county, where the father secured a homestead to which he added by later purchase until he was the owner of two hundred acres of rich, valnable and productive land at the time of his death, which occurred on the 15th of August, 1914. His widow still survives and yet makes her home in Lake county. Like the others of the family, she shared in the hardships and priva- tions incident to pioneer life. for they were among the carly residents of the eastern part of the state.

Owen Owens was a youth of fourteen years when the family came to South Dakota. He pursued his education in the schools. of Iowa and afterward assisted his father upon the home farm, gaining a knowledge of the best methods of tilling the soil, cultivating the fields and gathering the crops. Eventually he purchased land and engaged in farming on his own account for twenty-three years. The result of his labors was manifest in the improved appearance of the place and the measure of prosperity which came to him, crowning his efforts with a well earned reward. At the end of that time he purchased stock and was thus engaged in Junius for seven years. In September, 1913, he purchased his present store of P. S. Meyers and has since engaged in general merchandising. He has largely increased the hne of goods carried and has an attractive and well appointed store for a town of this Rize, heing ready to meet the demands and wishes of his customers. Moreover, he is the

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treasurer of the Farmers Elevator Company and he is the owner of a half section of land on sections 8 and 17, Herman township, Lake county.

On the 28th of September, 1889, Mr. Owens was united in marriage to Miss Sarah E. Tyrrell, a danghter of Preston Tyrrell. Their children are as follows: William; Grace, who teaches school in Junius; Francis, who likewise follows the profession of teaching; Winfred, who assists his father; Walter; Owen D .; Blanche; and Eveline.

Mr. and Mrs. Owens are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and he is also connected with the Odd Fellow's lodge and the Modern Woodmen camp at Junius. IIis political indorsement is given to the republican party and for twenty years lie filled the office of township treasurer. No one ever questioned his loyalty to public duty nor had reason to investigate his course in office. He soon became recognized as the soul of honor in a business transaction and in public connections and he has made for himself a creditable name and place as one of the leading men of Lake county.

IRWIN W. SEID.

Irwin W. Seid, who is engaged in farming on seetion 17, Franklin township, Lake county, is a native son of Nebraska. He was born October 18, 1888, his parents being Charles and Margaret Seid, who in February, 1905, came with their family to South Dakota, settling in Franklin township, where the father purchased eight quarter sections of land. He became actively and prominently identified with the agricultural development of that distriet and suecess attended his efforts in gratifying measure, so that with a handsome competence he retired from active business life and is now living in Madison, enjoying the fruits of his former toil.

Irwin W. Seid pursued his education in the public schools of Nebraska and at the age of seventeen years accompanied his parents to South Dakota. When his school days were over he worked on his father's farm in Nebraska and afterward was employed at farm labor in Iowa. He was given a seetion of land by his father in Franklin township, Lake county, this state, and is now cultivating one-half of that tract. He keeps eight cows and ten horses and has a splendidly equipped farm, which is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fenees, while the buildings are substantial and modern. He uses the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and is thoroughly progressive in all departments of farm work. In addition to his private farming interests he is con- nected with the Farmers Elevator Company at Madison.

On the 15th of July, 1908, Mr. Seid was married to Miss Mabel Keiner, a daughter of Peter Keiner, who has been a resident of Lake county for the past twenty-two years. Mr. and Mrs. Seid have two children, Bernice and Robert. In religious faith the family are Protestants.

In polities Mr. Seid is independent, voting for the man rather than the party. He is interested in good roads and in all matters of public improvement. His life record is in all respects a creditahle one and has won him the esteem of those with whom he has been brought in contact.

FRANK KELLER.

Frank Keller, a resident farmer of Franklin township, Lake county, his home being on section 32, helongs to that class of men of foreign hirth who have found in the business conditions and resources of the new world opportunities for the attainment of success. He was born in Austria on the 22d of March, 1850, a son of Franz and Mary Ann (Deitrich) Keller. The family on coming to the United States settled first in Wisconsin, where they remained from May, 1875, until 1877. In the latter year the father brought his family to South Dakota and homesteaded the southwest quarter of section 33, township 105, range 53, and also secured a tree claim. He lost his life in a prairie fire and his wife has also passed away. There were two sons and two daughters in the family, of whom two are still living, a brother of Frank Keller being now a resident of Oklahoma.

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In the schools of his native land Frank Keller pursued his education and after coming to the United States took up the study of English under private instruction. On removing to South Dakota he seeured a homestead covering the east half of seetion 32, township 105, range 52, and also obtained a tree claim. He now resides upon the latter but still owns both properties and has made all of the improvements upon his land, which he has converted into a rich, productive and valuable farm. He is also prominently known as a stock-raiser and has on hand fifty head of Black Aberdeen Angus cattle and seventy head of Poland China hogs. He raises only stock of good grades and thus always finds a ready market. The latest improvements in farm machinery are found upon his land and sub- stantial and commodious buildings furnish ample shelter for grain and stock.

On the 29th of August, 1888, Mr. Keller was united in marriage to Miss Julia Sanders, a daughter of James Sanders, and they have become the parents of ten children: Mary, a graduate nurse, now living at Sioux Falls; Franeis, who is employed in the Sioux Falls Heating & Plumbing Company, at Sioux Falls; and Frank, Jr., Julian, Allie, Agnes, Edward, Edna, Genevieve and Helen, all at home.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and in his political belief Mr. Keller is a socialist. He is identified with the Farmers Elevator Company at Colton and in all of his business connections has met with gratifying success. He has lived to see remarkable changes, for at the time of his arrival there was nothing in sight save land and sky. The railroads had not been built and he hauled his grain to Sioux Falls and to Luverne. His wife eame to the state in 1884, at which time her father homesteaded near Montrose, where he engaged in farming until he retired and removed to Sioux Falls. The Kellers, how- ever, were the first to settle in Franklin township and they experienced all of the hard- ships and privations of pioneer life. The prairie fire in which the father met his death destroyed also the buildings, cattle and everything belonging to Frank Keller. As the years passed he overcame the hardships and privations incident to life on the frontier and during the forty years of his residence in South Dakota has come to rank with the substantial men of this part of the state. His activity in business has brought substantial results and he is now most comfortably situated in life.

HENRY J. HAMMER.

More than a century ago George Washington said that agriculture is the most useful as well as the most honorable occupation of man and the truth stands today, for farming is the basis of all business activity along other lines. Among the leading farmers of Lake county is Henry J. Hammer, who has extensive property interests in Herman township, owning five hundred and sixty acres of rich and valuable land. He was born in Fillmore county, Minnesota, on the 24th of April, 1863, and is a son of T. J. and Mary E. Hammer. The year 1880 witnessed the arrival of the father in Lake county, South Dakota, at which time he took up his abode on the southwest quarter of section ?, Herman township, securing that land as a homestead. His sister, Miss Tina Hammer, also homesteaded near by. The father died at the age of sixty-four years, after having carried on general agricultural pur- suits in that section of the state for an extended period. He was one of the pioneers of his section and aided in the initial work which has led to the present development and improve- ment of the county. In 1881 he was joined by his family, who arrived on the 11th of May.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 71

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