History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 73

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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Robert Westall was educated in England, where he remained to the age of seventeen years, when he came with his parents to the new world. The family were in rather strait- ened financial circumstances at that time but all worked hard to achieve success. They used oxen in farming their land but as they prospeerd they did away with old-time methods of farming and introduced the latest improved machinery. The home place of Robert Westall is located northwest of Concord, on section 29. Concord township. He left the old homestead and went to his present farm in 1905, since which time he has placed all of the improvements upon it. These are thoroughly modern in every respect and indicate his progressive spirit. He now owns and cultivates four hundred acres of rich and productive land and from his fields annually gathers substantial harvests. He is also interested in the Farmers Elevator Company at Winfred and is a stockholder in the Farmers Savings Bank at that place and in the Nansen Telephone Company.

On the 16th of March, 1897, Mr. Westall was married to Miss Alice Stillwell, a daughter of Alton Stillwell, of Pipestone, Minnesota, and their children are: Helen; George; Alice,

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who is in Minnesota; Frederick; and Richard. The family occupy an enviable social position and they are members of the Congregational church.

In his political views Mr. Westall is a republican and is now serving as town supervisor. The spirit of progress and enterprise which dominates the west finds expression in his busi- ness career and in his connection with publie affairs and he is regarded as one of the sub- stantial and worthy citizens of Lake county.

HENRY J. COOK.

Henry J. Cook, connected with mercantile interests in Java, was born in Ottawa county, Michigan, Angust 25, 1858, a son of Arie and Aleda (Walcott) Cook, both of whom were natives of Holland but were married after they came to this country. Their last days were spent in Michigan, where they resided for many years.

Henry J. Cook is one of a family of ten children, eight of whom are yet living. At the usual age he became a pupil in the public schools of his native state and latter attended and was graduated from the preparatory department of Hope College at Holland, Michigan. He remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of twenty-four years, after which he devoted some time to teaching in Michigan. The spring of 1884 witnessed his arrival in Walworth county, Dakota territory, at which time he took up a preemption claim, and later he took up a homestead claim. He lived on his land for seven years, devoting his energies during that period to general agricultural pursuits. In 1901 he removed to Java, where he established a store and for fourteen years he has now been engaged in merchandising in that town, his trade increasing with the growth of the population in the town and surrounding country. He carries a good stock and his reasonable prices and straightforward business methods have been salient features in bringing to him success.

On September 23, 1891, Mr. Cook was married to Miss Leda Hoogwerf, who was born in Holland, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. William Hoogwerf, who spent their entire lives in that country. Mr. and Mrs. Cook have become the parents of four children: Arie W., who is carrier on a rural mail route; Henry N., a high-school graduate; and Katherine and John M .. both at home.

In his political views Mr. Cook is a democrat. He has always been deeply interested in the cause of education and for four years served as county superintendent of schools in Walworth county, while at the present writing he is serving on the school board. He has been a member of the city council several times. He belongs to the Masonic lodge of Java, of which he is serving as secretary, and the Yeomen lodge, of which he is now treasurer. High and honorable principles have guided him in his relations with his fellowmen and in business life his activity has been prompted by laudable ambition.

WILLIAM HENRY LEWIS

William Henry Lewis, who energetically and successfully carries on general farming on section 35, Nunda township, Lake county, was born in Winnebago, Illinois, on the 8th of March, 1849, a son of Nelson and Elizabeth (Vance) Lewis. The father was both a tailor and farmer and in the year 1851 he went to California, where he engaged in mining, remaining for four years and four months on the Pacific slope. He also became the owner of much land in the Sacramento valley but in 1855 returned to the middle west, again taking np his abode in Illinois. He afterward purchased land in Mitchell county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming until he enlisted for service in the Civil war, joining the army at the age of fifty-two years, although he would have been exempt from duty. He was a member of Company A, of the Twenty-first Iowa Infantry, and died in the service in 1864, thus giving his life as a sacrifice on the altar of his country.

William H. Lewis attended the public schools and afterward took up the occupation of farming, which he followed in Iowa for several years before coming to South Dakota in 1878. He was among the pioneers of the territory and secured a homestead on section 35.

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township 108, range 52, and also a timber claim. He was also the first to file on a claim in that locality, at which time there were only three men living in that district and they came to the county with him. In addition to his homestead and tree claim he purchased a quarter seetion and he endured all of the hardships and privations of pioneer life. The win- ters were intensely cold. The storm-swept prairies, however, were greatly changed with the coming of summer, when wild grasses and wild flowers gave an indication of the rich soil. The labors of Mr. Lewis soon wrought a marked transformation in his place, as he converted the wild land into productive fields, and today he has a valuable farm property, from which he annually gathers golden harvests.

On the 16th of November, 1873, Mr. Lewis was married to Miss Mary Reish, a daughter of Peter Reish, of Iowa, and they have three children: George; Ida, the wife of I. Wood- ward; and Ina, at home. Mrs. Woodward has three children. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis lost a son, Jacob, who died at the age of nineteen years. He was a most promising young man and the sorrow which came with his passing still rests heavily upon the family.

In religious faith the family are Presbyterians, while in his political belief Mr. Lewis is a republican. He took quite an active interest in state politics in his younger days and acted as a delegate to state conventions. He has held township offices and has served on the school board and is interested in everything pertaining to the welfare and improvement of his part of the state, including the good roads movement.

PHILLIP ZIMMERMANN.

Lake county lost one of its worthy pioneer settlers when Phillip Zimmermann passed away. From 1876 until his demise he resided in that county and stood as a leader in all public movements which have resulted beneficially in the upbuilding and development of that part of the state. He was born at Webenheim, Germany, on the 27th of March, 1826. He was a great-grandson of Lieutenant Schwinn, who came to America and fought under Gen- eral Lafayette during the Revolutionary war. He remained in the country, becoming a loyal citizen of the new republic.

Phillip Zimmermann was a lad of twelve years when in 1838 be crossed the Atlantic to America in company with his parents, who made their way to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when it contained a population of but four hundred. There he resided until 1845, when be went to Buffalo, New York, and afterward to New York city, where he learned the machin- ist's trade and studied engineering. Being present at one of the lectures delivered by Ralph Waldo Emerson, the noted anthor and philosopher, he asked Mr. Emerson for a list of the best books and was given a list of twelve in the author's handwriting. This he always cher- ished as a most highly prized memento. In 1851, when about twenty-six years of age, he beeame chief engineer on the first American mail steamship, California, which was the first vessel to make the voyage around Cape Horn to the Pacific coast. He remained for three years in the service of the Pacific Mail Steamship Company and subsequently established his home in Chicago, where he engaged in mechanical engineering for a time. He afterward returned to Milwaukee, where for some years he was connected with the famous Allis Engine Works. While in New York he did work on the engines of the historic pioneer steamer Washington, which was launched in 1846. He became one of the early settlers of Lake county, South Dakota, to which district he removed in 1876, purchasing the present home- stead of the family because of the heauty of its location on the east short of Lake Madison. Following his original purchase he made large landed investments until his estate embraced sixteen hundred acres. He brought his family to the territory in 1878 and they have sinee resided within its borders.

It was in 1858 that Mr. Zimmermann was married to Miss Jane Taylor, who died in 1864, leaving two sons, Irving and Julian. On the 7th of October, 1866, Mr. Zimmermann wedded Marie Fink, a daughter of Englehart and Katherine (Dielman) Fink. Mrs. Zimmer- mann was born in Germany, September 14, 1838, and came to the United States in 1852 with her parents, who settled in Milwaukee. There she was united in marriage to Mr. Zimmermann and in that city their two danghters, Edith Katherine and Lillie Marie, were born. The mother passed away July 30, 1906, and her death was the occasion of deep regret to many

PHILLIP ZIMMERMANN

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friends. The homestead and adjoining farms are still retained and managed by the daugh- ters and constitute one of the finest country estates in the county.

Mr. Zimmermann became one of the organizers of the republican party in Wisconsin and took an active part in the Fremont campaign. He was an active worker in republican ranks after coming to South Dakota and served as a member of the board of commissioners of Lake county. He died October 11, 1901, and his death was a matter of great regret to all who knew him. A man of superior education and unusual mental attainments, his friends were among the city's most prominent citizens, many of whom were frequent guests at his home, which was noted for its unostentatious and cordial hospitality. Among his warmest friends was the noted educator and scholar, Dr. Ephraim Epstein, the first president of the South Dakota State University, who was a frequent guest at the Zimmermann home. At the time of his demise one of the local papers wrote: "Phillip Zimmermann ranks as a pioneer in the settlement and development of Lake county and from the moment that he concluded to settle on the shores of Lake Madison became an enthusiastic advocate of the interests of Dakota and through all the trying years when others became discouraged his faith in the fertility of this soil and in the climatic superiority of this locality was unshakable. He was a man of sterling character and unswerving honesty and in his dealings with men commanded the utmost respect and confidence. Phillip Zimmermann differed honestly with the opinions of men and maintained his opinion with a peculiar rigor inspired by the most abiding faith in the principles which he advocated. He believed in God and man as the highest product of his creative power, and he lived with a true regard for the opinions of men, differing with them honestly in many things, but conceding to them the same inherent right to their opinions as he demanded for his own. As a student he was always earnestly searching for the latest discoveries of science and had such a wide understanding upon scientific subjects as to make his discussion at once entertaining and instructive. His library, one of the largest in this section, was stored with the best of books and his familiarity with them was the subject of general remark by all of his guests." He was not only respected but was loved by those who came within the close circle of his friendship and those who met him in a more casual manner entertained for him the highest respect.

GEORGE H. PATTON.

Chester's business interests find a worthy representative in George H. Patton, a general merchant conducting business under the name of the G. H. Patton Company. He was born in Lake City, Minnesota, on the 6th of Jannary, 1864, and is a son of Augustus and Julia Patton. The father was a merchant, devoting his entire life to commercial pursuits, but he died at a comparatively early age, passing away when his son George was a lad of five years. The mother still survives.

George H. Patton is indebted to the public-school system of his native state for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed and he made his initial step in the business world as a clerk in a general mercantile store, in which he was employed until he attained his majority. He then embarked in business on his own account at Roswell, South Dakota, in 1884, there remaining for seventeen years, at the end of which time he removed to Pipe- stone, Minnesota, where he engaged in the wholesale grocery business for three years. In October, 1905, he arrived in Chester, where he opened a small store. His trade, however, gradually increased and in 1911 he found it necessary to enlarge his facilities and erected his present commodious building, which is two stories in height with basement. He carries a stock valned at twenty thousand dollars and has the largest trade of the town. His business methods are such as will bear the closest investigation and serntiny, for they conform at all times to the highest commercial ethics.

On the 20th of October, 1886, Mr. Patton was nnited in marriage to Miss Jennie A. Richardson, a daughter of George Richardson. They have a son, George, who was born in 1890 and is now associated in business with his father.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Methodist church, to the teachings of which they are loyal, while the work of the church finds them generous supporters. Mr. Patton also has membership with the Modern Woodmen and the Knights of Pythias in the Vol. V-27

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lodges at Chester and he is a republican in his political views. He regards it the duty as well as the privilege of every true American citizen to cast a ballot for the measures which he deems essential in good government. He is never neglectful of duty in any relation and his efforts have been an element in advancing the material, intellectual, political, social and moral welfare of Lake county.

GEORGE W. CRANE.

George W. Crane, who is engaged in farming on section 22, Concord township, Lake county, was born August 30, 1892, in the county which is still his home, his parents heing George V. and Jennie (Prazly) Crane. The father was a farmer by occupation and in the year 1880 came with his family to Dakota territory, where he homesteaded land on section 22, Concord township, Lake county, and secured a tree claim on section 21. He then bent his energies to the development of a farm and to its further cultivation and improvement he devoted his remaining days, his life's labors being terminated in death on the 24th of November, 1914, his remains being interred in Winfred. He was originally from the state of New York but before coming to South Dakota had lived for some time in Minnesota, where he had worked as a farm band. His widow survives and now makes her home with her son George upon the old homestead, which comprises three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land. In the family were five children, two sons and three daughters, all of whom are yet living.

George W. Crane was educated in the public schools of Brookings and then returned to the home farm and assisted his father. After his father's demise he rented the place and is now cultivating it in a most capable and successful manner. He also owns one hun- dred and sixty acres of land on section 28, Concord township, which he rents. Upon the home place he has sixteen head of cattle, eleven head of horses and one hundred and sixty head of hogs and he derives a substantial income from the annual sale of his stock. In the cultivation of the fields he employs progressive and modern methods and his labors are bringing him a substantial return.

On the 11th of February, 1914, Mr. Crane was married to Miss Josephine Cowden, a daughter of John R. Cowden, who removed from Iowa to South Dakota. They have one child, Delbert V. The parents are Congregationalists in religious faith and in his political belief Mr. Crane is a republican. He keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, so that he is ever ready to support his position by intelligent argument. He indorses the good roads movement, which is doing so much to improve the highways of the state, and he is interested in every phase of South Dakota's development, contributing in as far as possible to the work of general improvement.

FRANK DELIRE.

Frank Delire, a well known jeweler and optometrist of Platte, Charles Mix county, was horn in Iowa City, Iowa, on the Sth of September, 1875, a son of Peter G. and Barbara (Skraball) Delire. The father was born April 19, 1829, at Chesverioux, Belgium, and was a blacksmith hy trade. On emigrating to this country he located in Iowa in 1855 and for a number of years resided in Iowa City. In 1882 he came to South Dakota and homesteaded in Carroll township, Charles Mix county. While operating his farm he also worked at his trade to some extent. He passed away May 8, 1913, but is survived by his widow, who resides in Sioux City, Iowa. They became the parents of eight children, namely: Mrs. Emma Meyer, of Galena, Illinois; Joe, of Platte, South Dakota; John, of Geddes; Peter G., of Sioux City, Iowa; Mrs. Mary Manshiem, of Platte; Frank, the subject of this review; Charles, who died April 5, 1914; and one who died in infancy.

Frank Delire was educated in the public schools and in Ward Academy in Charles Mix county, graduating from the latter institution in 1898. He had previously learned the jewelry business and in 1900 started in business for himself in Platte, being the first to open a

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jewelry store in Charles Mix county. He has been very successful and in 1905 erected the building in which he is located-an up-to-date two-story brick structure. He carries a well selected stock, and his annual business amounts to a considerable figure. He is also an optometrist and has gained considerable patronage in that line. He owns the finest residence in Platte and also holds title to valuable farm property.

On the 26th of June, 1900, Mr. Delire was married to Miss Bertha M. Marty, a daughter of Matthias Marty, an early settler of this state. To this union have been born three chil- dren: Regina and Olvina, twins; and Leona.

Mr. Delire is a supporter of the democratic party and for two years has served on the city council. He is also president of the Commercial Club and to his initiative and excellent judgment is due much of the credit for what that organization has accomplished for the com- mercial expansion and growth of Platte. He is a devout communicant of the Roman Catholic church and is president of the Holy Name Society. Fraternally he is identified with the Elks and the Yeomen. He is one of the leading citizens of Platte and no movement for its advance- ment lacks his support and enthusiastic cooperation. The respect in which he is held is well deserved and personally he is popular.

MARTIN OLSON.

Martin Olson became one of the extensive landowners of Lake county, yet his efforts were not concentrated upon business affairs to the exclusion of other interests and he has been particularly active in promoting the moral progress of the community as an earnest member and generous supporter of the Lutheran church. A native of Norway, he was born near Christiania on the 9th of March, 1845, and is a son of Ole and Helena Olson. They came to the United States in 1869 and settled in Winneshiek county, Iowa, where they resided until called to their final rest. The mother passed away in 1871 and the father, having survived for almost a quarter of a century, died in 1895. In their family were two children, the younger being Andrew, a resident of Lake county.

Martin Olson acquired his education in the schools of Norway until be reached the age of fourteen years, when his textbooks were put aside. He continued to work as a farm laborer until coming to the United States in 1869 and in 1871 he bought a small farm in Iowa, devoting his attention to its cultivation until 1874, when he left that state and took up his abode on a tract of land in Lake county, three miles southeast of Madison. He secured both homestead and tree claims and later acquired other lands, making judicious investments in farm property from time to time until his acreage totaled eleven hundred and twenty. He has since given a part of this land to his sons but he ranks today among the prosperous farmers of the county, owning rich and well improved lands from which he derives a very gratifying and substantial annual income.

On the 2d of September, 1872, in Iowa, Mr. Olson was united in marriage to Miss Bertha Johnson, a native of Norway, who in 1867 came to lowa with her parents, Lars and Marie (Peterson) Johnson. To our subject and his wife have been born five children, as follows: Henry Otto, who follows farming in Lake county; Minnie, who gave her hand in marriage to Hillman Olson; Josephine, who was the wife of Peter Hoidal and passed away in 1912; Lena, who is the wife of Anton Westbury, of Lake county; and Oscar, who wedded Miss Josephine Eide and operates the home farm. Mr. and Mrs. Olson now have twenty-one grandchildren. All of the children have been given excellent educational opportunities, attending the public schools, while some of them are college bred. Moreover, Mr. Olson has been most generous to his children in a financial way, giving them farms with which to start out in life.

In his political views he is a republican and for many years has served on the township and school boards, while at all times his active cooperation has been an element in the progress and upbuilding of the district in which he lives. In religious faith he is a Lutheran and is serving as a trustee in his home church. He is known as a most generous contributor to the church and to educational and charitable institutions throughout the state. As one of the pioneer settlers of Lake county he deserves special mention, for the Olsons were one of the first ten families in the county, taking up their ahode here when Worthington, eighty

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miles distant, was their nearest market .. They experienced many of the hardships, trials and privations of frontier life but their labors wrought marked improvement as the years went on and Mr. Olson became one of the prosperous men of the county and is today regarded as one of the most substantial citizens. Natural advances in land values, persistent energy and sound business discrimination have been the factors that have contributed to his success. He is one of the well known residents of his part of the state, having won admiration and esteem by the work that he has accomplished and the honorable methods he has pursued.

JOHN J. MURRAY.

John J. Murray, who is successfully engaged in the farm implement business in Platte, Charles Mix county, is a native of Kentucky. His birth occurred on the 9th of May, 1850, and his parents were John and Ann (Conlin) Murray. His father, who was a contractor in early manhood, later turned his attention to farming, cultivating land south of Dubuque, Iowa, where the family removed during the Civil war. Subsequently he took up his resi- dence in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, where he passed away in 1890. His wife is also deceased.

John J. Murray was educated in the public schools and after putting aside his textbooks devoted his entire time to assisting his father with the work of the homestead until he was thirty years of age. He then came to Dakota territory, having decided to make a home for himself in this new country. He located at Castalia and remained there until the railroad was built into Platte, when he removed his stock of farm implements to the latter town, becoming its first implement dealer. He was the first man of the county to sign a contract to handle implements and was one of the pioneer business men of his town. He has con- tinued to deal in farm implements and has built up a large and lucrative trade. He handles the product of the best factories and as his business policy is a liberal one he retains custom once gained. He also owns stock in the fair association and holds title to valuable town property.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 73

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