History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 78

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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In 1896 Mr. Clayton was married to. Miss Ivah G. Blank, who was born in Quasqueton, Iowa, a daughter of Henry and Hannah (Leatherman) Blank. the former of Pennsylvania and the latter of Illinois. In early life they removed to Iowa and were married in Linn county, that state. There the father died in 1904 but the mother still survives and now makes her home with a daughter in Florida. Mr. and Mrs. Blank became the parents of nine children, eight of whom are yet living,. Mrs. Clayton is a lady of liberal education, being a graduate of the Iowa State Teachers' College, Cedar Falls, Iowa, and for five years taught in the public schools of Iowa and for fonr years successfully engaged in teaching in Mobridge. By her marriage she has become the mother of two children: Catherine Grace, who was born December 8, 1900, and is now attending school; and Paul Wentworth, born February 18, 1906. The family home is a fine residence justly celebrated for its warmhearted hospitality and Mr. and Mrs. Clayton occupy an enviable position in social circles.

In his political views he is a democrat and while living in Iowa was superintendent of

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schools for nine years prior to entering upon the study of law. He is now occupying the position of city attorney, having acted in that capacity since the city was incorporated. Fraternally he is connected with Mobridge Lodge, No. 164, F. & A. M., of which he is now the secretary, and his wife is a member of the Eastern Star and the P. E. O. Mr. Clayton has ever been intensely interested in the cause of education and is now acting as president of the school board of Mobridge. Throughout his entire life he has been guided by the spirit of progess and he attacks everything with a contagious enthusiasm so that his support of any public measure is bound to result beneficially.

JACOB CAVEGN.

If a response were made to a roll call that would ascertain the nativity of all of South Dakota's citizens, there would undoubtedly be found representatives of every civilized country on the face of the globe. From Switzerland, the beautiful land of the Alps, has come a goodly proportion, including Jacob Cavegn, who was there born on the 20th of March, 1872, a son of Julius and Christina Cavegn. The father, who devoted his life to farming as a means of support for his family, has now passed away, but the mother is still living.

Jacob Cavegn was educated in the schools of Switzerland and in his youthful days assisted his grandfather upon the home farm. He remained in his native land until he reached the age of eighteen and then in 1890 came to the United States, where he joined his mother, who four years before had come to the new world. Settling in Iowa, he was for two years engaged in the sawmill business and in farming. He then came to South Dakota but after a short time returned to Iowa, where he remained until 1896. He then once more removed to South Dakota, where he took up his permanent abode. He first homesteaded in Roberts county but eventually sold that property and purchased his present place on section 26, Badus township, Lake county. He here owns one hundred and sixty acres of land upon which he is successfully engaged in stock-raising as well as general farming, keeping twenty head of cattle and forty head of hogs. His farm implements are modern in workmanship and greatly advance the labors of the fields. He accomplishes what he undertakes and is a progressive farmer of his district.

In 1899 Mr. Cavegn was united in marriage to Miss Cecelia Burkler, a daughter of Joseph and Veronica Burkler, who were among the earliest pioneers of Lake county, settling on a homestead on section 27, Badus township. Joseph Burkler was called to his final rest on the 14th of June, 1909. To Mr. and Mrs. Cavegn have been born seven children, namely: George, John, Mary, Dora, Josephine, Martin, and Cecelia.

The family hold membership in the Catholic church and in politics Mr. Cavegn is inde- pendent, voting for men and measures rather than for party. He has filled township offices and is always ready to aid in any movement for the benefit and upbuilding of his community and for the progress of the commonwealth. He is a member of the Modern Woodmen and is a stockholder in the Woodmen's Opera House Company at Ramona. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for here he found the oppor- tunities which he sought and which, by the way, are always open to ambitious young men. In a land where effort is unhampered by caste or class he has steadily advanced and the fruits of his former toil class him with the representative residents of his community.

CLARENCE E. COYNE.

Clarence E. Coyne, former sheriff of Stanley county for two terms, his reelection being proof of his capability and fidelity in office, was born in Rock Island, Illinois, on the 23d of December, 1881, his parents being Foster and Mary Coyne, the former born in Rock Island in 1856 and the latter in Camanche, Iowa, in 1857. In the public schools of his native city Clarence E. Coyne pursued his education, passing through consecutive grades until he had spent two years in the high school, after which he was for a year a student in a business college. He was for four years connected with the naval militia of Illinois in service on the

CLARENCE E. COYNE

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lakes. He came to Dakota in 1905 and during the period of his residence here has largely been engaged in public duty. He filled the office of game warden of South Dakota for a year and in 1911 was elected sheriff of Stanley county, in which he served for the second term, discharging his duties without fear or favor. During the years 1913 and 1914 he was chief of police of Fort Pierre. He then entered the employ of the state, in the secretary of state's office, which position he held until July 1, 1915, when he started the Fort Pierre Times and also took over the Stock Growers News, combining the two under the name of the Fort Pierre Times. He is also a stockholder in the Fort Pierre National Bank.

In politics Mr. Coyne is a republican, giving stalwart support to the principles of his party, believing that that platform contains the best elements of good government. He is well known in Masonic circles, having attained the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite and also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He likewise holds membership with the Odd Fellows and the Elks and is true to the teachings of those organizations. He was married January 4, 1911, in Pierre, South Dakota, to Mrs. Elizabeth M. Gird, née Throckmorton. Both Mr. and Mrs. Coyne are widely known, having a large circle of warm friends who esteem them highly by reason of their many sterling traits of character.

FRANK TOBIN.

Frank Tobin is engaged in general farming on section 14, Nunda township, Lake county, and is husily employed in keeping his farm thoroughly up-to-date in all of its methods and equipments. He was born in Iowa, January 20, 1867, and is a son of Nicholas and Catherine Tobin, the former a farmer by occupation. Both he and his wife are now deceased.

Frank Tobin acquired his education in the country schools and when his textbooks were put aside he left Iowa and came to South Dakota in 1880, then a youth of but thirteen years. His mother here homesteaded on section 14, township 108, range 52, and this land is now being cultivated by her son Frank, who is engaged in farming two hundred and forty acres of the rich land of Lake county. He makes a specialty of raising registered shorthorn cattle and ships a large number each year. He is also extensively engaged in raising hogs and thus adds materially to his annual income. He has all the necessary farm implements of recently improved pattern and workmanship and he believes in keeping everything upon his farm thoroughly up-to-date. He is likewise a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator and one of the directors of the Battle Creek Telephone Company. Occasionally he takes a few days off for a hunting or fishing trip, but with this exception confines his attention to farm work with excellent results.

In 1894 Mr. Tobin was united in marriage to Miss Helen Flemming, a daughter of John and Martha Flemming, who were of old-time families of this state. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Tobin are Nicholas, Walter, John, James, Annie, Mary, Nellie, F'rances, Elmer, Raymond and Vincent, all of whom were born in South Dakota.

The religious faith of the family is that of the Catholic church and in political belief Mr. Tobin is a democrat. He has served as trustee and assessor in his township and has also been officially identified with the schools. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen and the Yeomen. He believes in South Dakota and its future, recognizes its opportunities and its natural advantages and in the improvement of his farm is contributing to the general development and prosperity of the region in which he lives.

C. J. MARTIN.

C. J. Martin, junior partner in the firm of Schliessmann & Martin, dealers in hardware at Lake Andes, Charles Mix county, was born in Will county, Illinois, on the 31st of March, 1876, a son of Edmund and Margaret (O'Leary) Martin. The family came to South Dakota in 1888 and located in Tripp, Hutchinson county, where the father farmed until his demise in September, 1913. The mother still resides on the homestead.

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C. J. Martin was educated in the public and high schools of Joliet, Illinois, and after putting aside his textbooks devoted his time to assisting his father with the work of the farm until January, 1909. He then entered the State Bank at Tripp, where he remained for a year, after which he engaged in the hardware business there for a year and a half. In November, 1911, he located in Lake Andes and is now a member of the firm of Schliessmann & Martin, who own and conduet a hardware store. They carry an excellent stock and their reliable business methods have enabled them to retain custom onee gained. They are ener- getic and progressive and are numbered among the resourceful and successful business men of their town. Mr. Martin has invested to a considerable extent in South Dakota land.

He was married on the 12th of June, 1913, to Miss Margaret Leisch, a daughter of J. C. Leisch. The democratic party finds in Mr. Martin a stalwart supporter and he has taken a very active part in public affairs. In 1912 he served on the city council and the following year was elected city treasurer, while on the 20th of April, 1915, he was honored by election to the mayoralty. He has discharged his official duties in an efficient and businesslike manner and has succeeded in bringing about a number of municipal improvements. He has also aided in the advancement of his community through his membership in the Commercial Club. He belongs to the Elks and also to the Knights of Columbus at Mitchell, which fact indicates his allegiance to the Roman Catholic church. His characteristics are such that he has won the warm friendship of many and all who come in contact with him, whether in business or social relations, respect him for his integrity and uprightness of life.

R. P. FRINK, M. D.

Dr. R. P. Frink is the pioneer physician of Wagner and has the confidence of the general public and of his professional colleagues. He was born in Clarence, Iowa, on the 23d of July, 1877, a son of William H. and Hulda (Orelup) Frink. The father, who was a pioneer of Iowa, is now living retired in North Dakota, but the mother died in 1888.

Dr. Frink attended the public and high schools in the acquirement of his general educa- tion and did his professional work at the medical college of the University of Iowa and at the Northwestern University of Chicago. He was graduated from the latter institution in 1903 and immediately located for practice in Wagner, South Dakota, where he has remained during the intervening twelve years. He was the first physician in that town and still maintains a position of leadership in medical circles. He has gained a large and lucrative practice.

Dr. Frink was married in June, 1904, to Miss Daisy Safley, a daughter of John Safley, of Battle Creek, Iowa, and to this union have been born three children, Helen, Raymond and Norman.

The Doctor gives his political allegiance to the republican party. For the past six years he has been chairman of the school board and he has also served on the county board of health. He belongs to the Commercial Club and is much interested in the development of Wagner along civic and business lines. He is identified with the Masonic order and has taken the eighteenth degree in the Scottish Rite, while his religious faith is that of the Methodist church. He does all in his power to further the advancement of his community and Sonth Dakota and believes firmly in the future growth and development of this great state.

ANDREW MINDER.

Andrew Minder is a real-estate dealer of Wilmot and is closely associated with the financial interests of his town and county. He is also conducting an extensive business as dealer in automobiles and, moreover, he is an active factor in the public life of the com- munity, serving for the second term as mayor of his town. He was born in Carver county, Minnesota, July 8, 1872, and is a son of John and Sophia (Stolle) Vlinder. The father, a native of Switzerland, was horn in 1847 and was but seven years of age when brought by his

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parents to the new world, their home being established in Minnesota. He became a farmer and carpenter and was the owner of a good farm property in Minnesota, but is now living retired from active lite. His wife, who was born in 1850, died in 1913. She was a consistent member of the Lutheran church, to which Mr. Minder still belongs, and in politics he is a democrat. To him and his wife were born ten children, of whom eight are yet living.

Andrew Minder, the second in order of birth, was educated in the common schools and was reared to farm life, having all the usual experiences that fall to the lot of the farm boy. He assisted his father to the age of twenty years, having, in 1879, gone with his parents to Big Stone City, South Dakota. Two years later the family removed to Wilmot, where the father homesteaded. For a few terms Andrew Minder engaged in teaching school and then turned his attention to the banking business, with which he became connected in the minor capacity of messenger. He was advanced to bookkeeper, later beeame assistant cashier and eventually was made cashier of the First State Bank of Wilmot, in which connection he continued for six years. He then resigned his position to establish a bank, of which he continued as cashier for a few years, when he consolidated the institution with the First State Bank, of which he is now a director. He is engaged in the automobile business, selling the Ford car, and in the present year, 1915, has had a most liberal patronage. He owns some farm land and has also been engaged in the real-estate business for several years, selling farms and other property on commission.

In 1900 Mr. Minder was married to Miss Ella Remund, who was born in Minnesota, and they have one child, Vera, seven years of age. In his fraternal relations Mr. Minder is a Mason and loyally adheres to the teachings of the craft, exemplifying its beneficent spirit in his life. His political indorsement is given to the republican party. He is now serving as mayor for the second term, giving to the town a businesslike and progressive adminis- tration. He believes in advancement in public affairs as well as in private business con- nections and his mayoralty has been characterized by substantial achievements for the benefit of the community.

W. R. RUSSELL.

W. R. Russell, serving as postmaster of Lake Andes, is well known and highly esteemed in that town. He was born in Wisconsin of the 21st of December, 1861, a son of Calvin S. and Catherine A. (Barber) Russell. The father was a farmer and laborer and on removing to South Dakota in 1877 located at Vermillion, where he subsequently engaged in business. He was a veteran of the Civil war. He passed away on the 10th of March, 1900, and his wife died in July, 1909.

W. R. Russell received excellent educational advantages and after completing a public- school course entered the State University of South Dakota, being one of the first students of that institution. After leaving school he found employment in the office of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad at Sioux City, Iowa, where he remained for three years. In 1901 he turned his attention to the nursery business, with which he was connected until 1906. Subsequently he took a claim west of the Missouri river but in 1914 he took charge of the Engle Hotel at Lake Andes, In April, 1915 he was appointed postmaster by President Wilson for a term of four years, He is discharging his duties efficiently and conscientiously, and his services have gained the commendation of the general public. He owns property in Vermillion and has thoroughly identified his interests with those of South Dakota.

On the 29th of August, 1887, oeeurred the marriage of Mr. Russell and Miss Ida L. Partridge, who was one of the first students of the State University at Vermillion and has taught in the public schools of Clay county for a number of years. She is a daughter of A. A. Partridge, a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work. To their union have been born the following children: Earl P., who died at the age of twenty and who at the time had completed his sophomore year in the State University at Vermillion; L. Fay and Hazel, both of whom are high-school teachers; and George and W. R., Jr., both students in the high school.

Mr. Russell is a stalwart democrat in politics and has taken an active part in public affairs. In 1908 be served as chairman of the Clay county central committee and his advice

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is often sought on political matters. He is a member of the Commercial Club and does all in his power to promote the development of his community. Fraternally he is connected with the Woodmen and is popular both within and without that organization. Since coming to Lake Andes he has gained the confidence of his fellow citizens and holds not only their respect but also their warm regard.

JOHN M. SPICER.

John M. Spicer, who died on the 5th of August, 1915, was one of the well known farmers of Lake county. He was born in Winnebago county, Illinois, March 28, 1860. His father, George W. Spicer, was a native of Oneida county, New York, and a representative of one of the pioneer families of the Empire state. He removed westward to Winnebago county. Illinois, in 1833, at which time Chicago, then a small village, was their nearest market, to which point they traveled with ox teams-a distance of one hundred and twenty-seven miles. George W. Spicer took an active part in the pioneer development of the community in which he lived and for more than six decades continued a resident of Winnebago county, where his death occurred in 1896. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Lucy Hawkins, was also a native of Oneida county, New York.

In their family were seven children, of whom John M. Spicer was the third in order of birth. He pursued his education in the schools of Illinois and remained at home until he reached his twenty-fifth year, when he removed to Iowa and purchased a farm near Sanborn, that state. Thereon he continued to engage in agricultural pursuits until 1905, when he came to Lake county, South Dakota, and purchased land near Madison which he converted into a model farm property, conducted along the latest approved methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He annually gathered good harvests and in addition did an exten- sive business as a breeder of shorthorn cattle and Duroc hogs.

On the 14th of January, 1889, Mr. Spicer was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary Traver, a native of Winnebago county, Illinois, and a daughter of Luther and Fannie (Clapp) Traver. They had been schoolmates in early life. Their children are three in number, namely: Clarence, a ranchman residing near Ogden, Utah; Mildred; and Ray.

Mr. Spicer was a republican in his political views and served for some time as a member of the township board. He was an enthusiastic advocate of good roads and of various other movements which result beneficially to the community. He was one of the prosperous and progressive citizens and his advancement came as the legitimate result of hard work, keen discrimination and unfaltering purpose. He always lived in the middle west and the spirit of enterprise which has been the dominant factor in the upbuilding of this section of the country was ever manifest in his life.

W. J. PORTER.

On the list of those who have passed from the scene of earthly activities but whose labors in former years were of value and worth to the community is found the name of W. J. Porter, who carried on farming on section 26, Le Roy township, Lake county. He was born in Quebec, Canada, on the 3d of April, 1848. His father, William Porter, followed the occupation of farming both in Canada and in Wisconsin.

W. J. Porter was but a youth when his parents removed to Wisconsin and there he acquired his education in the public schools, his time being divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields until his textbooks were permanently put aside, after which he continued to assist his father in the farm work. He came to South Dakota in the early '70s and he secured both homestead and tree claims, after which he began to cultivate and develop his fields, remaining active in the work of the farm until his death, which occurred July 25, 1890. There were very few living in Lake county when Mr. Porter secured his homestead. In fact, the entire district was a frontier region and the work of progress and civilization seemed scarcely begun. There were many

MR. AND MRS. W. J. PORTER

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hardships and privations to be borne that are always incident to frontier life when one is far removed from markets or other available sources of supply. Mr. Porter dug the first well at Madison and was connected with various movements which resulted to the benefit of the county or of the community in which he lived.

On the 3d of April, 1884, Mr. Porter was united in marriage to Miss Dora Jones, a daughter of William Jones, who was a pioneer of Wisconsin. Their children are: William Leon, who is a graduate of the University of Wiseonsin, and now operating the home farm; and Claude, a lineman in the employ of a telephone company.

In his political views Mr. Porter was an earnest republican and kept well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His religious faith was that of the Methodist church and he lived up to its teachings, always endeavoring to follow the golden rule in his relations with his fellowmen. While many years have passed since he was called to his final rest, he is yet remembered by friends and neighbors for his excellent traits of character as well as for his business ability and his contribution to the development of the district. His son, William Leon, still carries on the home farm and has added various improvements to the place, which comprises three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land. He raises high grade cattle and horses and is also a stockholder in the Madison Elevator. The family was among the earliest of the county and has always been prominent in furthering community interests.

JOHN L. MINDER.

On the roster of county officials in Roberts county appears the name of John L. Minder, who is filling the position of sheriff and accordingly makes his home in Sisseton. He was born in Carver county, Minnesota, on the 27th of November, 1869, his parents being John and Sophia (Stolle) Minder. The father, who was born in Switzerland in 1847, survives, but the mother, who was born in Germany in 1850, passed away in May, 1913. They were mar- ried in Carver county, Minnesota, where Mr. Minder was one of the earliest settlers. He took up his abode there when almost the entire country was a broad, unbroken stretch of prairie land, awaiting the awakening touch of the farmer to yield fruitfully of the cereals best adapted to climatic conditions. He owned a farm twenty miles from Chaska and walked to the town for his groceries. In 1879 he removed to Big Stone City and in 1881 to Wilmot, South Dakota, where he homesteaded and, proving up on his place, secured the title to his claim. He afterward went to the state of Washington, but returned to South Dakota and is now living with a sister in Carver county, Minnesota. In his business affairs he displayed discriminating judgment and unfaltering energy and won a fair measure of success. He holds membership in the German Lutheran church and is somewhat independent in polities, although inclined to support democratic principles.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 78

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