History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 88

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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Lawrence William Schaller spent the first four years of his life in his native country and was then brought by his parents to the United States, his youthful days being passed upon the home farm in Nebraska, his time being divided between the work of the fields and attendance at the nearby district schools. After the father's death it became necessary for the boys to work in order to support the family and thus Mr. Sehaller's educational oppor- tunities were curtailed and he was deprived of many of the advantages which most boys enjoy. being but a youth of fourteen years when he started out to earn his own living, enter- ing the employ of an implement firm at St. Helena, Nebraska. That he was capable and faithful is indicated in the fact that he remained there for six years, mastering all branches of the business and working his way upward until he was made a salesman.

On coming to South Dakota, in 1885, Mr. Schaller settled in Yankton and there entered the employ of Fred Burg, a lumber dealer. In 1889 he became manager of the Donaldson Lumber Yard, with which he was thus connected for five years and then became manager for the Loonan Lumber Company of Yankton. He controlled their yard until August, 1907, at which time he turned his attention to the live-stock business and real-estate dealing, con-

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tinuing active along those lines to the present time. He buys western stock and feeds at Yankton for the market. He owns three hundred and twenty acres of land near Yankton which he uses for grazing and feeding purposes. raising thereon grain and other feed for his stock. He has found this a growing and profitable business and his capable management and close application are bringing to him continued success.

On the 12th of April, 1888, Mr. Schaller was united in marriage to Miss Mary Olson, of Beresford, South Dakota, and they have two children, Frank W. and Julia. Mr. Schaller belongs to the Elks Lodge, No. 994, the Modern Woodmen camp, the Knights of Pythias, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. In public affairs he has taken an active and helpful interest. He was for two terms a member of the Yankton board of aldermen and exercised his official prerogatives in support of various plans for the improvement of the city. In 1911 he was appointed to fill out the unexpired term of Ton Edwards as a member of the board of county commissioners and in 1912 was elected to that office as a candidate of the republican party, which again indorsed him for the position. He places the general welfare before personal aggrandizement and is a public-spirited citizen, belonging to that class of business men whose worth and enterprise constitute the strongest elements in the development and growth of a community.

SOCRATES DREW.

Socrates Drew, founder, promoter and manager of the Bank of Highmore and therefore a well known representative of financial interests in Hyde county, dates his residence in South Dakota from 1871, at which time he settled in Yankton. He was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 3, 1852, a son of Thomas and Anna (Ruge) Drew, natives of England and Germany respectively. In early life the father learned the tailor's trade and in 1848 became a resident of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where he resided until 1854, when he removed to Portage, Wisconsin, where he engaged in the same business, spending his remaining days in that state.

Socrates Drew acquired his education in the public schools of Portage and remained at home with his parents until nineteen years of age, when he came to Dakota. For a time he clerked in a store at Yankton and afterward was employed in the first bank of Dakota territory at that place. At the age of twenty-six years he went to Kansas, where he con- dneted a lumber business, but in 1880 returned to South Dakota and through the succeeding three years was a lumber merchant of Egan, Moody county, South Dakota. In 1883 he took up his abode in Hughes county, where he engaged in the banking business and in 1885, in connection with his brother George, under the firm name of Drew Brothers, organized and established the Bank of Highmore, which is the largest private bank in the state. They have since successfully conducted it, carrying on the business along safe, substantial lines, pro- gressiveness being evenly balanced by conservatism. In 1907 they erected a fine bank building which is one of the most modern and completely equipped structures of the kind in that part of the state, and they now devote practically their entire time to their banking interests. In 1893 they established the Bank of Tomah at Tomah, Wisconsin, Frank Drew having the man- agement of that institution. Besides his bank property Socrates Drew owns considerable land in South Dakota.

In 1877 Mr. Drew wedded Miss Martha S. Higby, who was born in lowa and died in 1910, leaving four children. Christopher R., who is associated with his father in the banking business at Highmore, wedded Miss Ida Paulson, by whom he has three children: Beatrice, Martha and Thomas. Abbie is the wife of John Badwell Perkins, editor of the Highmore Herald, and has four children, namely: Drew, Louise, Jeannette and Ethelyn. Richard J., who is associated with his father in the banking business, wedded Miss Marie Grant. John R. is a student in Huron College. Having lost his first wife, Mr. Drew was married again in March, 1914, his second union being with Mrs. Lennoe S. Smith, a widow, who was born in . New Orleans. They spend a portion of the winter either in New Orleans or in Biloxi, Mississippi.

In politics Mr. Drew is a republican and has held various local offices yet has not been a politician in the sense of seeking office. He was the first mayor of Highmore and served

SOCRATES DREW

FRANK DREW

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on the school board for several years. He has always preferred to concentrate his energies upon his business affairs and is today the oldest banker in the state in years of continuous connection with the business. He snstains an unassailable reputation for integrity and has an enviable record for enterprise. He has never waited Micawherlike for something to turn up but has sought out the business opportunities which he has enjoyed and in their utiliza- tion has made for himself a creditable position in financial circles.

FRANK DREW.

Frank Drew is well known in Hyde county, for he is financially interested with his brother, S. Drew, in the Bank of Highmore, although at the present time he is acting as manager of the Bank of Tomah at Tomah, Wisconsin. while his brother is managing the Bank of Highmore. He is a native son of Wisconsin, his birth having occurred in Portage, September 22, 1858, his parents being Thomas and Anna (Ruge) Drew, of whom mention is made in connection with the sketch of S. Drew.

The common schools of his native town afforded Frank Drew his educational privileges until he came to Dakota territory in 1874, when a youth of sixteen years, locating at Yank- ton. Hle worked with his brother in the banking house of Mark Parmert, this being the first bank in the territory, founded in 1869. There he continued for two years, after which he returned to Wisconsin and engaged in the hardware business, continuing there for ahout nine years, or until 1880. He then again came to South Dakota and formed a partnership with his brother, S. Drew, in the lumber business, establishing yards at Egan, Dell Rapids and at Madison, South Dakota. They continued in that line until 1882, when they sold out and in the spring of that year removed to St. Paul, Minnesota, where they engaged in the wholesale hardware business, conducting their enterprise until June, 1885, when they returned to South Dakota and established the Bank of Highmore, conducting it successfully for several years. In 1893, however, Frank Drew returned to Wisconsin and established the Bank of Tomah. He and his brother, however, remained in partnership as owners of the Bank of Tomah and of the Bank of Highmore, Frank Drew having charge of the former and S. Drew of the latter.

On the 3d of July, 1881, Frank Drew was united in marriage to Miss Lillian White, of Egan, South Dakota, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry White, who removed from Rochester, Minnesota, to this state in the early '80s, the father devoting his life to farming. Mr. and Mrs. Drew have become the parents of four children: Delia, now the wife of the well known cartoonist, Frank O. King; Walter, an electrical engineer; Frank H., who is cashier of the Bank of Tomah; and Doris, wbo is attending school.

Mr. Drew is a Mason in his fraternal relations and is loyal to the teachings and purposes of the craft. Politically he is a republican and upon that ticket was elected to the South Dakota legislature in 1890. He made an excellent record as a member of the general assembly and at all times he has been known as a public-spirited and progressive eitizen, putting forth earnest and effective effort to promote the welfare of every community in which he has lived.

H. M. MANSHOLT.

H. M. Mansholt is the efficient superintendent of the county farm of Minnehaha county, in which position he studies the duties devolving upon him, carefully looking after the inter- ests of the farm and the welfare of its inmates. He was born in Germany, on the 26th of May, 1877, and is a son of John and G. Mansholt, who continued their residence in the old world until 1884. They then crossed the Atlantic to the United States and made their way to lowa, where they lived for about sixteen years, or until 1900, when they came to South Dakota, establishing their home in Minnehaha county. The father is still living, but the mother passed away about twelve years ago.

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H. M. Mansholt was educated in the public schools and then turned his attention to farming, continuing to operate the old homestead for several years. For the past five years he has been in charge of the county poor farm and has given unnsual satisfaction to the public through the prompt, faithful and careful manner in which he has discharged the duties of the position. Neatness, sanitary conditions, system and wise management are all features of the farm at the present time and its well kept appearance indicates his wise direction and careful control.

On the 12th of December, 1902, Mr. Mansholt was united in marriage to Miss Millie Borneman, a daughter of H. C. Borneman, who is one of the honored pioneer settlers of the county, belonging to one of the oldest families of the state in years of continuous connection with South Dakota. He has witnessed the greater part of the growth and development of this section, arriving here when the state was almost one vast prairie region, unknown to the white, race. He has lived to witness remarkable changes as the tide of emigration has flowed in; towns and villages have been planted and have developed into cities and the great districts of the state have been converted into productive farms, dotted here and there with homes which give every indication of prosperity and advancement. Mr. and Mrs. Mansholt have one son, Lyman.

The parents are Methodists in religious faith and Mr. Mansholt's political belief is that of the republican party. Fraternally he is connected with the Yeomen and with the Odd Fellows and the Rebekah lodge. He is fond of hunting and fishing and to those sports largely devotes his leisure. He is interested in all the movements that have for their object the welfare and advancement of the community. He recognizes many of the opportunities before the state and labors to promote the work of progress in a manner that looks not only to immediate benefit but also to the future betterment of the commonwealth.

JOHN WILLARD THOMAS.

John Willard Thomas, of Sisseton, who is efficiently discharging his important duties as superintendent of the schools of Roberts county, was born in Richardson county, Nebraska, February 12, 1883, his parents being David L. and Nellie (Jones) Thomas. The father was born in Cardiganshire, Wales, in 1849, and the mother in Sank county, Wisconsin, in 1858. The former came to the United States with his parents in 1852 and they settled in Sauk county, Wisconsin, where he gained his education. He was married there to Miss Jones in 1875 and the same year they moved to Corning, Adams county, Iowa, but in 1880 went to Nebraska, where he purchased land and continued to farm until 1903. In that year he removed to Lincoln, where he is now living retired. When he first went to Nebraska he was in somewhat limited circumstances and drove through to that state with an ox team. It was also necessary for him to purchase his first eighty acres on time, but being energetic and practical he succeeded in accumulating a competence. He is a republican in his political belief and holds membership in the Evangelical church. To him and his wife were born eight children, seven of whom survive, as follows: Elizabeth, now the wife of O. O. March, of Falls City, Nebraska, who is clerk of Richardson county; David E., professor in a college in Edmonton, Alberta; Hannah M., a teacher in the Moody Bible Institute in Chicago; Jolin Willard; J. L., a professor in the Nebraska State Agricultural College at Lincoln; Merle, the wife of Ray E. Rice, who is a missionary stationed at Landour Messonre, India; and Dwight, who is attending the State University of Nebraska.

John Willard Thomas was educated in the State University of Nebraska, from which he was gradnated in 1908 with the degree of Bachelor of Arts. He then took up a home- stead in Stanley county, South Dakota, which he still owns, and while proving up on that place he taught school for two years. In April, 1910, he removed to Roberts county and for one year taught a rural school. He was later for two years principal of the schools at Corona and in 1914 was elected county superintendent of schools, in which office he is now serving. He has one hundred and forty-three schools under his supervision and devotes his entire time to his official duties. He understands the problems that confront the teach- ers and is thus able to aid in bringing about improved conditions. He is progressive and

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energetic and does not spare himself in his effort to advance the interests of the schools. During the summer months he conducts the teachers' institute in the county.

Mr. Thomas was married in 1910 to Miss Etta G. Taylor, a native of Spencer, lowa, and a daughter of Silas B. Taylor, a contractor of that place. To this union have been born three children, Robert, Helen and Margery.

Mr. Thomas is a republican in politics and takes the interest of a good citizen in pub- lic affairs. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, and fraternally he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at Corona. While in college he was a member of the Glee Club for two years. He has devoted the greater part of his time to educational work since beginning his independent career and he has gained high standing in his chosen profession. His ability is generally recognized and per- sonally he is popular.

LOUIS WERTHHEIMER.

Lonis Werthheimer is manager for and partner in the firm of M. J. Werthheimer & Brother, dry-goods merchants at Deadwood. He was born in Heilbronn, Germany, on the 26th of November, 1859, a son of Jonathan and Sarah (Marks) Werthheimer. His eduea- tion was acquired in the grammar schools of his home eity and he remained under the parental roof until he reached the age of sixteen years, when he bade adieu to friends and fatherland and sailed for America in 1876. He spent a year in New York city, doing any work that offered, and in 1877 he sought the opportunities of the western frontier, making his way to Deadwood, Dakota territory, in company with his brother, M. J. Werthheimer, in whose employ he remained for a time. In January, 1887, he was admitted to an interest in the business and now has the entire management of the Deadwood store, which contains a large and carefully selected stoek of dry goods. The display is attractive and the stock represents the output of leading manufactories of the country. The business policy of the house is thoroughly reliable and a spirit of enterprise and progress actuates Mr. Werthheimer in his management of this concern. He also has business interests in Idaho and is likewise financially connected with the local banks.

Mr. Werthheimer votes independently yet cooperates in many measures and movements that relate to the city's welfare and upbuilding. He belongs to the Commercial Club and is regarded as one of the city's leading merchants and prominent residents. He may well be called a self-made man, for he has been both the architect and the builder of his own for- tunes. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to come to the new world, for in this country he found the business opportunities which he sought and in their utilization has made steady progress toward the goal of success.

GUNDER GUNDERSON.

Gunder Gunderson, an honored pioneer agriculturist of South Dakota, is now living retired in Burk township, Minnehaha county, where he took up a homestead about four decades ago. His birth occurred in Norway on the 8th of September, 1846, his parents being Gund and Ingaborg Jaastad, both of whom are deceased. The father was a gardener by occupation.

Gunder Gunderson acquired his education in the common schools of his native land and after putting aside his textbooks learned the shoemaker's trade, at which he worked for three years. In 1869, desiring to take advantage of the opportunities which the new world afforded, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States, locating first in Illinois and subse- quently in Iowa, where he remained for five years and engaged in farming for a short time. Leaving the Hawkeye state, he made his way to South Dakota in a covered wagon drawn by oxen and took up his abode in Burk township, Minnehaha county, where he homesteaded and also preempted land. He sold the preemption claim later but still retains the old home-

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stead, on which he is now living retired, having won a comfortable competence in the able management of his agricultural interests in former years.

On the 20th of April, 1869, Mr. Gunderson was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Blye, a daughter of Haldo and Martha Blye. To them were born the following children: Ingahorg, who is Mrs. A. F. White, of Sioux Falls; Henry and Gilbert, who are at home; Martha, who died in infancy; and Martin L., also deceased. Our subject and his wife have five grandchildren.

In politics Mr. Gunderson is a stanch republican, while his religious faith is that of the Lutheran 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 won both prosperity and an honored name.

FRANK L. BOYCE.

In December, 1896, Sioux Falls was called upon to mourn the loss of one of her early residents, Frank L. Boyce-a man who left the impress of his ability, insight and public spirit upon the political, professional and social life of the city. He was one of the leading attorneys of Sioux Falls and had made his ability and ambition public assets through long and honorable public service.

He was born in Dane county, Wisconsin, March 7, 1854, and he spent his childhood there, working upon the home farm and attending district school. When he was fourteen years of age he entered the State University at Madison, Wisconsin, where he took a complete collegiate course, graduating in 1873. Immediately afterward he entered the law depart- ment of the university and received his degree in 1874. On the 20th of June of that year he was admitted to the har by the supreme court of Wisconsin and immediately afterward entered the law office of Barker, Buell & Wait of Chicago, where he remained until Septem- ber, 1875. He was then, upon examination by the supreme court, admitted to the practice of law in Illinois and engaged in professional work in Chicago until May, 1878.

At that time Mr. Boyce came to Sioux Falls on a visit and was so well pleased with Dakota and impressed with its future possibilities that he concluded to make this city his future home. He returned to Chicago and after finishing up his business there removed to Sioux Falls, where in the following October he opened a law office. In March, 1879, he formed a partnership with John Bippus under the firm name of Bippus & Boyce, an association which continned until August, 1881. Following this Mr. Boyce was alone in practice until late in the year 1883, when he admitted his brother Jesse W. to a partnership, the firm being Boyce & Boyce. In the spring of 1884 the firm of Boyce, Noyes & Boyce was established and this continued until January, 1886, when T. W. Noyes removed to Washington, D. C. Following this the firm of Boyce & Boyce was reestablished and continued one of the leading law firms of the city.

Mr. Boyce was known as a most studious, painstaking and conservative lawyer and in his professional capacity was connected with many of the most important cases heard in the courts of the state. In addition to his professional prominence he was also well known in political affairs and was intrusted by his fellow citizens with various positions of responsi- bility. In 1879 he was elected secretary of the board of education and in 1883 was made alderman from the third ward. He was a capable and conscientious official and his political following grew rapidly. In 1894 he was elected senator from Minnehaha county upon the republican ticket and served in this capacity with credit and ability, being known as one of the most industrious members of the state assembly. He brought to the discharge of his duties careful and conscientious regard for the welfare of the state and a great deal of important legislation bears the stamp of his influence and activity.

In 1880 Mr. Boyce was united in marriage to Miss Maude W. Rouse, of Lennox, South Dakota, a daughter of Dr. W. H. Rouse. She is now a resident of Sioux Falls. To them were born three children, namely: Jessie W., a graduate of and now a teacher in the Uni- versity of Minnesota; Leonard F., of Sioux Falls, who is a graduate of the University of Minnesota and one of the proprietors of the Sioux Falls Construction Company, of which

FRANK L. BOYCE

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he is the secretary and assistant manager; and Arthur James, a student in the University of Minnesota.

During the summer of 1896 Mr. Boyce, being in ill health, went to his old home in Wis- eonsin in order to take a much needed rest for a few weeks. Instead of recuperating he became more enfeebled and on the 19th of December, 1896, he died at the home of his parents. His remains were brought to Sioux Falls and interred in Mount Pleasant cemetery. His death was widely and deeply mourned not only by the members of the legal fraternity and his official associates hut by the many warm friends to whom his upright character had so greatly endeared him.

JOHN P. CROAL.

John P. Croal is postmaster of Sisseton and the editor of the Courant, the leading paper of Roberts county. His birth occurred near Milwaukee, Wisconsin, May 29, 1860, and his parents were Andrew and Anna (Gormanly) Croal, both natives of Ireland, the former born in 1820 and the latter in 1835. They emigrated to the United States with their respective parents, hoth families settling in Connecticut, where Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Croal grew to maturity. Their marriage, however, occurred in Milwaukee in 1857. The father located in that city in 1859 or 1860 and fired the first engine in the shops of the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railroad there. He was for nineteen years a sergeant on the Milwaukee police foree and made an enviable reeord for efficient and conscientious performance of duty. In 1880 he went to Grant county, South Dakota, and filed on a claim. The following year he was joined by his family and he continued to reside there and in Milbank until his demise, which occurred at the latter place in 1903. He had survived his wife for twenty-two years, as she died in 1881. He was a communicant of the Roman Catholic church. His father, John Croal, passed away in Milwaukee at the advanced age of ninety-one years.

Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Croal were the parents of eleven children, eight of whom are still living, as follows: Mrs. Kate Eastman, living in Seattle, is the widow of O. N. Eastman, who was traveling auditor for the Empire Elevator Company at the time of his demise. John P. is the next in order of birth. James, who resides at Fargo, is a conductor on the Northern Pacific Railroad, with which he has been connected since 1886. Mary is the wife of L. M. Kaercher, the proprietor of the Whetstone Milling Company at Milbank. He is quite well known in political circles and in 1890 was a member of the state legislature. Theresa gave her hand in marriage to W. W. Wilson, of Milbank, who for thirteen years has served as janitor of the public schools. Francis A. has for seventeen years been buyer and later auditor for the Empire Elevator Company with residence at Milbank. Anna is the wife of Dr. Thomas Hicks, of Milbank, who for several years has been state veterinarian. Thomas, a resident of Las Vegas, New Mexico, is a conductor on the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 88

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