History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 9

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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GEORGE G. BEEDLE.

Although yet a young man George G. Beedle is the efficient cashier of the Bank of Bur- bank, of which he was one of the organizers, and in that capacity holds a position of im- portance in the financial world of his town. He was born in Blenheim, Ontario, Canada. October 10, 1890, a son of George A. and Phoebe (Brock) Beedle, both of whom were born in Michigan. The mother is a daughter of Dr. C. L. Brock and a sister of Dr. W. R. Brock, a physician of Sheldon, Iowa. George A. Beedle is engaged in business in Wynot, Nebraska, and his wife is also living. George G. Beedle is the eldest of their five children, the others being: Russell L., of Newcastle, Nebraska; Ralph, attending the high school at Wynot, Nebraska; Horace, who is attending school; and Marguerite.

George G. Beedle accompanied his parents to Sheldon, Iowa, when a boy of eleven years, the family home being maintained there for one year. Removal was then made to Sioux City, Iowa, where the father remained in business for fourteen years. Our subject attended graded school and also the high school in that city and then took an art course in the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts. After leaving school he accepted a position in Leed's Bank at Sioux City, Iowa, as assistant cashier. He held that position from October, 1910, until June, 1913, but at the last named date removed to Burbank, South Dakota, having accepted the position of eashier of the Bank of Burbank. He was one of the organizers of that institution and since June, 1913, has been its cashier. He understands well the details of banking work and also has a good grasp of the fundamental principles of finance that underlie the conduct of a bank. The institution of which he is cashier is a private bank and is owned by E. E. Hal- stead, of Ponca, Nebraska.

Mr. Beedle was married on the 18th of June, 1913, to Miss Hulda L. Dills, a native of Sioux City, Iowa, and a daughter of Mrs. Ellen Dills, of that city. Mrs. Beedle is active in eluh work and also in church affairs, being a devoted member of the Presbyterian church. She is especially interested in the work of the Ladies' Aid Society but can be counted upon to assist in any good cause. Mr. Beedle is a democrat and has served on the election hoard of Sioux City, Iowa. Although he has been a resident of Burbank for less than two years he has already identified himself thoroughly with the progress of the community and has made a worthy place for himself in the estimation of the community.

MARTIN OIEN.

Martin Oien is an enterprising, representative and prosperous agriculturist of Mapleton township, owning and cultivating three hundred and seventy-one acres of produetive land. He is numbered among the worthy native sons of South Dakota, his birth having occurred in Minnehaha county on the 8th of September, 1876. His parents, Hemming H. and Annie Oien, came to this state in 1872, the father preempting a traet of land. As the years have passed and prosperity has attended his efforts, he has extended his landed holdings until they now embrace six hundred and forty acres. Both he and his wife still survive, resid- Vol. V-4

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

ing on the old home farm four miles east of Baltic. They have lived in that locality for more than four decades and are widely and favorably known.

Martin Oien attended the country schools of his native county in the acquirement of an education and after putting aside his textbooks assisted his father in the work of the home farm. Eventually his father-in-law gave him a quarter section of land in Mapleton town- ship, and to the operation of that place he has devoted his attention continuously for the past fifteen years. As his financial resources have increased, owing to his untiring industry and capable management, he has acquired more property hy purchase and now owns three hundred and seventy-one acres. The fields annually yield golden harvests in return for the care and labor which he hestows upon them, and he has long enjoyed recognition among the substantial and representative agriculturists of his community. When he located on his present place there was only one small honse on the farm and that structure, which is still standing and which is now used as a chicken house, is the oldest building in the locality and was erected by Jonas Nelson. He and John Thompson were the first settlers in the township.

On the 12th of June, 1899, Mr. Oien was united in marriage to Miss Cleopatra H. Thompson, a daughter of John and Christina Thompson. They have six children, as follows: Annie, sixteen years of age; Helen, who is fourteen years old; Jennie, eleven; Clarence Gilmore, seven; Morris M .; and Claris Henrietta.

Mr. Oien is a republican in politics and has served as a member of the school board for eleven years, the cause of education ever finding in him a stanch champion. He is a Lutheran in religious faith and is a man of domestic tastes who finds his greatest happiness at his own fireside with his wife and children. His entire life has been spent in Minnehaha county, and that his career has ever been upright and honorable is indicated in the fact that the associates of his boyhood and youth are still numbered among his warm friends and admirers.

EARL G. CLEGG, M. D.

Dr. Earl G. Clegg, the well known practitioner of Harrisburg, South Dakota, was born in Ainsworth, Iowa, February 18, 1881, a son of James Clegg, a native of Marietta, Ohio, born in 1844. The father removed to Illinois shortly after the Civil war and three years later went to lowa, where he engaged in farming, founding the famous Pine Grove Stock Farm, which has been noted for many years for its herd of registered shorthorn cattle. The property is still owned by members of the family, his sons, J. E. and J. M., operating the farm under the name of Clegg Brothers. James Clegg passed away in 1907, having since 1899 survived his wife, who in her maidenhood was Miss Mary McCullough. She was a native of Ohio, but was married in Illinois in 1866 and became the mother of five children, of whom the subject of this review is the youngest.

Dr. Clegg received his elementary and secondary education in the grade and high schools of Ainsworth and at Washington Academy of Washington, Iowa. He then entered the Val- paraiso University at Valparaiso, Indiana, and upon the completion of the collegiate course received the Bachelor of Arts degree from that institution. He later took a law course and was admitted to the bar of South Dakota in 1906. After some time spent in practice he decided that the profession of medicine was more congenial and, accordingly, went to Chi- cago, where he entered the College of Physicians and Surgeons, the medical department of the University of Illinois. He was graduated with the degree of M. D. from that institution with the class of 1910 and in the same year took a state board examination in South Dakota and located at Harrisburg, where he began practice. He has found the town such a good field that he has remained a resident thereof continuously since first locating there and has gained a reputation as an able and conscientious practitioner. He is careful in diagnosis and is very successful in prescribing the best remedies for each case that comes under his professional scrutiny. He is a member of the seventh district of the South Dakota Medical Association, of the South Dakota State Medical Society and of the American Medical Asso- ciation, and in this way keeps in touch with the latest developments in the science and prae- tice of medicine. In addition to active practice in his profession, he is the owner of a modern drug store.

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

Dr. Clegg was married June 12, 1906, to Miss Ida Bellach, of Tea, South Dakota. His political allegiance is given to the progressive republican party in national affairs, but he votes independently on local issnes. He has served two terms as town clerk and in that capacity did much able work for the benefit of the municipality. He is a member of Har- risburg Lodge, No. 160, I. O. O. F .; Sioux Falls Lodge, No. 262, B. P. O. E .; and of U'nity Lodge, No. 130, A. F. & A. M., of Sioux Falls. He also holds membership in Occidental Con- sistory of Sioux Falls and in the El Riad Temple of the Mystic Shrine at the same city. He is fond of out-door recreation, being an enthusiastic hunter, fisher and motorist. Dr. Clegg holds the respect of his fellow townsmen, not only as a physician of proven ability, but also as a citizen of commendable public spirit.

WILLIAM H. MILLER, JR.

William H. Miller, Jr., of Canton, is one of the best known men of Lincoln county and was one of those who braved the hardships of pioneer life, coming to this state when it was as yet but sparsely settled. His father was also one of the early settlers of the section and achieved a position of prominence in his locality. William H. Miller, Jr., was born at Winooski Falls, Vermont, July 16, 1848, a son of William H. Miller, Sr., who was born in Dublin, Ireland, November 26, 1823, and at the age of fifteen years enlisted as a musician in the Seventy-seventh Infantry of the British army and was stationed at a number of posts in the British Isles, including Galway, Annaugh, Belfast, Carlisle, Dover, Hanvec, Chatham and Sheerness and subsequently was sent to Jamaica, West Indies. He also saw service in Nova Scotia at St. John, New Brunswick, and at Montreal, Quebec. At the last named place he purchased his freedom from further military service and in 1847 removed to Vermont, continuing to make his home there for a number of years. In 1860 he went to Madison, Wisconsin, and upon the outbreak of the Civil war was appointed by Governor Randall a lieutenant of the First Wisconsin Infantry. In the following December he was made major of the Second Wisconsin Cavalry and in 1863 was promoted by Governor Solomon to the rank of lieutenant colonel of the same regiment. He was a man of splendid physique and was considered one of the two best swordsmen in the army. Following the war he engaged in merchandising in Madison, Wisconsin, until 1874, when he removed to Canton, South Dakota, where he became a pioneer merchant and an influential citizen. He was for over a half century a Mason, having entered as an apprentice in Hiram Lodge, No. 5, A. F. & A. M., of Madison, Wisconsin, July 19, 1858, taking the Fellow Craft degree August 30, 1858, and becoming a Master Mason September 30, of the same year. In that year he also became a member of Madison Chapter, No. 4, of Madison, Wisconsin, receiving the Royal Arch degree, and on the 27th of February, 1859, he was given the Red Cross degree, and on the 29th of March, 1859, he was made a Knight Templar in Robert McCoy Commandery, No. 3, Madison, Wisconsin. In 1875 he was honored by being made the first senior grand deacon of the grand lodge of South Dakota and two years later held the office of deputy grand master. He was one of the charter members of Silver Star Lodge, No. 4, of Canton, and served as first worshipful master therein during the years 1874-75-76. He married Miss Rachel Irwin, who passed away March 4, 1897, but he survived for a number of years, dying October 30, 1909. It may be appropriately said of him:

. night came, releasing him from labor,

When a hand as from darkness touched him-and he slept."

Five of his children survive and hold his memory in the greatest love and veneration. Those living are as follows: William H., Jr., of this review; Mrs. Margaret Aikens, of Sioux Falls; and Mrs. Lydia Fowler, Mrs. Nora Smith, and Mrs. Anna Rudolph, of Canton. The others were Mrs. Henry Conklin, of Seattle, Washington, and Thomas W. Miller, who died in Nebraska some years ago.

William H. Miller, Jr., was but a boy when he accompanied his parents to Madison, Wisconsin, and he received his general education in the public schools of that place. He sub- sequently took a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Milwaukee and was then for a time proofreader on the State Journal of Madison. After serving as a newsboy on the Chicago, Milwaukee & St. Paul Railway he turned his attention to farming, operat-

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

ing a place owned by his father until 1868, when he removed to Sioux City, Iowa, remaining there but a short time. He was next in charge of the cattle herd of the Grand River Indian Agency and the following winter went to General Harney's headquarters at Peoria Bottoms, where he superintended the erection of a number of new buildings. Returning to Sioux City, he was then sent by the government in 1869 to Whitestone Indian Agency where he supervised the erection of buildings, and in 1870 went to Fort Thompson, where he had charge of the erection of the barracks and other post buildings. In 1871 he assisted in remov- ing the Indians from Whitestone Indian Agency to Big White Clay, now known as the Pine Ridge Agency. For some time afterward he served as assistant Indian agent. In 1872 he returned to his home in Wisconsin for a visit, but in March of the following year removed to Canton, South Dakota, and began the improvement of land which he had pur- chased three years previously. He also took up a homestead near Worthing, in the same county, and now owns a fine farm of four hundred and forty acres near Canton and one of three hundred and twenty acres in Jerauld county. He has been known for many years as a successful breeder of horses, having probably the finest strain of registered Morgan horses in America. On one of Colonel Theodore Roosevelt's visits to South Dakota Mr. Miller pre- sented him with the splendid Morgan stallion, Pat Murphy, which was in turn, presented by the Colonel to the government experimental farm at Beltsville, Maryland, and was later transferred to the government farm at Middleburg, Vermont. Mr. Miller was also for a number of years an extensive breeder of blooded Devonshire cattle. Mr. Miller has done a great deal to raise the standard of stock throughout the state and has thus not only won for himself financial prosperity and a well known name among stockraisers, but he has also performed valuable service for the agricultural interests of South Dakota.

Mr. Miller was married July 16, 1884, to Miss Anna Sundvold, a native of Norway, who in her childhood came to America with her parents, both of whom were lost in the wreck of the vessel on which they crossed Lake Michigan to Wisconsin. Mr. Miller is a progressive republican in politics and is influential in the local party councils, but he has never sought any but county offices. He served for three years as county commissioner and was also elected justice of the peace, resigning, however, after a short time, as his business affairs claimed his undivided attention. He is a member of Silver Star Lodge, No. 4. A. F. & A. M., of Canton, and was one of the active promoters of the Masonic Temple Association, which erected the splendid temple at Canton. His religious adherence is given to the Episcopal church. He is one of the most prominent citizens of the county and has done a great deal in many ways to secure the material and moral welfare of his community.

FRED HEGLIN.

Many of the well-to-do and progressive farmers of South Dakota are natives of Sweden and to this class belongs Fred Heglin, of Clay county, a member of the state legislature, who was born in Sweden in 1859 of the marriage of Hans and Brita (Anderson) Hoglund. Both parents were born in that country and the father followed farming there. Upon his emigration to America he went to Council Bluffs, Iowa, where he resided for a year, after which he came to South Dakota, taking up as a homestead the farm which is now in pos- session of his son Fred. The claim comprised one hundred and sixty acres, but Mr. Heglin added four hundred acres to it and became recognized as one of the energetie and successful farmers of the county. When he first came to the state, however, he was in straitened cir- cumstances and after filing upon his homestead left his family thereon and walked to Omaha, a distance of some two hundred miles, in search of work, as there was at that time no oppor- tunity to make a living for his family in this state, which was a wild and unsettled region. He left home with but fifty cents in his pocket and the long journey which he made on foot is an indication of his determination and strength of will. He is still living at the advanced age of eighty-nine years and is in excellent health. His wife died in 1913. To them were born three sons: John and Peter H., who are farming in Canada; and Fred, of this review.

The last named was nine years of age when he accompanied his parents to this country and had attended school in his native land. He continued his education in the public schools of Council Bluffs, Iowa, and although quite naturally, he knew no English upon entering

FRED HEGLIN

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

school there, in three months he was far ahead of some in his classes. When eighteen years of age he entered the high school at Yankton, South Dakota, where he was a student until he was twenty-two years old. He then returned home and in connection with his brothers operated the farm. However, as his brothers were working for others, the greater part of the responsibility of the work of the homestead devolved upon him. In 1890 his father retired from active life and he assumed entire charge of the place. In 1894 he was elected county auditor and held that office for two terms. During that time he rented his farm and after the expiration of his second term accepted a position in the Clay County Bank, where he remained for one year. He then returned to the farm and resumed its operation. In 1912 he was elected a member of the state legislature and is at present serving his second term. He had the honor of delivering the speech nominating for United States senator Dean Sterling, who was later elected.

Mr. Heglin was married August 17, 1889, to Miss Elizabeth Ostlund, a native of Sweden, who accompanied her parents to the United States in 1868. Her father took up a home- stead in Clay county but subsequently returned to Sweden, where he is now living retired. His wife died in 1890. To Mr. and Mrs. Heglin have been born the following children: Edna, who is now at home but was formerly a student in the University of South Dakota, making a special study of music; Judith, a graduate of the high school of Vermillion, who is fitting herself for a teacher; Herbert, who is a high-school student; and Wallace, who is attending the district school.

Mr. Heglin was formerly a populist but now gives his political allegiance to the repub- lican party. He has held various local offices and has always taken an active interest in town- ship and school affairs. His religious faith is that of the Lutheran church and he is a deacon in the local organization of that denomination. He has added one hundred acres to the two hundred acres of land owned by his father and the farm is one of the best developed in the county, yielding a good financial return annually. In early manhood Mr. Heglin took up the study of music and organized the Dalesburg Band, which played at a number of state fairs. He was the leader of this band from its organization in 1887 until 1903 and under his direc- tion it became a musical organization of merit. For thirty years he has been the choir leader in the Lutheran church and in many ways has contributed to the musical development of his locality. He is a man of broad views and of well balanced personality and gives his sup- port to all movements that have as their object the material, moral or intellectual develop- ment of his part of the state.

WILLIAM C. COULSON.

William C. Coulson is a resident farmer of Yankton precinet, Yankton county, and has made his home in Dakota since the spring of 1880. He was born in Pittsburgh, Penn- sylvania, September 20, 1860, a son of John Coulson, also a native of Pittsburgh. The father ran on the river between Pittsburgh and New Orleans and also to some extent on the Missis- sippi north of St. Louis for forty years and three of his brothers were also river men. In 1884 he purchased thirteen hundred acres of land near Volin, this state, and turned his at- tention to the raising of cattle and sheep, conducting his ranching interests on an extensive scale. After many years he retired, sold his ranch and purchased one hundred and thirty- six acres of land in the Yankton precinct, where his son William now lives. Thereon he resided until his death, which occurred about 1897. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Kate Wakefield, was born near Pittsburgh and they became the parents of four chil- dren: Albert, now living in Los Angeles, California: Lizzie, the wife of J. N. Hassler, of Pawnee, Nebraska; Clara, the wife of Frank McDonald, also of Pawnee; and William C.

The last named spent the greater part of his youth and acquired his education in Pittsburgh and at the age of seventeen years started out on his own account, going on a trip up the Missouri river to Fort Benton. It was in the spring of 1877 that he first came to Dakota on the steamer Rosebud, under Captain Grant Marsh. This boat was built at Pittsburgh for the upper Missouri river trade and Mr. Coulson was a member of the first crew. The hoat was loaded at Pittsburgh for St. Louis, where its eargo was then discharged and another taken on, the boat proceeding up the river with army supplies to the head of

HISTORY OF SOUTH DAKOTA

navigation at Fort Benton. Later the crew transferred to the Josephine running between Bismarck, the terminus of the Northern Pacific Railroad, and Fort Benton. Early in No- vember of that year Mr. Coulson came down the river to Yankton and returned by rail to Pittsburgh. He hecame engaged in the tobacco business at Pittsburgh, where he remained until the spring of 1880, when he returned to Dakota to make his permanent home. He came up the river with his father's family, making his way to Volin in 1884, and remained upon the ranch until the time of his marriage, which was celebrated September 28, 1887. He then began farming for himself, renting a ranch from his father-in-law for a year. He afterward lived upon another rented farm for three years and in 1891 located on his pres- ent farm on section 9, Yankton precinct.

Mr. Coulson was united in marriage to Miss Delia White, who was born near Scales Mound, Illinois, a daughter of John and Henrietta (Phelps) White. A brother of Mr. White, who had been in Dakota for a few years, returned to Illinois on a visit and induced John White to buy the Todd farm on the James river east of Yankton. He purchased the land at a low figure following the flood and sent his son Tom out that spring to take charge of the ranch. The latter kept bachelor's hall until 1884, when his sister Delia came to Dakota to act as his housekeeper. Later the father sold his farm in Illinois and in 1885 came to Yankton county, purchasing the Erickson farm north of the Todd farm. Subse- quently he added to his holdings until he was the owner of thirteen hundred and fifty aeres. He erected upon his land a large residence and made many other substantial and modern improvements, having one of the most desirable and attractive groups of farm buildings in the county.

Mrs. Coulson was the third in a family of six children, all of whom are living in Yank- ton precinct, and by her marriage she has become the mother of three children: William S., at home; Shirley Wakefield, attending the Yankton high school; and Edward.

Mr. Coulson is a democrat in his political views but has never been an office seeker. While on the ranch near Volin he was frequently called out to fight prairie fires. During his first trip to Dakota he saw numerous buffaloes, which in those days ranged the prairies in the western part of the state. Wolves were also numerous enough to be pests and fre- quently stole young pigs and chickens from the farm of Mr. Coulson. Conditions have greatly changed, however, and every evidence of modern civilization is found in the fine farm homes and well developed fields to be seen in Yankton county.

ADAM J. BLESER.

Adam J. Bleser, who is successfully engaged in the real-estate and insurance business at Milbank, is a native of Manitowoc, Wisconsin, and was horn on the 28th of August. 1852. His parents, Adam and Mary Elizabeth (Pauley) Bleser, were born respectively in Prussia in 1820 and in Alsace-Lorraine in July. 1834. The father emigrated to the United States when twenty years of age and settled in Manitowoc Rapids, Wisconsin, where he followed merchandising for a number of years. Subsequently he removed to the town of Manitowoc and entered business circles there. His political belief was that of the democratic party and the Catholic church had in him a loyal member. He was successful and highly esteemed and well liked in his community. His wife is still living and resides at Manitowoc. To their union were born nine children, six of whom survive: Adam J .; D. B., who is a brewer re- siding in Manitowoc; N. J., who is engaged in the drug business in Milhank; Ida, the wife of Frank Miller, of Manitowoc; Theresa, who married Joseph Stahley, of Manitowoc: and Josie, the wife of Captain Knudtson, of Manitowoc. He served as captain of a company during the Spanish-American war and has also been state senator, being the youngest mem- ber of the senate of Wisconsin at the time of his connection with that body.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 9

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