USA > South Dakota > Faulk County > History of Faulk County, South Dakota, together with biographical sketches of pioneers and prominent citizens > Part 4
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S. F. THORN'S OLD SOD SHANTY IN 1888
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have spent a night in the prairie. Not that the experience of the pioneers was more exciting or tragic than many others; but as an illustration of the common lot of the first settlers upon the broad prairies of the great northwest, is this sketch published.
While some of these settlers are among the prominent and influential citizens of Faulk county to-day, many of them were young, unmarried men, who, after "proving up" their claims, returned to their former homes, leaving their lands unimproved. Many of these broad acres are now upon the market at prices that make them the most valu- able of any land in Faulk county, when the price at which they can be bought, is taken into consideration.
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CHAPTER X. THE PIONEER SETTLER. (FINANCIAL. )
The history of the pioneers and early settlers of Faulk county has nothing materially different from what could be recorded of thousands of others. There have been hard- ships and disappointments, there have been sickness and discouragement, the drouth and hot waves; the blight, the wind and tornado, with the hard storms of winter. To those without the knowledge and experience to meet and successfully contend against such conditions, they brought disaster and ruin, which, together with homesickness, drove many a hardy pioneer to seek other, and, as they then thought, better and more desirable locations. Those years which brought little but disappointment and unre- quited toil, have long since passed, we hope and believe, never to return. Climatic changes have been marked and signal, and with the experience and superior knowledge of the enterprising, intelligent and persevering husbandmen, they have been turned to the advantage and actual advance- ment of the country and prosperity of the people.
The return now and then of one of the disheartened and disappointed pioneers, who left in the years when crop failure was the rule rather than the exception, has almost invariably been followed by admission that it would have been far better to have remained and continued the strug- gle until the wonderful change that climatic conditions and perseverance have wrought on every hand, were available to all.
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Could the history of all those who came to Faulk county in the eighties be written, and careful comparison be made between those who have struggled on through sunshine and storm, through adversity and prosperity, and who are now in possession of so many broad acres that make up the happy, prosperous homes now in the possession of these enterprising farmers and stockmen, and those who yielded to privation and hardship, it would be self evident that here, as in every other instance, perseverance and a heroic struggle come out very far ahead.
And as year after year, with its abundant harvest and increasing prosperity comes to Faulk county, each adding to the happy homes the broad acres under cultivation, many times multiplied, with it; waving grain and luxuri- ant grasses, grazing herds and various industries, support- ing a population of 25,000 and occupying her right position as the garden of South Dakota. This looking forward is not visionary nor imaginary, but based upon careful obser- vation and fully realized in all save actual numbers.
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CHAPTER XI. THE FIRST MEMORIAL DAY.
Among the pioneer settlers of Faulk county, the vete- rans of 1860-1864 were a goodly number, who had served their country in the Civil War. On the near approach of May 30, 1884, there was a general desire to appropriately observe this national holiday. Upon the coming of the day the people went forth with flowers to decorate the graves of our fallen heroes. The rains descended to baptize the floral offerings that came from sincere and sympathetic hearts. While the day opened rainy, and unfavorable to those intending to come from distant parts of our county, the patriotism, love of country, enterprise and intelligence indicated by the number who did come, necessitated the idea of an indoor meeting being abandoned, and an out- door meeting to be held. The procession was formed at the school house, headed by some thirty children bearing wreaths of flowers; next came fifteen old soldiers, of which the following is a roster, viz:
John H. Shirk, Co. E, 79th Reg., Penn. Vol. Infantry; J. P. Sutton, Co. D, 34th Reg., Iowa Vol. Infantry; H. K. Hursh, Co. A, 89th Reg., Indiana Vol. Infantry; L. K. Parmenter, Co. A, 14th Reg., Illinois Vol., Infantry; J. W. Parker, Co. G, 45th Reg., Illinois Vol. Infantry; G. Niederauer, Co. G. 1st Reg., Michigan Vol. Infantry; Rev. C. Douglas, Chaplain, 18th Reg., Mo. Vol. Infantry; W. H. DuBois, Co. D, 9th Reg., Indiana Vol. Cavalry; J. A. Pickler, Major, 3rd Reg., Iowa Vol. Cavalry;
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M. Summy, Co. , 9th Reg., New York Cavalry, H. A. Humphrey, Co. A, 8th Reg., Illinois Cavalry;
Peter Hawn, Co. Q, 8th. Reg., Illinois Cavalry;
George J. Jarvis, 3rd Wisconsin Battery;
P. B. Durley, Q. M., 124th Reg., Illinois Infantry; J. S. Hamilton, U. S. Navy.
Then followed a large body of citizens. The column marched from the school house to a monument erected above a new made soldier's grave. The procession formed on three sides of the monument and grave, when the president of the day, Capt. J. H. Wallace, announced that exercises would be opened by prayer by Comrade Chaplain Clinton Douglas, followed by singing "Cover Them Over," by the Glee club.
The children then decked the base of the monument with wreaths and covered the grave appropriately with flowers. Then followed an able and eloquent oration by Major J. A. Pickler, which was followed by the song, "Battle Cry of Freedom." The program closed with the reading, by Miss Ella Hamilton, of Will Carleton's beauti- ful Memorial Day poem, entitled, "Cover Then Over With Beautiful Flowers."
The exercises were so intensely interesting that an hour was spent in reminiscences and song before the patriotic company broke up.
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CHAPTER XII. NEW SOCIAL RELATIONS.
No one element in human character is more marked and goes farther to make life happy and enjoyable than the readiness with which Americans, whether from the east or from the larger and more liberal west, adapt themselves to their immediate surroundings through their happy, genial sociability, the intuition with which they wisely select and appropriate, until the past, with all its loving and loveable association, is largely exchanged-though not forgotten- for present, active, living associations, to continue while life may last.
These elements of character, so prominent among the first settlers of Faulk county, dispelled all loneliness and brought the pioneers from various sections of the Union into one satisfied, happy and congenial society.
The extent to which this was accomplished in Faulk- ton may be realized from the following items published in the Faulkton Times of February 10th, 1884, a little more than a year after the first actual settlement of the town:
"The Chautauqua Circle with invited guests to the number of nearly half a hundred, met at the residence of Major Pickler on Friday evening last, to celebrate the birthday anniversary of the Scottish poet, Burns, by appro- priate literary and musical exercises. If the unanimous and enthusiastic decision of those present can be adjudged correct, this proved to be the most enjoyable evening in the three months history of the circle. And was carried out by the following programme:
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Caledonia March, organ and violin-Messrs. McElherne and Howard.
Biography of the Poet-F. A. Pangburn.
Song, "Annie Laurie"-Mrs. Douglas, Mrs. Fifield and Mrs. Darby.
Recitation, "Man was Made to Mourn"-P. B. Durley.
Song, "Sweet Afton"-Messrs. Turner, McElherne and Howard.
Recitation, "Tanı O'Shanter"-Frank Turner.
Recitation, "Bide a Wee"-Mrs. Darby, Mrs. Fifield and Frank Turner.
Recitation, "Northern Farmer"-F. S, McElherne.
Recitation, "McPherson's Farewell"-C. H. Howard.
Medley of Scottish Airs, organ and violin,-Messrs.
McElherne and Howard.
Recitation, "John Anderson, my Jo, John"-Mrs. Pickler assisted by J. A. Pickler.
Sentiments by the Circle.
"Auld Lang Syne, " by the company.
In a programme so entirely well executed it seems scarcely just to discriminate, but the biography of the poet, by Mr. Pangburn, was such an admirable criticism of the life and character of the poet, that it is deserving of special mention. And the recitation of Tam O'Shanter, by Mr. Turner, was faultless in force, dialect and expression, as was Tennyson's Northern Farmer, so finely rendered by Mr. McElherne. The music was good, as it always is in charge of those to whom that part was assigned. As a happy reminder of the occasion, the name "Robert Burns, 1759," in silver letters on cardinal streamers was promin- ently displayed. It is a pleasure to note the increasing in-
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interest in, and love for the best literature of the age, which the C. L. S. C. brings to its members. Let others be organized in the county."
"On Saturday evening last one of those pleasant sur- prises that sweeten life and awaken the heart to newer and tenderer sympathies, found its intended victim in the per- son of our worthy bachelor friend, Mr. Bernard Paulson, and happened in this way: A few days ago, Captain and Mrs. Humphrey discovered, in looking over the Times of a year ago, a reference to Mr. Paulson's birthday occuring on the 9th of February. With their characteristic trait of doing something to make people happy, they decided to make arrangements, unknown to Mr. Paulson, to celebrate it this year. They accordingly invited him to spend the evening with them, and extended the invitation to as many friends as could be accomodated in their snug little home. On the evening named, as the company turned the curve in the road which brings the house into full view, there was a spontaneous burst of admiration as they caught sight of it, beautifully illuminated, every window radiant, looking like a fairy picture, with its background and foreground of snow, over which the lights were brilliantly gleaming. We were met at the door by the genial host and hostess ex- tending a welcome to all, and soon found ourselves under benign influences radiating from the big base burner in an atmosphere that spake not of the winter without. When all the guests had assembled, Capt. Humphrey in a few well chosen words, in which he said something about bachelors needing someone to assist them in celebrating anniver-
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saries, introduced Mr. Paulson as the honored guest of the evening, it being the occasion of his 47th birthday. Mr, Paulson's surprise found expression in kindly thanks, also remarking that his birthday had not been celebrated since ten years ago, and that a friend had written a poem for that occasion, which he, in looking over other papers that day had found and put in his pocket and which at the request of the company he read, and his happy countenance and cheerful acquiescence in the pleasures of the evening gave evidence of his appreciation of the honor intended. Well, we wish space would permit us to tell about the refresh- ments-how delicious was the ice cream, how we had real wedding cake all the way from Illinois, and sponge, and delicate, and chocolate and other cake, and amber coffee with real cream, etc., etc., and the sprightly conversation and amusing games, among them that of prominent men, when Mr. Paulson kept us guessing so long about Barnum, and Mr. Munroe did likewise with Daniel Boone, and others equally good, and how reluctantly the party rose to go at nearly the midnight hour and took leave, wishing Mr. Paulson many happy returns, and expressing their in- debtedness to Captain and Mrs. Humphrey for one of the happiest evenings spent in our new Dakota,"
"The Congregational church of Faulkton was organ- ized on Saturday, January 6th, by adopting a carefully drawn constitution, articles of faith and covenant. And at an adjourned meeting hield on Wednesday after10011. January 10th, there were thirteen members who entered into covenant, and there were seven more who proposed to
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unite at the first communion. The following officers were elected at the adjourned meeting: Pastor, Clinton Douglas; Trustees, M. Summy, P. B. Durley and Geo. A. Morse; Deacons, P. B. Durley, S. N. Whittlesey; Treasurer, E. E. Pierce: Clerk, R. G. Newton. An examining committee and a committee on music were also chosen. The church voted to have regular service every Sunday at 11 o'clock, and a prayer meeting at the pastor's house every Wednes- day afternoon at three o'clock. Communion at the hour of regular service, every two months, beginning on the first Sabbath in January."
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CHAPTER XIII. THE FIRST ELECTION.
A county organization had been secured with appointed officials; but not until the national election of November, 1884, had county and district conventions been held, and the LaFoon Record, Vol. II, No. 36, Evans & Geddes pro- prietors, of November 1, 1884, published the following National Republican ticket:
For president, James G. Blaine, of Maine; for vice president, John A. Logan, of Illinois. Territorial ticket: For delegate to congress, District of Dakota, Oscar S. Gif- ford. Legislative ticket, sixth district: For councilmen J. P. Day and J. H. Westover; for representatives, J. A. Pickler, G. W. Pierce, J. T. Blackmore, and M. L. Miller; County Ticket: For Judge of Probate Court, C. H. Derr; for Clerk of District Court, F. A. Pangburn; for Register of Deeds, Jas. W. Johnston; for County Attorney, E. G. Clif- ford; for County Treasure, P. E. Knox; for Sheriff, L. M. Buland; for Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. A. P. Rose; for Assessor, E. C. Sage; for Surveyor, B. H. Clark; for Coroner, L. M. Sprowls; for Justices of the Peace, Frank Turner, Darius S. Smith, W. R. Davis and W. G. Faulk- ner; for Constables, J. W. Bass, C. B. Oakes, Edward Hoisel and C. J. Cooper; for County Seat, LaFoon; for County Commissioner, Second District, John L. Chain.
The following account of the First Republican County Convention, published by the Faulkton Times of Sept. 1884, is entitled to a place of record as a historical event of that day.
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"Faulk county has had her first county convention for the nomination of county officers. It assembled at LaFoon last Saturday pursuant to call. Shortly after 11 o'clock, the hour set for the convention to meet, the delegates, can- didates and spectators-about an equal number of each- assembled at the school house, and were called to order by C. H. Derr. The call was read by M. L. Wood, who placed in nomination L. H. Bailey for temporary chairman. Morgan G. Millard and A. E. Evans were chosen secretar- ies.
On motion the delegation of each precinct named a mem- ber of the committee on credentials. The following per- sons were named:
Precinct No. 1, G. S. Rice,
Precinct No. 2, Mark Purdy,
Precinct No. 3, Geo. B. Dyer,
Precinct No. 4, Chas. Rathke,
Precinct No. 5, J. V. Smack,
Precinct No. 6, W. G. Faulker, Precinct No. 7, P. B. Durley, Precinct No. 8, Chas. Oakes,
Precinct No. 9, H. S. Utley, Precinct No. 11, Harris Pool,
Precinct No. 12, Geo. A. Morse,
Precinct No. 13, C. H. Ellis.
There being a contest from number 10 no member of the committe was allowed from this precinct.
On motion the chairman appointed the following com- mittee on permanent organization; R. G. Morton, M. G. Millard, H. A. Humphrey and two others whose names are not given.
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On motion each precinct designated a member of the County Central Committee. The following now constitute the Central Committee:
Precinct No. 1, J. P. Randall,
Precinct No. 2, W. M. Walker,
Precinct No. 3, Morgan G. Millard,
Precinct No. 4, Chas. Rathke,
Precinct No. 5, H. W. Reinicke,
Precinct No. 6, J. H. Shirk,
Precinct No. 7, P. B. Durley,
Precinct No. 8, C. H. Derr,
Precinct No. 9, A. F. Clark, Precinct No. 10, J. R. Dutch,
Precinct No. 11. M. L. Wood,
Precinct No. 12, Geo. A. Morse,
Precinct No. 13, Wm. H. Lower.
On motion the chairman appointed the following as a committee to place in nomination delegates to the Pierre and Redfield conventions:
P. B. Durley, B. H. Clark, F. M. Byrne and Charles Chambers.
The convention then adjourned until 1 p. m.
When the convention met in the afternoon the com- mittee on credentials reported the following delegates:
1-G. S. Rice, L. H. Bailey, Ed. Clifford, James Devine, Chas. Chambers.
2-M. Purdy, C. C. Gettings, A. Garrick. · 3-Morgan G. Millard, G. W. McTier, Geo. B. Dyer. 4-Charles Rathke, Otto Mielke.
5-Harry A. Sprowles, J. V. Smack, B. H. Clark.
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6-J. A. Pickler, W. G. Faulker, J. W. Bass, J. H. Shirk.
7-P. B. Durley, Ed. Hoisel, H. A. Humphrey, J. W. Hays.
8-A. B. Sheldon, R. G. Morton, Joseph Powell, C. B. Oakes, A. E. Evans.
9-H. S. Utley, Geo. M. Buterfield, Alex Miller, R. Travis.
10-Robert Knapton, F. M. Brown, J. M. Miles.
11-H. Chain, H. Pool, Orin Strevel, H. Metz.
12-D. O. Hillman, Geo. A. Morse, Chas. S. Chase. 13-C. H. Ellis, W. W. Gwin, John Parsons.
Geo. A. Morse presented a minority report on precinct No. 10 recommending Theodore Speltz and August Seemer to seats in the convention, but this was voted down and the delegation above named admitted to seats.
Committee on permanent organization reported in favor of making the temporary organization permanent, which report met the unanimous endorsement of the con- vention.
The convention then proceeded to the nominations.
C. H. Derr received 46 votes for the nomination of probate judge and was declared the unanimous choice of the convention for that office.
On motion it was ordered that the first vote in all the succeeding nominations be considered informal.
Frank A. Pangburn, of Faulkton, received 40 and J. W. Miles, of LaFoon, 6 votes for the nomination of clerk of district court. The nomination of Mr. Pangburn was made unanimous.
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Before the convention assembled it was plain to be seen that the nomination for register of deeds and county clerk had narrowed down to Charles I. Crow, of DeVoe, and Jas. W. Johnston, of LaFoon. No other candidates were talked of. On the informal ballot Johnston received 27 and Crow 19 votes. The nomination of Johnston was made unanimous.
For treasurer, P. E. Knox received 37 votes and E. C. Sage 9.
For county superintendent of schools, Mrs. Rose re- received 37 votes and Mr. Davis 9.
For sheriff L. M. Buland received 30 votes and Harry Chamberlain 16.
For assessor E. C, Sage received 17 votes, F. A. Sea- man 15, Samuel Davisson 8, A. A. Garrick 3, A. E. Clark 3. The name of Davisson was then withdrawn in favor of Seaman. The second ballot resulted as follows: Sage 28 votes, Seaman 18.
Dr. L. M. Sprowles was nominated by acclamation for the office of coroner.
B. H. Clark received 46 votes for the nomination of surveyor.
E. C. Clifford and Geo. J. Jarvis were the candidates before the convention for district attorney, the former re- ceived 42 votes, the latter 4.
Each of the foregoing nominations were, in their turn, and with a hearty and good natured shout, made unanimous.
The following were nominated for justices of the peace: Frank Turner, W. R. Davis, W. G. Faulkner, and D. S. Smith. For constables: J. W. Bass, C. B. Oakes, Ed. Hoisel and Chauncy J. Cooper.
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The report of the committee on nomination of dele- gates to the Pierre and Redfield conventions was taken up and adopted. Following are the delegates: To the Pierre convention, J. A. Pickler and John L. Chain; to the Red- field convention: W. S. Belknap, C. H. Ellis, M. L. Wood and F. M. Brown.
The following resolutions were adopted by a unani- mous vote of the convention:
Resolved, 1, That in this, the first republican conven- tion of Faulk county, we affirm our allegiance to the prin- ciples of the republican party and, although deprived of the privilege of expressing our preference by the ballot, we desire to voice our sentiment in favor of James G. Blaine and John A. Logan for President and Vice-President of the Nation, and that we invite all persons without regard to former party affiliation to join and cooperate with us in furthering the common interests of our county.
2nd, That deeming the division of this territory and the admission of that porfion south of the 46th parallel as a state, paramount in importance to all other political ques- tions, we respectfully and persistently demand such nat- ional legislation as will secure this result.
3rd, That we are unalterably opposed to the admission of the territory, as a whole, to statehood.
4th, That the thanks of the party are due to the gen- tlemen comprisng the Wood and Derr committees for the masterly and satisfactory manner in which they united their committees, thus restoring harmony in the party, and that we pledge our earnest support to the ticket today 110111- inated by the convention.
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ADAM SANGSTER'S RESIDENCE, ELLISVILLE, S. ! ).
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The following resolution recommending J. A. Pickler as a candidate for the territorial legislature and instructing the delegates to the Redfield convention to support him was introduced by G. S. Rice in a brilliant and eloquent speech.
Whereas, It seems to be the desire of the republicans of Faulk county to present the name of a Faulk county citizen for the office of member of the legislature, be it therefore,
Resolved, That our delegates to Redfield be instructed to use all honorable means to secure the nomination of Mr. J. A. Pickler as candidate for said office,
The Major responded in a few touching words, thank- ing the convention for the honor conferred, and pledging himself, if elected, to faithfully protect the interests of the people. The resolution was unanimously adopted.
Thus, having finished its labors, the first county coll- vention of Faulk county adjourned to meet at the polls and elect the ticket. A more intelligent and harmonious body we have seldom seen. The order and system with which the proceedings were carried on showed, on the part of all, a familiarity with the public business,"
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CHAPTER XIII CONTINUED, NEW POSTOFFICES.
On October 17th, 1882, the Faulkton postoffice was established, being the first one in Faulk county. On the 24th of July, 1884, one year and nine months from the establishment of the first office, there were twelve post- offices doing business in the county, viz: Faulkton, LaFoon, DeVoe, Wesley, Roanoke, Scatterwood, Cresbard, Har- rington, Newton, Myron, Mason City and Ellisville, with inail and stage routes as follows: From Miller, in Hand county, to Faulkton; tri-weekly from Faulkton to Aber- deen, in Brown county; from Athol, in Spink county, tri- weekly and from Highmore, in Hyde county, to Ellisville, semi-weekly.
An educated, intelligent, law abiding class of citizens were to be found in all parts of the county. Schools were established, the Sabbath observed, there were Sunday schools in numerous places and religious services were reg- ularly held and were well attended.
The people had come from their old homes in different sections of this country, from Canada, and quite a number from Europe, to find a common home in Dakota, to become Dakotans, neighbors and friends, with common interests and a common purpose, to succeed. Not to be satisfied with conditions of the past, but to improve upon theni, to surround themselves with better and more enjoyable asso- ciations, to lay the foundation broad and wide for greater social, intellectual and political advancement and pros- perity.
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CHAPTER XIV. THE DONATION OF A CHURCH BELL.
Among the early settlers of Faulk county there was no one of broader and more liberal view than Capt. John Douglas, who located in the extreme western part of the county, or one who took a deeper interest in the general upbuilding of society. His family, his town or his im- mediate surroundings were far from being the whole world to hin1. Among the public spirited acts of Capt. Douglas, and one that reached our people in a way not to be forgot- ten, was his influence in securing to a struggling congre- gation a fine toned bell that continues to ring out upon every Sabbath morning a call to assemble, recognize and "Praise Him From Whom all Blessings Flow."
The interest in and appreciation of the act by the people of Faulkton, is best told by the following extracts from the local paper of that week:
"Judge J. Douglas, of Lonaconing, Md., father of Capt. J. Douglas of Seneca, has presented to the Congre- gational church of this place a 550-pound bell, tone "a." The bell will be shipped from the McShane bell foundry of Baltimore, and will cost $140. The bell is the free and generous gift of Judge Douglas, and one that will be most acceptable and gratefully received by the church and fully appreciated and enjoyed by all. It is anticipated that its welcome tones will be heard in Faulkton within a month."
THE BELL.
"The Times last week mentioned the arrival of the bell donated by Judge J. Douglas of Lonaconing, Maryland,
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