USA > South Dakota > Minnehaha County > History of Minnehaha county, South Dakota. Containing an account of its settlements, growth, development and resources Synopsis of public records, biographical sketches > Part 29
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RILEY, THOMAS B., was born at New Albany, Indiana, June 26, 1836; was educated in the city schools, and when eighteen years old entered into a contract for three years as an apprentice to learn the trade of carpenter and joiner. At the expiration of that time he con- tinued to work at his trade until the breaking out of the civil war, and in 1861 enlisted in Co. F, 59th Indiana, and served until October, 1864. After his discharge he went to Illinois and engaged in farm- ing until 1883, when he came to Dakota and settled in Valley Springs. He purchased two quarter sections in Valley Springs township, and one quarter section in Martin township, Rock county, Minnesota. He took up his residence in the village of Valley Springs, and for ten vears engaged in the lumber business. He was one of the trustees of the village several years. In June, 1898, he removed to Sioux Falls, where he now resides. He still owns his farms and town property in Valley Springs, is a thorough business man, and a respected citizen.
SKILLMAN, F. L., was born in Chenango county, New York, January 21, 1844, and lived there until 1856 when he removed to Wabasha county, Wisconsin. November 2, 1861, he enlisted in Co. G, 3d Minnesota infantry, and re-enlisted as a veteran in the same regiment in 1863. In April, 1865, he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant Co. K, 113 U. S. C. T., and remained in the service until September 4, of that year. After the war he remained in Minnesota until 1879, when he removed to Brookings county, Dakota, and from there to Valley Springs in September, 1886. His business since coming to Dakota has been that of a druggist. Mr. Skillman is a good business man, and an upright, honest citizen, and his influence is always felt in the furtherance of such projects as promise to elevate the stand- ard of good society in the community in which he lives. He was one of the trustees of the village of Valley Springs two years, and has been treasurer of the same since 1897.
URQUHART, J. J., was born in Cornwall, Canada. After his coming to the United States he resided in New York and Vermont, and came to Dakota and located at Valley Springs April 1, 1886. At that time his entire capital consisted of five dollars in cash. The
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first summer he worked out by the month, and saved enough money to pay for a marriage license and a few household goods. In the spring of 1887, he rented a farm for three years, ran in debt for a team, and commenced farming. At the end of three years he held an auction and sold his stock and machinery, paid his debts and had S1,300 left. He then bought a house and lot in the village of Valley Springs and commenced clerking for L. S. Hetland. He has held the office of constable and deputy sheriff. Mr. Urquhart is an active, energetic business man and a good citizen.
WHALEY, ARCHIE L., was born in Oneida county, New York, in September, 1835, and died at the village of Valley Springs, May 6, 1895. When a mere lad he moved with his parents to Wisconsin, where he was reared on a farm and educated in the common schools. He resided in Iowa twenty-five years engaged in farming. In May, 1876, he came to this county and settled in Red Rock, taking up a homestead. When the railroad reached Valley Springs he com- menced business there, in which he continued until his decease. During his residence in Valley Springs he held several official posi- tions; was president of the village and school board, village treas- urer, postmaster for four years and deputy postmaster for several years. He always took quite an interest in political matters, and was frequently a delegate to political conventions. He was success- ful in business, and was one of the most noticeable men upon the streets of the village. He was an enterprising citizen, a kind neigh- bor and an upright, honest man.
WRIGHT, G. W., was born at Ottawa, Canada, September 26, 1860, and emigrated with his parents to the United States in 1862. In 1873 he came to Luverne, Minnesota, and in June, 1885, removed to this county and located at Valley Springs. He then engaged in business at that place with A. Peterson, and in the spring of 1886 he bought his partner's interest and entered into copartnership with W. J. Carey, which continued until 1890. Soon after the building of the flouring mill at Valley Springs he became the salesman and bookkeeper of that concern. He has been president of the board of trustees of the village of Valley Springs and clerk of both the village and township. He is an upright, honest man, and a respected citizen.
SPLIT ROCK TOWNSHIP.
(101-48)
The boundary lines of Split Rock township were surveyed at an early date. The portion of the south line bounded by the Iowa state line was surveyed in 1852, the remainder of the south line and the west line were surveyed by Wm. J. Neeley in July, 1859, the north and east lines by Cortez Fessenden in July, 1862, and the subdivision was made by Carl C. P. Meyer in August, 1864. It contains 23,057.57 acres of land. The Big Sioux river enters the township on the north- west quarter of section 4, and running thence almost due south, leaves the township and county near the center of the south line of section 33. Split Rock river enters the township in the northeast quarter of section 2, but after pursuing its course in a southwesterly direction a short distance, turns north, and flows around the south- west corner of section 35 in Brandon, and again enters the township upon the same quarter section. From this point it flows in a south- westerly course, and forms a junction with the Big Sioux a few rods south of the center of section 16. This stream was at an early date known by the name of Emenija, and so well known as to appear in Johnson's Illustrated Atlas of the World. In the same atlas it also appears that there was a town located at the junction of the Big Sioux and this stream, with the same name. Two branches of Beaver creek form a junction in section 13, and flowing in a westerly course, unite with the Split Rock in section 15 near its north line. There was also another small stream according to the government survey, flowing diagonally through the southeast portion of the township, forming a junction with the Sioux river at the center of the south line of section 33, but if a survey should be made in a dry season it would not find a place upon the map.
In 1877 a small flouring mill was built on the east bank of the Sioux river in the northeast quarter of section 33, known as Ban- ning's mill. In 1881 it was nearly destroyed by high water, and was not repaired and put in operation again until in 1892. In some re- spects it is an important township, having within its boundaries the incorporated city of East Sioux Falls, and quite a village called Row- ena. The presence of Sioux quartzite in large quantities in section 26, induced Thomas J. Ryan of Iowa to purchase several hundred acres of land and commence quarrying the stone. In October, 1888, he platted forty-three blocks in the southeast quarter of this section, and the little village of Rowena sprung into existence. A station on the Illinois Central railroad was located at this point, a post office
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HISTORY OF MINNEHAHA COUNTY.
established, and some fine buildings and two warehouses erected. One of the remarkable features attending this post office is the num- ber of postmasters who have been in charge during its existence. George M. Nix was appointed postmaster November 9, 1888; H. J. Eager, May 27, 1889: John E. Brown, December 5, 1889; F. H. Marshall. September 6, 1890; F. R. Wright, June 22, 1894; Charles H. Matthews, June 1, 1896; and Alfred Reid, December 1, 1897. The Electric Motor Line from Sioux Falls had its terminus at East Sioux Falls, while in existence, and the C., St. P., M. & O. railroad runs through sections 1 and 2, and the northwest corner of section 3.
The first settler in this township was Ole B. Iverson, who located on section 21. Four days after Mr. Iverson's arrival Ole Bergerson came, and took up 320 acres of land in section 4. The first house, a dug-out, was built in the fall of 1868, on the southwest quarter of section 21, about thirty rods northwest of the east end of the bridge across the Sioux River. It was built by Mr. Iverson, Ole and Soren Bergerson, and Mr. Iverson and wife together with the Bergersons lived there the following winter.
LIST OF OFFICERS-1881-1899.
1881. The first meeting of the township board was held at the house of Peter Iverson, January 11, 1881, and the board was organ- ized by the election of Charles Olander as chairman, R. S. Svolde, one of the supervisors, and George White, clerk, were present. June 9, a second meeting was held and all the members of the board, Charles Olander, R. S. Svolde and Ale Abramson, were present, al- so Ole Bergerson, justice of the peace. At this meeting, Amon Johnson was appointed clerk. July 18, the board met and allowed the bill of Christ Clauson, for twelve days' work as assessor, in the sum of twenty-four dollars.
1882. January 2, the board met at the house of Evan Fris- ley, and the newly elected officers qualified. May 4, the board met, Charles Olander, chairman, Soren Bergerson and David Ban- ning, supervisors. Amon Johnson having removed from town, Alo Abrahamson was appointed clerk. Gust Florell was treasurer of the township in 1882.
1883. January 2, the board met and officers qualified. Charles Olander chairman, Soren Bergerson, supervisor, Alo Abrahamson, clerk, George Larson, treasurer, John O. Walker and Ole Berger- son justices of the peace. The clerk was directed to post notices in five different places ten days before town meetings. January 24, the board met and appointed M. South supervisor and Sivert Swenson constable, and re-districted the road districts.
1884. January 2, a town meeting was held at the house of John O. Walker, to determine whether the town would raise eleven hun- dred dollars to aid in the construction of a bridge at Peter Iverson's across the Sioux river, but the records are silent in regard to the action of the meeting, except that John O. Walker was elected mod- erator. At a meeting of the board February 26, a resolution was passed, that the construction of a bridge at Banning's mill, should
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HISTORY OF MINNEHAHA COUNTY.
not become a charge upon the town, for the reason that it was con- structed regardless of public demand and was of no use to a majority of the people of the town. March 4, the following officers were elected: Charles Olander chairman, M. South and Ole Bergerson su- pervisors, John T. Lee assessor, John O. Walker clerk, George Lar- son treasurer, Thomas Cuthbert and Nels Simons justices. A vote of thanks was passed to Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Larson for the use of their house for town meetings. March 17, the town board met and discontinued a highway "that crossed a creek in numerous places, passed over hills and through sloughs, and was useless as a public highway." March 18, John O. Walker was appointed justice of the peace, to fill the vacancy occasioned by Thomas Cuthbert failing to qualify.
1886. The annual town meeting was held March 2, at the house of Andrew Larson. In addition to the election of officers, the town voted to elect road overseers and pound masters by the ballot. The following officers were elected: Ole Bergerson chairman, C. T. Clau- son and Thomas Cuthbert supervisors, John T. Lee clerk, George Larson treasurer, Claus Clauson assessor and Gust Peterson justice. May 18 the board allowed John Nelson $150.00 for damages sustained by reason of a road being laid through his land.
1887. At the annual town meeting March 1, the following offi- cers were elected: Ole Bergerson chairman, Thomas Cuthbert and John T. Lee supervisors, George Larson treasurer, Charles Olander assessor, Nels Simons and Martin Lee justices, and Claus Clauson and Samuel Thompson constables.
1888. The annual town meeting was held at the house of C. T. Clauson, March 6, and the following officers were elected: Charles Olander chairman, Oliver Munson and Ward Benedict supervisors, George Larson treasurer, J. T. Lee assessor, Thomas Cuthbert clerk, B. S. Peterson and John W. Briggs constables.
1889. The annual town meeting was held at East Sioux Falls on the 5th day of March, and the following persons were elected to the respective offices: Ward Benedict chairman, Charles Olander and Oliver Munson supervisors, Nels Simons clerk, S. C. Peaslee treasurer, J. T. Lee assessor, Frank Chaphe and A. M. Christie justices, and J. R. Reed and J. R. Blue constables. October 29, S. C. Peaslee having resigned as treasurer George Larson was ap- pointed.
1890. The annual meeting was held March 4, at Rowena, and 186 votes were cast. C. A. Lindstrom was elected chairman and Charles Olander and Halvor Mork supervisors, Nels Simons clerk, George Larson treasurer, J. T. Lee assessor, Wiley Lowe justice and Mike Welch constable. It was voted that all town meetings be held at East Sioux Falls. March 20 a town meeting was held to vote on the question of a resurvey of the town. 78 votes were cast, 27 for and 51 against.
1891. March 3, annual town meeting held at Rowena. C. Lind- strom, moderator. The following named persons were elected: Ward Benedict chairman, Halvor Mork and Fred Jacobson supervis- ors, Alfred Reid clerk, George Larson treasurer, Nels Simons asses-
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HISTORY OF MINNEHAHA COUNTY.
sor, Charles Olander and George Powers justices, M. S. Vance and M. Christianson constables. April 7, the board examined roads and bridges and agreed with the town board of Valley Springs to build a bridge across Four Mile creek on range line south of sections 7 and 12, expenses to be equally borne by Split Rock and Valley Springs. September 18, board met in joint session with Valley Springs board to consider the petition for opening the road on line between the towns prayed for. Petition granted, and the amount of damages dif- ferent persons would sustain by reason of opening the road agreed upon.
1892. The annual town meeting was held March 1, at Rowena. Ward Benedict elected chairman, Halvor Mork and Ole Bergerson supervisors, Alfred Reid clerk, George Larson treasurer, Nels Si- mons assessor and A. A. Christie justice. October 25, John C. New- bold was appointed justice in place of William Paulton resigned.
1893. The annual town meeting held at Rowena, March 7, and the following officers were elected: Ward Benedict chairman, Oliver Munson and Martin Lee supervisors, W. J. Benedict, Jr., clerk, W. M. Webster treasurer, Nels Simons assessor, E. Erlingson and J. C. Newbold justices, T. Carlson and J. H. Briggs constables. April 15, a special town meeting was held "to determine whether land marks should be erected at section and quarter section corners throughout the town; and also whether the board should enter into a contract with the county surveyor, or any other competent surveyor, to make true survey of all sections and cause land marks to be erected perma- nently at each section and quarter section corner, as established by the U. S. Government survey." Fifty-eight votes were cast-42 for and 16 against. June 20, board met and allowed bill of T. M. Patten, county surveyor, for surveying the township at $275.00.
1894. Supervisors, Nels Simons chairman, Oliver Munson and Martin Lee; clerk, F. R. Wright; treasurer, W. M. Webster; asses- sor, Claus Clauson.
1895. Supervisors, Richard Banning chairman, Martin Lee and C. A. Lindstrom; clerk, F. R. Wright; treasurer, Alf. Reid; assessor, Claus Clauson.
1896. Supervisors. Richard Banning chairman, H. C. McGil- vray and B. S. Peterson; clerk, F. R. Wright; treasurer, Alf. Reid; assessor, Nels Simons.
1897. Supervisors, Richard Banning chairman, H. C. McGil- vray and B. S. Peterson; clerk, F. R. Wright; treasurer, Alf. Reid; assessor, Claus Clauson.
1898. Same officers as in 1897.
1899. Supervisors, Richard Banning chairman, H. C. McGil- vray and Tollef Neste; clerk, A. N. Brown; treasurer, Alf. Reid; assessor, Claus Clauson; justice of the peace, Martin Lee.
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HISTORY OF MINNEHAHA COUNTY.
EAST SIOUX FALLS.
The platted portion of East Sioux Falls is situated on the south- east quarter of section twenty and the northwest quarter of section twenty-eight in Split Rock township. The Big Sioux river runs through the city, and the Illinois Central railroad has a station at this point. It is six miles east, and one mile south of the city of Sioux Falls.
A petition was presented to the board of county commissioners at its July meeting in 1890, signed by the requisite number of citi- zens residing within certain territory in Split Rock township, re- questing the board to order an election to determine whether it should become an incorporated city. An election was ordered to to be held on the 19th day of August, at which time one hun- dred and forty-two votes were cast; all being in favor of incorpora- tion. The result was reported to the county board, and the territory included in the petition was declared to be incorporated as the City of East Sioux Falls An election of city officers took place soon after, and thecity council held its first meeting October 15, 1890.
The incorporation of the city of East Sioux Falls was the result of the extensive quarrying of the Sioux quartzite at this point, the supply being inexhaustible, and near a railroad station. For two or three years quite a large business was transacted, and the little city presented a lively appearance, but the hard times had a depressing effect upon its principal industry, and other lines of business suf- fered in a corresponding degree. But this valuable stone is still there in large quantities and it is a favorable point for shipment, with a picturesque location, surrounded by a rich farming country, and although in a dormant state at the present time, it is not a Rip Van Winkle sleep that has overtaken this enterprising little burg.
LIST OF OFFICERS OF THE CITY 1890-1899.
1890. Mayor, J. C. Russell; aldermen, James McGrath, George Anderson, Samuel Thompson, Charles Delaney, Thomas Morris and Wm. Handley; James McGrath was elected president and Thomas Morris vice president of the city council; G. W. Jones, auditor; T. P. Howard, assessor; J. H. Voorhees, attorney; Edward J. Riley, treas- urer; H. C. Cornell, city justice; Wiley V. Lowe, police justice; D. C. Rice, city engineer.
At the first meeting of the city council, which was held in the East Sioux Falls Granite Company's office, at the date above men- tioned, the bonds of the officers were fixed as follows: mayor, $3,000; treasurer, $1,000, and all other officers $500 each. At the meeting held October 23, the council ordered a map to be made of the city, and the Sioux Falls Argus-Leader was made the official newspaper. On the 15th day of December the committee on streets and alleys was directed to purchase six lamps, and engage a man to light them when necessary.
1891. Mayor, J. C. Russell; alderman, 1st ward, Thomas P. Howard, Samuel Thompson; 2d ward, H. C. Cornell, George Ander- son; 3d ward, James McGrath, Thomas Hosken; E. J. Riley, treas-
19
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HISTORYOF MINNEHAHA COUNTY.
urer; Charles Delaney, auditor; J. H. Voorhees, attorney; J. J. War- ner, assessor; Wiley V. Lowe, police justice; Isaac Whittle, city justice; John O'Brien, chief of police.
Board of Education, 1st ward, Thomas Thompson; 2d ward, Ed- ward Peterson; 3d ward, E. R. Lossing.
At a meeting of the council on the 5th day of January, the salary of the officers was fixed as follows: mayor, $2; aldermen, SI each; treasurer, $25; auditor, $50; attorney, S150, to take effect from the 15th day of October, 1890. D. C. Rice presented his bill amounting to $32 for making a map of the city, which was allowed.
1892. Mayor, James McGrath; aldermen, 1st ward, Samuel Thompson, George V. Lowe, to fill unexpired term; 2d ward, H. C. Cornell, George Anderson; 3d ward, George Waldrum, Harry War- dle, to fill unexpired term; Wiley V. Lowe, auditor; J. H. Voorhees, attorney; E. J. Riley, treasurer; W. J. Hunt, assessor, and he was appointed police justice June 13; Fred Rudkin, city justice; Harry Baum, chief of police, moved from the city and Mike Welsh was ap- pointed, but was sent to the insane asylum, and Al Martin was ap- pointed to fill the vacancy December 6.
Board of Education, 1st ward, Thomas Thompson; 2d ward, John Hawkins; 3d ward. E. R. Lossing.
Board of Health, 1st ward, George V. Lowe, Sam Thompson, to fill vacancy; 2d ward, George Anderson; 3d ward, Henry Wardle.
1893. Mavor, James McGrath; aldermen, 1st ward, Sam Thompson and J. T Ward, to fill vacancy; 2d ward, H. C. Cornell and George Anderson; 3d ward, Harry Wardle and Thomas Iver- son; E. J. Riley, treasurer; Wiley V. Lowe, auditor; J. H. Voorhees, attorney; W. J. Hunt, police justice; Edward Peterson, city justice; Al. Martin, chief of police.
Board of Education, 1st ward, Mrs. W. J. Hunt and David Ban- ning; 2d ward, John Hawkins and Hans Sinklin; 3d ward, Al. Martin and Alfred Anderson.
The following comprises a list of the officers elected at the an- nual elections from 1894 to 1899, inclusive.
1894. Mavor, Sam. Thompson; Alderman, 1st ward, John J. Warner; 2d ward, George Anderson; 3d ward, Thomas Iverson; W. V. Lowe, auditor; Edward J. Riley, treasurer; W. J. Hunt, police justice; Edward Peterson, city justice; Allen Martin, chief of police; Thomas Thompson, assessor.
1895. Mayor, Sam. Thompson; aldermen, 1st ward, W. J. Hunt; 2d ward, Edward Peterson, 3d ward, Peter Helgerson; W. V. Lowe, auditor; Thomas Iverson, treasurer: Peter A. Anderson, assessor; Oliver Bursheim, police justice; Charles Safe, city justice; Rudolph Meyers, chief of police.
1896. Mayor, Sam. Thompson; aldermen, 1st ward, Thomas Thompson; 2d ward, Henry C. Cornell; 3d ward, William Mevers; W. V .Lowe, auditor; Thomas Iverson, treasurer; Oliver Bursheim, police justice; Charles Safe, city justice; Rudolph Meyers, chief of police; Peter A. Anderson, assessor.
1897. Mavor, Sam. Thompson; aldermen, 1st ward, William Handley; 2d ward, Charles Johnson; 3d ward, Wm. Meyers; W. V.
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HISTORY OF MINNEHAHA COUNTY.
Lowe, auditor; Thomas Iverson, treasurer; Peter A. Anderson, as- sessor; John Gilliver, police justice; Peter F. Claussen, city justice; Henry C. Cornell, chief of police.
1898. Mayor, Samuel Thompson; aldermen, 1st ward, Charles Sibson; 2d ward, George Anderson; 3d ward, Alfred Wakeling; W. V. Lowe, auditor; Thomas Iverson, treasurer; H. C. Cornell, asses- sor; Peter F. Claussen, city justice; H. C. Cornell, chief of police.
1899. Mavor, Samuel Thompson; aldermen, 1st ward, Lars Anderson; 2d ward, George Anderson; 3d ward, John Gilliver; W. V. Lowe, auditor; Thomas Iverson, treasurer; Henry C. Cornell, as- sessor; William Boyce, police justice; Peter Smith, city justice; H. C. Cornell, chief of police.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
ANDERSON, GEORGE L., is a native of Norway, and was born June 10, 1861. He came to the United States in 1879, and lived with his uncle in Iowa for about two years; came to Sioux Falls in 1881. and when the penitentiary was built he was employed there; then worked for C. W. Hubbard in the stone quarries several years; moved to East Sioux Falls in 1888, and in 1892 commenced work for the East Sioux Falls Quarry Company. Mr. Anderson has been alderman from the second ward in East Sioux Falls nearly every year since its organization as a city in 1890, has been a member of the board of health, and is an industrious, good citizen.
ASK, OLE SWENSON, one of the early settlers in this county, was born in Norway January 6, 1822, and emigrated to the United States in 1866. He lived in Iowa four years, and came to Minnehaha county in 1870. He secured a homestead in section 10 in Split Rock, where he still resides and has a good farm.
BANNING, ABRAHAM, was born in Knox county, Ohio, on the 5th day of January, 1846. He resided in Winneshiek county, Iowa, for a few years, but removed from there to this county on the 6th day of March, 1876, and bought the northeast quarter of section 33 in Split Rock, where he has since resided. He is one of the proprietors of Banning's mill, located on the east bank of the Sioux River near his residence. He is an industrious, upright and respected citizen.
BENEDICT, WARD, was born in Steuben county, New York, July 1836. When seven years of age he removed to Wisconsin with his parents, and resided there until 1886, when he went to Dakota and arrived in Sioux Falls April 30, of that year. He bought the west half of section 24 in Split Rock and resided there for several years. He was elected town supervisor in 1888, and was chairman of the board four years. He disposed of his farm in 1893 and moved into the city of Sioux Falls, and for some time was the proprietor of the Central House. But Mr. Benedict is best known as a farmer, and since coming to this county has won the respect and confidence of his neighbors and acquaintances.
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HISTORY OF MINNEHAHA COUNTY.
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