USA > South Dakota > History of southeastern Dakota, its settlement and growth, geological and physical features--countries, cities, towns and villages--incidents of pioneer life--biographical sketches of the pioneers and business men, with a brief outline history of the territory in general > Part 17
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In this connection, the following miscellaneous items will prove of interest :
On the first day of January, 1868, every white inhabitant of Lincoln County, save three, assembled at the house of J. Q. Fitz- gerald and partook of a New Year's dinner. There were thirty persons present.
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LINCOLN COUNTY.
The first death to occur in the county was that of an infant son of Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Sorter.
The first hotel in the county was "kept" by Benjamin Hill. It was a log house, and was located a few rods south of where the south line of Hill's Addition to Canton now runs.
In the latter part of the summer of 1868, this portion of the country was devastated by grasshoppers.
The first postoffice was established July 1st, 1868, with Benja- min Hill as Postmaster.
In the fall of 1868, Thomas Sargent and W. S. Smith procured a shingle machine. and made the first shingles ever made in Lin- coln County.
The first wedding to occur in Lincoln County, took place on the 13th of October. 1868, John Hanson and Siren Louise Bille. being the contracting parties. The lady had but just arrived from Nor- way.
The first school house in the county was built in Canton in 1870. The first church-Congregational -- was built in 1872.
District Court was established at Canton, by act of the Legisla- ture. in 1870. The first term of court was held in October, 1871, Judge J. P. Kidder presiding. Court was held in the school house, which building is now occupied by G. A. Nelson, as a boot and shoe store. at Canton.
CANTON.
Much of the history of the County Seat of Lincoln County, and one of the most important towns in Southeastern Dakota, neces- sarily appears in the preceding detailed county history.
Canton is beautifully situated on the west bank of the Sioux River, in the eastern part of the county. It is surrounded by rich rolling prairie land, thickly dotted over by large and well tilled farms and beautiful natural and artificial groves.
Standing on an elevation, facing the south, directly in front of the visitor, and about an eighth of a mile distant, flows the beauti- ful river, fringed on either bank with a narrow strip of second growth timber. while further off. and a trifle to the left, the small village of Beloit, Iowa, nestles at the foot of huge bluffs. Off in the distance to the right and in front, a range of bluffs meets the eye.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
Turning from the beautiful picture which nature spreads before him, to an inspection of the town itself, the observer sees a well built and thrifty community, with large and attractive business establishments, comfortable residences, activity on all sides, and everything that goes to make up a prosperous and growing town of more than 1.000 inhabitants. Again turning from the business portion of the town-which it is not the province of a purely his- torical work to describe in that detailed manner which smacks of the advertisement-the writer takes up the pleasant task of de- scribing the
CHURCHES, SCHOOLS AND SOCIETIES.
The Congregational Society was organized October 16th, 1870, by Rev. J. Ward, of Yankton. Meetings were at first held in a sod house that stood on the Court House Square; afterwards in the old school house; and continued to be held in school houses until the erection of the church building in 1872. The cost of the build- ing was about $1,000. A parsonage has been recently erected at a cost of $800. The membership is forty-six. J. W. Martin and John Crain were the first Deacons of the Society. Rev. Lucius Kingsbury is the present pastor. The present officers of the Socie- ty are: Trustees-N. C. Nash, I. N. Martin, J. Q. Fitzgerald. Deacons-Hiram Benedict, I. N. Martin. Clerk-John Zellar. Sabbath School Superintendent-Hiram Benedict. The attend- ance at Sunday School is about fifty pupils. This Society was for some time the only Congregational Society in the Sioux Valley. The pastors in order have been: Rev. J. A. Palmer, Rev. M. V. B. Morrison, Rev. D. Thomas, Rev. L. Kingsbury.
The Episcopal Society was organized in 1876, under the admin- istration of the Rev. W. W. Fowler, and is in a flourishing condi- tion. Their church building is now nearing completion, and will cost $1,500. Rev. J. M. McBride. of Eden, has been the clergy- man in charge for the past two years. Rev. W. W. Fowler, the first pastor, was succeeded by the Rev. Mr. Huntington, after whom came Mr. MeBride. There are twenty-seven communicants. The officers of the Society are: O. S. Gifford, Warden: John O. Tay- lor. M. D., J. W. Taylor.
The Presbyterian Society was organized about the year, 1870, continued in existence about one year. and then. by vote, resolved to unite with the Congregationalists.
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CANTON.
The "Evangelien Lutran " Society of Canton was organized by Rev. Mr. Christionson in 1868, and met first at the houses of different members. They afterwards held services in the Court House. where their meetings continue to be held. The Society contemplates building a suitable edifice immediately-to be 34 by 50 feet in dimensions, and to cost in the neighborhood of $1,500. Rev E. Olson, the present pastor, succeeded Rev. Mr. Christionson. There are from one hundred and fifty to two hundred members of the society, Canton and Land's Church constituting the circuit. The officers are: Trustees-Englebred Torkelson, Amon Peterson. Secretary-Mathias Hanson. Treasurer-M. L. Syverud.
The Methodist Episcopal Society was organized in 1869, by Elder Mitchell. Services were first held in W. D. Parke's building, afterwards in the building used as a school house in Canton. In 1877, they began to hold meetings in the Congregational Church, which they continued to do every alternate Sabbath for a year. In the spring of 1880, the Society erected a church building at a cost of $1,000. The pastors in order were: Revs. Almon Gore, Thomas Cuthbert, Ira Wakefield, A. J. Benjamin, O. Bryan, - Newell, B. Webster. Rev. Mr. Grace is the present pastor. There are about sixteen members. The first officers were: Trustees-W. D. Parke, J. Q. Fitzgerald, I. N. Martin. Stewart-Ed. Carpenter. Present officers: Trustees-Mathew Keller, E. Wendt, H. H. DeLong, Frank Dunham, George Tillotson, Mrs. M. E. Wells. The church was dedicated in the autumn of 1880, Rev. Wilmot Whitfield preaching the dedicatory sermon.
The Norwegian Lutheran Bethlehem Society of Lincoln County includes one church in Norway Township and one in Canton. They have no church building in Canton, but have selected a site on which they propose building. the present autumn (1881). they have a church building in Norway Township, which was erect- ed in 1879, at a cost of about $800. The Society was organized in 1872 by the Norwegian people of the county. The first pastor was Rev. O. E. Hofstad. the present incumbent. There are about six hundred members, and the Society is in a prosperous condition. The contemplated building in Canton will be 30 by 60 feet in di- mensions, and will cost about $2.000. The officers of the Society are: Trustees-M. Monrad, Andrew Johnson. S. Wendblom, E. Shulson. M. Moe, J. Matthison. Treasurer-M. Monrad. Secre- tary-M. Aas.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA .
Silver Star Lodge No. 4, A. F. & A. M. Under the fowa dis- pensation, this Lodge was No. 345. It was organized June 3d, 1875. Charter members: W. H. Miller, Sr., M. W. Bailey, S. H. Stafford, Jr., and others. Their charter was renewed at the session of the Grand Lodge of Dakota in Yankton, in June, 1876. First officers: W. H. Miller, Sr., W. M .; M. W. Bailey. S. W .; S. H. Stafford, J. W .; W. M. Cuppett, Secretary; George Keller, Treas- urer; D. H. Hawn, S. D .; G. M. Holmes, J. D .; J. W. Steele, S. S .; G. W. Naylor, J. S .; J. W. Hewitt, Tyler. Present officers: O. S. Gifford. W. M .; D. H. Hawn. S. W .; Elling Opsal, J. W .; (). E. Rea, Secretary; C. Christopher, Treasurer; A. B. Wheelock, S. D .; G. A. Nelson. J. D .; Robert Lanning, Tyler. Meetings are held in the hall over Gale & Ward's bank. The membership is about fifty. The Lodge is a prosperous one.
Centennial Lodge No. 10, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 22d, 1876. Charter members: M. W. Bailey, W. M. Robinson, Robert Lanning, Gottlieb Gerber, J. C. Jewell. First officers: M. W. Bailey, N. G .; Robert Lanning, Treasurer. Present officers: G. W. Harlan, N. G .; O. A. Rudolph, V. G .; N. C. Nash, Secretary ; Joseph Horn, Treasurer. The membership is about thirty-five. Meetings are held in Dahl's Hall. The Lodge is in a prosperous ' condition, and expects to build a suitable hall very soon.
Canton Lodge No. 2, 1. O. G. T .- formerly Rescue Lodge No. 2 -was organized under the latter name August 25th, 1876. The change of name occurred in March of the present year. Charter members: N. C. Nash, W. S. Benedict, J. K. Fitzgerald, Rev. L. Kingsbury, Mrs. Kingsbury, Mrs. Fitzgerald, Ada Fitz- gerald, J. B. Pattee, Miss Lillian Coloney, Miss Carrie Tay- lor, and others. There are about fifty members. Meet- ings are held in Dahl's Hall. Present officers: C. E. Judd, W. C .; Miss Lillian Coloney, V. C .; Miss Opsal, Secretary; Mrs. J. W. Taylor, Treasurer; Mrs. Wells, F. S .; Rev. L. Kingsbury, Chap- lain; Oscar Rea, P. W. C .; Nina Nash, M .; H. Keeler. I. G.
Security Lodge No. 1, A. O. U. W., was instituted in November, 18SO. Charter members: F. R. Aikens, J. W. Taylor. G. A. Byers, F. J. Martin, J. N. Menor, G. W. Martin, E. Wendt, F. Klopper, G. H. Wiggins, A. F. Tate, E. M. Miles, C. A. Bedford, N. C. Nash, G. W. Harlan, M. M. Clark. Membership about twenty-five. Present officers: J. W. Taylor, M. W .; G. W. Harlan, F .; E. Wendt, Receiver; E. N.
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CANTON.
Miles, Recorder; C. A. Bedford, Financier; G. W. Martin, G .; T. J. Myers, I. G .; G. Byers, O. G. Meetings are held in Dahl's Hall.
The Canton Brass Band was organized in the spring of 1876, and continued until the autumn of 1880, when it disbanded.
THE NEWSPAPERS OF CANTON.
The Sioux Valley News was established in 1872, under the man- agement of R. H. Miller, to whom Arthur Linn succeeded. Jan- uary 1st, 1877, N. C. Nash bought a one-half interest, and shortly afterwards became sole proprietor. Mr. Nash has continued as editor and proprietor ever since. The paper is Republican in pol- itics, is an eight-column folio, has a circulation of seven hundred copies, and is the official paper of the city and county.
The Canton Advocate was established in 1876, its first issue be- ing dated April 26th, of that year. Skinner & Tallman were the proprietors, under which management it was conducted but a short time, there being several changes of proprietorship during the first year. June 10th, 1877, Carter Bros., purchased the Advocate of South & Martin, and it has continued under their management. It is a seven-column paper, and is Republican in politics. Both papers are quite creditable publications.
OFFICIAL DIRECTORY.
Mayor -- C. S. Gifford.
Aldermen -- J. W. Hewitt, A. R. Brown, S. C. Madole, J. Horn, W. M. Cur- pett.
Clerk-J. Falde, Jr.
Treasurer-T. J. Fosdick.
Marshal-G. W. Harlan.
Police Justice -- E. H. Wilson.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Attorneys .- C. S. Gifford, Taylor & Russell, M. Randolph, Kennedy Bros., B. Wilson, Oscar Rea, J. C. Kline, J. W. Carter.
Architects and Builders-J. B. Pattee, Hewitt andAlexander, - Thorn- ton.
Banks-Gale & Ward, Lincoln County Bank, Brown Brothers' Bank.
Blacksmithing- - J. Horn & Co., Ole Isacson.
Barbers -- George Webb.
Bakery -- William Robinson.
Brewery -- A. Hanschenk.
Boots and Shoes -- G. A. Nelson.
Confectionery -- Ira Soule.
Clothing -- T. J. Fosdick, A. F. Rudolph.
Druggists -T. W. Hood, Lewis & House, J. Keller.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
Dry Goods-Madole & Hmkley.
Doctors --. M. M. Clark, Dr. Southard, E. Y. Brown, J. I. Taylor, Dr. Smith. Furniture -- II. Woere, L. Simmons.
Grain Dealers-Bassett & Huntting. H. C. Marsh & Co.
General Merchandise -- E. Wendt, Linad Christenson, Charles Christopher, William Miller.
Hotels -- Harlan House, Naylor House, Thompson House, Merchants House Harness-J. W. Hewitt.
Hardware-T. P. Thompson & Co .. O. F. Rudolph, -Mallory.
Insurance-Taylor & Russell, Thomas Thorsen & Co.
Jewelers-E. M. Miles & Co., M. L. Syverud.
Lirery-Charles Slack, A. G. Brooman.
Millinery-Mrs. E. M. Wells, Mrs. L. Loken, Mrs. Haroldson.
New's Depot-J. I. Taylor.
Newspapers-Sioux Valley News, N. C. Nash, Editor aud Proprietor; Canton Advocate, Carter Bros., Editors.
Saloons -- W. S. Corson, A. J. Linderman, A. Hoffman.
Wagon Making -- D. H. Hawn, A. M. Ross, J. Kramer.
EDEN.
The original town of Eden was located two and one-half miles southwest of the present town, of Frazier Gilman's land. Mr. Gilman was the town proprietor, and built a fine store building, where he conducted business for about two years. He also built a hotel, and surveyed a number of lots, none of which were ever recorded.
The earliest settlers were: Frazier Gilman, John Davis, Andrew Gove, David Thorpe, J. B. Bradley. A. B. Wheelock, and others, who came in 1868. After Gilman closed out his store in the old town, the business was then continued for four years by S. B. Cul- bertson, who carried a stock of general merchandise. The railroad was built to the present townsite in 1878, which was the signal for a general removal from the old town. The date of the town- ship organization is the year, 1877. The population of Eden is about 200. The first town officers were: Trustees-P. H. Fritts, Joseph Millett, H. D. Fitch. Clerk-J. A. Fowles. Treasurer -- E. J. Harris. Present town officers: Trustees-P. H. Fritts, G. S. Millett. Peterson Pierce. Clerk-J. A. Fowles. Treasurer- E. J. Harris. Constable-T. W. Knight. The present town of Eden was platted by A. B. Wheelock in 1878.
The Eden Sun was started in January, 1880, with Geo. W. Mathews as editor and proprietor. The Sun "shone" until Octo-
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EDEN.
ber, 1881, when it was moved to the town of Meno in Hutchin- son County.
Struble Bros. started the first flouring mill in 1876; the bank, of which Taylor & Russell are proprietors, was started during the present year; the first hotel in the new town was established by A. Snyder, and the first store by S. B. Culbertson. A. B. Whee- lock was the first Postmaster, the present Postmaster being George W. Mathews.
A school house was built in the old town in 1872, at a cost of about $300. In 1SSO, a new school house was built in the present town, at a cost of $1,700, having two departments. Miss Hattie Taylor and Miss Van Meter were the first teachers in the new building. Prof. C. D. Stack, of Canton, is the present Principal. The enrollment is sixty-five pupils.
Eden Lodge No. 4, 1. O. G. T., was instituted in April of the present year. Charter members: Rev. Mr. McBride, Frank Odell, Enoch Hunt, Charles Steward, Ed. Hunt, Sarah Hunt, Mina Fritts, C. M. Quint, M. B. Quint. James Jackson. J. J. Jackson, A. Mil- ler, A. Fritts. First officers: M. B. Quint, W. C .; J. J. Jackson, V. C .; J. S. Jackson. P. C .; Rev. Mr. McBride, C .: Enoch Hunt, Secretary; Mina Fritts, Treasurer: A. Fritts, F. S. The present officers are the same as above.
The Episcopal Society is the only church organization in Eden at the present time. Their church edifice was built in 1879, and cost $1,500. Rev. Mr. McBride was the first, and is the present pastor. The Society was organized in 1878.
The Eden Cornet Band was organized December 10, 18SO. P. A. Overseth is the Leader. C. E. Blount. Secretary, and M. R. Odell, Treasurer.
OFFICIAL DIRECTORY.
President-P. H. Fritts.
Trustees-G. S. Millett, Peterson Pierce. Clerk-J. A. Fowles. Treasurer-E. J. Harris. Constable-T. W. Knight.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Agricultural Implements-W. K. Slade and Company. Blacksmithing-Jackson Brothers. Contractor and Builder-T. W. Knight. Coal and Wood-J. B. Bradley. Druggist-A. M. Avery. Grocers-M. B. Quint.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
General Merchandise-Overseth and Dyste, S. B. Culbertson.
Grain and Stock Dealers-S. F. Hartzell, Bassett and Huntting, Sedgwick Brothers.
Harness-C. Smith, S. A. Waterbury.
Hardware-W. K. Slade and Company, - Cady.
Hotels-Snyder House. A. Snyder; Commercial House, L. P. Farley.
Lumber Dealers-St Croix Lumber Co.
Lirery-T. H. Vansickle.
Meat Market-Odell Brothers.
Millinery-Mrs. T. R. Law, Mrs. T. W. Knight.
Painter-A. Amundson.
Physician-A. M. Avery.
Saloon-Sophy Brothers.
Wagon Making-Jackson Brothers.
LENNOX.
Among the earliest settlers of Lennox were: A. Boynton, who came in July, 1879; F. H. Treat, Dr. G. W. Moody, H. C. Conk- lin. J. V. Conklin, S. F. Hitchcock, J. M. Macomber, W. B. Wait, B. Gillmore, D. T. Debelts, N. Smith and brother, and others.
Lennox was platted by the C., M. & St. P. Railroad Co., in 1879. The village is situated in the township of Perry, whose first officers were: Supervisors-D. S Waldo, Chairman; William Bedford, A. Boynton. Clerk E. C. Jacobs. Treasurer-F. H. Treat. Asses- sor-A. J. Flemming. Justices of the Peace-G. W. Palmer, David Little. Officers in 1880: Supervisors-J. V. Conklin, Chairman; O. P. Ashley, Martin Holter. Clerk-P. F. Haas. Treasurer -W. B. Wait. Assessor- John Isackson. Justices of the Peace G. W. Palmer, David Little.
Lennox was named for the Private Secretary of S. S. Merrill. The population, according to the census of 1880, was but 90, which has since been increased to at least 150, and continues to be increas- ed by valuable accessions.
The first store was built by A. Boynton: the second by Mr. Conklin. F. H. Treat was the first Postmaster. The Dakota Loan Company have established the first bank.
There was a contest over the location of the townsite, which re- tarded the growth of the town somewhat. The land was held as a timber claim by Mr. J. Sheldon, who with Gen. John Lawler, of Prairie du Chien, became the town proprietors. Dr. Moody made a contest by filing a pre-emption on the townsite. It was settled amicably by dividing the townsite, each sharing his proportion
183
LENNOX.
thereof. The town has been heretofore one of the best shipping points for grain on this line of the road in Dakota.
The first newspaper published at Lennox was the Dakota Demo- crat, which was established October 6th, 1880, under the supervis- ion of W. H. Clark. On the 1st of December of that year. it was bought by P. F. Haas, who in April of the present year, named it the Lincoln County Independent October 28, 1881, J. E. Hazlitt purchased a half-interest with Mr. Haas. This firm intend also to print a German paper, which will be a seven-column folio, and the second German paper in the Territory.
The Lennox Weekly Stur was established with George L. Conk- lin as editor, during the present year. Mr. Conklin formerly pub- lished a paper at Watertown, Dakota. Conklin & Bayley are pro- prietors. The paper is a five-column quarto.
The first car-load of grain ever shipped over the C., M. & St. P. Road from Dakota, was shipped from Lennox. The car itself was beautifully embellished by the Company. Lennox is the second station west of Canton, in the western part of the County.
The first school house was built in November, 1879 -- not for use as a school building, but was rented by the District for that pur- pose. It was situated in the south part of the town, and was after- wards purchased by Mr. Treat, who moved the building to his hotel, of which he made it a part. Miss Nona Miller was the first teacher. The present school building was erected in the autumn of 1880, at an expense of about $2,000. It has three departments, but as yet only one teacher is employed, viz: Mr. t . P. Ashley. The mem- bers of the first Board of Education were: J. E. Davis, H. B. Shel- don. Clerk: Josiah Sheldon, Treasurer. The present Board consists of the following gentlemen: J. N. Macomber, W. B. Wait, Clerk: Josiah Sheldon, Treasurer.
The first railroad train arrived in Lennox July 22. 1879. A sur- vey for a road to Yankton has been made by the Company, but as yet the project has not assumed definite proportions.
The Methodist Episcopal Society was organized in the autumn of 1879, by Rev. Mr. Bachelder, of Yankton. Services were first held in the old school house. A church was erected in the fall of 1880, costing $1,000. Other denominations have been freely per- mittel to use this building, which was the first church edifice erect- ed in Lennox. Rev. Mr. Bachelder was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Kent. he by Rev. Mr. Miller, who is the present pastor. The mem-
184
HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
bership is about fifteen. The first officers of the Society were: David Little, George Hart. W. B. Wait, B. Gillmore, E. Davis.
The Baptist Society have no regular organization, but merely what is known as a " preaching station." with V. B. Conlin as a Missionary of the Home Missionary Society. They have an organ- ization at Lincoln Center, a portion of the members of which re- side in Lennox, where they intend to shortly organize a church and erect a suitable edifice.
St. Augustine's Church was organized in May. 1877. by Rev. C. J. Knauf, of Minnesota. Meetings were first held at the residence of M. M. Crowley, where they continue to be held, until the com- pletion of their church building now in course of erection, at a cost of about $600. The membership represents about forty fam- ilies. The officers are: T. B. Quigley. T. F. Crowley. P. H. Har- ley. M. M. Crowley, Treasurer. Rev. W. M. Maher is the pastor. Silver Star Lodge No. 7, I. O. G. T., was instituted in Septem- ber. 1881. The charter was granted on the 6th of that month. Charter members: W. B. Wait. E. Gillmore. O. P. Ashley. E. Davis, J. F. Ferguson. George Thickett, H. Little, Ed. Rodgers, Mrs. Davis, Mrs. Treat, Mrs. Wait, Miss Little, Mrs. Brooks. Mrs. Geo. Hart. and others. There are thirty members. and the member- ship is increasing. The first officers were: O. P. Ashley. W. C .: Mr. Hazlitt. Sec .: E. Gillmore, F. See .: Mrs. E. Davis, Treasurer; Mrs. Treat. V. C .: J. F. Ferguson, M .: George Thickett. C .: J. N. North. P. C .: Mrs. E. Gilmore. I. G .; Mrs. E. Davis. O. G.
OFFICIAL DIRECTORY.
Chairman-J. V. Conklin. Supervisors-O. P. Ashley, Martin Holter. Clerk-P. F. Haas.
Treasurer -- W. B. Wait.
Assessor -- John Isackson. Justices-G. W. Palmer, David Little.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Attorney-P. F. Haas. Agricultural Implements-A. A. Freeman.
Banks-Dakota Loan and Trust Company.
Blacksmiths-R. J. Little. D. T. Debelts.
Carpenters-I. M. Macomber. Louis Butzer.
Confectioner-B. Gillmore. Coal Dealer-W. B. Wait.
Druggist-1. M. Macomber. Furniture-Louis Butzer. Flour and Feed-W. B. Wait.
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TURNER COUNTY.
General Merchants-Frank II. Treat, N. Smith & Brother, Conklin & Car- penter.
Grain Dealers-A. A. Greenman, S. M. Durand.
Hardware -- D. S. Guinter, A. Boynton.
Harness-O. P. Ashley.
Hotels-Merchants House.
Insurance-J. V. Conklin.
Lirery-J. N. Munsil.
Lumber Dealers-J. F. Ferguson & Co.
Millinery-Mrs. Herzoy.
Meat Market -- Thomas B. Quigley. Newspapers-Lincoln County Independent. Lennox Weekly Star.
Physicians -- William H. Rouse.
Saloons-M. A. Filion.
Shoemaker-George Thickett.
TURNER COUNTY.
This fertile county was organized by the Legislative Assembly in 1870. The first election was held in 1869, there being only five votes cast, a cigar-box being used as the "palladium of liberty." The "total" vote of the county for Delegate to Congress. was as follows: Dr. Burleigh, 2 votes; M. K. Armstrong, 2 votes; S. L. Spink, 1 vote. The general surface of the land is undulating, but not abruptly so. The soil generally is a rich black loam, except at Parker, where its elements are gravelly.
The first settlement of Turner County was in 1869. by W. W. Anrner and family, and Vale P. Thielman. Miss Helen S. Bach- elder was the first white woman to settle in the county. Lois J. S. Scott, born in May, 1871, was the first white child born in the county. The first marriage was that of William Robinson and Mrs. Hammond, which occurred in the spring of 1871.
The following were the first County Officers: County Commis- sioners-Vale P. Thielman, W. W. Aurner, Louis Eliot. Register of Deeds-Charles Scott. At this time there were not enough people to fill the offices; so officers were appointed as fast as the settlers came in. Vale P. Thielman at first acted as Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, Register of Deeds, County Clerk, County Surveyor and Deputy Treasurer, in which capacities he acted until others were appointed. Mr. Thielman states that. even then, with all these duties to perform, he could be absent from his post without occasioning any inconvenience with regard to the machinery of his varied offices.
186
HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOT.A.
The first postoffice in the county was established at Swan Lake in 1569, before there was any perceptible settlement. Miss Helen S. Bachelder was the Postmistress. receiving her appointment at. Yankton. The first store was established in 1872 at Swan Lake, by T. J. Hill.
The present County Officers are: Commissioners-Thomas Elce. Jr., Christian Epple, Charles Flowers. Sheriff - Daniel Dyer, Jr. Register of Deeds and County Clerk-6. M. Pier. Treasurer -J. B. Beebe. Clerk of the Court -- Vale P. Thielman. Judge of Probate -- Joseph Allen. Superintendent of Schools -- H. F. Roupp.
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