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 18
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The first religious society organized in Turner County was at Swan Lake, where an Episcopal Church was built by the Rev. Dr. Hoyt iu 1871.
The various towns in the county are: Parker, situated a little north of the center of the county, with a population of 300; Ma- rion Junction, in the northwestern corner of the county, with a populaaion of 200; Swan Lake, east of the center of the county, with a population of about 50; Turner, six miles east, Centerville, ten miles east, and Daneville, six miles south, of Swan Lake.
PARKER.
The first settlers in Parker were: George W. Howard, J. M. Simerson. W. W. Robbins, C. G. Pratt, M. T. Howard, L. Gilbert, S. Hayward and Son, H. H. Schafer, and others. The town was platted by Kimball and Sanborn in 1879, and is not yet incorpo- rated. It is located on section 17, town 99. range 53. Just east and south of the village is a slight elevation, rising to the height of about twenty feet. The west branch of the Vermillion River runs about eighty rods west of the village, thus affording excellent drainage. From the bluffs on the river banks the "iron horse" can . be seen for a distance of fifteen miles. In all respects Parker is most eligibly located.
The C., M. & St. P. Railroad was completed to Parker in July, 1879.
In 1876, a newspaper was started at Swan Lake by H. B. Chaffee, under the name of the Swan Lake Era. Its publication was con- tinned about twenty months. It was subsequently revived by W. H. Gardner, who conducted it as the Swan Lake Press for a period of seven months, when it was purchased by C. F. Hackett, and the name again changed to the New Era. In 1879, Mr. Hackett
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PARKER.
moved his effects to Parker, where he is now located, and where the paper is published as the Parker New Era. It is the official and only newspaper printed in Turner County; is independent in politics, and is a five-column quarto. Its circulation is about 500.
The contest to decide the question of the location of the County Seat at Parker, instead of Swan Lake-its present location-is at this writing-autumn of 1SS1-being vigorously waged, the mat- ter to be decided by vote of the citizens at the November election. Quite a number of substantial business houses and residences are being built in Parker the present season. There is a gravel sub- soil, where the town is located, and the water is abundant and of the purest quality.
The first hotel at Parker was started by Orange Hill, in Angust, 1879; the first store-hardware-by G. W. Howard in the same year; Gale & Stone's bank in 1880. The first death to occur was that of Mrs. C. Weber, in the spring of the present year.
The postoffice was established in September, 1879, with C. K Hollenback, the present incumbent, as Postmaster.
The school house was completed in December, 1879, at a cost of $2,000. The schools are graded, and contain two departments. The first teacher was L. N. Alberty, who was also County Super- intendent. The present teachers are Prof. Mumford and Miss Clisby.
The first church building was erected by the Presbyterians, in 183), at a cost of $))). This Society was organized by Rev. J. B. Currens, in the spring of the latter year, the first sermon having been preached by J. B. Currens in October, 1869. The member- ship is about thirty. The use of the building has been frequently granted to the Methodists, Episcopalians and Baptists. The build- ing was dedicated November 18, 1880, the dedicatory sermon being preached by Rev. J. B. Pomeroy. of Iowa.
The first Sunday School was organized by the Baptist Society in October, 1879, with H. O. Newby as Superintendent.
The Baptist Society was organized in the autumn of 1880, by by the resident minister. A building is being erected at a cost of $1,500. The membership is fifty. Services are for the present held, for the most part, in the school house.
The Episcopalians have organized a mission at Parker, with Rev. M. Robinson as the Rector. Services are held in the Presbyterian Church.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
The Methodist Episcopal Society was organized in August. 1881. Rev. L. W. Miller is the pastor. A building is being erected, to cost $1,500.
The Seventh Day Advents were organized in the summer of 1880, with W. T. Henton as pastor. Their membership is thirteen, and services are held in the school house.
Parker Lodge No. 2, A. O. U. W., was instituted in December, 1880, by W. H. Buford. A charter was granted early in 1881. Charter members: William Morton, G. Gilbert. G. W. Stone. Vale P. Thielman. W. S. Branch, C. Weber, J. V. McRaith. A. L. Peterman. J. S. Parson, E. H. Stone, R. E. Buchanan, and others. The membership is twenty-five. Present officers: C. D. Cone, M. W .; William Morton, P. W .: G. Gilbert, Recorder; W. S. Branch. R. The first officers were: Wm. Morton. M. W .; V. P. Thielman, P. W .: G. Gilbert, R .; J. V. McRaith, F .; W. S. Brauch, R.
The Parker Flouring Mill was built in 1881, by L. Clisby. of Wis. It has five run of stone. and was built at a cost of $12.000. Its capacity is about 100 barrels. This mill has all the modern improvements for making the patent flour. It is a frame structure, stone basement.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Attorneys-C. D. Cone, James A. Hand, Vale P. Thielman.
Agricultural Implements .- Robbins & Pratt, S. A. Henton, Orange Still, J. HI. Shurtleff.
Bank-Gale & Stone.
ยท Barber .- George Hatch.
Blacksmiths .- Smith & Hudsmith, Clans Weber.
Bottling Works-Wm. H. Heselton.
Druggists .- W. S. Branch & Co., J. E. Kendall. Furniture .- H. H. Vernon. Flour and Food .- H. C. Pfeiffer.
General Merchants .- II. HI. Schafer, Gustav Gilbert, E. W. Crocker, Reuben Wales.
Grain Dealers-Bossett & Huntting.
Hardware-George W. Howard, M. T. Howard. R. Wales, Robbins & Pratt. Harness-S. Hayward & Son. Hotels .- Wentworth House, Still's Hotel.
Insurance .- Vale P. Thielman.
Jeweler .- Milo Eatinger. Lirery .- Win. Sheldon, Fay & Spec ?.
Lumber .- Robins & Pratt, St. Croix Lumber Company. Millinery-Mrs. A. Undden, Mrs. L. Gilbert. Meat Market .- Shurtleff & Hibbert.
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MARION JUNCTION.
Newspaper .- Parker New Era, C. F. Hackett, Editor and Proprietor.
Physicians-A. L. Peterman, A. B. Sage.
Photographer .- G. L. Spooner.
Real Estate-Vale P. Thielman.
Saloon-Wm. H. Heselton.
Stock Dealers-H. S. Marsh & Co.
Wagon Making-George S. Rathbun.
MARION JUNCTION.
The village of Marion Junction was organized during the month of September, 1881. Marion Junction was platted by the survey- ors of the C., M. & St. P. Railroad Co., in 1879, and was named in honor of the daughte of S. S. Merrill, of Milwaukee. Among the first settlers were: John Ryan, H. Fritz. Jacob Frantz, John McNamee, who came in 1879. George L. McKay and C. H. Flow- ers came shortly afterwards. The town was incorporated in the autumn of 1881.
The Marion Gazette was established by M. A. Fuller in 1879, and existed about a year. The printing material is still in Marion Junction, and it is expected to have the paper revived shortly. The circulation of the Gazette was about three hundred.
The C., M. & St. P. Railroad was built to Marion Junction in 1879, the first train arriving two days after it had reached Parker. A flouring mill is expected to be erected here during the coming year.
The Village is beautifully located, thirty-five miles from the east line of the Territory, and contains about fifty business houses, hotels, warehouses, &c. The surrounding country is being rapidly settled.
The first town officers were: Trustees-Jacob Hieb, Fred. Roeber, Joseph Bingenheimer. Clerk-Th. Schriber. Treasurer -E. Reiff. Justice of the Peace-James Christian. The location of the village is on the northwest quarter of section 5. town 99, range 54.
The school house was built in 1879, at a cost of $2.000. It has two departments. M. L. Kanable was the first teacher. The present teacher is Miss Felmly.
The Catholic Church of Marion Junction was organized by Rev. Father McCarty, of Mitchell, in 1880. The first services were held at the Central House. In the same year a church building was
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
erected, 30 by 60 feet in dimensions, and costing $800. The Soci- ety has about 150 communicants.
The German Lutheran Society have no regular organization, but hold services in the school house. They contemplate building soon. These remarks equally apply to the Presbyterian and Uni- ted Brethren Societies.
The first store was started by John Ryan: the first hotel, by H. Pool: John McNamee was the first Postmaster.
Anniversary Lodge No. 22, 1. O. O. F., was instituted April 22, 1880. Meetings are held in the school house. Charter members: Lawis Sawady, M. L. Kanable, J. M. Roeber, Jacob Frantz, M. A. Fuller. J. C. Loss, and others. The first officers were: M. L. Ken- able, N. G .; Fred. Roeber, V. G .; M. A. Fuller, Secretary; J. M. Roeber. Treasurer. Present officers: L. Sawaday, N. G .; R. C. Tousley, V. G .: Frank Cotton, Secretary: J. M. Roeber. Treasurer. The membership is nearly forty, and the Lodge is in excellent working condition.
OFFICIAL DIRECTORY.
President-Jacob Hieb.
Trustees-Fred. Roeber, Joseph Bingenheimer.
Clerk-T. H. Schriber.
Treasurer-E. Reiff.
Marshal-E. Bertlesen.
Justice-James Christian.
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Attorney-G. L. McKay.
Boots und Shoes-Christina Beuchler. Henry Roeber, Louis Schafer. . Bank-Marion Loan and Savings Bank, by Reiff and Nagle.
Druggists-Reiff and Nagle.
Drayage-John Murray.
Furniture-Th. Schriber.
General Merchants-John Ryan, John Montgomery, Jacob Hieb and Com- pany, Th. Schriber, L. George.
Grain Dealers-Bassett and Huntting, C. H. Flowers and Company.
Hotels-Marion House, Central Honse. Summit House.
Hardware -- F. Roeber, Reiff and Nagle.
Harness -- T. C. Winn.
Lirery-Mr. Dimmick.
Lumber -- C. H. Flowers and Company, J. H. Shanard.
Meat Market -- Joseph Bingenheimer.
Physicians-W. W. Nutting. Dr. Sifert.
Saloons-Christina Beuchler, Charley Irving, Gus. Trotnow.
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ELK POINT.
ELK POINT.
The original name of the county of which the prosperous town of Elk Point is the County seat, was Cole. under which name it, in connection with a number of other counties, was organized at the first session of the Legislative Assembly. For reasons which were deemed good and sufficient, the name of Cole was subsequent- ly dropped, and the county was named Union.
On the morning of July 22.1,1859, not a settlers cabin was to be seen from the Big Sioux River to Green Point, now known as Bur- bank. in Clay County. On that day Eli B. Wixon took his claim at Elk Point, and began the erection of a log building, 12x16 feet, one story, with earth for floor and roof. In August following, Mr. Wixon moved into this house and opened to the public a hotel and grocery store. Settlements began to be made about Elk Point, and Mr. W.'s house was well patronized. The following winter, seven- ty-five Santee Indians camped at Elk Point for the purpose of hunting. With these Indians Mr. Wixon's trade was good. In the spring of 1860, several families located near Elk Point, and the settlement began to prosper.
During this year Mr. Wixon built the Elk Point House upon the townsite, where he continued in the hotel and mercantile busi- ness, and also cultivated sixty acres on his claim. In the winter of 1860, Joseph LaBarge lived in the hotel, Mrs. LaBarge being the first white woman resident upon the townsite. The same year, W. W. Adams build the old Adams House.
In the summer of 1861, the townsite was surveyed, and by act of the Legislative Assembly, it was incorporated April 24th, 1862.
The first officers were: Council-John R. Wood, President; Myron Sheldon, William W. Adams, Preston M. Hotchkiss. Re- corder-E. B. Wixon.
The first school house was built in 1861. and the first school was taught by Hon. N. J. Wallace, afterwards Receiver of the United States Land Office at Vermillion. The first sermon was preached in Elk Point by Rev. C. D. Martin in the winter of 1860; the first lecture was delivered by Hon. J. P. Kidder.
In the autumn of 1862. great excitement was occasioned by the Indian depredations at Sioux Falls, and a military company was organized at Elk Point, Mr. Wixon's hotel being turned into a block honse, or barracks. In the spring of 1863, the company was
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IHISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA.
mustered into the service of the United States, under Gen. Sully. as Company B. First Dakota Cavalry.
The first postoffice was established in 1860, with E. B. Wixon as Postmaster. which position he held until 1863, when A. L. Ed- wards succeeded him as Postmaster. In 1860 the mail was carried once a week by a four-mule team, from Sioux City to Fort Ran- dall.
The first regular store was opened in Elk Point by Fairchild & Green, in 1865; the next store. in 1866. by J. W. Vandevere.
The County Seat of Union County was located, by vote of the people, at Elk Point in 1865. The first term of court was held in the old log school house, Hon. J. P. Kidder presiding. In 1865 6, a large and well arranged Court House was built by the citi- zens of Elk Point, and donated to the county. J. A. Wallace, Esq., was the first attorney to locate at Elk Point.
The first birth was a son, to Mr. and Mrs. LaBarge. in the spring of 1861; the first death, William Wallace Tripp, February 19th. 1863.
The town was located on seetion 19, town 91, range 49, and sec- tion 24, town 91. range 50. It wasincorporated as a city January 10th. 1873, its first officers, under this incorporation, being: Mayor -H. H. Blair. Councilmen-E. B. Wixon, J. M. Taleott. Clerk MeKinzey Kane. Treasurer-J. W. Hoffman. Justice-J. A. Wallace. Marshal-A. H. Stringer.
The first regular Baptist Church of Elk Point was organized March 11th, 1871, by Rev. Geo. W. Freeman. General Missionary of the American Baptist Home Missionary Society, with eleven members; and on the following day four were added by baptism.
The General Missionary supplied this Church until the following October, when J. H. Young, Esq .. of Dixon County. Neb., was called to the charge of the Society, and in January, 1872. was or- dained. The following July. he was called to the charge of the Yankton Baptist Church. August 1st. 1872, Rev. T. H. Judson, of Floyd County, Iowa, took charge of the Society for one year. Rev. J. P. Coffman, of Iowa, was called to succeed this pastorate, and continued his services until December 1st. 1876. During one year, this Society had no regular pastor. In November, 1877, Rev. Geo. W. Freeman was called to the pastorate, and is still acting in that capacity. The Society has reached a membership of more than seventy. Many members have removed farther west and to other
193
ELK POINT.
sections of the country. The present membership is forty-six. The church edifice was built in the spring of 1873. Rev. Geo. W. Freeman preached the dedicatory sermon, assisted by Rev. T. H. Judson. The cost of the structure and grounds was $1,200.
The United Brethren Society was organized in the latter part of 1870, by J. E. Hott, a missionary, sent from Ohio. A. Potter and John Morris, assisting. Their church edifice is the largest in the town. It was built at a cost of about $3,000, and was not ded- icated until October 11th. 1879. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Bishop M. Wright, of Richmond, Ind. Rev. Mr. Hott was succeeded by the following clergymen in the order named: Revs. J. D. Snyder, J. H. MeVey, S. J. More, D. T. Hutchinson, D. O. Darling. The present membership is twenty-four.
St. Andrews Episcopal Society was established as a mission by Rev. Dr. Hoyt. Dean of Dakota. This mission was continued by the services of Rev. W. W. Fowler, now of the Santee Agency. Rev. W. P. Huntington succeeded and was followed by Elder Himes, the present pastor in charge. A church edifice was built at Elk Point by this Society, in 1868, largely by contributions from New York and Philadelphia, at a cost of about $1,000. Its seating capacity is about one hundred and fifty persons. The Congregationalists also worshiped in this building for a time. During Elder Himes' pas- torate. he has taken great pride in making improvements, and has now the best furnished church building in the town. The member- ship is twenty-five, and the attendance at Sabbath School, of which Elder Himes is the Superintendent, is about seventy.
The Congregational Society was organized by Rev. Mr. Shelton, General Missionary for Dakota, in 1872. This organization was placed under the supervision of James Oakey. They used. for a time, the Episcopal Church building, which afterwards became the United Brethren Church. During the pastorate of Mr. Oakey, the Society had a membership of twenty.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church was organized in 1879. The church building was erected in 1880-81, at a cost of about $3,000. which was contributed largely by the Catholics themselves. The build- ing is 72 by 35 feet in dimensions. Rev. John Brogan was the first regular pastor appointed. About forty families are represent- ed in the membership.
The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1865, by El- der Kane. This Society held its meetings at Brule Creek, but
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOT.1.
afterwards removed to Elk Point. They have a church building, which was erected at a cost of about $1,000, in 1870. The first services were held in the Court House and in the old school house. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. B. Mitchell in 1870.
After the destruction by fire of the old school house, in the winter of 1872, school was taught in the U. B. Church and in the Talcott building, near John R. Wood's livery stable, until the erection of the present school house. The present structure was erected in the autumn of 1877, and cost about $4,000. It is a graded school. of four departments. The first teachers were: Ed. Cummings, Principal; O. S. Bryan. Grammar: Abbie Laird, Prim- ary. The Board of Education at this time consisted of the follow- ing gentlemen: F. W. Smythe, J. A. Wallace. H. H. Blair. Pres- ent corps of teachers: Prof. C. A. Kibling, Principal; Miss Maggie Jackson Butcher, D. W. Myers. Mrs. Emma P. Myers.
Elk Point Lodge No. 4, I. O. O. F .: Charter granted December 30th. 1872. Meetings were first held in a hall over Blair's drug store. Charter members: J. A. Wallace, J. Griffin Conley, Alexander Hughes. E. W. Miller, J. G. Hughes, G. W. Roberts. The Lodge now meets in Odd Fellows Hall, over the store-room of C. W. Beggs. The member-ship is about thirty. First officers elected: E. W. Miller, N. G .: J. G. Conley, V. G .; J. A. Wallace, Secretary: A. Hughes, Treas- urer. Present officers: F. M. Budde. N. G .: A. Ronne. V. G .; E. W. Miller. Secretary; A. Stroble, Treasurer.
Hesperian Encampment No. 3, 1. O. O. F .: Charter granted June 18th. 1875. Instituted July 5th, of the same year. Charter members: J. A. Wallace, C. F. Mallahan, W. E. Gantt. A. E. Ronne, E. W. Miller, P. W. McManus, W. E. Caton, Alexander Hughes. W. J. Conley. First officers: W. J. Conley, C. P .: W. E. Caton, H. P .; J. A. Wallace, S. W .: E. W. Miller, J. W .; C. F. Mallahan. Scribe: P. W. McManus, Treasurer. Present officers: A. E. Ronne. C. P .; J. A. Wallace. H. P .: F. M. Budde, S. W .; E. W. Miller, J. W .: S. W. Kent, Scribe; C. F. Mallahan, Treasurer. The Encampment has twelve members.
Elk Point Lodge No. 3. A. F. & A. M .: Charter granted, under the lowa Jurisdiction, June 7th, 1871, the number of the Lodge then being 288. The Lodge was re-chartered by the Grand Lodge of Dakota, July 21st, 1875. and re-numbered as above. Charter members: H. H. Blair. Elias Hyde, E. H. Webb. J. A. Wallace,
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ELK POINT.
E. B. Wixon, Preston Hotchkiss, P. E. Wagnard, C. W. Beggs. Present officers: A. O. Ringsrud, W. M .: H. J. Muhs, S. W .; W. M. Vinson, J. W .; A. E. Ronne, Secretary. Meetings were first held in Masonic Hall, over Dr. Smith's drug store. The Lodge now meets in the hall over C. W. Beggs' store.
Elk Point Lodge No. 6, I. O. G. T .: Charter granted in Au- gust, 1881. Meetings were first held in the Episcopal Church. First officers: E. G. Mathews, W. C .; Miss Mary Wood, V. C .; Hans Murphy, Treasurer: E. C. Ericson, Secretary; Rev. George Ford, P. W. C. The Lodge adjourned temporarily with eighteen members, until a permanent place of meeting is secured.
The Centennial Cornet Band, consisting of fifteen members, was organized by Millard Zeigler. J. Coverdale is President, J. H. Bryan, Secretary, and W. M. Vinson, Treasurer of the organi- zation.
The first newspaper printed in Elk Point was the Ell Point Leader. published by F. O. Wisner, its first issue being of date, March 17th, 1870. The establishment was destroyed by fire in April, 1871. November 24th, 1871, L. B. Redpath started a pa- per called the Union County Courier, which he ran but two weeks, when he sold it to the Courier Publishing Company, composed of H. H. Blair, J. M. Talcott and C. M. Northup. June 19th, 1872, C. E. Mallahan purchased the paper, of which he has ever since continued to be the efficient editor and proprietor. The paper is an eight-column quarto, is the only newspaper published in the county, and is in every respect a publication which reflects credit both upon its editor and the intelligent and prosperous community from which it derives its support.
In October, 1872, the Dakota Southern Railroad was completed to Elk Point. The business establishments of the town are ex- tensive and well conducted, the class of business men, as a rule, being of that character which is calculated to best promote the in- terests of a progressive community. The population of Elk Point may be set down at from seven hundred to eight hundred.
OFFICIAL DIRECTORY.
Mayor-M. W. Sheafe.
Councilmen-Hans Murphy, Michael Hoffman, J. M. Talcott. Treasurer-J. E. Blair. Clerk-Wash. D. Percival. Marshal-Alson Bovee. Justice-F. W. Smythe.
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HISTORY OF SOUTHEASTERN DAKOTA
BUSINESS DIRECTORY.
Attorneys-J. A. Wallace. E. W. Miller, Charles H. Walworth. George Stickney.
Agricultural Implements -- Michael Hoffman, Hans Murphy.
Blacksmithing -- J. Coverdale, J. H. Bryan.
Barber-John Steckman.
Broom Factory -- A. D. Weed.
Boarding -- Joseph Steckman, Almon Gore.
Carpenters and Builders-Thomas Wilson, Ed. Quick, J. M. Talcott, J. R. Kent, E. E. Morris, Platt Vail.
Druggists-E. C. De Witt, H. H. Blair.
Flour and Feed-S. Crumrine. Henry Fleming.
Furniture-Benjamin Briggs.
General Merchandise-George Ford, E. Rowe & Son, C. W. Beggs, Freeman Bros.
Grocers-Flannery & Vassar, M. B. Gorham, F. M. Bndde. J. B. Brubacher. John Mounsey, Almon Gore. A. E. Eddy.
Grain Dealers-Freeman Bros .. C. W. Beggs.
Harness Makers-S. W. Kent, F. W. Smythe.
Hardware-Michael Hoffman. E. Rowe & Son.
Hotels-Merchants House, Elk Point House.
Jewelers-A. L. Dawson, G. B. Steckman.
Lirery-John B. Wood, Uriah Wood, E. L. Pettis.
Lumber Dealer-S. B. Stough.
Meat Markets -- F. Strobel, Warren Fisk, Henry Fleming.
Mill-M. W. Sheafe, Proprietor.
Millinery -- Ella Wagner, Laird & Rich, Mrs. G. W. Havens.
Newspaper-Union County Courier, C. F. Mallahan, Editor and Proprietor. Photographer-George B. Steckman.
Physicians -- J. Griffiin Conley, G. W. Havens, W. J. Conley, Mr. and Mrs. G. P. Bennett.
Real Estate-J. A. Wallace, Walworth & Percival.
Restaurants-M. B. Gorham, F. W. Budde, Almon Gore, A. E. Eddy, Jo- seph Steckman.
Railroad Agent- - Smith.
BON HOMME COUNTY.
The first settlers who located in Bon Homme County were: George T .. Cordelia A., and Francis Rounds, Thomas J. Tate and a Mr. Shober. who came from Minnesota, and settled where the townsite of Bon Homme now is, about twenty-two years ago. Among the settlers who followed were: Dr. W. A. Burleigh and family, Judge J. W. Boyle and family, Hugh Fraley and family. Mrs. B. Cogan and son, A. J. D. P. Bradford and family.
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BON HOMME.
Bon Homme County was organized in 1867. Among the first officers were: Frank Donnelly, Richard Johnson, W. W. War- ford, Nathan McDaniels, and others. now residents of this county. The present County Officers are: Commissioners-John Stafford. W. W. Bennedict, William Muller. Clerk and Register-Peter Byrne. Clerk of Court-C. T. McCoy. Treasurer-George W. Snow. Sheriff-John Petrie. Superintendent of Schools-Frank Richmond. Judge of Probate-W. S. Cole. Coroner-R. Cart- wright. Justices of the Peace-Paul Landman, A. T. West, A. T. Bridgman, Bart Cole.
The surface of the county is slightly rolling, the soil of remark- able fertility, and the water supply abundant. making this an excellent agricultural and stock-raising county. It is claimed that Bon Homme County contains more timber than any other county in Dakota.
BON HOMME.
The townsite of Bon Homme is about one mile square. The land was originally granted by the Government to Zephyr Ren- contre, a Frenchman, who came up the Missouri River about sev- enty years ago, at which time he was but fifteen years of age. and who died about two years ago.
Bon Homme was incorporated in 1867, but the incorporation fell through in consequence of lack of attention to the elections.
In the autumn of 1876, N. G. Cogan started a small paper at Bon Homme under the name of the Bon Homme County Democrat. After publishing it for eight months. he enlarged the paper and changed the name to the Dakota Citizen, which latter was pub- lished by him as an independent paper. In February, 1880. he moved his office and material to Scotland, this county. where he continued to publish it for a year and a half, when he sold the establishment to the present publishing firm.
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