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Biographies
CHARLES J. KOCH.
Charles J. Koch, a well known farmer of Grant county, has also given considerable time to his work as treasurer of the Evangelical Insurance Company, a mutual concern doing an extensive business in North and South Dakota. He was born in Manitowoc county, Wisconsin, January 5, 1866, and is a son of Frederick and Albertina (Trapp) Koch. The paternal grandfather, Ludwig Koch, died in Wisconsin and the maternal grandfather, Leopold Trapp, who was a farmer by occupation, also passed away in that state. Both were natives of Germany, as were the parents of our subject. Frederick Koch was born in 1831 and died June 1, 1912, while his wife, who still survives, was born in 1845. He became a resident of Wisconsin at the age of sixteen years and she at the age of ten. There they grew to maturity and there their marriage occurred. He followed farming in the Badger state until 1883, when he removed to Minnesota. He gained a competence and was one of the respected residents of his locality. His political allegiance was given to the republican party and his religious belief was that of the Evangelical church, in the work of which he took an active and helpful part. To him and his wife were born seven children: Charles J.; Fred W., a sketch of whom appears elsewhere in this work; George H., an agriculturist of Grant county; John and Ed., who are farming in Minnesota; Jennie, the wife of Fred Koehntopp, who is farming in Minnesota; and Arthur, who resides upon the old homestead in that state.
Charles J. Koch was educated in Wisconsin and Minnesota and early in life began assisting with the work of the home farm. He has continued to follow agricultural pursuits and is a progressive and representative farmer. While living in Minnesota he also dealt in land to some extent. In 1909 he removed to Grant county, South Dakota, purchasing six hundred and eighty acres of good land which he has so improved that it is now one of the finest and best developed farms in the county. He raises chiefly small grains and hogs and derives a handsome income from his agricultural pursuits. He is a director and the treasurer of the Evangelical Insurance Company, a state mutual company and one of the largest in Dakota. They have at present, about eighteen million dollars insurance in force and their policy-holders are largely wealthy farmers of the Dakotas. The company started as a small church insurance company but its policy has always been based upon sound business principles and it has grown steadily and rapidly, becoming one of the leading concerns of the kind in the northwest. Mr. Koch gives a great deal of time to his duties as treasurer of this organization and is proving a very capable official.
Mr. Koch was married in 1890 to Miss Emma Lenz, who was born near Red Wing, Minnesota, and they had two children: Sadie, who married Henry Lind, a farmer of Grant county: and Grace, at home. The wife and mother passed away in 1905 and in 1907 Mr. Koch married Miss Emma Liebing, a native of Grant county and a daughter of Henry Liebing, one of the first settlers of that county. To this union two children have been born: Verna, who is attending school; and Floyd.
Mr. Koch is a republican and has held various local offices, including that of town treasurer, which he has filled since his removal to the county. He is also a member of the school board. He is very active in the affairs of the Evangelical church, of which he is an influential member, and is always ready to cooperate in movements seeking the moral welfare of his community. He is a man of great mental vigor and energy and of excellent judgment and he has carried forward to successful completion all that he has undertaken.
"History of Dakota Territory",
By George Washington Kingsbury, George Martin Smith
Published by The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1915
Submitted by K. Torp (no relation)
JAMES I. HEFFERNAN.
James I. Heffernan, who has devoted his attention to general agricultural pursuits in Grant county for the past thirty-four years, now owns and cultivates three hundred and twenty acres of rich and productive land on section 19, Melrose township, and is one of the best known citizens of his community. His birth occurred in Ireland on the 17th of March, 1855, his parents being Patrick and Alice (Irish) Heffernan, who were born in the year 1810 and spent their entire lives on the Emerald isle, the father passing away in 1875 and the mother in 1893. Patrick Heffernan was an agriculturist by occupation and successfully carried on farming throughout his active business career. In religious faith he was a devout Catholic. To him and his wife were born seven children, six sons and one daughter, three of whom survive, as follows: Michael, who is living on the old family homestead in Ireland; John, a resident of Grant county, South Dakota, where he lives on a farm; and James I., of this review. John Heffernan, the paternal grandfather of our subject, was also a farmer by occupation and died in Ireland.
James I. Heffernan acquired his education in his native country and after putting aside his textbooks continued to assist his father in the operation of the home farm until twenty- six years of age. In 1881 he crossed the Atlantic to the United States and settled in Grant county, South Dakota, first purchasing one hundred and sixty acres of land and subsequently buying another tract of similar size, so that his holdings now embrace three hundred and twenty acres. How greatly the value of this property has increased is indicated in the fact that he was recently offered thirteen thousand dollars for the first quarter section which he obtained for five hundred and forty dollars. Mr. Heffernan owes his present prosperity entirely to his own well directed efforts and able management and is widely recognized as one of the substantial and representative agriculturists of his community.
In 1888 Mr. Heffernan was united in marriage to Miss Bridget Walsh, who was born in Illinois and comes of Irish descent. Their children are eight in number, as follows: Leo, who is engaged in farming; May, at home; Vincent, who is pursuing a law course in the college at Valparaiso, Indiana; John Francis, who is engaged in the drug business at Mclntosh, South Dakota; Andrew J., a school teacher by profession; and Clarence, Ellen and Ambrose, all at home.
Politically Mr. Heffernan is a democrat and for twenty-four years has ably served as supervisor of Melrose township, acting in that capacity at the present time, while for a period of twenty-six years he has held the office of school treasurer. Fraternally he is identified with the Ancient Order of United Workmen and his religious faith is that of the Catholic church. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to seek a home in the new world, for here he found the opportunities which he sought and in their wise utilization has reached the desired goal.
"History of Dakota Territory",
By George Washington Kingsbury, George Martin Smith
Published by The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1915
Submitted by K. Torp (no relation)
JOHN L. LOCKHART
The business record of John L. Lockhart, of Pierre, in the field of real-estate and investments is a most creditable one and has constituted an element of prosperity for the city as well as a source of individual success. Mr. Lockhart is a native of Portage, Columbia county, Wisconsin, born April 17, 1856. His parents, John and Agnes (Gray) Lockhart, were natives of Scotland and, leaving the land of hills and heather, in 1852 became residents of Wisconsin, where the father still resides but the mother passed away in March, 1901.
JOHN L. LOCKHARTJohn Lockhart was reared upon his father's farm in his native county, where he attended the district schools. His educational opportunities were somewhat limited but in the school of experience he has learned many valuable lessons and from the activities and conditions of life he has drawn correct conclusions. When twenty-four years of age he became lore- man in a logging camp, operating in Wisconsin for two years. In 1882 he arrived in Dakota territory, settling in Clark county, where he secured a homestead and preemption claim, remaining thereon for a year. He then removed to Milbank, Grant county, where he engaged in the hardware business, successfully conducting that enterprise for a number of years. He never falters in the pursuit of a persistent purpose and his determination and energy have enabled him to carry forward to successful completion whatever he has undertaken.
Mr. Lockhart has long been active politically and his patriotic citizenship and ability have received recognition in election to public office. In 1894 he was chosen commissioner of school and public lands for the state of South Dakota and in that year removed to Pierre. where he has since made his home. He proved a capable official, retiring from the position as he had entered it—with the confidence and goodwill of all, and in 1899 he embarked in general merchandising, in which he continued until 1906. Since that time he has engaged in the real-estate and investment business and has established a large clientele. He has been instrumental in inducing many settlers to come to his part of the state and securing for them favorable locations. He is thoroughly acquainted with real-estate values, knows the property that is upon the market and is thus able to successfully handle the interests of his many clients.
In 1909 Mr. Lockhart was appointed register of the United States land office at Pierre and served in that office until August, 1913. He again became an active factor in politics, when, at the spring primaries in March, 1914, he was chosen chairman of the republican state central committee and in that connection successfully conducted the following campaign. His political record prior to his removal to the capital city is an interesting one and worthy of high commendation. In 1889, while a resident of Milbank, he was elected clerk of the courts of Grant county and was three times re-elected. In the spring of 1893, while away from home his party, the republican, nominated him for mayor of Milbank and he proved to be the successful candidate at the polls. He wisely administered municipal affairs in that city for one term but refused a reelection. During the famous fight for the capital in 1904, in which Pierre sought to remain the capital city, Mr. Lockhart's activities were of such an important character that at the) close of the campaign the citizens of Pierre presented him with a beautiful solid gold watch and chain, suitably inscribed, in recognition of his services, and this is today probably his proudest possession. His efforts, whether in behalf of his private interests or of the public have always been wisely directed. He possesses the faculty of viewing a question from every possible standpoint and thus arriving at a correct conclusion. His worth is widely acknowledged and his fellow townsmen entertain for him the highest regard.
On the 1st of December, 1885, Mr. Lockhart was united in marriage to Miss Delilah C Burman, a daughter of William and Eliza (Russell) Burman, of Grant county, South Dakota. Their children are four in number, namely: John B., William H., Margaret E. and Grace O.
Mr. Lockhart holds membership with the Knights of Pythias and is a past chancellor commander of the lodge at Milbank. He has also been a member of the grand lodge of the state and is a member of the grand lodge of the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is also a member of Huron Lodge, No. 444, B. P. O. E. The republican party numbers him among its most loyal and stalwart advocates and he has done everything in his power to advance its interests and secure its success. In matters of citizenship he is ever public-spirited and progressive and he cooperates heartily in every movement for the benefit and upbuilding of the capital and of the commonwealth. He belongs to that class of men who have been the architects and builders of their own fortunes. Starting out empty-handed, he has utilized energy, industry and honesty as weapons in winning the victory which has come to him in the business world.
"History of Dakota Territory",
By George Washington Kingsbury, George Martin Smith
Published by The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1915
Submitted by K. Torp (no relation)
WILLIAM S. DOLAN.
William S. Dolan, of Milbank, is the proprietor and editor of the Grant County Review, which exercises a potent influence in shaping public opinion in that county. He is a man of affairs and is a leader in various movements seeking the community advancement. He was born in Watertown, Wisconsin, November 29, 1886, a son of Phillip and Anna (Murray) Dolan. His paternal grandfather, William Dolan, was born in Ireland but moved to Wisconsin when that state was still a pioneer district. He had previously been employed in the waterworks in New York city and was quite well-to-do. He became the owner of a farm, which he made one of the valuable properties of his locality. The maternal grandfather, James Murray, was also a native of Ireland and likewise became a pioneer settler of Wisconsin, where he followed agricultural pursuits. Phillip Dolan was born in New York city in 1841 and accompanied his parents to Wisconsin in 1856. Upon reaching mature years he purchased a farm and also entered land from the government in Dodge county, on which he resided for fifty-one years. He gained financial independence and is now living retired in Madelia, Minnesota. His wife, who was born, reared and married in Columbus, Wisconsin, died in 1887. To them were born three children: Mary and Clara, both unmarried; and William S., of this review. The father is a democrat in politics and his religious faith is that of the Roman Catholic church.
William S. Dolan received his early education in the country schools of Wisconsin, later attended a convent school at Madelia, Minnesota, and prepared for the business world by taking a commercial course in St. Thomas College at St. Paul, graduating therefrom in 1906. He was employed as a bookkeeper for some time, but in December, 1906, when a young man of twenty years, removed to Milbank, South Dakota, and began to work on the Grant County Review. In 1911 he purchased the paper, which is published weekly and has a circulation of two thousand. It gives excellent local and general news service and is liberally patronized as an advertising medium by the business men of the county. Mr. Dolan also does a large job printing business, turning out excellent work in that line.
In 1913 Mr. Dolan married Miss Christina Olson, a daughter of O. A. Olson, a farmer residing in Grant county. Mr. Dolan is a leader in local democratic circles and personally and through the medium of his paper has done much to secure the success of his party in Grant county. He belongs to the Woodmen, the Catholic Order of Foresters and the Knights of Columbus, his affiliation with the last two orders indicating his membership in the Roman Catholic church. He understands all phases of newspaper work and has proved not only an excellent editor but a capable business manager. He has thoroughly identified his interests with those of Grant county and Milbank and has been instrumental in securing the progress of his community along a number of lines.
"History of Dakota Territory",
By George Washington Kingsbury, George Martin Smith
Published by The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1915
Submitted by K. Torp (no relation)
EDWIN M. HARPER.
Grant county is fortunate in having as its auditor Edwin M. Harper, a man of unquestioned ability and integrity and one who understood fully the details of the work of the office when elected to the position, as he had previously served as deputy auditor. He was born in Chautauqua county, New York, March 17, 1855, a son of William and Desdemona (Mitchell) Harper. His paternal grandfather, Hugh Harper, was born in Ireland but emigrated to the United States, settling in New York, where he lived until called by death. William Harper, who was born on the Emerald Isle in 1819, came to the United States when a youth of sixteen years and for some time resided in New York. In 1856 he removed to Minnesota, where he homesteaded land. He followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life and gained considerable success. He passed away in December, 1895, in the faith of the Seventh Day Adventist church, although he had belonged to the Baptist church in his early life. His political belief was that of the republican party and he was elected to a number of local offices. His wife, who was born in New York state in 1822, died in June, 1858. She was a member of the Baptist church.
Edwin M. Harper was educated in the schools of Spring Valley, Minnesota, and in 1876 was graduated from the high school. He taught for three years in Minnesota but in 1882 came to South Dakota and entered a claim in Brown county, continuing to reside thereon until 1892. That year witnessed his arrival in Grant county and he purchased a farm which he still owns and the operation of which he supervises. From 1905 to 1911 he engaged in the grain business in Twin Brooks and later he was for four years deputy county auditor. In 1914 he was elected county auditor on the republican ticket and is now devoting his time to the discharge of his official duties. His previous service as deputy well qualified him to fill the office of auditor and he is prompt and accurate in the performance of the duties devolving upon him. His service is proving very satisfactory to his constituents and he is popular throughout the county.
In February, 1882, Mr. Harper married Miss Mary Sweet, a daughter of Dempster Sweet, of New York. She passed away in 1885, leaving a son, William, who is now farming in North Dakota. In 1887 Mr. Harper married Miss Mabel Tower, daughter of David Tower, a native of Canada. To this union have been born two children: Edwin M., who is in a bakery in Milbank; and Mary H., at home.
Mr. Harper is a stalwart republican in his political belief and does all in his power to further the success of his party. Fraternally he is a Mason, belonging to the blue lodge and Royal Arch chapter, and both he and his wife are identified with the Order of the Eastern Star. He is now serving as senior deacon in the lodge. His identification with Masonry and his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church indicate the high moral principles which govern his life and which have gained him the confidence and respect of all who have been brought into contact with him.
"History of Dakota Territory",
By George Washington Kingsbury, George Martin Smith
Published by The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1915
Submitted by K. Torp (no relation)
JUNIUS N. MANLEY.
Junius N. Manley is the efficient sheriff of Grant county and is also connected with business interests of Milbank as the owner of a large livery barn. He was born in Richland county, Wisconsin, September 24, 1865, a son of Joseph and Olive (Salisbury) Manley. His paternal grandfather, Durias Manley, was born in Pennsylvania but emigrated to Wisconsin, where he was living at the time of his demise. The maternal grandfather, William Salisbury, was a native of New York but became a pioneer settler of Ohio, where his death occurred. Joseph Manley was born in Ohio in 1835 and was married in Wisconsin on the 4th of July, 1859, to Miss Salisbury, who was born in Summit county, Ohio. The father followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life and for several years resided in Wisconsin, where he removed in young manhood. In 1870, however, he went with his family to northwestern Iowa, making the journey with an ox-team. He continued to reside in that section until called by death. He was a democrat in politics and held a number of minor positions of trust. He was a loyal member of the Grand Army of the Republic, being eligible to that organization because of his service in the Civil war as a member of the Eleventh Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry.
Junius N. Manley was educated in the country schools of northwestern Iowa and during his boyhood and youth assisted his father with the work of the home farm. Upon reaching mature years he continued to follow the occupation to which he had been reared and gave his attention to farming until 1901, when he ?? to Milbank, South Dakota, and became the proprietor of a livery business, which he still owns, although he now gives the greater part of his time and attention to his duties as sheriff. Although Grant county is republican by about four to one he was elected sheriff by a good majority, which is an eloquent tribute to his personal popularity and the confidence which the people of the county have in his ability and integrity. He has served in the office but a comparatively short time but has already proved his fitness for the position which he fills.
Mr. Manley was married in 1892 to Miss Minnie Hinz, who was born in Iowa, where her marriage occurred. They have two children: Forrest, who is serving as deputy sheriff; and Lloyd, who is a student in the State University.
Mr. Manley is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and has served through all of the chairs. He has always been active in local political affairs, being one of the effective workers in the ranks of the democratic party. In all that he does he is alert and energetic and his enterprise and good business ability are the qualities which have made possible his success as he began his independent business career without capital and without the aid of influential friends.
"History of Dakota Territory",
By George Washington Kingsbury, George Martin Smith
Published by The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1915
Submitted by K. Torp (no relation)
HON. EDGAR KELLEY.
Hon. Edgar Kelley, who since 1905 has lived retired in Milbank, South Dakota, is one of the large landowners of Grant county, where he has a, section of land. He was born in Halworth county, Wisconsin, November 23, 1851, a son of Stephen and Mary A. (Liddell) Kelley. The father was born and reared in Herkimer county, New York, and comes of Scotch-Irish descent, the family having been established in America in early colonial days, at which time they took up their abode in New England. The mother, who was born in Burlington, Vermont, was of English lineage. The father, upon leaving his native state, came to the middle west, settling in Wisconsin, where he engaged in farming until 1866. He then removed to Freeborn county, Minnesota, where he continued farming. While still a resident of Wisconsin, however, he became a member of Company I; Forty-sixth Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry, and did valiant duty at the front. His death occurred in 1898 and the death of his wife occurred in 1895, when she was seventy-one years of age. In their family were three sons and three daughters, all of whom survive with the exception of Benjamin and William.
Edgar Kelley accompanied his parents on their various removals and acquired his education in the schools of Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa, having removed to the latter state when he was twenty years of age. After completing his studies he engaged in farming for three years in Franklin county, that state, when he returned to the home farm in Minnesota and assumed charge of the homestead for his father. In 1879 he went to Grant county, South Dakota, and entered a homestead claim in Melrose township, which constitutes a portion of his present holdings. He at once undertook the development and improvement of his place and it is today one of the model farms of that section of Grant county. There are found modern and substantial buildings and good fences, while the soil has been brought to that point where it is adapted to raising the various cereals produced in this state. He also gave much attention to the raising of live stock and had a dairy in connection with his farm. Despite the fact that he led a busy and active life on the farm he always found time to cooperate in movements in which the public benefited. He was one of the organizers of the creamery at Milbank in 1895 and from that time to 1912 served on the directorate.
He is also a stockholder and director of the Farmers Cooperative Elevator Company at Mil- bank, which is one of the successful concerns of that section of the state, having in 1903 paid a dividend of fifty per cent. He is also a director in the Merchants National Bank there. His energy has frequently been at the service of the community as will be seen in the fact that he was called to serve in the state legislature in 1903, his work there proving so effective and so helpful that he was again called to serve in 1905. In the latter year he put aside all business cares and took up his abode in Milbank, where he occupies a nice residence and is now living in honorable retirement.
Mr. Kelley was married July 26, 1879, to Miss Eliza Bessenger, who was born and reared in Freeborn county, Minnesota, a daughter of Morris and Anna Bessenger, who were natives of Germany. Her father was a marble dealer in his native land and became an early settler of Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. Kelley have a son and daughter: Elmer, who is a graduate of the business college at Hankato, and is now on his father's farm; and Elsie M., the wife of Henry Vandervoort, a prominent farmer of Grant county. Mr. Kelley gives firm support to the republican party. He belongs to the Masons, to the Ancient Order of United Workmen and to the Yeomen. On all public questions where the best interests of the community are involved he is ever to be found on the right side. He is a successful man because of the use he has made of his talents and his opportunities, because his thoughts are not self-centered but are given to the mastery of life problems and the fulfillment of his duty as a man in his relations to his fellowmen and as a citizen in his relations to his city, state and country.
"History of Dakota Territory",
By George Washington Kingsbury, George Martin Smith
Published by The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1915
Submitted by K. Torp (no relation)
WADE S. NIXON.
Wade S. Nixon, of Milbank, was for four years county register of deeds and for four years held the office of county auditor, proving an excellent and conscientious official. His birth occurred in Butler county, Ohio, December 13, 1864. He is a son of Richard and Abbie (Ayers) Nixon, both natives of the Buckeye state. The paternal grandfather was John Nixon and the family is of English descent. Richard Nixon was a cooper by trade but in his later years gave much of his attention to forming. He gave his political allegiance to the whig party until it dissolved and then joined the ranks of the republican party. In religious faith he was a Presbyterian. He served for three years in the Civil war as a member of the Sixty-ninth Ohio Volunteer Infantry and participated, in many important battles. He died in 1885, when sixty-six years of age, his birth having occurred in 1819. His wife passed way in 1887. when sixty years old, and her natal year was 1827. They were married in Ohio in 1844 and became the parents of nine children, of whom seven are still living, namely: George C., a retired farmer residing in Wilmot, this state; Mary, the wife of John Spinner, a farmer and carpenter residing in Ohio; Mrs. Keever, a widow living in Mason, Ohio; Lydia, also a resident of the Buckeye state; Wade S.; Mrs. Marion Guthrie, who resides in Stark county, Ohio; and A. M., who is now city assessor and justice of the peace and who was for four years postmaster at Milbank.
Wade S. Nixon attended the public schools of Ohio in the acquirement of an education and was graduated from the high school of Mason, that state, in 1883. He farmed in Ohio for some time but in 1888 went to Colorado, where he took up a claim, upon which he resided for two years. He became a resident of Grant county, South Dakota, in 1885 and in 1898 removed to Milbank, where he engaged in the hotel business for six years. In the fall of 1904 he was elected register of deeds and held that office for four years, after which he was for two years deputy county auditor, his excellent record in that capacity leading to his election as auditor, in which capacity he served until March 1, 1915. While in public office he concentrated his energies upon the discharge of his duties and his work was performed in a systematic and efficient manner. He owns considerable land in Colorado and also holds title to town lots in various places.
Mr. Nixon was united in marriage in 1901 to Miss Jennie Wise, a native of Minnesota, and their four children are: Richard, Lois and Edith, who are in school; and Marion.
Mr. Nixon attends the Congregational church and fraternally is well known, belonging to Milbank Lodge, No. 20, A. F. & A. M., of which he has served as senior warden, and to the Knights of Pythias, in which he was chancellor commander. In the latter order he served for three years as grand trustee of the Grand Lodge of South Dakota. His political belief is that of the republican party and he works loyally for its success at the polls. He is now a member of the board of education and takes a citizen's interest in all matters of public concern. For two years he was captain of Company K of the South Dakota National Guard and in all relations of life he has measured up to high standards of manhood and has gained the confidence and the unqualified respect of all who have been brought in contact with him.
ALBERT J. LINDAHL.
Albert J. Lindahl, the efficient treasurer of Grant county, is one of the valued citizens of Milbank. A native of Minnesota, his birth occurred in Willmar, August 6, 1883, and he is a son of Thomas and Hadda (Rungquist) Lindahl, both of whom were born in Sweden, the former in 1847 and the latter in 1853. The maternal grandfather, John Rungquist, emigrated to America and for a number of years followed farming in South Dakota. Thomas Lindahl came to the United States not long after the close of the Civil war and first settled in St. Paul, after which he removed successively to Chicago and to Willmar, Minnesota. He purchased land in that locality and was for five years a resident of Kandiyohl county. In 1884 he removed to Grant county, South Dakota, purchased a relinquishment and proved up a claim on which he still resides. He has added to his holdings, which now comprise four hundred and eighty acres, and his farm is recognized as one of the most valuable properties in the county. He is also president of the Farmers State Bank of Strandburg. When he came to this state he was a comparatively poor man but, utilizing the opportunities here offered, has gained financial independence. In religious faith he is a Free Baptist and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He was married in Chicago and to him and his wife have been born nine children, namely: Edward, who is deputy treasurer; Clara and Fred, both at home; Albert J.; Harry, who is living in northern Minnesota and who is assistant cashier of a bank; and Robert, Emil, Arthur and Joseph, all at home.
Albert J. Lindahl received his education in the public schools and in the State Agricultural College at Brookings, which he attended for two years. He grew to manhood upon his father's farm and continued to give his time to agricultural pursuits until 1909, when he became deputy county treasurer. He held that office until the fall of 1912, when he was elected treasurer, which position he is still filling. He devotes his entire time to the duties of his office and is accurate, systematic and prompt in the performance of the work devolving upon him. He has demonstrated that the confidence placed in his ability and integrity is well founded and his services are very satisfactory to his constituents.
Mr. Lindahl is a stalwart supporter of the principles of the republican party as he believes that they are best calculated to promote the welfare of the country. Fraternally he belongs to Milbank Lodge, No. 20, A. F. & A. M., of which he is secretary, and Milbank Chapter, No. 15, R. A. M. All who know him esteem him highly and he has also made many warm personal friends.
"History of Dakota Territory",
By George Washington Kingsbury, George Martin Smith
Published by The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1915
Submitted by K. Torp (no relation)
WILLIAM A. MERTENS.
William A. Mertens, who holds title to five hundred and sixty acres of excellent land in Grant county, was born in Germany, on the 9th of June, 1861. His parents, Joseph and Annie (Peal) Mertens, were also natives of Germany and both were born in 1835. They were married and remained there until 1871, when they crossed the Atlantic to the new world making their way to McHenry county, Illinois, where the father followed the mason's trade and also operated a small farm which he owned. He passed away there in 1909, but is survived by his widow. He was a republican in politics and in religious faith a Lutheran. To him and his wife were born nine children, of whom five are still living, namely: Bertha, the wife of Louis Haight, a farmer residing in Illinois; William A.; and Julius, Albert and Herman, all of whom are farming in Illinois.
William A. Mertens received his education in the common schools and during his boyhood and youth also assisted in the work of the home farm. He followed agricultural pursuits in the Prairie state until 1886, when he removed to Grant county, South Dakota, and purchased a relinquishment, on which he proved up. Subsequently he sold that place and purchased a quarter section of land near Milbank, for which he paid thirteen hundred dollars. Later he bought an additional eighty acre tract which cost him one thousand dollars and subsequently lip added still further to his holdings. At length he disposed of three eighty- acre tracts for five thousand dollars, after which he purchased four hundred and eighty acres for ten thousand five hundred and sixty dollars. He placed a mortgage of six thousand and sixty dollars upon the farm which, however, he paid in six years. He erected a beautiful residence upon his new homestead and has made many other improvements upon his farm, which is one of the most valuable of the county. He owns in all five hundred and sixty acres of excellent land, which is worth about one hundred and twenty-five dollars per acre, and he carries on general farming and stock-raising. However he specializes to some extent in breeding Periheron horses and has a fine thoroughbred stallion for breeding purposes.
In March, 1893, Mr. Mertens was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Fritz, who was born in Illinois, but her parents, Joseph and Dora (Geister) Fritz, were both natives of Germany. In 1871 they emigrated to the United States and settled in Illinois, where the father followed agricultural pursuits. Mr. and Mrs. Mertens have four children: Louis and Harry, at home: and Royal and Milton, who are in school.
Mr. Mertens is a republican and is now serving as township supervisor and as a member of the school board. He belongs to the German Lutheran church and at all times conforms his conduct to high standards of morality. He devotes practically his entire time to the work of the farm and the competence which he has gained is the merited reward of his well directed industry.
"History of Dakota Territory",
By George Washington Kingsbury, George Martin Smith
Published by The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1915
Submitted by K. Torp (no relation)
BENJAMIN F. WILLSON.
Benjamin F. Willson, a real-estate dealer operating in Summit, was born in Noble county, Indiana, February 15, 1860, a son of Cassius Wilder and Rosanna (Marsh) Willson. The grandfather, Cassius Willson, Sr., was a native of New York and died in Ohio, while the maternal grandfather, Nathaniel Marsh, was a native of Vermont and spent his last days in the Soldiers' Home at Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He had served throughout the Civil war as a soldier in the Union army and he had three sons in the service with him. The father of our subject was born in the state of New York in 1830 and after living for a time in Ohio removed to Indiana, where he purchased land and carried on farming. In 1866 he took his family to Minnesota and became the owner of a farm in Olmsted county, upon which he resided for more than a quarter of a century. In the fall of 1892 he arrived in South Dakota and engaged in the butchering business at South Shore, while later he turned his attention to the grocery trade in the same town. In 1899 he located in Summit, where his remaining days were passed. His wife was born in the Green Mountain state in January, 1835, and their marriage was celebrated in Ohio. The father passed away in Summit, May 24, 1901, while his widow survived until December, 1913. In the various communities in which they lived they enjoyed the warm regard of those with whom they came in contact. In politics Mr. Willson was active as a stalwart republican and he held a number of township offices. To him and his wife were born nine children, of whom seven are living: John Riley, who is engaged in the transfer business at Osage, Iowa; G. E., the Watertown, South Dakota, representative of the International Harvester Company and also an auctioneer; Benjamin F.; Mrs. G. W. Cram, of Salt Lake City, Utah, whose husband is a railroad man; H. A., who is engaged in the real-estate business in Kansas City, Missouri; C. M., proprietor of a billiard hall at Aberdeen; and G. B., a barber of Watertown.
Benjamin F. Willson, accompanied his parents to Minnesota when a lad of six years, pursued his education in the district schools of Olmsted county and afterward took up the occupation of farming, which he followed until 1894. In the meantime he had secured a homestead claim in Grant county, South Dakota, in 1881, retaining the ownership of that property until 1913. When he put aside the active work of the farm in 1894 he removed to South ?? where he lived a short time, and in 1895 he engaged in the transfer business in Osage, Iowa, there remaining until 1898. In that year he went to Austin, Minnesota, where for six months he conducted a hotel, and on the 1st of September, 1898, he removed to Summit, South Dakota, where he engaged in the hotel business for sixteen years and one month. He was quite successful in that connection and although he reached Summit with a capital of but five hundred dollars is now one of the prosperous citizens of his part of the state. He has largely retired from active business although he deals to some extent in real estate and is the owner of a half section of land in Canada.
On the 3d of February, 1892, Mr. Willson wedded Miss Ethel Tenney, a native of Wisconsin. He belongs to the Masonic fraternity and both he and his wife are connected with the Order of the Eastern Star. He is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and his political allegiance is given to the republican party. He has held all of the town offices, the duties of which he has discharged with promptness and fidelity, but whether in office or out of it he is ever a loyal, public-spirited citizen and he has cooperated in many movements which have been directly beneficial to his community.
"History of Dakota Territory",
By George Washington Kingsbury, George Martin Smith
Published by The S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1915
Submitted by K. Torp (no relation)
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