George C. Knickerbocker Biography


	This biography appears on pages 1608-1610 in "History of South 
	Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. II (1904) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

	This file may be freely copied by individuals and non-profit 
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	A photo of Colonel and Mrs. George C. Knickerbocker and 
	grandchildren faces page 1608.


	GEORGE C. KNICKERBOCKER.—All  who are familiar with the 
delightful writings of Washington Irving, and particularly with his 
"Knickerbocker's New York," will understand that the name borne by the 
subject has through this source become almost a generic term as 
designating the sturdy and aristocratic division of the old Holland 
families who settled in New Amsterdam, the nucleus of the present 
national metropolis, and also became prominent in connection with the 
settlement of other sections of the Empire state. The lineage of Colonel 
Knickerbocker is traced in an unbroken way back to the original American 
progenitors whom Irving thus singled out in giving title to one of his 
most interesting works, and the genealogical record is one in which he 
may well take pride. The Colonel is one of the honored pioneers and 
popular citizens of McPherson county and has been the owner of a hotel 
in Eureka since the founding of the town, having, in fact, purchased the 
first lot and erected the first building in the place save for those put 
up in a preliminary way by the railroad company. 

	The genealogical record is traced back to John VanBerghan 
Knickerbocker, of Brabant, who was captain in the navy of the 
Netherlands, and whose son, Harmon Jansen Knickerbocker, born in 
Friesland, in 1648, was the original progenitor in America. He came from 
Holland to the new world in 1678 and through his second son, Lawrence, 
who married Catherine Van Horn, the line of direct descent is traced to 
the subject of this review. Harmon, son of Lawrence, married Rebecca 
Wandelar, and their second son, Harmon Jansen, who married Susannah 
Basson, was the great-grandfather of our subject. Peter Knickerbocker, 
grandfather of the Colonel, married Jane Montrose and they became the 
parents of eighteen children, of whom seven are yet living, the average 
age of the number being four score years, which venerable age is that of 
our subject's father, William, who now resides in Aurora, Illinois, the 
family being notable for longevity. William Knickerbocker was born and 
reared in Dutchess county, New York, as was also his wife, whose maiden 
name was Helen M. Crouse and who is still living, as are two of their 
four children, of whom the subject was the first in order of birth. 

	About the year 1848 William Knickerbocker took up his residence in 
Illinois, becoming one of the pioneers of that state, where he followed 
the vocation of contractor and builder for many years. In Aurora, 
Illinois, on the 11th of October, 1850, George C. Knickerbocker was 
ushered into the world, and there passed his boyhood days, securing such 
educational advantages as were afforded in the common schools. He 
acquired the mason's trade in his youth and as a young man was 
successfully engaged in contracting and building in Illinois and 
adjoining states. At the age of twenty-seven years he located in the 
city of Minneapolis, Minnesota, where he engaged in the furniture 
business. In the early 'eighties he conducted the largest establishment 
of the sort in the city mentioned, but his place was destroyed by fire 
in 1882, entailing a total loss of sixty-five thousand dollars. In 1885 
the Colonel came to South Dakota and located in McPherson county, being 
one of the first settlers in the western part of the county. At the time 
of the inception of the town of Eureka and before the railroad company, 
owning the site, had granted permission for anyone to build on the 
ground, Colonel Knickerbocker "took time by the forelock" and succeeded 
in erecting a hotel building in the town, quietly perfecting the plans 
and bringing his force of workmen on the spot selected. This was on 
Sunday, and by putting forth every effort the building was raised during 
the day and to a large extent the exterior was finished by Monday, when 
the railroad officials put in an appearance and sized up the situation. 
Perhaps admiring the enterprise and courage of the subject. they made no 
serious protest and thus he gained the credit of being the first to 
erect a building on the site of the present thriving and attractive 
town, save those, as noted, which have been put up by the railroad 
company. He has ever since continued his residence in Eureka, is well 
known throughout this section of the state, and his circle of friends is 
bounded only by that of his acquaintances, while he has at all times 
shown himself ready to aid to the utmost of his ability in the 
furthering of all undertakings and enterprises tending to enhance the 
general welfare and promote the development of the country and the 
material prosperity of his town. He takes a deep interest in public 
affairs, particularly those of a local nature, while he has been and 
continues an active worker in politics in the county, wielding no little 
influence, though never resorting to spectacular methods. He served for 
five years as a member of the board of county commissioners, was a 
member of the first board of aldermen, and has held other offices of 
local trust. On the 23d of February, 1901, he was appointed colonel on 
the staff of Governor Herreid and remains incumbent of this office at 
the time of this writing. He is a prominent and popular affiliate of the 
Knights of Pythias, and a member of the grand lodge of the order in the 
state. 

	On the 16th of February, 1871, Colonel Knickerbocker was united in 
marriage to Miss Sarah Ellen Jones, who was born and reared in Cook 
county, Illinois, being a daughter of Samuel Jones, who came of staunch 
Welsh lineage. Mrs. Knickerbocker bears the distinction of having been 
the first woman in Eureka. Of this union were born two children, 
Gertrude B. and Harry M. The daughter became the wife of John E. Regan, 
of Eureka, and her death occurred in 1898. She is survived by three 
daughters, namely: Georgia, Grace and Genevieve. The son of the subject 
is now engaged in music teaching and is a natural musician, having 
inherited his talents. He performs on almost any instrument, but the 
violin is his specialty, and of this instrument he is considered almost 
a master. He is now a resident of Harvey, North Dakota, where he is 
engaged in organizing and teaching orchestras and bands, at which he 
meets with great success. In 1900 he married Alma Thorhaug, who was born 
in Wisconsin. To this union a son has been born, George Stanley 
Knickerbocker.