William L. Nieland Biography


	This biography appears on pages 856-857 in "History of South 
	Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. I (1904) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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	WILLIAM L. NIELAND. - During the early epoch in the development 
of Yankton county William L. Nieland first opened his eyes to the light 
of day within its borders. He was here born on the 17th of October, 
1867, and is a well-known representative of a worthy and honored 
pioneer family. His parents were Henry and Henrietta (Zeanter) Nieland, 
whose family numbered five children. The parents were natives of 
Germany and on coming to the United States settled in South Dakota in 
June, 1865. The father then secured a homestead claim of one hundred 
and sixty acres and, following the occupation of farming, he thus 
provided the needs and wants of his family. His death occurred about 
twelve years ago, but the mother is still living and is now sixty-two 
years of age. Like the others of the household, the son William L. 
attended the public schools of his native state and continued his 
studies until twenty-one years of age. He early began work in the 
fields and soon became familiar with all the duties and labors that 
fall to the lot of the agriculturist. The occupation to which he was 
reared he chose as his own life work and has become one of the most 
prosperous farmers of his native county.  

	On the 14th of December, 1891, Mr. Nieland was united in marriage 
to Miss Anna Madsen, who was born in Denmark and was brought to this 
country by her parents, both of whom are now living upon a farm in 
Yankton county. Mr. and Mrs. Nieland became the parents of four 
children, as follows: Clara L., Henrietta, Arthur E. and Harry E.  

	Mr. Nieland operates about one hundred and sixty acres of land 
and owns more than seven hundred acres. He has recently planted an 
orchard, having set out plum, cherry and apple trees in the present 
year 1903. The improvements of his farm are still in progress and he is 
continually directing his labors along lines that are proving of 
practical benefit and that contribute in large measure to the 
attractive appearance as well as to the success of his efforts. He has 
recently erected one of the best farm residences in the county and he 
also has large barns and other good outbuildings.  

	Politically, Mr. Nieland is independent, supporting the men whom 
he thinks best qualified for office, regardless of party affiliations. 
He has served for a number of years as a member of the school board and 
his efforts in behalf of education have been effective and beneficial. 
He belongs to the Woodmen of the World and to the Lutheran church and 
is always found on the side of progress, of right and of justice. He 
stands as a high type of our American manhood and his life record is 
indicative of the splendid opportunities which the west offers to those 
who ally their interests with hers and who are not afraid to engage in 
the laborious work which fields need in bringing desirable returns.