Ellef Solem Biography


	This biography appears on pages 936-937 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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	ELLEF SOLEM, one of the most successful and progressive farmers 
and stock raisers of Yankton county, was born in Norway in 1852 and 
there grew to manhood. The year 1874 witnessed his emigration to 
America and on landing in this country he came at once to South Dakota, 
locating in Yankton county, where he was in the employ- of others for 
about seven years. In 1880 he was united in marriage to Miss Mary 
Anderson, a native of Denmark, and they now have one son, Albert who 
was educated in the common schools of this locality and is now 
assisting his father in carrying on the home farm.  

	Mr. Solem secured a homestead of one hundred and sixty acres in 
Yankton county and he and his wife went to housekeeping in a sod house 
he erected thereon. It was later replaced by a small frame residence 
and in 1898 he built his present comfortable home, which is complete in 
all its appointments. Mr. Solem was one of the first to take up land in 
his part of the county and in those early days he underwent many 
hardships and privations. His first crop of corn was entirely destroyed 
by the grasshoppers and he has met with other misfortunes, but 
notwithstanding these he has steadily prospered, and is now quite well-
to-do, owning three hundred and twenty acres. He has set out all the 
trees now seen upon the place and made many other improvements which 
add greatly to the value and attractive appearance of the farm. In the 
operation of his land he uses the latest improved machinery and is a 
thoroughly up-to-date farmer. He has become interested in the dairy 
business and gives considerable attention to the raising of shorthorn 
cattle and a good grade of hogs, feeding all the products of his farm 
to his stock. He carries on his farm with the aid of hired help and 
raises from one hundred to one hundred and fifty tons of hay. He is a 
very hard working man and to his industry and excellent business 
ability is due his success in life.  

	Mr. Solem has never been an aspirant for public office, though he 
has filled some school offices, and he is independent in politics, 
voting for men and not for party. Religiously he is a member of the 
Lutheran church. He is now serving as treasurer of the Center Point 
creamery, also treasurer of Turkey Valley township, and is regarded as 
one of the best and most reliable business men of his community.