Frank M. Ramsdell Biography


	This biography appears on pages 1067-1068 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				FRANK M. RAMSDELL. 

	Frank M. Ramsdell is proprietor of a meat market at Faulkton and 
in connection with the conduct of a successful business of that 
character derives a good income from farm property which he owns in 
Faulk county. He was born at Osage, Iowa, August 18, 1862, and is a son 
of William and Mary A. (Nixon) Ramsdell, the former born near Lake 
Erie, New York, and the latter at Three Rivers, Michigan. In early life 
the father engaged in merchandising at Osage, Iowa, and in the year 
1878 he became one of the pioneer settlers of Moody county, South 
Dakota, where he took up the occupation of farming, which he followed 
until, having become possessed of a comfortable competence, he retired 
from active business life, spending his last days in the enjoyment of 
well earned rest in Flandreau. He took an active and helpful interest 
in public affairs and was a member of the last territorial legislature. 
He also filled various county offices and while in Iowa acted as county 
sheriff for eight years. He likewise was called to various positions of 
public trust in South Dakota and proved most loyal and capable, doing 
all in his power to advance public progress and improvement. His widow 
yet survives and still makes her home in Flandreau. 

	In a family of eight children Frank M. Ramsdell was the third in 
order of birth. He attended the public schools of Osage, Iowa, and 
resided at home to the time of his marriage. He afterward secured a 
preemption claim in Miner county, South Dakota, where he resided for a 
year and then went to Faulk county, where he obtained a homestead and 
tree claim. With characteristic energy he began to develop his land, 
breaking the sod and cultivating the fields until rich crops rewarded 
his labors. Year after year the work of improving his farm was carried 
steadily forward and success attended his efforts. In 1902, however, he 
removed to Faulkton, having been elected to office, and later he 
purchased the meat market of which he is still proprietor, conducting a 
good business in that line, having built up a large and gratifying 
trade. He still owns three hundred and twenty acres of farm land in 
Faulk county and is likewise the owner of city property. 

	On the 25th of December, 1882, Mr. Ramsdell wedded Miss Laura A. 
Smith, a native of Batavia, Iowa, and a daughter of John D. and Julia 
A. Smith, The father, who was a farmer by occupation, removed from Iowa 
to South Dakota with his family, settling in Miner county, where the 
family were living when his daughter became the wife of Mr. Ramsdell. 
In 1884 Mr. and Mrs. Smith removed to Faulk county, taking up their 
abode upon a claim near the Ramsdell farm. Mr. Smith served as county 
commissioner and in matters of citizenship proved his loyalty and 
progressive spirit in many ways. He died on the old homestead January 
6, 1906, and his widow now makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Ramsdell. 
Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Ramsdell: William F., an 
agriculturist residing in Faulkton; Claud, who resides in Faulkton, is 
married and assists his father in the conduct of his meat market, 
Leone, the wife of C. K. Brooks, of Manchester, South Dakota, who is 
connected with the Atlas Elevator Company; and John, Della and Verne, 
all at home. 

	Mr. Ramsdell is identified with the Independent Order of Odd 
Fellows, the Modern Brotherhood of America and the Modern Woodmen of 
America. His political endorsement is given to the republican party and 
for four years he served as register of deeds of Faulk county. He was 
likewise a member of the board of education for a number of years and 
he discharged his duties in a most prompt and capable manner. His 
religious faith is evidenced in his membership in the Christian church, 
but as there is no church of that denomination in Faulkton, he attends 
the Methodist Episcopal church. His salient characteristics are 
commendable, for he has been found progressive and reliable in 
business, loyal in citizenship and faithful to the ties of home and 
friendship.