James C. Tofte Biography


	This biography is from "Memorial and biographical record; an illustrated
 	compendium of biography, containing a compendium of local biography,
	including biographical sketches of prominent old settlers and 
	representative citizens of South Dakota..." Published by G. A. Ogle & 
	Co., Chicago, 1899. Pages 844-847

	Scan, OCR and editing by Maurice Krueger,mkrueger@iw.net, 1998. 

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JAMES C. TOFTE. The agriculturists of Blaine township have done no 
small part of the work in making Clark county one of note as a thriving 
agricultural district, and the northeastern portion, including the 
rolling, almost hilly lands of Blaine township, is more especially 
given to that industry. One of the prominent places among this class is 
occupied by the gentleman above named. His estate on section 11 forms a 
pleasant home, and the soil being of rich and productive nature affords 
an excellent opportunity for success. Mr. Tofte has shown good judgment 
in the selection of his farm, and with good management and industry has 
placed himself among the foremost followers of his pursuit. 

Our subject is a native of Ulefost, Norway, and, was born September 29, 
1850. Eleven children constituted the family of his parents, Christian 
and Anne (Jameson) Peterson,who resided on the farm "Tofte," and our 
subject was the third in order of birth. When a boy of twelve years he 
began working with his father at the mason's trade, and his 
apprenticeship thereat continued until he reached his majority. When 
nearing his twenty-second birthday he started, in company with a 
friend, to seek his fortune in the New World. His first work was hear 
Whitewater, Wisconsin, on a farm, and from thence he went to 
Dodgeville, Wisconsin, and the following spring began working at his 
trade in Chicago. For several years following he worked in various 
places in Wisconsin and Iowa. He settled near Dodgeville in 1874, 
remaining there until he emigrated to Brookings county, Dakota, in 
1878. He took land in the Sioux River valley near Brookings, and 
engaged in farming there six years, and in 1884 went to Blaine 
township, Clark county, and began the development of the farm with a 
success of which he is now justly proud. He and his son work together, 
cropping about two hundred and fifty acres, and keep about eight milch 
cows, patronizing the Bradley creamery. 

Our subject was married in 1874 to Miss Anne Jameson. Mrs. Tofte is a 
native of Iowa county, Wisconsin, and was born May 20, 1854. Ten 
children, six of whom are living, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Tofte. 
Their names in order of birth follow: Edward C.; Abraham T.; Albert B., 
deceased; Anne B.; Mary C., deceased; Mary C., deceased ; Bertine C.; 
Christian A.; Alate M., deceased; and James A. Mr. Tofte is a gentleman 
whose life has been spent in promoting the better interests of any 
community where he has chosen to reside, and is prominent in the 
affairs of his township, being a member of the township board. He is a 
Republican in political sentiment and favors prohibition and opposes 
equal suffrage. He holds membership in the Lutheran church. The 
community of which he is a member may well be proud of kits career 
since becoming a resident of Blaine township. A gentleman whose force 
of character makes him a leader among his associates, he is well known 
and highly respected. 

Portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Tofte are presented on another page of this 
work.