Full Text of "75 Years of Sully County History, 1883 - 1958", pages 319 - 336. This file contains the full text of a part of "75 Years of Sully County History", edited by Mrs. E. L. Thompson. Scanning and OCR by Joy Fisher, http://www.rootsweb.com/~archreg/vols/00001.html#0000031 This file is part of the SDGENWEB Archives. If you arrived here inside a frame or from a link from somewhere else, our front door is at http://www.usgwarchives.net/sd/sdfiles.htm This book was produced by the Onida Watchman and is not copyrighted. Reproduction of all editorial and pictorial matter is explicitly permitted. LINCOLN TOWNSHIP Lincoln Township was so named because of the fact that its early settlers came from Lincoln, Illinois, and other towns surrounding that area. Among the early settlers of Lincoln Township in the latter part of 1882 and in 1883, were William Toomey, John Jane, L. M. Starkey, the Coddingtons, Sam Jarvis, the Homer Russells, the Marsh's, James and Lyman Richardson, Loren Carr and many others. After investigating the land, grass for feeding and potential possibilities, many of the first settlers who came to Sully County decided that Lincoln Township was the "cream" of the county. [photo - Mr. and Mrs. Otto, Johnson. Early Settlers of Lincoln Township.] Mr. and Mrs. Otto Johnson and two sons, Charles and Emel, settled in Lincoln Township in 1884, and lived on the original homestead until Mr. Johnson passed away. Charles remained on the home place and Emel moved into Summit Township. Mr. and Mrs. Henry Osterkamp and son, Lawrence, homesteaded on the Northwest of 10 and the Northeast of 17, in 1886. Harry and Carl, sons of Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Osterkamp, were born in Lincoln Township and made their home there. [photo - Mr. and Mrs. William Toomey. Pioneers of Lincoln Township.] [photo - Lincoln Township Sunday School. 1919. Back row, left to right - Ruby Shore, Flo Allison, Mrs. Ed Baker, Mrs. John Quade, Tillie Allison, Mrs. Jessie Allison, Mrs. Martin Sorenson, Lena Shore, Marie Shore and Edith Baker. Seated, middle row - Vera Allison holding daughter, Anna McCabe, holding baby, Marie Sorenson, Hazel Sorenson and Mrs. Earl Allison and baby. Front row - Paul Shore, Joyce Baker, Johnny Quade, Wilmer Shore, Lilly Halsey, Vera Mercer and Edna Baker.] Another pioneer was N. P. Olson, who also came in 1886, and settled on the Northeast of Seven. His son, Ernest, was born in Lincoln and made his home on the same section. Ernest tells of one of his mother's first experiences with the fire flies or lightning bugs, as they were sometimes called. Mrs. Olson had been watching for her husband, who had been delayed in Blunt until after dark, and as she looked out of the window, she saw little lights flicker here and there. She became frightened, thinking there were Indians outside moving around with lanterns. She hurriedly bundled the children into the dugout and barred the door, and anxiously watched through the window until her husband arrived. Three schoolhouses were built in the township in 1885, and the teachers were Miss Elizabeth Smith, Miss May Chalfant and Miss Mable Mills. In 1908, the North Lincoln School became the meeting place for a newly organized church and Sunday School services which was active for 16 years. This was a part of the Methodist charge of Blunt. Other organizations to meet in this school were Farm Bureau, Farmers Union, Ladies Aid, Mother's Club and two Extension clubs. Mrs. John Quade taught the North Lincoln School for many years. [photo - Eighth Grade Class at North Lincoln School, 1923. Left to right-John Quade, Matt Glanzer, Hazel Sorenson, Preston Starbirck and Spencer Tunnell. Mrs. Forrest Byrum was the teacher.] * * * Martin Sorenson Family Martin Sorenson came to Lincoln Township about 1900, from Udina, Illinois, when he was 17 years old and worked for the William and Lawrence Osterkamp families until he was 21. In 1904, he filed for a claim on a homestead in Section Nine. Mr. Sorenson built all of his buildings and started a large grove of trees which are still an outstanding landmark in Lincoln Township. On March 27, 1907, he was married to Petra Inga Olson, who lived on a ranch south of Blunt. Five children were born to this union; three of whom died in infancy. Marie lives in Rapid City, and Hazel, now Mrs. Clarence Ludwig, lives in Blaine Township. Marie married Glenn Bloom, of Pierre, in 1933, and to this union two sons were born, Norman and Maynard. After her separation in 1940, she married Harold Salathe, of Harrold, in 1949. A daughter, Valerie Kay, was born to them. The Salathe's lived on her father's place in Lincoln Township for about three years before moving to Rapid City, South Dakota, where they own and operate the Ponderosa Trailer Court. [photo - Mr. and Mrs. Martin Sorenson and daughter, Hazel, 1936.] [photo - Martin Sorenson Farm in Lincoln Township] Mrs. Sorenson passed away on July 25, 1945, and after three years, Mr. Sorenson left his ranch and went to make his home with his daughter, Mrs. Clarance Ludwig and family. Again he showed his skill and love for trees by planting a large grove on the Ludwig farm in Blaine Township. He also replaced many of the buildings either by remodeling or building new ones. * * * The Roddewig family moved on the John Jane place in the spring of 1934, which was one of the first homesteads in Lincoln Township. During the early forties, the homesteaders began to retire and move off their farms and the younger people moved in. John and Frank Moore moved to Blunt and the home place was later sold to John Zebroski. Mr. and Mrs. John Quade moved to Onida and their farm was sold to Charles Hiett, of Texas. Mr. and Mrs. Gerhardt Fast moved to Minnesota. Mr. and Mrs. I. F. Steiner also sold out and moved to Pierre. Mr. and Mrs. William Short moved to Rapid City and their place was later sold to Johnny and Bennie Gross of Blaine Township. Elmer Lehmkuhl purchased the Fast and Comstock places. George Fanger bought the old Osterkamp farm, and Sig Severson bought the Romine place. Pete Griffin lives on the William Eckert farm. Mrs. Eckert makes her home in Blunt since the death of her husband. John Hofer, Ed Fast, Joe and Leonard Pollman, Andy Rose and F. D. Albertus also have farms in Lincoln Township. In 1949, Charles Roddewig, sold his place and purchased the Charles Johnson farm where he and his son, John, ranch and farm. * * * [photo - Mr. and Mrs. William Eckert. Pioneers of Lincoln Township.] The Lincoln P.T.A. The first Parent-Teacher Association in Sully County was organized in Lincoln Township on October 30, 1937. Mrs. Nannie M. Ellis, then a teacher in the South Lincoln School, and now at home in Pierre, and Mrs. John C. Quade, now of Onida, were the co-organizers. The name "The Lincoln P.T.A." was chosen and started with a membership of 27, growing each year to a membership of 46. Mrs. Quade was the first president and held that office for six consecutive years. Mrs. Ellis was vice president; Carl Osterkamp, treasurer, and Mrs. Frank Moore, secretary. Mrs. George Fanger was the second president and held the office until The Lincoln P.T.A. disintegrated. * * * LITTLE BEND TOWNSHIP Some of the first white families to inhabit Little Bend were the James Colemans, Joe Binders, John Greens, the Hietts and possibly others. James Coleman, Sr., and his son, James, Jr., appeared before J. H. Gropengieser, notary public, on March 15, 1886, as witnesses in the cash entry protest case of Coleman vs Robb, involving the title to a valuable tract of land located in the Bend. Mrs. Coleman taught school at the Alexander School. Jeff Sage was a successful grower of a new variety of golden-yellow watermelons, the finest melon grown at that time. He also was the proprietor of a general store. Joe Binder also opened a general store in Little Bend in 1889. His trade was almost wholly with the Indians. John Green raised nearly 200 bushels of fine Blue Victor potatoes on an acre of land during the growing season of 1889. The Pierre Ranch and Cattle Company, operated by George W. Lumley and sons, George, Jr., Robert and Harry, purchased the Little Bend in 1896, and had it stocked with several hundred head of cattle. George, Jr. operated the ranch until 1907, when it was sold to H. P. Knox. * * * The Knox Family Mr. and Mrs. H. P. Knox and family came to Little Bend from Iowa, in 1902. Besides ranching, they operated a grocery store and post office. Mr. Knox installed a sawmill on his ranch and sawed most of the large cottonwood trees into lumber. Later he moved to Onida and was engaged in the implement business together with his sons, Maynard and Bert. Mr. and Mrs. William Crawford operated the ranch and farm land for several years. Mrs. Crawford (Ruth) was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Knox. The ranch was sold to Ed Sutton in 1924. Having lived near the "Old Muddy Missouri" most of his life, Mr. Knox spent most of his last years following his favorite sport of fishing in the Missouri River, just south of the Sutton Ranch. On September 8, 1941, he failed to return. His overturned boat was found, and this, with days of fruitless search which followed, established beyond reasonable doubt the fact and manner of his passing. * * * The Alexander Family [photo - Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Alexander. Early Settlers of Little Bend Township.] Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Alexander and four children, Roland, Ethan, Lela and Alta, came to Sully County in the spring of 1906. That fall, Baby Glee was born. Mrs. Alexander was formerly Cora Acheson, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Acheson, and two sisters, Mrs. H. P. Knox and Florence, who later married Henry Groseclose, were also residents of Sully County. The first year Mr. Alexander worked for William Floyd -and the family lived in one of the Floyd houses close by. Later the Alexanders homesteaded in Little Bend Township, near the Missouri River, and lived there for many years. The youngest child, Jay, was born about three years after the family came to Sull County. Mr. Alexander raised cattle and always had a large and bountiful garden. He sold tomatoes and melons to those who came to Little Bend in the fall to pick wild fruit. He also trapped wild animals during the winter and sold the furs to help support the family. After the government bought their ranch in 1936, they purchased a home in Pierre where they lived until he passed away in June, 1946, and Mrs. Alexander, in December, 1948. Roland Alexander married Jennie Bennett, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bennett. They have three children and live in Rawlins, Wyoming. Ethan married Winnie Hiett. They live in a log house on the west side of the Missouri River at the mouth of the Cheyenne River. Lela married Clifford Sargent in 1920. They have two boys, Earl and Robert. Alta married Basil Flanagan. They live in California and have two children. Glee was married to William Pulliam. They have two children and live in Huron. Jay is married to Gladys West, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred West. They have two children. * * * Clifford Sargent Family Clifford Sargent came to Sully County in the spring of 1917, from Madison South Dakota. There was a great deal of snow in the county at that time and one could walk from the top of a railroad car unto a hard snowbank. Mr. Sargent stopped in Onida for a couple of weeks. Then he and two companions headed west with four horses pulling each wagon and shoveled the snow out and made camp. Their neighbors were Bert Garrett, Tom Lytle, the Floyd Brothers, John Dolan and Paul Pitlick and Joe. Clifford stayed there about two weeks and then went to work for the Garrett Brothers, working there about three years. In 1920, Clifford married Lela Alexander, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Alexander. The young couple purchased the Coleman place, better known as the Sheets farm, where they still live. The Sargents have two sons, Earl and Robert. Both boys graduated from the eighth grade at West Grandview School and from Onida High School. Earl is married to Elaine Trumble, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Trumble. They have six children, two boys and four girls. Robert (Bob) Sargent is still at home helping with ranch operations. [photo - McMacken Family Reunion, about 1910. Three generations of McMackens of Little Bend Township.] * * * [photo - Little Bend School, 1912. Mrs. Florence Groseclose, teacher, Back row, left to right - Lela Alexander, Bert Knox, Ethan Alexander and Mayard Knox. Front row - Clyde Wright, Glee Alexander and Leota Knox.] Some of the early school teachers in 'Little Bend Township were Mrs. Belle McMacken, Blanche Bagby and Bertha Bagby. The Little Bend School was taught by Mrs. Florence Groseclose in 1912-13. Ergo Hull built a log schoolhouse which was taught by Florence Nystrom (Mrs. James Sutton). She lived in the schoolhouse during the term of school and the Hull family later used the building as a kitchen. During the 1916-17 school term, Miss Nystrom had eight pupils - four Wright children, who lived on the Fred West Island, but attended school in Little Bend; three Hull children, Ergo Jr., Frances and Priscilla and Loren Christy. * * * When Little Bend, a horseshoe shaped tract of land almost surrounded by the Missouri River, was sold to Ed Sutton in 1924, his son, James and family moved there the following year and made their home there for 14 years. They operated the ranch which was ideal for cattle with its river bottoms of alfalfa and hay, hills for grazing land, and trees for shelter from the summer heat and the winter storms. No other shelter was necessary. The many hundreds of Hereford cattle and horses roaming the hills and valleys were cared for by James Sutton for 14 years; and many thousands of feet of lumber, wood posts and slabs were sold each year. The sawmill was operated for several years by a group of Missourians hired by the Suttons. [photo - Florence Nystrom (Mrs. James Sutton). When she taught school in the log schoolhouse in Little Bend, 1916-17.] It was not an unusual sight to look out and see a group of Indians, who had come Across the river by boat, to try to make a trade for a cow, horse, pig, or even chickens, geese, grain or lumber. They were very friendly and attended the neighborhood pie and basket socials and school programs. Some of the Indians intermarried with the white people. In 1936, the Little Bend was taken over by the government under the Sub- marginal Land Program. All occupants were ordered to vacate and all homes were destroyed, as they were mostly log houses and could not be moved. The government erected a new six-room house for the caretaker. James Sutton was hired for three years. During the years of relief work, many log houses were constructed from green logs. About 20 families resided there at one time. Building dams and clearing brush were their projects. During their spare time, fishing, hunting and boating became a great sport. The government stocked the Bend with wild turkeys and pheasants. When the turkeys arrived, their wings were clipped, making them easy prey to the ever-howling coyotes, as well as the hunters. The government purchased this land for a game preserve and many deer, antelope, coons, wildcats, wolves and beaver inhabit this area. Many camp sights picnic grounds were cleared and brick and stone fireplaces erected. This land later became a Bombing Range. "No Admittance" signs were posted on top of the hills at the entrance to Little Bend. However, this government project did not prove successful so was moved just across the river. In the near future, Little Bend will be inundated by the waters of the Oahe Dam. * * * MILFORD TOWNSHIP One of the earliest families to settle in Milford Township were Mr. and Mrs. Martin Schreiber and children, Salomea, Margaret, Mary, George, John Mike, Tom, Fred and Charles. They were very industrious, people and soon had their homestead equipped with living quarters, barn for cattle and horses and sheds for chickens and other poultry. After Martin Schreiber passed away in March, 1891, his sons took over the active management of the farm. George planted 200 apple trees on their land, eight of which were bearing during 1892 season. He also planted 200 native plum trees, gooseberries, raspberries, currants and grapes. It wasn't long before the Schreiber farm was a show place. [photo - Three Schreiber Brothers, 1895. Left to right - Tom, Fred and Charles.] [John Schreiber, Sr., Homestead, 1908 Left to right - Esther, Alma and Arnold on pony; Mrs. L. P. Anderson; Mrs. John Schreiber, Sr.; John Schreiber, Sr.; Sophia, holding-sister Kathryn, and L. P. Anderson.] In 1906, Charles Schreiber went to Africa as a Missionary. Salomea Schreiber sold her tree claim to Charles Lomheim in 1918, which was located in the northeast corner of Nlilford Township. Charles married Sophia Schreiber in 1921, and they made their home there until 1938, when they moved to Agar where they still reside. [photo - Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schreiber, 1900. Pioneers of Milford Township.] Mrs. Mary Schreiber bought the old Preacher Westphal farm in 1920. They moved here from Garner Township. A nice grove of trees was on the farm planted by Mr. Westphal. In 1934 Mrs. Mary Schreiber, Edwin and Grandma Louise Weidemann moved to Agar. Albert and family carried on the farming. Some of the improvements include a new chicken house, broader house and a hog shed. The old porch of the house was removed and a larger one was added and the house was generally remodeled on the inside and a new storm cellar was built. Also some more trees were set out. Mrs. Birdie Schreiber and family still live on the farm. [photo - Albert and Edwin Schreiber. Sons of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schreiber.] The George Schreiber farm was sold to Frank Wink, and in 1942 was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Fred Smith. The Smiths remodeled the inside of the house and planted more trees, otherwise the original homestead is the same. Arnold Schreiber is a native son, and has lived in Milford township all his life. For many years, he and his family lived on his father's homestead. In 1947, Arnold bought the Martin Schreiber estate in the northwest corner of Milford. Much credit can be given to the family for making this farm one of the nicest in the township. A full set of farm buildings were built and a beautiful modern home was built in 1948. Trees were set out for wind break, and great care was taken in landscaping the yard. The Schreibers received first in the state for the most improvements made on a farm in one year, such as home beautifying, wind breaks and modern farm buildings. [photo - Mother and sisters of John Schreiber, Sr., 1905. Left to right - Mary, Mrs. Martin Schreiber, Salomea and Margaret.] In 1958, Arnold received the award for Soil Conservation for Sully County. He was the first farmer to receive that honor. Two of his boys, Walter and Marion, help with the farm operations. Walter and family live north of the main house, which was formally the Art Westphal place. This house was converted into a home from one of the oldest schoolhouses in Potter County. Marion and family live in a trailer house just east of the big house. The old John Schreiber home has been vacant many years but the land is farmed by various members of the family. Mrs. John Schreiber, Sr. lives with her son and daughter, John and Alma Schreiber. She is 88 years old. [photo - Four Generations of Schreibers, 1957. Left to right - Mr. and Mrs. Walter Schreiber and daughter, Dawn Celene, Great Grandmother Wilhelmina Schreiber and Grandfather Arnold Schreiber.] * * * In 1883, two young men Henry Rausch and Peter Arth, from Port Washington, Ohio, came to Sully County via Blunt, South Dakota, driving one mule and an oxen hitched to their covered wagon. While building their sod shanty, they used their wagon tipped upside down as a shelter. Anxiously wanting to see and visit their only neighbor, they went over the hill to the west to visit "Aunt Kate Sutton". They lived in Sully Count for a few years, but because of the lack of water, Mr. Rausch bought a pre-emption in nearby Potter County where water could be found. Two years later, Mr. Rausch's bride, Louise Hester, and Peter Arth's bride, Elizabeth Rausch, came from Ohio to Blunt where the two couples were married before going to their claims on the Artichoke Creek. Fred Peterson Homestead In June of 1882, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick C. Peterson and two small daughters, Frederica and Ida, set out from Denmark for America, to obtain so called "Free Land." The voyage across the Atlantic was not as speedy as that of later years, by steamer, airplane nor jet air-liner, but by sail - long and tedious and most uncomfortable, due to passengers in upper bunks who were sea sick. Arriving at Ellis Island, they were asked to show their certificates of vaccination against small pox. At Madison Square Garden the Customs officials poked about, searching through their meager supply of bedding, clothing and a few cooking utensils for smuggled valuables, finding none. Having heard Horace Greeley's slogan, "Go West, Young Man," and being persuaded by railroad representatives, the family went by train, from New York City to Council Bluffs, Iowa, remaining there one year. The following year, 1884, land in Dakota Territory was being opened to homesteaders; the government office being located in Huron. Mr. Peterson filed on the Northeast of Section 26-116-77, in what became Milford Township. Coming by train to Blunt, purchasing a team of horses and wagon, their household goods were soon loaded and the trip northward begun. They passed through the small village of Onida which later became the County seat, and drove onward another ten miles. They arrived at the place which became their home for over 50 years. The tall grass waving in the wind gave promise of fertile soil beneath. As the years passed, Mr. Peterson became owner of two more adjoining quarters of land. Establishing a home on the prairie was no small undertaking as a shack or house had to withstand the storms of summer and winter. Lack of shallow well water which was a necessity was always a handicap in raising stock. A farmer could riot depend on his grain crop alone for a living. Four more children, Alex, Emma, Matilda and Otto were born to them in South Dakota. The Petersons lived through prosperous times, and also years when hail storms destroyed crops in a few moments, drouth, grasshoppers and dust storms came to plague the farmer. The Peterson children attended the Milford School. Some of their teachers were - Ethel Ring, Hattie Hunt, Chas, Johnson, Minnie Lockwood, Frederica Peterson, Chas. Perry, Ethel Clark, Anna Livingstone, Minnie Livingstone, Addie Jordan, D. I. Jordan, Vena Cass, Calvin Barber, Lulu Schilling, Jas. P. Cavanaugh, Mr. Dart, and Sadie Coe. A few of their early day neighbors were the Walter Prices, Carl Sorensons, Rev. H. A. Westphals, Chris Hartmans, Marcus Hoisingtons, Barney Schultz's, Hugh McKays, Christian Doerrs, Fred and Carl Brandts, Frank Howards and Bert Mosher. Frederica, oldest daughter in the family, taught in the country schools. After her marriage to Albert Linnell, they lived in eastern Sully County, later moving to Charles Mix County where their sons, Oliver and Donald, farm near Lake Andes. A daughter, Violet Ross, lives at Tangent, Oregon, and Edith Sampson lives at Corson, South Dakota. Ida worked in various homes until her marriage to Marvin Ried. After farming in Potter County a number of years, they moved to Oregon. Their children, Verna Selisky, Florence Neidert, Harry, and Pauline Scott, all live in Oregon. Alex, oldest son, married Josie Herrick of Potter County. They lived on farms in Sully County. Their children, Stanley and Violen, both live in Wisconsin. Emma completed the eight grades in the country school. She took a Business Course at Huron College and remained at home to help her mother whose health was failing. Matilda attended Gettysburg High School for two years; taught a few terms in the country schools, later attending Business College in Omaha, Nebraska. She was appointed postmaster in Agar in 1914, serving until her resignation in 1928. Otto, the youngest son, helped his father on the farm until his death in 1913, caused by lightning when he was only 20 years old. Of the original family, only Ida Ried and Matilda remain. The P. M. Venner family of Madison, South Dakota, moved on the Peterson farm in 1920. The following year all the buildings were moved east from the old location to the top of the small hill where they now stand. The Peterson land was recently sold to William and Stanley Asmussen, of Agar, South Dakota. * * * Cyrus Lyons Homestead Cyrus C. Lyons was another early settler in Milford. He came there as one of the many young bachelors, but soon began courting Miss Maggie Mulligan. Cyrus and Maggie were married and built up their homestead. Their son, Alvin, brought his bride, Helene, to the old homestead in 1923, which has been their home since. The old house has had several face liftings and now it is modern and very a comfortable home. In 1956 a new downstairs bedroom and bathroom were added. Improvements have been made on the tenant house in the form of a bedroom and porch. In 1954, two new granaries were built and in 1958 two steel ones were added. A couple groves of trees have been set out. The first one didn't survive the drouth and grasshoppers, but the second one is as fine as can be found in the township. The two families employed by the Lyon's are Mr. and Mrs. Fred Nickels and Monty, and Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Schmitt. Mrs. Maggie Lyons lives in Agar and runs a hardware and variety store there. [photo - Lyons Family About 1923. Left to right - Cy Lyons, background; Richard and D. J. Martin, with their Collie dog; Maggie Lyons (Mrs. Cy); Rena Lyons; Helen and Alvin Lyons, and Fern and Donald Martin.] [photo - Mr. and Mrs. Cyruc C. Lyons. On their wedding day.] * * * Fred Lehmkuhl Farm Fred Lehmkuhl came to Sully County in June, 1905, from Preston, Iowa. He homesteaded in Grandview Township, seven miles west of Okobojo, in 1906. On June 6, 1907, he married Lillian Westphal and they established their home on the Henry Frahm farm, which Fred had purchased. They lived there until September, 1911, when they moved back to Iowa. Then in 1917, they moved back to their farm home in Milford Township and lived there since. [photo - Mr. and Mrs. Fred Lehmkuhl. On their wedding day in June, 1907.] Five sons were born to Fred and Lillian Lehmkuhl: Elmer, Wilber, Merlin, Clifford and Merle. Elmer married Marian Thomas Richardson on June 8, 1946, and they have lived in Lincoln Township since 1947. Four children were born to this marriage; Connie, Charles, Ellen and David. An older daughter, Sharon, was born to Marian in 1944 by a previous marriage. Wilber lives at home with his father on the home place, two miles north of Agar. Merlin was married to Helen Fox in November, 1939, and they live in Potter County. They have four children: Roger, Bonnie, Cora Jean and Ernie. Clifford lives in South Buffalo. Merle married Dorthea Vader in July, 1941, and the following February, he went into the army. A son was born to them on August 26, 1942, named Dennis. Merle was killed in action on Leyte in November, 1945. Mrs. Fred Lehmkuhl passed away July 26, 1957. Fred Lehmkuhl had an artesian well put down on his farm in 1958, after hauling water to his farm from Agar for 42 years. * * * Two schoolhouses were built in Milford Township in 1885. Mrs. Mary Scriven and Milton McCullough were the first teachers. The Milford schoolhouse became a landmark, as it could be seen for miles. It was the scene of many social, political and religious gatherings through the years. [photo - Milford Schoolhouse, 1908. Revival meeting conducted by the Rev. Herbert Humble, of Cincinnati, Ohio.] [photo - Charles W. Johnson, about 1994. When he taught several terms at Fast Milford School. He was Matilda Peterson's first grade Teacher.] * * * An old land mark in Milford for many years was the German Lutheran Church which was built in 1908, before there was a town of Agar. It was located south of the old Walter Price farm on old Hi-Way 83. Some of the early members were the following families: Fred Brandt, Carl Brandt, Joachim Mundt, William Mundt, Carl Mundt, Aaron Hagney, Fred Bruns, Fred Weideman, Carl Weideman, Chris Kuhl, William Schreiver and Mrs. Marie Falkenhagen. Carl Mundt was the church secretary and treasurer from 1907 to 1933. A ladies aid was organized under the leadership of Pastor Hinners in 1921. The ladies worked hard to pay off the church debt. In 1947, the Lutheran Church was moved to Agar. Rev. Albert G. Palechek was the pastor at the time. * * * Tom Sutton Homestead Tom and Inez Sutton and family came to Milford Township from Clinton, Illinois, March, 1910. Their neighbor to the east was John Schreiber; to the north George Schreiber, and to the south, Walt Comeau. The spring of 1919 found Tom busy building a new two story modern house which was the finest in the township at that time. In 1943, Mr. and Mrs. Sutton moved to Onida. Mr. and Mrs. Isaac Smith (daughter Grace) bought the farm in 1948. Last year the farm was sold to Mr. Lovercheck of Lincoln, Nebraska. [photo - Mr and Mrs. Tom Sutton, 1945. Pioneers of Milford Township.] * * * Harold Mundt, a native of Sully County, lives on his parent's farm which his father bought from Bert Mosher in 1906. The house was enlarged in 1914, when Carl brought his bride, Addie Sorenson,. there. A new addition was added in 1918 and the artesian well was drilled the same year. Other buildings were added from time to time and trees were set out to beautify the farm. When the R.E.A. came the house was modernized. * * * Walter Venner purchased a half section of land from Guy Mitchell in 1915, which was located south and east of Agar. After serving in the World War I, he returned to his farm. In 1939, he went into the turkey business which he discontinued in 1956. Walt still lives on the farm and has his land in the Soil Bank. [photo - The Frank Schultz Family, 1946. Mr. and Mrs. Schultz, daughter Neda and son Norman.] In 1918, Frank Schultz bought the North Half of Section 32-116-77 from Ralph and Nora Goodhue, of Frankfort, South Dakota. The present buildings and improvements were put on the tree claim of Charlie Johnson. At that time it was the finest grove in the country and could be seen for miles around. During the drought and grasshopper years of the thirties most of the trees died out and a few have been replanted. Necessary buildings were built and an artesian well put down. In 1924, a modern bungalow type house was built which is the present home of Mr. and Mrs. Schultz. Since the retirement of Frank, son Norman has taken over the farm operations. Mr. and Mrs. Norman Schultz moved to the old Charlie Johnson farm in 1939, west of Agar. The land at that time was owned by Mr. Finley of Hamburg, Iowa. In 1946, Norman purchased the quarter section north of his father's place where he put up a fine set of buildings. The first project was a beautiful Spanish type home which is modern and very convenient. Two granaries followed as they were needed and in 1957, a large steel quonset was erected. A grove of trees was started in 1957 which shall add beauty to the farm in years to come. A water system has just been completed. Following World War I, many changes took place in Sully County and Milford Township. There was a land boom. Carl Falkenhagen was the Agar Realtor and many land transactions were made through him. People of eastern South Dakota were coming a little farther west and found Milford Township the ideal spot to locate. The large wheat crops raised here during the war was a great inducement for them to buy. * * * The Schnose Homestead Mr. and Mrs. Gus Schnose came to Milford from Ashton, South Dakota, in 1919, and the half section of land west of Agar became their home. Two sets of buildings were put up, one on each side of the road. The artesian well is on. the south quarter where the big house and most of the farm buildings are located. This is where Mr. and Mrs. Herman Neuhauer and family (the daughter) lived for some years. The Schnose house was sold and moved to Onida. Mrs. Schnose, now 87, lives in Hurley, South Dakota, as do the Neuhaurers. Verne Pearson and family have lived on the Schnose farm since 1946, when they bought it. A lovely grove of trees has been planted on both quarters and the house has been remodeled. Otherwise, the farm is much the same. * * * The Joachim Family The old Barney Schultz place became the home of Mr. and Mrs. William Joachim and family in 1919. They had previously lived in Agar. In 1947, the old Charles Johnson house from Troy Township was bought by the Joachims and moved to their farm. After modernizing the home, they lived there until they moved to the Carl Strand house which they purchased in 1958. Ruben Joachim and family now live on the home place. The E. J. Joachim family came to Milford in 1919 from Delmont, South Dakota. The old Martin Schreiber farm became their home. There were many trees on the place, wild fruit trees and tame fruit trees which were planted from time to time. It was always a great pleasure to visit the Joachims to see their well kept farm, beautiful trees and gorgeous flowers. Their trees were the scene of many public and church picnics. Mr. and Mrs. Joachim moved to Gettysburg in 1949. Mr. Joachim still lives there. xxx Oscar Joachim and family live on the farm. In 1948 a spacious home was built. Trees have been planted east of the house making the yard an ideal place for outdoor living in the. summer time. Last year a large new barn was built which adds very much to the beauty of the place. Oscar is a member of the Agar School board. Chris Joachim and family came to Milford from Delmont, South Dakota, in 1923. He bought the old Bert Mosher farm. A large grove of trees was planted by Chris. It was the one grove that survived the drouth and grasshoppers. In 1934, the family moved to Tolstoy, South Dakota. Mrs. Joachim lives at Cresbard, South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Raymond Joachim made their first home on the Pringle farm west of Agar. Later they occupied the Schnose place. In 1944, they purchased the Chris Joachim farm. At that time there, were no buildings on the place. A granary was erected in 1946 and in 1948, a good looking house was built, which is modern in every way. In 1957, the land was sold to Mr. Lovercheck. The Joachims still own all the buidlings except the granary and farm the land for the new owner. Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Joachim came to Milford as newlyweds in 1930. They established their new home on the old Charlie Sutton farm, southwest of Agar, then owned by E. J. and Adam Joachim. In 1933, a small house was moved on the farm which became the home of Alvin's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Joachim. In 1942, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Joachim moved to Agar. In 1942, Alvin bought the Charles Lomheim farm. Their holdings were sold to Alvin Lyons, making an ideal set up for Lyons as their lands joined. In 1950, a bungalow house was purchased at St. Lawrence, South Dakota, and moved to the farm which was remodeled and modernized. The old house was sold and moved away. The farm of the late Oswald Westphal was bought by the Joachims in 1952. On this farm is a lovely grove of trees which was the pride and joy of Oswald. The house was moved farther east and remodeled into an up-to-date home, in 1955. Son, Donald and family make their home there now. * * * Jesse Robbennolt Family Jesse Robbennolt and family came to Milford Township from Delmont, South Dakota, in 1920. The same fall an addition was built onto the house to make more accommodations for the family.Trees were planted to add beauty to the farm and seven granaries were built as they were needed. In 1958, two new steel granaries were added. A new addition was put onto the house in 1955, in the form of a bathroom and utility room. One outstanding feature of this farm was that water was hauled from Agar for livestock and house use for 37 years. A new artesian well was drilled in 1958. Mr. and Mrs. Robbennolt have spent two winters in Florida, one in California, and the years in the Grande Valley, of Texas. * * * The Comeau Homestead Harry Venner and bride came to live on the Walt Comeau place which had been purchased by C. E. Garrett. This was the Venner's home from 1920 to 1947 when they moved to Agar where they still live. The present tenants are Mr. Mrs. James W. Cass and son Hilie. The Cass's have planted trees on the north and south of the house. * * * Albert Tegland Farm Another newcomer to Milford was William F. Naughton and family, in 1921. He bought the old Carl Falkenhagen place in Garner Township. It may be interesting to know that at one time one of the Milford schools was held in the Tegland home. A special large room was built for that purpose. William Naughton now lives in Pierre with his daughter, Ethel Lloyd.1 In 1940, Donald Naughton bough the farm. A new modern Spanish type home was built in 1947, for the enjoyment of his family. The old house was bought by H. C. Calhaun, moved to Pierre and made into an apartment house. A recent improvement is the building of a modern hog house and in 1958, a new artesian well was drilled. Donald is the president of the R.E.A. and a member of the school board of the Agar Independent Consolidated School District. The Carr Family Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Carr and family came to Milford Township in 1935, and lived on the Guy Schnose place. In 1939, they moved to the Charles Lomheim farm and in 1942, Mr. Carr bought raw land and built up his present home. The house was built in 1947, which is modern and up to date. Their son Eddie Bill, and family, live on the same farm and help with the farming operations. * * * Henry Olson Family Henry Olson bought the old Walter Price place in 1938. The family lived in Harrison Township while Henry and the boys farmed the new land as their house had burned down. In 1940, the family moved to the Fred Peterson place and farmed that for several years. In 1944, a house was moved onto the Price place replacing the one lost in fire. The Olsons purchased the William Harris house in Agar where they lived for several years. When the R.E.A. came in 1950, the Olson farm house was remodeled and modernized making a lovely home for Mr. and Mrs. Royal Olson and family. Royal has taken over the farming since his father retired. * * * W. J. Asmussen moved the Matilda McGuire house from Onida to his land west of Agar in 1944. Mr. and Mrs. Phil Marshall and family have been living here since 1953. In 1956, the house was remodeled and a new kitchen was built to the north. In 1955, Asmussen put down a large flowing artesian well on one of his Milford holdings. New livestock scales were installed in 1957 and last but not least are the three rows of steel granaries, 60 in all, one mile south of Agar on Hi-Way 83, which stand there like sentinels on guard. * * * In the early twenties the house was built where Mr. and Mrs. Bernell Kuhrt and Faye now live. William Pringle, of Pierre, owns the farm. The Kuhrts moved here in 1945. * * * In 1947, Alfred Christopher purchased a half section of land from Mr. Finley and farmed is until he sold it to T. D. Lovercheck, of Lincoln, Nebraska, in 1957. Most recent residence of Milford Township are Mr. and Mrs. John Silbaugh and family, Miss Maud Archer and Mr. and Mrs. Joe Rinearson and family. Very few of the pioneer families are left in Milford Township. Thus comes to close the history of Milford Township. There is talk of irrigation coming to the township from Oahe Dam and if this materialized, Milford will become a very prosperoustownship and the increase in population will be tremendous. * * * MORTON TOWNSHIP The first settlers in Morton Township started to arrive in the early spring of 1884; some of which were Frank and John Lawrence, T. J. Yoder, L. S. Howard, Frank McCullough, Mrs. Lois Houck, P. W. Lavery, Pete Schreiner and others. Frank and John Lawrence located on Section 25 and both built homes. One of the best artesian wells in Sully County was located on this section. The two men left their homestead and tree claim and went back to their native state of Missouri. C. C. Larson lived on this section for a number of years. They have a son, Henry. In 1924, Orville Morris purchased the farm and stayed there until the thirties, when the Rural Credit took it over. Mr. and Mrs. Morris and three children then moved to Idaho. Mr. and Mrs. Thomas and son, Robert, lived there a few years before Ralph Wagner purchased the land in the forties from the Rural Credit Corporation. The Thomas family moved to Iowa. The Charles Wagner family, son of Ralph Wagner, live there at present and intend to make it their home. T. J. Yoder lived on Section 32 for a number of years before moving to the state of Washington. The land was used for pasturing horses and later occupied by the Tim Shoup family. Then William Campbell, Sr., moved there from Highmore, South Dakota, and raised cattle. He purchased the land in the twenties. His son, Bill, and family live there at the present time. The Evans place is located on Section 30 south of Cottonwood Lake. Carl Gould and his family lived there for some time, followed by the Ed Palmer family. The buildings were burned in one of the severe prairie fires in the township. A. S. Clouse purchased the land sometime in the late thirties or forties and built the place up again. The Clouse family lived there for some time and then moved to Onida, renting the farm to Marvin Rivenes. At the present time the place is -occupied by Mr. McClain. John and Adam Alberts located on Section Four in 1884. Adam left after making proof on his claim. John remained a bachelor and lived in his big white house. His mother, who had come here after her sons, kept house for him for many years. The place has long been disintegrated. The Tagg farm, located on Section 19, north of Cottonwood Lake, was occupied by Mr. Winslow, a bachelor. The place has changed hands several times. The Anderson family lived there a couple of years, then Ed Houck. Then in the thirties, Ray Vader purchased the place and has made many improvements. The Vaders have a family of three girls and two boys. At one time there was a home on Section Eight with various families living there at different times. A Mr. Houck and also Clarence Westphal lived there at one time. Mr. and Mrs. G. T. Westphal and three-month-old daughter, Lucille, came to Morton Township in April, 1917, and located on Section 35. There were no roads or even fence posts at that time and neighbors were few and far between. Mr. Westphal erected a granary and the family made that their home until a house was built the following year. The Westphals had nine children, all raised on the farm. The farm was sold to Glen James, of Texas, in 1949, and the family then moved to Onida where they have a lovely home and yard. Both Mr. and Mrs. Westphal are avid gardeners and raise vegetables, many kinds and varieties of flowers and have numerous fruit trees, bearing fruit, in their yard. All of their children are married and have left home. Mr. and Mrs. Hugh Palmer and family lived on Section 31 for a number of years before moving to Onida. The buildings had been removed and in 1928, Fred Kuhns again built up the farm a little to the south of the original site and lived there for some time. The farm is vacant at the present time. Joe Tobin lived on Section Four for quite some time and his place is now occupied by Mr. and Mrs. Shattuck. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kuhns also lived on Section Four in 1925. Mr. and Mrs. Stockstad, who live there at the present time, plan to move to Onida and the farm will then be vacant. The Sundergaard farm is located on Section One and has been occupied by various families. The Thomas family is living there at the present time. The Ester Ranch was located on Section 23. He lived there for many years and cared for sheep. A Mr. Freland also lived there at one time. The McClain family lived on Section Seven for some time. Then Dan Clark moved there and built it up and still lives there with his son and family. Ben Shoup built a home on Section Three in the forties and still lives there. [photo - G. T. Westphal Farmstead, 1918. Residents of Morton Township.] [photo - First graders at South Morton School, 1924. Left to right - Gilbert Cambpell, Irene Morris , Lucille and Alvina Westphal. Little Chris Fisner came the following year as a first grader.] A new modern home was built on section 29, belonging to Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Rivenes and many trees planted. There are also good roads leading to their farm. In 1917, there was only one schoolhouse located in Morton Township, and that was on Section 29, south of the lake. The teacher at that time was Marie Gavre. As most of the children lived in the north part of the township, the schoolhouse was moved to Section Eight in 1919, and was called the North Morton School. Then in 1924, another schoolhouse was built on the Northwest corner of Section 34 to accommodate the four children living in that area. It was a 12x16 foot building with a small entry and was called South Morton School. The first teacher was Alvin Goding. The four children attending the new school were Gilbert Campbell. Lucille and Alvina Westphal and Irene Morris. Within three years, this schoolhouse became inadequate, so another 16 feet were added. There were 19 children attending South Morton School in 1929. Now the second generation of children are attending this same school. The North Morton School was moved again to Section Three to accommodate the children in that part of the township. * * * Lee Westphal Family Carl A. Westphal was born at Lansing, Iowa. He came to Sully County with his parents about 1897 living near what used to be the Tom Sutton place. He later married Susie Siebrasse and they lived near the river in Potter County. To this family eight children were born, one passing away in infancy. The children are Lee, Floyd, Edna, Evyleen, Marvin, Elmer, and Glen. The oldest son, Lee, was born August 1, 1 910. He attended school near his grandparent's home at what was known as the Rausch school. After completing his grade school education he attended Agricultural School at Brookings four years. On February 1, 1933, he married Berniece Joachim of Agar. They started their married life on one of the Doner farms near his father's home. Later, in 1944, they purchased the Walter Vetter farm in Farmington Township and have since resided there. In 1946, they purchased a house in Lebanon and had it moved to the farm. It was completely rebuilt and modernized, making a very comfortable home for the family. Later the barn was torn down and another one moved down from Forest City and it, too, was rebuilt. Granaries, sheds, and a tenant house were added to the farm later, and also a nice grove of trees has been planted to add to the attractiveness of the farm. On October 31, 1935, Darlene was born to the Westphals. She married Billy Potts of Lebanon, and they have two boys, Lonny and Randy, and one girl, Diane. Mary Ann was the next child born to this couple. She married David Block of Webster, South Dakota, and they are living on a farm in Farmington Township. They have one daughter, Cathy. Juanita is their third daughter. She is still in High School. Their first son, Terry Lee, was born in 1947, and their second son, Jerry, was born in 1953. Some of the teachers who taught the Westphal children are Elva Jordan, Doris Wittler, Vivian Eliason, Veda Cass, Ardis Byrum, Rosella Pollman, Lois Westphal, Edith McKenney, and Don Ellickson.