1904 Kimball News
April 1904 - December 1904
The following news articles were found in the Kimball Graphic newspaper, which are now microfilmed and held by the South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre, South Dakota. This Summer I requested a microfilm which included editions of the Kimball Graphic and Kimball Index dated April 1904 to May 1907. This time period was selected because it included "Irish" John Smith's election to the South Dakota State Senate in Pierre. Quite a few interesting news items were uncovered; however, there are too many for one document.
One can easily find census, tax records and other dry stuff. After awhile you wonder how they lived. Did they travel? Did they have any fun, or were their lives pure drudgery? We're they like us? Official records don't tell us much. Old newspapers are often overlooked as a source for interesting family information. It might be possible to know what our ancestors were like by what was written about them.
One last observation needs to be made. We found a lot of items about 'Irish' John Smith and his family. Less newsworthy items were written about Batt Ryan's family in the Kimball newspapers. Pukwana had its own newspaper. Perhaps that newspaper reported more Ryan activities.
These newspaper articles are presented in chronological order.
Old photograph of Kimball, South Dakota, taken in the early 20th century.
Ben Ryan
The first news item lists three men leaving for Sioux Falls - Ben W. Ryan, Pat Quirk, and John Brooks. Ben sold his mother's home to our grandparents, Frank and Adelaide McGonigle Ryan. This sale included one strange stipulation. Ben, an old bachelor, wanted to remain living in this home, a stipulation agreed to by both Frank and Adelaide. Was Ben a relative? Family lore suggests Ben and his parents (John and Elizabeth Ryan) were not related; however, Ben's Kimball kin have a cemetery plot in the same row as Batt Ryan's plot. (John Ryan plot, then John Boney plot, then Batt Ryan plot.)
John "Andrew" Boney married Batt Ryan's sister, Mary Ryan. John was an old son of the sod born and raised in Tipperary. He married Mary in Ireland. Ryan is a common surname in Tipperary. We know next to nothing about John Boney, and it is possible he is our family link to Ben Ryan's family line.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; April 1, 1904
Lester Miller
Lester Miller married Margaret Smith, daughter of "Irish" John Smith and Susan McPhillips. Lester was a young man in 1904, he being born circa 1881 in Iowa. His own parents were born in Illinois, but the 1905 census states he had lived in South Dakota for 21 years. Lester Miller was a self-made man who dabbled in various business ventures during his early years. Years later Lester was elected County Auditor for Brule County. After Lester died his wife, Margaret, became County Auditor.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; April 8, 1904
Ben Ryan Travels
Ben Ryan is traveling again. This time for a land deal in points unknown. Ben would later settle down and own a store in Kimball - Smith and Ryan, later renamed McPhillips and Ryan. Owen McPhillips was Ben's partner. Owen was Susan Smith's sibling, and "Irish" John Smith's brother-in-law. The McPhillips-Ryan store stayed open about ten years and finally closed in the Nineteen Twenties. Ben would soon become Postmaster in Kimball, South Dakota. One of his younger postal employees was our own grandfather, Francis "Frank" Sylvester Ryan.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; April 15, 1904
John B. Ryan
John B. Ryan was Allamakee County's Treasurer in the early to mid Eighteen Seventies (Iowa). Later he left Iowa and homesteaded Dakota Territory in present day Brule County. In the 1880 decade he was elected Brule County Sheriff. Within a few years John moved to Sioux City where he pursued new business opportunities. John sent a letter to Publisher CR Tinan of the Kimball Graphic announcing his change of address.
Ben Ryan possibly was related to this John B. Ryan family. Ben, John and the White Lake Ryans possibly linked back to Ryans still living in Iowa.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 1; April 15, 1904
James Brady
He is not a relative, but the Brady family were early homesteaders of Brule County and one of the founding families of St. Margaret's Catholic parish in Kimball. Brady descendants include nuns and priests. One descendent claimed his ancestors built the church. It is interesting to note how many families lay claim to building this old church. Very likely many families contributed sweat and treasure while rebuilding their burned-down church.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; April 15, 1904
No Trespassing Laws
This next article describes Brule County land which forbade trespassers. It would have been interesting to find out why this happened. It may be land owned by the County, and they did not want people traipsing through it. Obviously, this would have made a few die-hard hunting fans irate. Smith and Highland Townships were included in this list.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 1; April 22, 1904
James Boney
James J. (JJ) Boney was Batt Ryan's nephew. His parents were John 'Andrew' Boney and Mary Ryan. James farmed and ranched in Brule County for many years, and married Lulu Way Jones with whom he raised a family. In 1924 James Boney was killed by a drifter. In the Nineteen Twenties James was employed as a Brule County Deputy Sheriff. The purpose of James' trip is unknown. Regardless, it is interesting to note how much travel our ancestors and other relatives made in the early twentieth century.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; April 22, 1904
Old photograph of downtown Kimball, South Dakota
Catholic Missions
The Smith and Ryan families were deeply religious and regularly worshipped at St. Margaret's Catholic Church. This article is fuzzy but reads: "non-Catholics are especially invited to the Catholic Mission services next week. Free pews will be reserved for them." Hmmm. Two thoughts here. Hopefully the sermons were more inspired than those I heard as a youngster. Non-Catholics got free pews? Did the regular Catholic parishioners have to pay for their pews? Later news articles would say the mission was a big success.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; April 22, 1904
Peter Smith
Several Peter Smiths lived in Brule County, South Dakota. Our great uncle, Peter Leo Smith lived in Highland Township probably in the Smith homestead. The 1905 South Dakota census shows Peter A. Smith, farmer, who lived in Pukwana, and Peter E. Smith, middle aged merchant, who lived in Kimball. Which Peter Smith did this article reference?
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; April 22, 1904
Ben Ryan Travels to Iowa
Ben Ryan traveled to Le Mars, Iowa, where other Ryan kin lived, including his parents. A John Ryan family lived in LeMars in the early part of the 20th century; however, by April 1904 they lived in Golden, Colorado. This John Ryan family farmed near Kimball before moving to Colorado. In a couple months John Ryan and his family would announce their move to LeMars.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; April 29, 1904
William P. 'Will' Smith
Will Smith was 'Irish' John's son who worked as a cashier for a Plankinton Bank. He frequently went home to the old homestead in Highland Township. News articles in this period indicate the Smith family was "tight-knit". Photographs taken through the years show this family, much like our own today, must have enjoyed each other's company. In 1904 Will Smith was a young man making his way in the world. He was born in 1879.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; April 29, 1904
This fire burned at Kimball early in the twentieth century
Death in Boney Family
Mary Ryan Boney and her daughter, Alice, traveled to Colorado for a funeral. All the daughters except one are accounted for in our Ryan family chart. Margaret Boney married John Quillin and farmed in Brule County. Kate Boney married Fred Weiss. Elizabeth married Joseph F. Carney. Theresa "Nellie" Boney married Joseph A. Henry. The only daughter for which we have no information is Agnes, so we believe the Boneys attended Agnes' funeral.
It should be noted that her father, John Boney, died in 1919; however, we do not know if he went to the funeral. This notice only identifies two Boneys who returned from their trip to Colorado. Other Boney family members may have stayed behind, or come back earlier.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; May 5, 1904
James Hill
Mary Rita Ryan Jacobsen claimed James Hill, railroad magnate, was a distant cousin. We cannot verify this statement is true; however, the news item below appeared in the Kimball newspaper. Even though we cannot establish a family relationship, the following article is still interesting.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; May 5, 1904
Which Peter Smith?
The next two news articles probably reference the merchant or ex-merchant in town. However, I added these snippets in case one or two of these events were about our great uncle, Pete.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; April 8, 1904
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; May 27, 1904
John Ryan
This is Ben Ryan's father.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; June 3, 1904
Francis Turgeon
Two Francis Turgeons lived at Kimball in 1904. Francis Turgeon, aged 56, was our ancestor Philias Turgeon's brother. The other Francis Turgeon was a young boy born in 1892 whose parents were Merida Patry and Philias Turgeon. We think this article references the young boy, who was Grandmother Mary Turgeon Smith's brother. I wonder if any parent today would let their young son spend a summer staying with a Catholic Priest.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; June 24, 1904
James Byrne
Genevieve Alice Smith married James Henry Byrne of Montrose. We believe this man is not Great Aunt Gen's husband. James Byrne was a local farmer/rancher and Kimball businessman. James Byrne married one of Francis Turgeon's daughters in Quebec. In the book, A Century of Faith - St. Margaret's Church, one photograph intrigued us. It is titled, "Francis Turgeon and James Byrne Family", which show Francis and his wife, Henryette, plus a young couple.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; July 8, 1904
Will Smith Visits Kimball
Will visited his folks over the Fourth of July. Historically it appears Grandpa Will visited home once or twice a month.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; July 8, 1904
Ben Ryan
Ben Ryan charged a quarter to file clients' registration papers. I have no idea what this was about, or what papers Ben completed. There were many illiterate people at the turn of last century, and people who could only read and write in a foreign language. So Ben provided a valuable service in the area. How much was a quarter worth in today's value? Perhaps twenty five dollars if you factor inflation in your equation.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; July 8, 1904
Democrats
Ben Ryan was selected as a Democratic Party delegates at the party's caucus in Pukwana.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; July 15, 1904
Onesime Turgeon
Onesime Turgeon was Philias Turgeon's brother. This news item does not say who he came to visit, but his brother, Francis Turgeon, lived in town. In 1895 Philias Turgeon drowned in the Missouri River near Bijou Hills.
Philias's spouse, Merida Patry, married Peter G. Delire Jr. at the end of the 19th century in White Lake, South Dakota. Pete and Merida, with the little Turgeon children, lived together in Kimball.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; July 15, 1904
Lester Miller and the Rosebud Land Grab
Lester Miller visited his parents in Britt, Iowa. Homestead land was opened up on or near the Rosebud Reservation in western South Dakota. It was set up like a lottery, but ended up being a fiasco where accusations flew back and forth regarding fraud and influence peddling.
Amazing how many young people of that day willingly left home and hearth homesteading the Dakota's lonely reaches. Lester Miller, an ambitious young man, set up various business ventures with various degrees of success. He also worked as a salesman for different companies.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; July 15, 1904
Emmet Ryan
There was an Emmett Ryan living in Brule County who was born in Iowa. His parents were John P. and Elizabeth Ryan of Kimball. Emmett lived with his parents in 1900 but may have moved east sometime early in the 20th century. Although this group of Ryans may not be related to our own Ryan line, it is interesting to note the name 'Emmett' can be found in our own family tree too.
The Rosebud lottery as its name implied was a lottery to determine who would get land on the Rosebud Reservation. Publisher CR Tinan of the Kimball Graphic newspaper condemned the results. He thought the lottery results 'smelled to high heaven'. Even newspapers as far away as Boston condemned the outcome as benefiting no one but land speculators and greedy politicians.
Emmett arrived in Kimball on his way to the Rosebud. He and other Kimball boys prayed their names would be announced in the lottery.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; July 22, 1904
Emmett Ryan Trains as Station Agent
One month after the Rosebud Lottery results we find Emmett Ryan working as an assistant railroad station agent. Apparently he was not selected in the Lottery. Station Agent Albert Wentzy trained Emmett. There was a Wentzy in Pukwana who was the owner/editor of a local newspaper. Editor Wentzy had many unkind words about the evil Democratic Party. CR Tinan, Kimball Graphic Publisher, attributed this animosity to Wentzy's hatred of progressive politics.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; August 12, 1904
Oklahoma Ryans
We were pleasantly surprised to see this news article because it referenced Oklahoma Ryans visiting their kinfolk in Brule County. James Ryan visited his brother (and our ancestor), Batt Ryan. Traveling with James Ryan was his daughter, Mary Sheridan, and James' sister, Nancy Ryan Burke. Our Oklahoma Ryans lived in Cushing, Oklahoma.
Mary Sheridan's husband, William, died in a horrible train wreck a year and a half earlier.
Family lore says James Ryan offered our grandfather, Francis S. Ryan, a job in Oklahoma. Although he considered it, Frank turned the offer down and stayed in Kimball.
James and Batt had another thing in common. They married sisters. James Ryan's wife, Bridget Hill, was a sister to Batt Ryan's wife, Elizabeth Hill. This article gives us new information about this family. We knew James Ryan homesteaded in Brule County about the same time as his brother, Batt. James left Dakota Territory and moved back to Allamakee County. We thought the James Ryan family left Allamakee and moved to Watson, Canada, then later moved to Oklahoma. From this article we find they lived in Oklahoma as early as 1904. By 1906 they were living in Canada, and then moved back to Oklahoma.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; August 19, 1904
"Irish" John Smith visits Will Smith
Although Will was always visiting his folks in Kimball, his parents did not frequently visit him. "Irish" John had a business engagement in Mitchell and dropped by Will's place on the way back home.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; August 19, 1904
James Boney visits Mitchell
Train rides were common modes of transportation in the 19th and early 20th centuries. In South Dakota rail fares were regulated by the State. James' parents were John Boney and Mary Ryan.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; August 19, 1904
land Buying Relatives
"Irish" John Smith, Timothy Farrell and Batt Ryan went to Mitchell where they bought property. Timothy Farrell lived next door to the Smith family in Highland Township. Timothy's cousin, Samuel Farrell, was an out of town mourner listed in "Irish" John's obituary. All names on the mourner's list were known relatives except Samuel. Timothy and his family lived in Cross Plains, Wisconsin, before moving to Dakota Territory. We think the Farrell family may have been related to the Smiths, but how we do not know. Samuel Farrell, who homesteaded in Highland Township, later sold his land to 'Irish' John Smith.
The Farrell's were linked to the Coyle family of Pine Bluff, Wisconsin. "Irish" John's name was listed first in Bridget Coyle's obituary from Pine Bluff. The Farrells also attended that funeral service.
Timothy Farrell moved to Wyoming after the death of his wife. He died tragically starting a fire with gasoline. In the old days you read a lot of news stories about children and aged adults dying horribly in fire related incidents.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; August 19, 1904
Timothy Farrell Quoted in Newspaper about Pierre Politics
Timothy Farrell was quoted in the Pukwana Press (Pukwana, South Dakota) about moving the State Capitol. The earliest Capitol Building for Dakota Territory was located in Yankton. After the Territory was split into two different states (North Dakota and South Dakota) a new Capitol location was selected for South Dakota - Pierre. Apparently, other cities were vying for the right to be called "Capitol City". Timothy Farrell was a pro-Pierre supporter.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; September 2, 1904
Mary Turgeon Visits Friends in Platte
Our grandmother visited friends, possibly relatives living in Charles Mix County, South Dakota. Mary lived near Platte until her father Philias' death. Mary would eventually marry "Irish" John Smith's son, William Phillip (also known as Will or Bill).
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; September 2, 1904
Esser Family Visits "Irish" John Smith
This news article was an unexpected surprise. Mrs. Frank Esser was born Catharine Vallender, daughter of William Vallender and Bridget Smith. Bridget Smith and "Irish" John Smith were siblings. They had a brother, Owen, who never married and stayed in Bear Creek Township, Sauk County, Wisconsin. The Esser family stayed with the Smith family for two weeks. Bridget and William Vallender also had a son named Francis or "Frank".
For a long time we never knew what happened to Bridget. At first we thought she died as a child or teen. It was confusing until we discovered Bridget was also known as "Theresa".
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; September 9, 1904
Samuel Farrell is Brule County visitor.
Samuel visited his cousin, Timothy Farrell. An early Brule County homesteader, Samuel sold his land to "Irish" John Smith. Samuel Farrell's homestead documents appear on our website.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; September 9, 1904
Ben Ryan visits parents in Iowa.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; September 16, 1904
Rosebud Lottery Results
CR Tinan of the Kimball Graphic published the lottery results. In the same issue Tinan bemoaned the fishy results and called the lottery a travesty. We know our Ryan and Turgeon Ancestors homesteaded land in Western South Dakota. Perhaps they too placed their names in the Rosebud lottery hoping for a little piece of land to call their own.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; October 7, 1904
Half who drew a number inside 2400 refused to file, the very best evidence according to the Kimball Graphic concluded it was a "Lottery game pure and simple and not a stamped of those honestly desiring land".
County Commissioners Select Election Judges
"Irish" John Smith was selected election judge for Highland township and James Boney was selected election judge for Smith township.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; October 7, 1904
Rosebud Lands Re-opened
Apparently too much fuss was made on how the Rosebud Lottery was conducted. Why were so many filings unclaimed? That appears to have captured the attention of newspaper publishers and politicians alike.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; October 7, 1904
Joe Turgeon Visits
Joseph's parents were Merida Patry and Philias Turgeon. Joe visited his mom and step father, Peter Delire, in Kimball. Later Joe would move to Alameda County, California, where he would start a painting company.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; November 4, 1904
Brule County was a stronghold for the Democratic Party surrounded by a sea of Republicans.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; November 11, 1904
Will Smith Visits Home.
He came back with a local boy, J.E. Sullivan, and both attended the Catholic Fair in Kimball. My guess is if you are a single Catholic boy then you go to places where you think single Catholic females might be found.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; November 11, 1904
John Smith plans on traveling to St. Louis, Missouri
Great Bridge over the Mississippi River at St. Louis, Missouri (Stereoview T. Smith Collection)
This news article fits in well with Smith Family Lore. Frank Smith told Terry Smith a story that "Irish" John Smith was visiting the World's Fair before traveling to Ireland and Scotland in 1908. It did not happen that way. Actually, John was attending a funeral in Wisconsin when he overheard some mourners discuss their upcoming trip to Ireland. John liked the idea and decided then and there he would travel abroad to Ireland. Several years earlier John went to St. Louis which hosted both the World's Fair and St. Louis Exposition.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; November 18, 1904
Overlooking quay at 1904 St. Louis Exposition (Stereoview T. Smith collection)
Selling a Pig
Only a small town newspaper would highlight a pig sale in the society section! Apparently Timothy Farrell had some fine hog for sale.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; November 18, 1904
Supplies for the Poor - Smith and Ryan
There was a Kimball store named 'Smith & Ryan' and we assume this store is referenced below. J.E. Smith was part owner of this business and he is not considered a relative. We believe Ben Ryan was the other partner.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; November 25, 1904
John Smith Leaves for St. Louis
This article says John's second oldest son, Mike, traveled with him to Missouri. A later dated news article identifies John's oldest son, Peter, as his traveling companion.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; November 25, 1904
Cascade and Festival Hall, 1904 St. Louis Exposition (Stereoview T. Smith collection)
Lester Miller left Minneapolis
This is one guy who did a lot of traveling. Les had all kinds of business interests and investments.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; November 25, 1904
John Ryan Renews his Subscription
John talks about his experience in Colorado, but the postmark shows it was sent from LeMars. Iowa. This Ryan line links into Ben Ryan's family. In early June the Kimball Graphic printed John's postcard where he says he just moved to LeMars, Iowa, from Golden, Colorado. This was the 22nd year that John Ryan paid his subscription which tells me he was one of the earliest settlers in Brule County.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; December 2, 1904
Delire's Travel to Sioux City.
Peter and Merida Delire went to Sioux City where Merida checked into the hospital. The reason for her condition is unknown; however, we know she lived to a very ripe old age and died in 1956.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; December 2, 1904
St. Louis Fair was a Huge Success
'Irish' John Smith and one of his sons attended this fair. The fair was so well attended that all debt had been retired.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; December 16, 1904
John Meis leaves for Iowa
Two Meis gals married into the Ryan family. Leo Ryan married Lillian Meis, and his brother John Ryan married Eva Meis. The boys' parents were Batt Ryan and Eliza Hill. One of Leo and John's brother was our own grandfather, Francis 'Frank' Ryan.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; December 16, 1904
Mary Turgeon's Whist Party.
Who doesn't like a good rousing hand of Whist? It was one of the top card game choices played during my college days. I never thought about contacting the newspaper about our card games.
Anytime the newspaper printed an article about grandmother Mary Turgeon Smith they mostly spelled her last name as 'Torgeon' and not 'Turgeon'. Perhaps 'Torgeon' was Grandmother Mary's preference for her birth surname. Another possibility is Publisher Tinan spelled her name the way it was pronounced.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; December 23, 1904
"Irish" John Smith and His Trip to Missouri
John said he had a great time and saw a lot of sights. This news article says Peter traveled with him, and not Mike as cited in a previous news article.
On the Pike at the 1904 World's Fair (Stereoview T. Smith collection)
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; December 30, 1904
Smiths in Wisconsin
Three Smith siblings (Mayme, Margaret and Mike) visited relatives in Wisconsin. Smith cousins lived in Sauk and Dane Counties in Wisconsin. However, this article says they were visiting relatives in Madison, and they probably visited the Esser and Vallender families. What is real interesting is Margaret and Mayme stayed and attended classes at St. Clara's College.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; December 30, 1904
Sinsiniwa Mounds, Wisconsin, houses the Dominican Order of Sisters. They also ran St. Clara's College at Sinsiniwa Mounds. In 1922 this college moved to Illinois and renamed itself Rosary College.
Spelling Bee at Farrell-Smith School House
Most townships had their own country school. At least we now its name was the Farrell-Smith school. It is very interesting our ancestors put on a spelling bee. "Irish" John's spelling was shaky at times, so he probably hoped his own children's spelling would be far superior.
Kimball Graphic; Kimball, South Dakota; Page 4; December 30, 1904