Dakota County was named after the Dakota Indians. The early settlers were fortunately spared any very serious trouble from this source. The county was organized in 1855 with Dakota City as its county seat. For two years everything went well. Then the crash came, resulting from general depression throughout the territory. The wheat crop failed, and there was only a partial yield of corn. Immigration ceased entirely. In addition to these calamities, in 1858 the settlers were forced to "prove up" or sacrifice their claims. Many borrowed money at 40 per cent in order to meet their obligations. For several years following, crops were good, and prosperity returned. A great variety of forest trees abound here and this county surpasses almost every other section of the state in the value of its woods. The water in wells and springs is very clear with but little or no mineral qualities. Dakota County is noted for its geological formation known as the "Dakota Group." In this formation, sandstone of various kinds is found. A very hard quartzite is present here in large quantities. This is especially suitable for the foundations of large buildings because of its quality of hardness

A peculiar kind of limestone is found which makes good building material. There is plenty of clay and sand to be used for brick and plaster making. The bottom lands of the Missouri and the creeks occupy nearly one half of the county, and form a very good agricultural district. Land has increased in value 20 per cent since 1897, and more than one hundred farms have been sold in the last two years. There are now 2,355 pupils in the county.

      J. J. EIMERS is an Iowan, having been born in Clay County, January 29, 1871. He removed to South Sioux City in 1888 and two years later went to the Black Hills and after a short residence there, returning to South Sioux City, where he has since remained. He attended school at Storm Lake, Iowa, and now publishes the Record of South Sioux City. He is affiliated with the Republican party and is serving his third term as County Judge of Dakota County.

      J. J. McALLISTER emigrated from Ireland, his native country, to America at the age of eleven, settling in Dubuque County, Iowa, later came to Dixon County, Nebraska, and settled in Dakota County in 1890. Mr. McAllister received his education in St. Mary's College, Kentucky. He is connected with the Democratic party and has been County Attorney of Dixon County two terms and is serving his fourth term as County Attorney for Dakota County.

      H. H. ADAIR was born in Dakota City, Nebraska, October 5, 1879. He received his education in the Sioux City High School and Morningside College, graduating in 1901. Since then he has been assistant principal in Dakota City High School, and was elected Clerk of the District Court. Mr. Adair's father was among the very early settlers of Dakota County, having taken out a homestead in 1856. Mr. Adair is a member of the Republican party.

      W. L. ROSS was born in Green County, Wisconsin, June 9, 1866. In 1877 he came to Emerson, Nebraska and settled at Dakota City in 1893, engaging in the lumber business. In 1900 he married Miss Jennie Engelen and they have two children. He is a member of the Republican party and before his election to the office of County Clerk, managed the lumber yard at Emerson and was in business in Dakota City.

      H. C. HANSEN was born in Denmark. December 15, 1861. In 1881 he came to the United States, living in Council Bluffs, Iowa, for a time, and in 1883 settled in Dakota County, at first following the trade of blacksmith and later that of farming. He was educated chiefly in Denmark and partly in the United States. In 1895 he married Miss Kirsten Rasmussen and has five children. He has held the office of school trustee and in 1903 was elected Sheriff by the Citizens' party.

      GEORGE J. BOUCHER was born in Cherokee County, Iowa, September 20, 1872. In 1895 he came to Dakota City, Nebraska. He gained his education in Cherokee County public schools and in Sioux City, Iowa, where he took a college course. He married Miss Jennie Pilgrim in 1902 and they have one son. He is connected with the Republican party and has served two terms as County Superintendent of Public Instruction in Dakota County. He has also been Principal of schools in Flower.

      FRED BLUME was born in Germany, April 25, 1855. When fourteen years of age he came to Dakota County, Nebraska. In 1893 he married Miss Amelia Wallwey and has four children. He received his education in Germany chiefly, and completed it in Nebraska. He has held several positions of trust -County Commissioner, Precinct Assessor and County Treasurer. Mr. Blume is a Republican, and is one of the early settlers of Nebraska.

      L. B. BLANCHARD is a native of Pennsylvania, born in Crawford County, February 26, 1857. In 1878 he came to Dakota County, engaging in farming. He was educated in the public schools of Pennsylvania. In 1882 he married Miss Anna Sierk and has two children. He is in the Republican party, has been Justice of the Peace and is County Commissioner, serving his second term.

      MISS EFFIE ENGELEN, Deputy County Clerk, was born in Powesheik County, Iowa, January 27, 1872. She moved to Emerson, Nebraska, with her parents in 1880 and in 1896 came to Dakota City, where she has since remained. She was educated in the Emerson High School and has taken work in summer schools. Miss Engelen has taught in Dakota City schools for some time, and has been appointed Deputy County Clerk.

     GEORGE WILKINS was born in Homer. Nebraska, June 23, 1883, where he has since lived, farming and clerking. He received his education in the public schools of Dakota