Menne Albert Plucker + stage coach

 MR. & MRS. MENNE A. PLUCKER

 

Mr. & Mrs. Menne Albert Plucker were early pioneer settlers of this vicinity. (The Lennox, South Dakota vicinity)

 

Mr. Plucker was born September 17, 1837 in Uttum, Ostfriesland, Germany. Mrs. Plucker, also a native of Germany, was born at Suurhusen, Ostriesland, August 12, 1838. Prior to her marriage, her name was Miss Engel Poppen. Both members of this union were reared in Germany and subsequently married abroad on April 18, 1866. The newly married couple then left their native land and immigrated to the United States, settling in Ogle County at Rockford, IL. They resided there for nearly six years, and in 1972 continued their trek westward to Ackley, IA.

 

After residing nearly half a decade in the Hawkeye state, Mr. Plucker in 1877 came to Dakota Territory and filed on a homestead claim six miles northwest of Lennox. The following year, 1878, his family took up their residence here with him.

 

Nine children were born to this union, two of whom died when quite young. They were Wessel (1867-1939, John (1869-1957), Harmke (1871-1931), Menno (1873-1917), Henry (1876-1953), Grace (1878-1958) and Enno (1880-1950). 

 

Mr. Plucker attained the age of 87 years, 11 months and eight days at the time of his death on August 25, 1925. Mrs. Plucker preceded him in death, passing away September 4, 1915 at the age of 77 years and 23 days.

 

Mr. & Mrs. Plucker were charter members of the Germantown Presbyterian Church and he was one of the original elders. Following Mrs. Plucker’s death in 1915 Mr. Plucker spent his remaining years with his son, Enno M. Plucker.

 

The Plucker family came to Sioux Falls on one of the first freight trains and was delayed briefly while the railroad was being completed. They endured the many early hardships which prevailed, and witnessed the progress of this large area.

 

In the blizzard of 1888, Menne Plucker lost 37 head of cattle, and the following year he constructed a large barn which was used until 1997.

 

The two eldest boys, Wessel and John, were caught in the blizzard of 1888, one and ½ miles from home, while they were hauling straw. When the blizzard struck it took the load of straw and rack, leaving them with a bobsled. With the aid of the hard trail and other indications leading to their farm they reached the place safely, although the blizzard was so severe they passed their father in their yard unnoticed. The two boys and their horses, were coated with ice and snow when their father located them in the barn.

 

During the winter of 1881 the Plucker family was unable to get to town for three months due to the deep snow and many snow storms. During that time they ground six sacks (15 bushels) of wheat in a coffee mill. Early in March, Mr. Plucker and his son, Wessel, went to Lennox on snowshoes to get necessary supplies. It was impossible for them to get to their stock for three days on one occasion during that winter.

 

The old Yankton-Sioux Falls stage coach trail crossed the Plucker farm and John P. Plucker was an eye witness of the robbery of one of the stages. A lad of but 10 years, he saw the “federal” men capture the robber – approximately 80 rods from the Plucker home. The stage coach horses were kept at Sioux Falls, the Plucker farm and Swan Lake. The horses were changed at these places enroute to and from Yankton. There was only one other farm home recorded between Sioux Falls and the Plucker farm.

 

Indians were numerous here years ago. It was common to see 50 wagons of Indians coming through – often camping on the Plucker farm along Long Creek. They would sometimes ask for clothing and food. Their hunting and trapping centered on muskrat, rabbit and skunk. At one time there were approximately 150 wagons conveying nearly 500 Indians camping on the Plucker farm. Most times they were quite friendly, and the boys frequently visited them. Occasionally, when the weather was inclement, Indians were taken in as guests and slept on the floor of the Plucker home.

 

In 1884, Menne Plucker lost a son, Dierk, who was born December 28, 1882 and died March 2 1884. When this child died, Menne donated land where this child was buried. This became the first burial of Germantown Cemetery.

 

In 1886 Great Grandpa Menne Plucker donated land for the Germantown Church. He was one of the first elders of the church and he and his wife were charter members.

 

From the Chancellor Anniversary Book

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