Near Frederick in Brown County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
In Memory of the Finnish Pioneers
1882 — 1955
(south side)
Names of Finnish pioneers. Ada Twp. 129 Range 61. Wm. Pöykkö N.W.14. Markku Rusko S.E.22. Michael Hokana S.W.22 –
Jacob Maunu N.W.27. Matt Johnson N.E.27. Paavo Jurmu S.W.27. Maunu Rusko S.E.27. Herman Bossu, N.E.28. Thomas Pöykkö, S.E.28. –
Herman Nikkilä S.W.30. Charles Daniels S.E. 30. John Martinson N.W. 31. Fred Fredrickson N.E. 31. John Laho N.W. 31. Johan Pesonen S.E. 31. –
Herman Liimatta, S.W.32. Peter Liimatta, S.E.32. Abram Josephson N.W.33. Thomas Kyllönen N.E.33. Matt Parviainen S.W.33. –
Matt Tomperi S.E.33. John Saari, N.W.34. Topias Anderson, N.E.34. Mikko Sarkkinen, S.W.34. Wm. Sakrisson, S.E.34.
Names of Finnish pioneers. Liberty Twp. 128 Range 62. Christian Koskiniemi, N.E.4. Paul Wiitala, N.W.4. Andrew Himanga, S.W.4. –
Abraham J. Wilmola, N.E.5. John Forster, S.E.5. Salomon Kangas, N.E.6. Matti Jokela, N.W.6. Mikko Kanga, S.E.6. Jacob Mikkela N.E.7. –
A. Hanuala S.E.7. Paul Ritola, N.E.8. Henry Eskola N.W.8. Jacob Wilmola, S.E.8. Johan Kangas, N.W.9. Paul Wiitala N.E.12 <P.>
Liberty 128–61 Jacob Natus, N.W.7
Names of Finnish pioneers. West Portage Twp. 128 Range 61. John A. Pietila N.W.2. <P.> Fred E. Holmstrom N.E.3. Jerry Erickson, N.½ N.W.3 <T.>. –
William Wattula, S.½ N.W.3 <T.> Simon Wuolu S.W.3. Henry S. Wanttaja, N.½ S.W.2 & N.½ S.E.3 Matt Buro S.½ S.W.2 & S.½ S.E.3. Lars Moilanen, S.½ S.E.9. –
Sakari Wanttaja N.E.10 & NW10 <T.> S. Karjala S.W.11.
Names of Finnish pioneers. Lovell Twp. 129 Range 60 Jack Buro, E.½ N.W.25. Jerry Erickson, N.E.26. Wm. Wattula, S.E.26. –
John J. Korpua N.E.35.
Names of Finnish pioneer. Palmyra Twp. 128 Range 65 Matt Erickson, N.W.33. Erick Wuollet S.W.33.
Names of Finnish pioneers. Osceola Twp. 128, Range 64. Petter Jurwa N.E.25. John Nixon S.E.25
Names of Finnish pionees. Richland Twp. 127 Range 63. John Suvanto N.W.1 Reguel Backman, ¼ N.E.¼ N.W.¼ S.W.¼ S.E.2 <H.> N.E.½ 2 <T.> Henry Bay N.E.¼ N.W.½ S.W.¼ Kristian Koskiniemi N.E.4 Charle Anderson N.E.5 <P.> Henry Thompson N.W.5 <P.>
After 1886 finnish peope which are now deceased or have moved away came here and bought or inherited land. in the followin twps.
Brown County, Savo Twp. A. Jacobson S.W.3 J. Raisanen N.E.9 J. Groop, S.E.6 H. Marttila N.E.7 J. Alatalo, N.W.13 E. Lippo S.W.8. P. F. & A. Lippo, Bros. N.E.18 M. Lippo, N.E.8 A. jr. Lippo, 18 F. Kotila, S.W.22 E. Luttio, N.W.21 F. Koskela, N.W.30 A. Polo, N.W.30 J. Polo S.E.29 S. Waist N.E.10 H. A. & E. Kriksman, S.E.28. W. Ylitalo, N.W.11. A. L. Hukari NW15 A. Pesio, N.W.11. V. Maki, N.W.30.
Richland Twp. H. Heis N.W.1 F. H. Geranen N.W.3. M. A. Marttila S.E.3 O. Kotila, N.W.14 E. Niva N.W.13 S. Rauma N.W.13 O. Nygard N.W.13. J. Jarvi, S.W.14 H. N. Martilla S.E.23 J. Laurila, S.W.23
Greenfield Twp. 127–62 M. Himanga S.E.8 V.A. Maunu, N.W.16 Abram Kero, N.E.17 A. Kesti N.W.31
Liberty Twp. A. Wiitala S.E.3 A.W. Wiitala S.E.3 J. Koskela S.E.4
Osceola Twp. Jonas Groop & son Edward S.W.13 F.K. Hukari & son, Herman S.W.12
Portemma Twp. Art. Buro, N.W.23. Uno Korpua, S.W.12.
Ada Twp. E. Liimatta, S.W.32. Herman Liimatta, S.W.32. C. W. Hokana, N.E.33.
Frederck Twp. J G Gustafson, N.E.10.
Lovell Twp. Henry Visto, N.E.27.
Vanmeter Twp Oscar Billey, S.E.15.
(east side)
Savo Township Territory of Dakota 1882 – 1886
H. Hqmestead
T. Treeclaim
P. Preemption
First township board. Supervisors. Solomon West. John Aronson. Jacob Kotila. Clerk. Wm. Gabrielson. Treasure Saul Waist. Assessor –
Fred Fall. Justice of the peace. Abraham Peldo. Frederick Spiess. Overseer of highway Wm. Isaacson. Constabls. Chas. Anderson. Paul Gerainen
1 : (NW) Matti Jokela H. · (NE) Henrik Henrikson H. · (SW) Frederick Spiess T. Aniti Waisanen H. · (SE) Matti Jakola H.
2 : (NW) Lewis Gola H. · (NE) Andro Parve H. · (SW) Isakki Hirvaskari H. · (SE) I. W. Gardner
3 : (NW) E. N. VanCamp H. · (NE) Christian Isaacs H. · (SW) John Jolma H. · (NE) Matti Hanhela H. A.L.C.H.
4 : (NW) S. S. Dickinson H. · (NE) I. Y. Morrison P. · (SW) J. S. Dickinson · (SE) George Holmes H.
5 : (NW) Gorge P. Jones · (NE) H. I. Jones · (SW) O.H.P. Olds · (SE) N. Russell T.
6 : (NW) A L Ressqute · (NE) Gorge P. Jones · (SW) C. C. Holland · (SE) D. R. Marker T.
7 : (NW) John Pesehle H. · (NE) John Frasa H.. · (SW) J. W. Exam T. · (SE) John Kesti H.
8 : (NW) A. Pomeroy · (NE) Carl Isaacson T. · (SW) John Parkkari H. · (SE) John Sere P.
9 : (NW) P. Mensch · (NE) A. Whitacre T. · (SW) Peter Johanson H. · (SE) F. Frizzle H.
10 : (NW) Chas. W. Underhill P. · (NE) E. R. Winship · (SW) Lauri Luttio T. · (SE) Gustaf Iljana H.
11 : (NW) Saul Waisanen H. · (NE) H. Schauer · (SW) Isaac Duomas T. · (SE) Joseph J. Williams H.
12 : (NW) Herman Boss H. · (NE) Abram West H. · (SW) Frederick Spiess H. · (SE) Solomon West T.
13 : (NW) Daniel Wagner H. · (NE) Solomon West H. · (SW) John Achen H. · (SE) Otto Wagner T.
14 : (NW) Agusi Duomas H. · (NE) Henry Herther H. · (SW) Wm. Gabrielson H. · (SE) Philip Herther T.
15 : (NW) Isac H. Mrs. I. P. · (NE) Pesija H. · (SW) Wm. Isaacson H. · (SE) John Aronson P.
16 : (NW) School · (NE) · (SW) · (SE) Section
17 : (NW) Nels. P. Starkka H. · (NE) Jacob Braa H. · (SW) Wihela P. · (SE) Sakri Jampsa P.
18 : (NW) Abraham P. · (NE) Peldo H. · (SW) T. Webber H. · (SE) John H.
19 : (NW) Fred Fall P. · (NE) Chas. Anderson H · (SW) John Larsson H. · (SE) I. Paine
20 : (NW) Jacob Annala H. · (NE) Jacob Hango H. · (SW) Jacob Hango P. · (SE) John Forsti Sr. H.
21 : (NW) Lauri Luttio H. · (NE) John Luttio H. · (SW) Sakri Hovila H. · (SE) L. M. DeForest H.
22 : (NW) T. C. Underhill · (NE) John Takkinen H. · (SW) N. C. Blanehard F.N.S.Hall · (SE) Henrik Nikkila H.
23 : (NW) John Aronson H. · (NE) Peter Tuoppala H. · (SW) John Imppola H. · (SE) John Homola P.
24 : (NW) John Pikkarainen P · (NE) Lars Larsson P · (SW) Peter Wetelanen P. · (SE) John J. Annala P.
25 : (NW) John Wirkunen H. · (NE) C. L. Blackman H. · (SW) J. C. Taskerud T. · (SE) J. C. Blackman H.
26 : (NW) John Kiljander H. · (NE) John Lunga H. · (SW) C. W. Abbey P. · (SE) A. Sjogrest T.
27 : (NW) F.E.L.church 1888 Aleksander Kriksman T. · (NE) Josef Pellikka H · (SW) Lenderman Young P. · (SE) K. A. Hukari H.
28 : (NW) Leander Wilson H. · (NE) John Sere H. · (SW) Matti Marttila H. · (SE) Frank Lind H.
29 : (NW) Matti Roman H. Abram Polo H. · (NE) John Forsti Jr. H. · (SW) Mark Rusko T. · (SE) Cem. Peter Pikkarainen H.
30 : (NW) Fred Fall H. · (NE) Michael Nixon H. · (SW) Matti Nixon H. · (SE) Fred Nixon H.
31 : (NW) Aleksander T. · (NE) Anderson H. · (SW) F. H. Spence · (SE) Jacob Kotila H.
32 : (NW) Jacob Kotila H. · (NE) Elisa Pikkarainen H. · (SW) Serri Blythe · (SE) Henry Thompson H.
33 : (NW) Erick Pikkarainen emissary 1881 P. · (NE) John Lingren P. · (SW) Paul P. · (SE) Geranen H.
34 : (NW) Lars Peterson H. · (NE) John K. Anderson H. · (SW) Alex Alexson H. · (SE) Hiskias Koski H.
35 : (NW) Abram H. · (NE) Rauma P. · (SW) Frank W. Schwelback P. · (SE) Henry Bay P.
36 : (NW) School · (NE) · (SW) · (SE) Section
(north side)
The following Finnish people own and operate land in these Townships in the state of S. D. Brown County in the year 1955.
Liberty Twp. 128 N. Rge. 61 W. Heino V. Rosendahl, N.W.7. Levi West, N.W.9. Paul Bradke, N.E.5.
Van Meter Twp 129–62
Twp. 129–59. Frank Luoma. S.W.4. Werner & Alex Visto. N.E.27. Ernest & Ralph. West. N.E.34. Elsa Wuolu. S.W.30.
Twp. 130–59. Willard R. Hokana. N.W.30.
(west side)
Finnish communities of Savo and surrounding areas founded in 1881 by Erick Pikkarainen and Kustaa Frederick Bergstadius, agents of the Chicago Milwaukee Ry. Co. at the request of C. H. Prior, president of the company.
1884 Savo Evangelical Lutheran Congregation organized Dec. 31. First pastor J. W. Lähde to 1888 H. Sarwela 1889–1890
1886 Apostolic Lutheran Congregation organized C. Daniels. ch. A. Tuomas. sec. H. Nikkila. treas. Wm. Gabrilson. layman served the congregation.
1884 Savq Apostolic Lutheran Church built on section 3. S.E.¼ N.P. Starkka. S. West. W. Isaacson. J. Martinson. P. Wetelainen. A. Peldo
1887 James River Apostolic Lutheran church built M. Buro. J. Korpua. J. Erickson. W. Wattula. S. Wuolu. L. Moilanen. S. & H. Wanttaja. E. Holmstrom
1887 "Savotar" Temperance society organized by Charls Jurva. The society had twelve charter members - nine men & three women.
1888 Savo Evangelical Lutheran church built on N.W.¼ section 27 N.W. corner. A. Kriksman donated land. donation work by the members M. Jokela - foreman
1890 E. L. C. Parsonage built on north line S.W.¼. section 27. Lot donated by Lars Peterson & Matti Marttila. built by members Alex. Hukarior. foreman
1893 Savo public library organized. Matt Käkelä. Alex Hukari. Alexon. K. A. Hukari. John Forsiy, and Lars Peterson.
1898 Savo Community Band organized. Nestor Rauma. John Boussu_ John Nixon. John Forsty. Fred Geränen, Newell Ressigue. F. F. Marttila. Jacob Pellikka. Sakri Pellikka. Fred Kotila. Matti Hovila. Chas. Kesti. It was directed by August Marttila.
1898 Savo Hall Association was formed. J. Forsty, H. Hukari, F. F. Marttila, K. A. Hukari, M. A. Martilla, H. Thompssn, P. Geranen.
1901 Savo Finnish Creamery organized March 6th. charter membrs K. A. Hukari. Herman Hokari. Herman Boss. Location section 14 N.E.¼ N.E. corner
1903 "Prairie Rose" Temperance society organized. Matt Hovila. J. W. Anderson, John Aronson, Emeil Niva, John Takkinen, & Jacob Peterson.
1899 Savo Hall was built on the southwest corner of section 22, Savo Township. Jacob Erkkila was foreman. Alex Kriksman & Sam Samuelson.
1917 Savo Hall New addition was built. John Peterson was the foreman. Sulo Rauma, Fred Kotila, Matti Harju, John Pȧivȧrinta, & Nestor Rauma.
1885 Savo Evan. Luth. Church Incorporated. P. Pikkarainen. J. J. Luttio. P. Geränen. H. Thompson. J. Hango.
1887 Savo Evan. Luth. cemetery dedicated. Plot purchased by Savo Evan. Luth. congregation from P. Pikkarainen at the sum. 100.00
1884 Savo Apostolic Luth. cemetery first burial plot earned by congregation breking 50 acres of sod payment for cemetery & church lot to M. Hanhela
1890 Savo Evan. Luth. church dedicated by J. K. Nikander, Henricson & Matti Marttila.) (A. Kriksonman & J. Lingeen.
1890 Savo E.L.C. Joins Suomi Synod Signtory. P. Pikkarainen, S. Hovila, A. Hukari, K. A. Hukari, J. Lutii, P. Geranen, H. Tompson. J. Hango.
1899 Savo Independent Lutheran Congregation was organized by K. A. Hukari, P. Geranen, M. A. Marttila, A. Kriksman, H. Tompson, & J. Forsty. ex int.
1913 Savo Evan. Luth. Church bell installed. Committee membes were Rev. Samuli H. Rönkä John Luttio & Jacob Peterson.
1921 Savo. Evan. Luth. Church destroyed by tornado July 2nd, 1992 New church was built by aid of congregation and P. J. Silberberger builder.
1923 S. E. L. Congregation re-incorprated. Excutors, F. F. Marttila, Fred Kotila, William Anderson, Abraham Kero, & Oscar Kotila Sr.
1909 Savo Ellendale Telephone Co. organized Pres., Emil Liimatta John Skoglund was sec. treasr., O. S. Noel Michael Hokana
1910 Savo Farmers Telephone Co organized Pres., Erick Erickson, K. A. Hukari Sec. Jacob Peterson, O. Luttio Treasr., E. Rouma, J. Groop, H. Martilla, & E. Niva.
1925 Savo community band organized. Became Frederick Savo band. Is now the Frederick community band. directed by Hemming Hautala, & Edward Heis.
1914 – Savo choir. Directed by Rev. Pekka Keranen Vihtori Koivumkai & Toivo Erickson.
1930–1948 Ada Finnish choir. Directed by Emil Hokana.
1952 Savo Finnish Historical Society organized . Charter members, John G. Peterson, Chr. Arne Kero, V. Chr. Helen Kotila, Secy —
Emil Hokana, Treas. Matti Niva, Elsa K. Groop, Hilda Salstrom, Toivo Wattula, (Deceased) Ray Vuolu, & August Iljana.—
Assistance committee members Rev. W. G. Ruohomaki, Hilia Hokana, Mamie Marklund, Tyyne Peterson, Anna Martilla, Nina Conahan, & LeVon Bay.
1953 Apostolic Lutheran new church built. Dedicated 1954 by Pastors Andrew Michelson, David Rombeg & Geroge Wilson.
1953–1955 The Monument and plaques were designed and made by John G. Peterson with the aid of the Historical Society Members.
1955 June 24 Monument dedicated by J. G. Peterson, Rev. W. G. Ruohomaki, J. O. Campbell, E. Hokana & N. Glarum, Tyyne H. Peterson.
Killed in action
Erected 1955 by the Savo Finnish Historical Society under the direction of John G. Peterson.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Immigration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1882.
Location. 45° 52.752′ N, 98° 24.858′ W. Marker is near Frederick, South Dakota, in Brown County. It is at the intersection of 391st Avenue (County Road 14) and 104th Street (County Road 4), on the right when traveling north on 391st Avenue. Located by Savo Lutheran Church. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Frederick SD 57441, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in East River and specifically in the James River Valley. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Rupert’s Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Savo Monument (here, next to this marker); Savo Hall (within shouting distance of this marker); In Memoriam (approx. 3.1 miles away); Old Finnish Apostolic Lutheran Church (approx. 3.2 miles away); The First Frederick School (approx. 5.7 miles away); Frederick, South Dakota Veterans Memorial (approx. 5.7 miles away); You Are Entering South Dakota / You Are Now Leaving South Dakota and About to Enter North Dakota (approx. 6.7 miles away); Philip Cain Gelling Homestead (approx. 6.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Frederick.
Additional keywords. Savo Monument, Savo Finnish Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on December 26, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 25, 2022. This page has been viewed 1,215 times since then and 149 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 25, 2022. 7, 8. submitted on September 26, 2022.







