Sisseton in Roberts County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Two Brothers

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, December 6, 2015

1. Two Brothers Marker

Inscription. A grove of tall, stately pine trees two miles north of this marker whisper the tale of two Dakota Indian brothers, Clarence and Joseph Grey, who died in an early winter snowstorm in November 1958, while trapping along the coteau. Their bodies were found the following spring under snowdrifts in the evergreen trees.

Clarence Grey was born February 10, 1918 and Joseph Grey was born August 31, 1921. Their parents were Andrew and Lilly Grey. Having grown up near Grey Lake, the brothers were expert fisherman, hunters and trappers, just as their Dakota relatives had been for centuries. Joseph was also a World War II veteran, having received the Purple Heart for serious battle injures.

Friends and neighbors of the deceased brothers say that when the winter winds blow though the pine trees, that can hear the Grey bothers sing hymns in the Dakota language. Maybe it is a reminder to travelers to be prepared for treacherous blizzards in this area.

Erected 1998 by Heritage museum of Roberts County and the South Dakota Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 682.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Disasters. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1958.

Location.

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

45° 39.583′ N, 97° 10.733′ W. Marker is in Sisseton, South Dakota, in Roberts County. Marker is on State Highway 10, 0.3 miles east of 451st Ave., on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sisseton SD 57262, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Two Sisters (a few steps from this marker); Two Companions (a few steps from this marker); Little Paul Mazakutemani (approx. 2 miles away); Marshall County South Dakota (approx. 2½ miles away); Roberts County / Marshall County (approx. 2½ miles away); Sieche Hollow (approx. 6.3 miles away); Stones from Log Flour Mill (approx. 6.3 miles away); Roberts County Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sisseton.

Two Brothers Marker Third in Order image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Ruth VanSteenwyk, December 6, 2015

2. Two Brothers Marker Third in Order

Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2015, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 386 times since then and 15 times this year. Last updated on November 3, 2021. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 10, 2015, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.