Col. Melvin Grigsby

Col. Melvin Grigsby by Local Lou Why does Melvin Grigsby have a historical marker in Mckennan Park? Because he owned a home there before it was a park, a home Helen Mckennan would later own, the same home she would donate along with the land for the park to the city in her will upon her death. The same donation that started the whole controversy we talked about in the episode A Park Born in Controversy. Col. Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917) Historical Marker (hmdb.org) The Smoked Yank - Google Books Melvin Grigsby (1845-1917) - Find a Grave Memorial Andersonville - Prison, Location & Civil War | HISTORY Helen G Gale McKennan (1841-1906) - Find a Grave Memorial 2/11/1909 Argus Leader 10/12/1906 Page 8 Argus Leader 1/16/07 Argus Leader Page 5 1/29/1909 Argus Leader 7/22/1908 Argus Leader Page 4

Melvin Grigsby was born in Wisconsin in 1845. Growing up, he worked on the family farm and went to school. At 16, he joined the Civil War. After three years fighting for the Union, he was captured and held in Andersonville prison camp, from which he eventually escaped. After the war, he returned home, attended college, and pursued law school. Looking for a place to establish his practice, the Dakota Territory beckoned. Arriving in 1872, Col. Melvin Grigsby did much more than practice law; he became a pillar of the community.

Col. Grigsby collaborated with R.F. Pettigrew for four years selling land, then expanded into banking. Politics soon followed, leading him to roles as alderman, member of the House of Representatives, and Attorney General of South Dakota. In 1898, during the Spanish-American War, he joined a volunteer cavalry unit known as Grigsby's Cowboys. Though it wasn't as famous as the Rough Riders, it was his last military service. He continued to offer his assistance to the U.S. military up until he was about 60. His life story feels like it should be celebrated on the 4th of July!

Grigsby remained active in politics, serving as U.S. States Attorney in Alaska before returning to Sioux Falls to practice law and engage in public speaking. He authored a book, "The Smoked Yank," about his Civil War experiences. Col. Grigsby lived a life of service, embodying the motto “advance, advance, advance, never retreat.” He passed away in 1917 and is buried in Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Sioux Falls.

A historical marker for Melvin Grigsby stands in McKennan Park, fittingly near a boulevard he once owned. He was instrumental in creating the lovely grass and flower-filled medians that separate its lanes, a testament to his lasting impact on the community.