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Note: South Dakota, Copyright 1969 by Alkali Community Club, contains much information about the Karrels boys.
"Matt Karrels and one brother, Theodore, came to South Dakota in 1875 from Port Washington, Wisconsin. Matt was 16 years old. They arrived in Deadwood, South Dakota during the gold rush by bull train, which were wagons pulled by oxen or cattle. The boys worked at hard labor the following year helping to build the town of Deadwood. A year or two later a third brother, Henry, joined them. The boys worked together and saved their money, finally coming to Bear Butte Valley to file on their homestead."
"In the year 1876 the boys returned to New Ulm, Minnesota and purchased several head of dairy cows. Railroads did not reach the Black Hills until 1886, so they returned to Bear Butte Valley on foot with their herd. This was Indian Territory at that time, as Indians were not driven out until 1877 by treaty. Their bed rolls, frying pans and clothing were carried on the backs of the cows. A cheese factory was built and the boys made and sold cheese in the stores in Deadwood"
In later years Theo came further down the valley and settled where the Olin Matkins place is now located. Celestine Meyer and Theodore Karrels were married in Deadwood, South Dakota. Theodore was born in Belgium, Wisconsin and Celestine was born in St. Louis, Missouri. Their children were--Theresa, Christine, Rosie, Susie, Alec and Joseph.
Theodore Karrels, age 76, passed away on April 23. He was born in Belgium, Wisconsin on November 16, 1851 and came to the hills in 1876. He homesteaded in Bear Butte Valley in 1879. He married Celestine Meyers February 16, 1882 in Deadwood. He is survived by his wife, one son, four daughters, three brothers, Matt of California, Henry of Sturgis, and John of Wabasha, Minnesota, and a sister Mrs. Eva Frantz of Belgium, Wisconsin. Sturgis newspaper April 1927
Note: A book entitled MATO PAHA, LAND OF THE PIONEERS, Northwest Meade Country
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