The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 1101 JOHN G. SODEN. John G. Soden, engaged in the butchering business in Toppenish, was born in Warren county, Illinois, in 1870. His parents, Frank and Julia Soden, removed to Brookings comity, South Dakota, in the year 1877, casting in their lot with the pioneer settlers who were reclaiming that district for the uses of civilization. The father took up government land there upon which not a furrow had been turned nor an improvement made and with characteristic energy he began to develop a farm, upon which he lived to the time of his death. His wife passed away on the 6th of April, 1915, and he died a year later to the day and hour. John G. Soden acquired a public school education and also received instruction from his father at night. The father was most devoted to the welfare of his family and was a most progressive citizen. He had manifested his loyalty to his country during the period of the Civil war by service at the front, enlisting in August, 1862, as a member of Company C. One Hundred and Nineteenth Illinois Infantry, with which he remained on active duty until mustered out at the close of the war in 1865, when he returned to his home with a most creditable military record, having aided in winning victory on many a southern battlefield. He was an active supporter of the republican party throughout his entire life, believing firmly in that party, which had stood for the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war. He became a prominent and well known resident of Brookings county, South Dakota, heartily cooperating in all measures and movements for the general good from the time when he established his home there in pioneer days. His son Charles was the first white child born in that county. John G. Soden was but a little lad when the family home was established there and upon his father's farm was reared, early assisting in the work of further development and improvement. When his schooldays were over he concentrated his efforts and attention upon the farm work and so continued until he reached the age of twenty-three years, when he left home to engage in farming on his own account and spent four years in that way. It was in 1897 that he left South Dakota for the west, making his way to Genesee, Idaho. The following year he entered the butchering business in that state, devoting a year to the conduct of his shop. Later he engaged in buying beeves for various firms for a period of five years and then once more started in business on his own account at Sprague, Idaho, where he continued until the 1st of February, 1915. On that date he came to Toppenish, where he purchased a meat market, which he has since conducted. He carries an excellent line of meat, has a splendid refrigerator and other equipment and has built up a good trade, his patrons finding him always courteous and obliging as well as thoroughly reliable. On the 12th of December, 1893, Mr. Soden was married to Miss Lillie Lord, a native of South Dakota, and they have become the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters. Mr. Soden is a member of Yakima Lodge, No. 318. B. P. O. E., and also of the Knights of Pythias. He is likewise connected with the Toppenish Commercial Club and his political endorsement is given to the republican party He was reared in that faith and has never seen occasion to change his views or allegiance. He stands for that which is progressive in public affairs of the community and his aid and influence are always given for the benefit and progress of his adopted city. ******************************** Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in January 2008 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.