Parents:
Hans Johannesson 1831 – 1884
Gertrude Burresdatter Olson 1833 – 1913
From 1880 Census
Sibblings & Ages (Jonas was 5):
Burre Lien 20
Gilbert L. Lien 14
Edward Lien 12
Carl Lien 10
Emma J. Lien 7

http://www.mtpleasantsf.com/content/view/45/43/

First South Dakotan to die in combat in the Spanish American War in 1897.

Jonas H. Lien
"JONAS H. LIEN, was born in Faribault county, Minnesota, December 12, 1874. He was reared by his brother, B. H. Lien, their father having died while Jonas was quite young. He was a student in the Agricultural College at Brookings, S. D., and there fitted for a collegiate course. He entered the Nebraska University in 1894, but dropped out to take part in the presidential campaign in 1896. He was employed by the State Central Committee of the Populist party in South Dakota, and spoke during the campaign in almost every county in the state east of the Missouri River. He was at once recognized as a strong political speaker. Such was his success in this campaign that he soon became known as the 'Boy Orator of the Sioux.' At the next session of the legislature he was elected chief clerk of the assembly, and then for a short time was the city editor of the Sioux Falls Daily Press. During the spring of that year he resumed his studies at the Nebraska University, where he was graduated in the spring of 1898. Again for a short time he worked upon the Press, but when the war with Spain broke out he enlised in Company I, First Regiment South Dakota Volunteers, and was mustered into service May 4, 1898, as First Lieutenant and Adjutant. His purpose had been to become a private and earn promotion if possible. His friends persuaded him to accept the commission, and he entered upon the discharge of his duties with the energy and ability which always characterized him. In the Philippines he was in the hottest of every fight, from Block House No. 4 where the first battle occured between the Americans and the Philipinos February 4 and 5, 1899, to Marilao where he was killed March 27, 1899.

Of him his Colonel said: 'He was the bravest man I ever knew, and one of the best officers.' He had been promoted to the rank of captain, but had not received his commission when he met his death. No one of his age was better and more favorably known throughout the state, and his untimely death was most sincerely deplored by all who knew him."



Bailey, Dana R. History of Minnehaha County, South Dakota. Sioux Falls: Brown

& Saenger, 1899, pp. 602 - 603.



Jonas Lien was 25 years of age when he was killed in action in 1899. His body was returned to Sioux Falls and buried on February 3, 1900, in Block 13, Lot 7 of the Cemetery. He lies at rest with other members of his family.

Parents:
Hans Johannesson 1831 – 1884
Gertrude Burresdatter Olson 1833 – 1913
From 1880 Census
Sibblings & Ages (Jonas was 5):
Burre Lien 20
Gilbert L. Lien 14
Edward Lien 12
Carl Lien 10
Emma J. Lien 7

http://www.mtpleasantsf.com/content/view/45/43/

First South Dakotan to die in combat in the Spanish American War in 1897.

Jonas H. Lien
"JONAS H. LIEN, was born in Faribault county, Minnesota, December 12, 1874. He was reared by his brother, B. H. Lien, their father having died while Jonas was quite young. He was a student in the Agricultural College at Brookings, S. D., and there fitted for a collegiate course. He entered the Nebraska University in 1894, but dropped out to take part in the presidential campaign in 1896. He was employed by the State Central Committee of the Populist party in South Dakota, and spoke during the campaign in almost every county in the state east of the Missouri River. He was at once recognized as a strong political speaker. Such was his success in this campaign that he soon became known as the 'Boy Orator of the Sioux.' At the next session of the legislature he was elected chief clerk of the assembly, and then for a short time was the city editor of the Sioux Falls Daily Press. During the spring of that year he resumed his studies at the Nebraska University, where he was graduated in the spring of 1898. Again for a short time he worked upon the Press, but when the war with Spain broke out he enlised in Company I, First Regiment South Dakota Volunteers, and was mustered into service May 4, 1898, as First Lieutenant and Adjutant. His purpose had been to become a private and earn promotion if possible. His friends persuaded him to accept the commission, and he entered upon the discharge of his duties with the energy and ability which always characterized him. In the Philippines he was in the hottest of every fight, from Block House No. 4 where the first battle occured between the Americans and the Philipinos February 4 and 5, 1899, to Marilao where he was killed March 27, 1899.

Of him his Colonel said: 'He was the bravest man I ever knew, and one of the best officers.' He had been promoted to the rank of captain, but had not received his commission when he met his death. No one of his age was better and more favorably known throughout the state, and his untimely death was most sincerely deplored by all who knew him."



Bailey, Dana R. History of Minnehaha County, South Dakota. Sioux Falls: Brown

& Saenger, 1899, pp. 602 - 603.



Jonas Lien was 25 years of age when he was killed in action in 1899. His body was returned to Sioux Falls and buried on February 3, 1900, in Block 13, Lot 7 of the Cemetery. He lies at rest with other members of his family.