Grant, Lyon, and Wilkin Counties are formed out of Lac qui Parle County, which ceases to exist (see March 6, 1871). Grant and Lyon are named for Civil War Generals Ulysses S. Grant and Nathaniel Lyon. Wilkin County had previously been named for Robert Toombs, who later became a Confederate leader. The county was then named Andy Johnson, for the president, but his political attitude disturbed the county's residents, leading them to adopt the present name, which honors Colonel Alexander Wilkin. (See entry for July 14).