Sounds like a neat story. Akkerman story as I know it. Came to Illinois in 1860 from Germany with spelling Akkermann. Lots of children mostly in Central and NW Iowa with varying spellings. Akkermann, Akkerman, Ackerman. From NW IA to Lennox, SD Emery, Sd, DeSmet, SD and Brookings White areas of SD. Also Rushmore Adrian Worthington area of MN. Closest matches in my files are Harry, Harvey and several Henry's. Can email direct at jsmnancy@midstatesd.net