History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 132

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1262

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In November, 1901, Mr. Kenefick married Miss Helen Gertrude Burke, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Burke, of Dell Rapids. To this union were born three sons and one daughter, namely, Peter R., Edward B., Maurine and Norbert C., all of whom, together with Mrs. Kenefick, survive. Mr. Kenefick is also survived by two brothers: P. J., of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and John, a resident of Portland, Oregon: and a sister, Mrs. Ennis, who lives in Oklahoma.

Mr. Kenefick gave his political allegiance to the democratic party and at all times took a commendable interest in the public welfare. He was a devout communicant of the Roman Catholic church and was also a member of the Roman Catholic Mutual Protective Association and of the Knights of Columbus. The high esteem in which he was held by his fellow

E. R. KENEFICK

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citizens was manifested by the fact that on the day of his funeral without any special agreement practically all of the business houses in town were closed and St. Mary's Catholic church was inadequate to hold the multitude that assembled to pay honor to his memory. He was not only a successful and efficient business man but he was also a good citizen and a sincere Christian. He was devoted to his family, whose welfare was at all times his first thought, and he held friendship inviolable. His death was felt as a great loss to his community and there are many who still mourn his demise.

FRANK E. WELLS.

Frank E. Wells, filling the position of auditor of Tripp county, is a native of the neigli- boring state of Iowa, his birth having occurred in Black Hawk county, December 20, 1884. He is a son of Rollin R. and Elizabeth (Smith) Wells, the former a farmer during the years of his active business career, but both he and his wife have now passed away.

At the usual age their son Frank became a public-school pupil and is indebted to the school system of his native state for the educational privileges which he enjoyed and which prepared him for business duties in later life. When his textbooks were put aside he continued with his father on the home farm for a time but turned to other pursuits for a livelihood and for four years was in the employ of the Swift Packing Company of Iowa. In 1909 he came to South Dakota, settling at Witten, where he engaged in the hardware busi- ness, conducting his store at that point for about four years. He was then called to public office, being nominated and elected county auditor of Tripp county in 1912, in which year he disposed of his business and removed to Winner. He discharged his duties promptly, sys- tematically and efficiently and was reelected in 1914, so that his present term of office will continue until 1916.

On the 24th of June, 1908, Mr. Wells was united in marriage to Miss Anna Gibson, a daughter of Peter J. and Johanna (Johnson) Gibson. To them have been born two children, Doris A. and Hazel R. Mr. and Mrs. Wells are communicants of the Episcopal church and le belongs also to the Masonic fraternity, which counts him among its exemplary representa- tives. He has always adhered to republican teachings since he acquired the right of franchise and is never loath to announce and support his honest convictions. Hunting is one of his favorite recreations and he enjoys all kinds of outdoor sports. One cannot enter the west with its great, broad prairies, its thriving towns, its populous business centers, without becoming imbued with the progressive spirit that is accomplishing much day by day, a spirit which has its root in the desires and the efforts of the citizens who recognize their opportunity and are building for present and future greatness. To this class belongs Frank E. Wells.

VAL J. FETZNER.

Val J. Fetzner is cashier of the Tripp County State Bank at Colome, in which connec- tion he is bending his energies to the upbuilding of an enterprise that is proving of great worth and benefit to the citizens of the district. He has made it his purpose to thoroughly acquaint himself with every phase of the banking business and in his present connection he has been active in maintaining a policy that most carefully safeguards the interests of depositors. In all that he does he is actuated by the spirit of western enterprise, for he is a native son of the west, his hirth having occurred in Brownsville, Minnesota, June 12, 1875 his parents being Valentine and Elizabeth Fetzner. The father is now living retired, enjoy- ing a well earned rest after long connection with business.

Val J. Fetzner is indebted to the public-school system of Brownsville for his early educational privileges. After completing the work of the grades he attended the high school at La Crosse, Wisconsin, and later pursued a course in a business college. After completing his education he became connected with Synder Brothers, merchants of Salem, South Dakota, and remained with them two years. He then started out on his own account and for nine Vol. V-48

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years was engaged in merchandising at Platte, South Dakota, after which he removed to Colome and aided in the organization of the Tripp County State Bank in 1909, assuming the position of cashier, in which office he has done much to build up the business of the bank. He is always a courteous and obliging official, helpful to the bank's patrons as far as is con- sistent with the safety of the bank and at all times working to establish and further maintain the substantial character of the institution. He is likewise largely interested in real estate and in live stock.

On the 20th of June, 1899, Mr. Fetzner was united in marriage to Miss Susie G. Graf, a daughter of George Graf, of Brownsville, Minnesota. To them have been born six children, namely: Vivian, Agnes, George, Harold, Frances and Paul. Mrs. Fetzner is a member of the Catholic church. Mr. Fetzner has no church relations but belongs to the Woodmen and to the Elks lodges. His political indorsement is given the republican party. He makes fish- ing and motoring his recreation and he recognizes and advocates the value of good roads both as an asset for pleasure and for business. He is also active in efforts to secure better railroad connections with the eastern part of the state and cooperates in every measure that tends to the material benefit of the community.

REV. CHARLES H. VIRNIG.

Rev. Charles H. Virnig, pastor of the Immaculate Conception church at Winner and thus identified with the work of planting the seeds of Catholicism in western South Dakota and in nourishing the interests and growth of the church, was born at Cross Plains, Wisconsin, October 6, 1879, a son of Adrian and Agnes Virnig. The father was a farmer in early life but afterward put aside the plow and turned his attention to commercial pursuits, engaging in mercantile business. Success attended his efforts until, possessed of a handsome com- petence, he retired and with his wife resides in Cross Plains, Wisconsin.

Charles H. Virnig attended parochial schools in early boyhood and afterward pursued a classical course of study at Mount Calvary, Wisconsin. He later studied philosophy at St. John's University of Minnesota and theology at St. Meinrad, Indiana, after which he was ordained to the priesthood in May, 1906. He was assigned to his first mission at Meadow. South Dakota, in which connection he had charge of Catholic interests in one-half of Perkins county and part of Meade county, attending fourteen different missions, the nearest being ten miles distant and the farthest eighty-five miles. He had charge of that work for two years, after which he was sent to Faith, South Dakota, where he continued for two years. In June, 1914, he was assigned to the church of the Immaculate Conception at Winner, where he has since continued and from this point he ministers to five out missions, his total charge numbering ninety families. When he was appointed to Faith there was not a single house there-only a cellar. He built the parish house at Faith and also the parish house at Winner and is now making improvements in the church property. He votes with the democratic party and is fond of outdoor life, but with him all interests are subservient to his purpose of upbuilding the church and advancing the material and spiritual welfare of his congregation.

JAMES M. MILLER.

James M. Miller, proprietor of the Gregory County News, published at Dallas, was born at Espy, Pennsylvania, January 1, 1879, his parents being M. R. and Ida (Hughes) Miller. The father was in early life a mate on Joseph Stickney's private yacht and later he engaged in boat building, developing a good business in that connection. Both he and his wife are still living.

Spending his youthful days under the parental roof, James M. Miller enjoyed the advantages offered by the public schools and by the State Normal, while later he pursued a special law course in the University of Pennsylvania, thinking to make the practice of law his life work. Following his graduation he opened an office at Hammond, Indiana, where he remained in practice for two years hut at the end of that time turned his attention to

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the newspaper business. This was not entirely a new experience for him, for while going to school and also while in the practice of law he had engaged in newspaper publication, but after two years devoted to law practice at Hammond he concentrated his entire time upon newspaper work and was the owner of various papers in Pennsylvania before he deter- mined to establish a home and seek his fortune in the west.

Mr. Miller dates his residence in South Dakota from February, 1910, at which time he purchased the Colome Times, which he owned and edited until the 2d of April, 1915, when he removed to Dallas and established the Gregory County News, the leading newspaper of Gregory county. He has a very complete and modern newspaper plant with linotype machine and the latest facilities to further the work of producing a thoroughly modern and progressive paper. He is now preparing for the publication of the Rosebud Farmer, which will be a monthly paper of twenty pages devoted to farming interests in the Rosebud district, the entire second story of his building to be devoted to the agricultural journal.

On the 29th of May, 1907, Mr. Miller was united in marriage to Miss Maude Buzby, a danghter of Jefferson P. and Ida (Ewan) Buzby, of Wildwood, New Jersey. To them have been born two children, Rebecca and James. Mr. Miller is of the Episcopal faith and polit- ically he is a republican but is inclined to make the policy of his paper independent. He recognizes what can be accomplished by a live, up-to-date newspaper in a growing community, for such a paper is both the mirror and the molder of public opinion and has marked influence in stimulating publie thought and action.

CAPTAIN NELSON MINER.

Captain Nelson Miner bore a reputation as an Indian fighter which made him one of the picturesque figures in connection with the history and settlement of South Dakota. He was, moreover, an able and learned lawyer and was a helpful supporter of many movements and measures which had for their object the benefit and betterment of the community. In fact, he has been termed "one of the greatest men South Dakota ever knew"-so varied and so resultant were his activities. He was born September 29, 1827, at Hartland, Huron county, Ohio, and was but fifteen years of age at the time of his father's death. He remained upon the old homestead farm until nineteen years of age, when, realizing the need and value of further education, he made arrangements to attend Oberlin College at Oberlin, Ohio. He spent three years in that institution, meeting the expenses of his college course by teaching school through the summer vacation period. At the age of twenty-two he put aside his textbooks and almost immediately thereafter he was elected justice of the peace at Hartland, filling that position for two years, his decisions being strictly fair and impartial. At the same time he engaged in teaching and in studying law. Attracted by the discovery of gold in California, he organized at St. Joseph, Missouri, a company of about one hundred men and crossed the plains to California, remaining upon the Pacific coast for about a year engaged in mining. He then returned to Hartland. When twenty-four years of age he was united in marriage to Miss Cordelia Gates, with whom he traveled life's journey most happily until they were separated by the hand of death. Mrs. Miner survives her husband and now makes her home at Long Beach, California.

It was in the year 1852 that Captain Miner removed to Adel, Dallas county, Iowa, where he entered upon the practice of law and also filled the office of justice of the peace. He proved a capable member of the bar, preparing his cases with precision and thoroughness and presenting his cause strongly and cogently before the court. In 1860 he removed to the ter- ritory of Dakota, settling in Vermillion, and from that time until his demise his life record is inseparably interwoven with Vermillion and its upbuilding. No man did more to further its development and improvement or contributed more largely to its progress. It was not only in his professional capacity but in many other ways that he furthered the interests of Vermillion and in pioneer times he became one of the best known Indian fighters of the northwest, this being at a period when the white settlers had to seek armed protection from the Indians.

In the fall of 1861 he organized a military company, which on the 14th of January, 1862, was mustered into the United States service with Mr. Miner as captain. This company was

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ordered for duty in the Indian country and during its term of service Captain Miner became one of the most noted Indian fighters of the west. The company was engaged in active and dangerous service for three years and in January, 1865, was mustered out. While in the army Captain Miner had the complete confidence of General Sully, who gave him entire charge of the Sully expedition in crossing the Missouri and assigned to him almost all the Indian fighting that had to be done. Captain Miner had command of all the troops between the Jim river and Big Sioux. He went with his company to Sioux Falls just after the massacre and drove the Indians away from the homes of the people and prevented them carrying off the stock. He understood the Indian nature most thoroughly. No matter how cunning the device to which the Indian would resort Captain Miner could outwit him, for he readily rec- ognized his tactics and his line of operation. He was most vigilant and the cunning of the Indian was no match to the intelligence and scientific military direction of the white man. He was a most vigilant officer and one greatly loved by the troops who served under him.

While his military experience was perhaps the most spectacular chapter in his life record, it was perhaps not the most important. He stood very high as a lawyer and there were few cases tried in his part of the state on which he was not retained as counsel either for the prosecution or defense. His was the honor of selecting the jury for the famous Wintermute case. His mind, naturally analytical, logical and deductive, enabled him to reason clearly and to present his cause in a manner that left no one at doubt as to his position, while the correctness of his views was usually manifest in the verdict. He not only was accorded an extensive clientage but he also became a large real-estate owner, improving his opportunity for judicious investment.

Fraternally he was a Mason, becoming a charter member of Yankton lodge, and he was most loyal to the teachings of the craft. He gave liberal assistance to the various churches in Vermillion and cooperated generously and heartily in all movements which he believed would benefit his city, county or state. He was a member of the first territorial council and he was register in the United States land office from 1865 until 1879. In politics he followed a course different from that of the great majority. No cause, convention or nomina- tion ever bound him unless it was fair, open and aboveboard and in just accord with his idea of the eternal fitness of things. He was independent in all that he did, because he believed in the right and would follow no other course. He possessed a most kindly, charitable nature and was constantly extending a helping hand to the unfortunate and alleviating the needs of those who came to him for assistance. The first settler in Vermil- lion, he passed away with fewer enemies than any man in the community, for he was always honorable and upright and his high integrity and fearlessness of conduct were combined with ability and energy. In his own household he was the ideal husband and father, his interests centering in his family above all things else. Thus it was that he left a precious memory to his descendants, while the record of his life remains as an inspiration to his many friends and his colleagues.

CHARLES P. BATES.

Charles P. Bates, senior partner in the well known law firm of Bates & Bates, was born in Florence, Oneida county, New York, December 4, 1859, a son of Rev. Laban E. and Caroline (Bronson) Bates, his father being a clergyman in the Congregational church. Mr. Bates was educated in the public schools and Genesee Wesleyan Seminary at Lima, New York, where he was graduated in 1881. He was engaged in teaching school, and in studying law in the office of J. & Q. Van Voorhis, at Rochester, New York, until May, 1883, when he came to the state of South Dakota and located at Ipswich in Edmunds county, where he was engaged in the hardware business with Elmer E. Parsons, under the firm name of Parsons & Bates, until March, 1885, when he removed to Sioux Falls and resumed the study of law in the office of Hosmer H. Keith.

He was admitted to the bar in November, 1886, but continued in the office of Mr. Keith until January, 1889, when they formed a partnership under the title of Keith & Bates, which continued until January, 1893, when the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Bates engaged in the practice independently until January, 1898, at which time he entered into partnership

CHARLES P. BATES

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with P. J. Rogde, under the firm name of Bates & Rogde. On January 1, 1904, this partner- ship was dissolved and Mr. Bates formed a business alliance with Ralph W. Parliman, under the firm name of Bates & Parliman, which continued until January 1, 1911, when the partnership was dissolved and Mr. Bates again engaged in the practice alone. On July 1, 1915, he took his son, Chester Bates, into partnership with him, which partnership exists at the present time under the firm name of Bates & Bates.

Mr. Bates has held the following official positions: city attorney of Sioux Falls for the years 1894, 1895 and 1907; states attorney of Minnehaha county from 1897 to 1901; and state senator from Minnehaha county from 1909 to 1911.

He has always been active in civic affairs, and in 1914 assisted in reorganizing the Sioux Falls Commercial Club and was elected its president. He has been president of the Minnehaha County Bar Association, and, for a number of years, has been active in the South Dakota State Bar Association, having held important committee positions, including the chairmanship of the committee on legal reform in 1914.

He is a member of the various branches of Masonry, being a thirty-second degree Mason, a Knight Templar and a Shriner. He is also a member of Sioux Falls Lodge No. 262, of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks; has held all of the offices in the subordinate lodge, was president of the State Association in 1914; was for three years a member of the judiciary committee of the Grand Lodge; and for two years chairman of such committee. He is also a member of Granite Lodge, No. 18, in which he has held all the official chairs, and has frequently represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge of the state. He is also affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Ancient Order of United Workmen.

On February 5, 1891, Mr. Bates was united in marriage to Miss Grace Chester, of Elmira, New York. They are the parents of two sons, Chester Bronson Bates, who is now engaged in the practice of law with his father, and Lawrence Russell Bates, who is a district agent for the Mutual Benefit Life Insurance Company.

DONALD A. SINCLAIR.

Donald A. Sinclair, conducting an abstract business at Winner, where he is also filling the position of mayor, is never so engrossed with individual interests that he neglects public duties. On the contrary, his is a well balanced character and he gives to each activity its due relative proportion of time. Advancement has been his watchword and he has con- tribnted no less to publie progress than to individual success. He was born in Charleston, West Virginia, March 31, 1872, a son of Peter and Margaret (McPherson) Sinclair, who in the year 1883 removed with their family to Nebraska, where the father homesteaded, securing land which he converted into productive fields, thereon spending his remaining days, his death occurring April 3, 1895. His wife has now survived him for twenty years and is living at Winner, South Dakota.

Donald A. Sinclair entered upon clerking after acquiring a public-school education, spending his time in that manner until called to public office in 1903, when he became county clerk of Boyd county, Nebraska, which position he filled for four years. When the Tripp county lands of the Rosebud reservation were opened for settlement in 1908 he came to South Dakota and established his home in Winner, aiding in the carly settlement, develop- ment and upbuilding of the town. He was appointed its first postmaster and served in that capacity until 1914, when he resigned. However, his friends were loath to give up his service in office and in May, 1914, elected him mayor of Winner for a term of two years. Already his administration has been characterized by marked advancement, for during his term of office the waterworks have been installed, wells being located seven miles from the town to which the water is conveyed by the gravity system. An adequate supply of pure, sparkling water has been secured and the system is unsurpassed in the state. Mr. Sin- elair is now concentrating his efforts upon seeuring a sewer system and will no doubt succeed, for it is his custom to carry forward to successful completion whatever he under- takes.

On the 20th of September, 1899, Mr. Sinclair was united in marriage to Miss Rose Davis. a daughter of Clement Davis, of Clay county, South Dakota. To them were born four

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children, namely: Margaret, Jessie, Roy D. and Donald, Jr. The wife and mother passed away September 10, 1911, to the deep regret of many friends as well as her immediate family, for her good qualities of heart and mind had endeared her to all with whom she was associated.

Mr. Sinclair attends the Episcopal church and is an exemplary representative of the Masonic fraternity, the Modern Woodmen of America and the Woodmen of the World. He has given his political allegiance to the republican party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise and at all times keeps well informed concerning the questions and issues of the day. At local elections, however, he subordinates partisanship to the general good and at all times is recognized as a public-spirited man who regards a public office as a publie trust and who is never negligent of his duties. On the contrary, he is watchful of opportunities to advance the general welfare and his efforts have been farreaching and beneficial.

WINFIELD S. AYERS.

Winfield S. Ayers, casbier of the Dallas State Bank, was born in Dickinson county, Iowa, June 27, 1871, his parents being C. H. and M. J. (Scott) Ayers. The father devoted his attention to the implement business and to farming and his life's labors were ended in death in 1886, but the mother survives.

Having pursued his early education in the public schools while spending his youthful days in his parents' home, Winfield S. Ayers afterward attended college and thus equipped for life's practical and responsible duties, he started out to make his own way in the world. Turning his attention to the printing business, he spent thirteen years in one office in Sheldon, Iowa, constantly advancing in that connection, his promotions winning him added trust and responsibility. He afterwards engaged in the clothing business for six years and at the end of a twenty years' residence in Sheldon he went to Dallas, South Dakota, and accepted the cashiership of the Dallas State Bank, April 4, 1910. The institution is now splendidly housed, the bank being equipped according to the most modern methods. W. S. Ayers is not only the cashier but is also a stockholder and director of the institution and has been an active factor in advancing its growth. He has made investment in farm lands in the state and is a believer in South Dakota's future.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 132

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920 Publication date: 1915 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company Number of Pages: 1262

Author: Kingsbury, George Washington, 1837-; Smith, George Martin, 1847-1920
Publication date: 1915
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : S.J. Clarke Publishing Company
Number of Pages: 1262