History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 45

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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CHARLES MONROE KEELING, M. D.

Dr. Charles Monroe Keeling, of Springfield, has been a resident of South Dakota sinee territorial days, having arrived here on the 5th of August, 1887. As he had been licensed to practice medicine one year before, practically his entire professional career has been spent in that town, where he enjoys a large and remunerative practice. He was born near Sulphur Hill, Shelby county, Indiana, February 15, 1863, a son of Dr. William W. and Mary

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R. (Spier) Keeling, also natives of the Hoosier state, the former born in 1831 and the latter in 1838. About 1895 they removed from Indiana to Nemaha, Nebraska. The father, himself a physician, is probably the oldest practitioner in that state and he still follows his profession to some extent, while the mother retains a keen interest in the life around her.

Dr. Charles M. Keeling was educated in his native state and there began teaching at the age of seventeen. He subsequently studied medicine under the direction of his father and later entered the Medical College of Indiana, located at Indianapolis, and was graduated from that institution in 1887. The school is now a part of the State University. Following his graduation he practiced for four months with his father and then came to Dakota, opening an office at Delmont, Douglas county, where he remained only four months, when he removed to Tyndall. He remained there a like period and then came to Springfield, arriving here on the 23d of April, 1888. He has since remained a resident of this town and enjoys the confi- dence and patronage of many in Springfield and its vicinity. He is an able and conscientious physician and also keeps abreast of the most advanced thought in the profession. A brother of his, William F. Keeling, now a resident of Marmarth, North Dakota, was for many years a resident of South Dakota and taught school in Bon Homme county. He came to the territory in 1886 and left South Dakota about 1897.

Dr. Keeling was married in 1882 to Miss Viola E. Osborn, a native of Indiana, who died at Springfield, July 7, 1910. She was the mother of one daughter, Era, now the wife of William M. Kirby, an attorney at law, who has an office in Springfield. They have twin boys, William M. M. and Charles K., born November 21, 1914.

Dr. Keeling is a communicant of the Episcopal church of Springfield and in politics he is a democrat. He has never had time for office seeking and when on one occasion he was nominated for state representative he declined to make the campaign. The Doctor has taken a great interest in secret societies and holds membership in quite a number. He belongs to the blue lodge of Masons at Springfield; the chapter of the Eastern Star at that place; the Royal Arch chapter at Scotland; the commandery at Yankton; and the Mystic Shrine at Sioux Falls. He also holds membership in the Odd Fellows and Rebekahs, the Modern Wood- men and the Royal Neighbors, the Modern Brotherhood of America and the Maccabees. During the existence of the lodge of Knights of Pythias in Springfield he was also a member of that body. He has not only won success professionally but has in all things proven a worthy and valuable citizen of his community, enjoying the full confidence and goodwill of his fellowmen.

THOMAS HENRY WESTMORELAND.

The great grain producing prairies of South Dakota provide an excellent business field for the grain merchants as well as the producers of cercals. To the former class belongs Thomas Henry Westmoreland, of Letcher, who is manager of the Farmers' Elevators. In this connection he controls interests of importance that provide an excellent market to the farmer who raises grain and broad opportunity to the man who desires to successfully deal therein. A native of England, he was born at Boston, Lincolnshire, January 10, 1880, his parents being Thomas and Mary Jane (Welch) Westmoreland. The father, now a retired miller, resides in Los Angeles, California, but the mother died during the boyhood of her son Thomas. The latter was educated in the grammar and high schools of his native city and came to the United States in 1893. Making his way into the interior of the country, he settled at Wankee, Iowa, where he became connected with the grain trade as an employe of the Neola Elevator Company in the capacity of bookkeeper. He was promoted through various positions to that of manager during the eight years of his residence at Waukce and later he went upon the road as traveling auditor for the same company, continuing in that capacity until 1907, when he went to Letcher to establish the Farmers' Elevator at that place. He has built up one of the very largest grain handling enterprises in the state, has one of the most thoroughly modern and up-to-date plants and is conducting one of the most thoroughly successful farmers' elevators in South Dakota. He has every facility for handling and shipping the grain and he keeps in close touch with market prices, being thus able to make judicious purchases and profitable sales. A fine plant at Cuthbert is also operated by

THOMAS H. WESTMORELAND

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the same company, all under Mr. Westmoreland's management. This does not constitute the extent of his activities, however, for he is a director of the Citizens Bank of Letcher and is secretary of the Letcher Light & Power Company.

On the 31st of December, 1906, Mr. Westmoreland was united in marriage to Miss Dora Pratt, of Jefferson, Iowa, and they have one son, Harry Elmer, born August 26, 1909. Their home is one of the most attractive residences in Letcher and is characterized by a warm- hearted hospitality that makes it a favorite resort with their many friends. For recreation Mr. Westmoreland turns to outdoor sports and motoring. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Knights of Pythias and the Modern Woodmen, and he gives his political allegiance to the democratic party but does not seek nor desire office as a reward for party tealty. He belongs to the Congregational church, in which he is serving on the board of trustees, and he is much interested in the advancement of the church. He helongs to that class of business men whom the world terms self-made and an analyzation of his life record shows that his prosperity has been gained by earnest effort, close application and straightfor- ward dealing. His character finds expression in good habits and a course of conduct that commends him to the confidence and goodwill of all. He has never had occasion to regret his determination to try his fortune in the new world, for here he has found the opportunities which he sought and in their improvement has made steady advancement.

REV. P. J. CAFFERKY.

Rev. P. J. Cafferky is the pastor of St. Patrick's Catholic church at Cavour, Beadle county. of which he has had charge since December 10, 1914. His birth occurred in Ireland on the 22d of February, 1878, his parents being John and Mary Cafferky, who are still resi- dents of the Emerald isle,

Rev. P. J. Cafferky acquired his early education in the common schools of his native country and subsequently attended St. Jarlath's College at Tuam, in County Galway, later pursuing courses in philosophy and theology at Paris. On the 6th of June, 1903, he was ordained to the priesthood at the Seminary of Our Lady of Angels, of Niagara Falls, New York, for the Sioux Falls diocese. He read his first mass at St. John's church in Albany, New York, while his first appointment was at Parker, South Dakota, where he remained for one year. Subsequently he spent nine years at Bryant, this state, and in September, 1913, was sent temporarily to St. Joseph's Catholic church at Huntimer, having charge of that parish until December 10, 1914, and also of the mission Our Lady of Lourdes at Rutland. He then took charge of St. Patrick's church at Cavour, Beadle county, where he is now located. This parish numbers about eighty families and has a mission attached known as St. Williams. Father Cafferky has devoted himself to the interests of his church with con- secrated zeal and his labors have already borne fruit in many lives. He is a valued member of the Knights of Columbus and finds needed recreation in hunting and fishing.

ARSENE T. HESNARD.

Arsene T. Hesnard, cashier of the Hermosa State Bank, was born in the city of Paris, France, October 18, 1876, a son of Theodore and Josephine (Auney) Hesnard, who were also natives of Paris. The father engaged in the operation of a woolen mill, was also one of the political leaders of his city and was in the diplomatie service during the Franco-Prussian war. He came to America in the year 1881, the family following in 1882. He located on a farm adjacent to the town of Hermosa, South Dakota, and engaged in general agricultural pursuits and the live-stock business. He and his wife still make their home in Custer county and now occupy a ranch three miles west of Hermosa, Mr. Hesnard devoting his entire time to its management and conduct. He could not speak the English language when he crossed the Atlantic and his first years of residence here constituted a period fraught with many trials and hardships, but as time passed he acquainted himself not only with the language Vol. V 17

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but with business conditions and methods and has become one of the prosperous residents of Custer county.

Arsene T. Hesnard is one of a family of six children. He attended the public schools of Hermosa, the State Normal School at Spearfish and Fremont College at Fremont, Nebraska, where he was graduated on the completion of the classical course in 1902. He afterward did post-graduate work in the Chicago University for one year. His education, however, was not continuous and long before he completed his school life he had become actively identified with business. When but ten or eleven years of age he was practically superintendent of his father's farm and he continued at home until after he finished his education. He then engaged in teaching in the Black Hills and in Colorado for a number of years, and upon the organization of the Hermosa State Bank in 1908 he became cashier and has since acted in that capacity. He is also the owner of large landed interests in Custer county, having a number of sections, four or more, of ranch land which is operated under the firm name of Hesnard Brothers. They are raising and dealing in shorthorn cattle, principally Durhams, and keep a number of pure bred cattle on hand for breeding purposes. Arsene Hesnard devotes his entire time to the bank, however, while his brother Edward looks after their ranching interests.

Mr. Hesnard exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the democratic party and has been called to some local offices, serving as county superintendent from 1899 until 1901 and as county treasurer in 1907 and 1908. He is a member of the Masonic lodge at Hermosa, of which he has been secretary and treasurer, and his life exemplifies the beneficent spirit of the craft. He has made an excellent record as a public official and in fact is known as a thoroughly reliable man in every relation. As a factor in the management of the bank he is contributing largely to its success, and his business inter- ests have brought to him a wide and favorable acquaintance.

JOHN H. MCKEEVER.

The newspaper is both the mirror and the molder of public opinion. "It holds, as 'twere, a mirror up to nature" and at the same time its clear, cogent reasoning or its trenchant utter- ances may constitute a guiding spirit in shaping publie opinion and promoting publie progress. In journalistic circles of South Dakota the name of John H. Mckeever is well known, for he is one of the owners and editor of the Aberdeen Daily American, his partner being E. P. Neill, who is an equal owner and business manager.

Iowa numbers him among her native sons, his birth having occurred at Clinton, his parents being E. B. and Laura (Holmes) MeKeever, who were natives of Ohio and became pioneer settlers of lowa, taking up their abode in the latter state when the work of progress and development seemed scarcely begun. In the late '70s the family removed from Clinton to Moline, Illinois, and there John H. Mckeever pursued his education in the public schools. It has been said that the newspaper office is the poor man's college. At all events, it proved the training school for Mr. MeKeever's business career. As a boy he carried papers for the Journal and rose from the humble station of newsboy to ownership of the paper whereon he got his first taste of newspaper work. He became in turn an employe in the business office and then reporter. He was graduated from the high school and after a couple of years of school and work in Denison, Iowa, he returned to Moline and began reporting on the Mail. This position he relinquished to spend the summer of 1900 in Europe, doing special corre- spondence at the Paris exposition and traveling throughout the continent. Returning he bought an interest in the Mail and later absorbed the Journal. Publication of the combined papers was continued for several years. Selling out, he removed to Aberdeen, South Dakota, in 1910, and purchased an interest in the American with A. A. Pickler and W. K. Kutnewsky, both of whom later retired. Mr. MeKeever is a member of the Associated Press. The Ameri- can is the only morning and Sunday paper in the whole northern half of South Dakota. The Aberdeen Daily American was established in 1904. The weekly issue had succeeded the Dakota Pioneer, which was the first paper printed in Aberdeen.

Mr. Mckeever has ever maintained the highest standard in newspaper publication and has made the Daily American a most readable, influential and attractive paper. Its patronage

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has steadily increased, so that it is now an excellent advertising medinu and liberal support is given it in this direction.

In 1911 Mr. Mckeever was united in marriage to Miss Maude Bradfield, of Ohio, a daughter of T. S. Bradfield of Barnesville, Ohio. In 1913 Mrs. McKeever passed away, leaving a little daughter, Sarah. In his political views Mr. Mckeever is a republican and makes his paper an advocate of progressive principles. He follows the best methods of journalism and his success is well merited.

WILLIAM H. NEWELL.

William H. Newell is the present able incumbent in the office of county treasurer of Hanson county, having been elected to that position in the fall of 1914. His parents came to this state thirty-six years ago and for the past twenty years he has operated the place which his father homesteaded in Pleasant township, Hanson county. He was born in Wis- consin on the 11th of September, 1872, a son of Warren and Jennie (Shook) Newell, who took up their abode in this state in 1879. They homesteaded a tract of land in Pleasant town- ship, Hanson county, and have continuously resided thereon to the present time, being now widely recognized as substantial and esteemed citizens of the community. The father was a native of New York state and the mother of Pennsylvania. During their childhood they accompanied their respective parents to Wisconsin and on reaching maturity were there married October 4, 1867. The children born to them were: Ella May, now the wife of Adel- hert Marsh, of Alexandria, South Dakota; Charles, who died in infaney; William H., of this review; and a danghter who died at birth. Throughout his active business life the father followed agricultural pursuits.

William H. Newell, who was a little lad of seven years when he came to South Dakota with his parents, attended the district schools in the acquirement of an education and after putting aside his textbooks assisted his father in the operation of the home farm. In 1904 he undertook the management of the property and has since operated the same with excellent snecess, receiving therefrom a gratifying annual income. In the fall of 1914 he was elected treasurer of Hanson connty, assumed the duties of the position in 1915 and has already made a most creditable record as a capable and trustworthy official.

On the 25th of December, 1899, Mr. Newell was united in marriage to Miss Lottie Davis, who passed away in 1901. In religious faith he is a Protestant and his political allegiance is given to the democracy, in the local ranks of which he is an active worker, having served as committeeman at party conventions. Fraternally he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Ancient Order of United Workmen and the Modern Woodmen of Amer- ica. He has an extensive and favorable acquaintance in his home community, enjoying an enviable reputation as one of its respected, popular and prosperous citizens.

WILLIAM TOOMEY.

William Toomey, the period of whose residence in South Dakota covers about a third of a century, is the present deputy county auditor of Potter county and ex-postmaster of Gettysburg. His birth occurred in Franklin county, New York, on the 2d of April, 1840, his parents being Cornelius and Ellen (Sheehan) Toomey, who were born in County Cork, Ireland, and also married in that country. They emigrated to the United States in an early day, settling in New York, where the father followed farming until his demise, being accidentally killed by being thrown from a horse in the year 1846. The mother passed away in the Empire state many years afterward.

William Toomey, the sixth in order of birth in a family of seven children, acquired his education in his native county and also pursued a commercial course at Albany, New York, in the fall of 1860. When about fourteen years of age he began working to provide for his own livelihood and he also assisted his widowed mother until he was about twenty-two years old. He took up the profession of teaching in New York and subsequently taught in

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Illinois until the time of his enlistment in the Union army, leaving a remunerative position as an instructor to become a private of Company G, Third Illinois Cavalry. With that command he served for ten months or until the cessation of hostilities between the north and the south, fortunately escaping injury and thus never being confined in a hospital. After returning from the war he taught school in Illinois for a short time and in 1868 was made deputy county clerk, while subsequently he was elected clerk of Logan county, Illinois, ably serving in that capacity for nine years. In 1883 he came to South Dakota and located on a quarter section of land in Sully county. In the fall of the following year he was elected county treasurer and held the position for six years, discharging the duties devolving upon him in that connection in a most prompt and capable manner. Subsequently he was engaged successfully in the hotel business at Blunt, Onida and Gettysburg, removing to the last named place in 1895 and having there made his home to the present time. In Gettysburg he conducted a hotel for about eighteen months and later served as justice of the peace, deputy treasurer, etc., until 1905, when he was appointed postmaster of the town, acting in that capacity until 1914. Since that time he has served as deputy to his son, Edwin B., who is auditor of Potter county. He has led an active, busy and useful life and over the record of his public career there has fallen no shadow of wrong nor suspicion of evil.

In December, 1866, Mr. Toomey was united in marriage to Miss Aroline Larrison, a native of McLean county, Illinois, and a daughter of James M. and Margaret (Hammitt ) Larrison, both of whom were born in Ohio and passed away at Lincoln, Illinois. To Mr. and Mrs. Toomey have been born five children, as follows: Ella, who is discharging the duties of deputy postmistress at Gettysburg; Albert, a barber of Gettysburg; John W., a resident of Redfield, South Dakota, and a printer by trade, who now holds the office of deputy auditor; Edwin B., the present county auditor of Potter county; and Cornelius J., who died in infancy.

In politics Mr. Toomey has always been a stanch republican, loyally supporting the men and measures of the party which was the defense of the Union during the dark days of the Civil war. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic and thus still maintains pleas- ant relations with his old comrades among the "boys in blue." He has now passed the seventy- fifth milestone on life's journey and enjoys the respect and veneration which should ever be accorded one who has traveled thus far on this earthly pilgrimage and whose career has been at all times upright and honorable.

RT. REV. MONSIGNOR GEORGE SHEEHAN.

Rt. Rev. Monsignor George Sheehan, pastor of Our Lady of Good Council Catholic parish of Elkton, is now the oldest priest in active service in South Dakota, having labored here continuously for thirty-five years. He was born in Ireland on the 16th of April, 1857, and acquired his education in St. Patrick's College at Carlow, Ireland, and at the Grand Seminary of Montreal, Canada. Thence he was sent to Dubuque lowa, and there was ordained to the priesthood for the vicariate of Dakota on the 29th of Sep- tember. 1880, by the late Archbishop Hennessy of sainted memory. Following his ordination he went to Yankton, South Dakota, being appointed pastor of the Sacred Heart church and retaining that charge for some months. He was then sent by Bishop Marty to organize some new missions and subsequently was assigned to the pastorate of St. Patrick's church at Lodi (now Wakonda), South Dakota, whenee he was later sent to Mitehell, this state. and given charge of Our Church of the Holy Family. There he built and equipped a brick parochial school which was the first of its kind in the state and was under the management of the Sisters of St. Agnes of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. He remained in Mitchell for about eight years and during that period had charge of all the country as far west as Chamberlain with the exception of White Lake, doing missionary work in Wyoming and Montana and traveling a great deal by ox team. From Mitchell, Father Sheehan was sent to Sioux Falls as pastor of the Pro Cathedral and later was transferred to Beresford as pastor of St. Teresa church.

In February, 1897, he was assigned by Bishop O'Gorman to Elkton and there creeted the present modern brick parochial residence and the modern brick parochial building, which now has ahout one hundred and twenty enrolled pupils, with a boarding school in connection.

RT. REV. MONSIGNOR GEORGE SHEEHAN

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The children are under the care of the Presentation Nuns of Aberdeen. Father Sheehan is at the head of one of the strong congregations of the state, his flock numbering about one hundred and ten families, and is one of the best known Catholic pastors in South Dakota. When he came to Dakota, there were but ten priests in the entire territory and he is now the oldest priest in active service in the state, the period of his pastorate here covering thirty- five years. He organized Sheehan Council, No. 1079, of the Knights of Columbus, which has a membership of nearly two hundred; Branch No. 21, the Catholic Knights of America, which was organized in 1898, with a membership of twenty; and the Ancient Order of Hibernians, with a large membership. He has labored with consecrated zeal to promote the growth and spread of Catholicism here and has won the love and cooperation of his parishioners in unusual degree.

HORACE OTIS.

Horace Otis, whose home is east of Yankton, is field man with the Dakota Farmer and has a wide acquaintance throughout the state as a representative of that paper. He was born May 10, 1856, at Poynette, Columbia county, Wisconsin, a son of Belus and Maria (Brothers) Otis, both of whom were natives of New York. They became early settlers of Wisconsin and.continued to make their home in that state as long as they lived. The father passed away in 1872 and the mother in 1914.

Horace Otis remained in Wisconsin continuously from his birth until he was about twenty years of age, when he went to Mower county, Minnesota, where his marriage was celebrated on the 18th of March, 1880, Miss Mary Whiting, of Grand Meadow, Minnesota, becoming his wife. She is a daughter of Ralph B. and Emma (Kling) Whiting, natives of Connecticut and Germany respectively. To Mr. and Mrs. Otis have been horn seven chil- dren. Blanche is now the wife of J. A. Kittelson, who came as an orphan hoy from Norway and has made his own way in the world from early youth. He was graduated from the Poynette (Wis.) Academy and won a scholarship in Beloit College. At Beloit he won a six hundred dollar scholarship to the University of Wisconsin and in the university he was honor man in his class. After his graduation he remained at Madison, Wisconsin, where he is now studying medicine. Earl, the second member of the family, is engaged in business in Sioux City. Grace is the wife of Frank Emerson, a dairyman living northwest of Yankton. Lloyd is in the employ of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Edith and Eva are both living in Kansas City, Missouri. Clifford, who completes the family, is a pupil in the schools of Yankton county.

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History of Dakota Territory, volume V, Part 45

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