The Canton advocate. [volume] (Canton, D.T. [S.D.]) 1877-1897, 1882-08-10
ATTORNEY O. S. GIFFORD.N
A Short Biographical Sketch Of our
First MayOr.

| "A SnOft HlOSfHphAchA SnCs" "A W..
First Mayor.
We again devote little space this weel
and will endeavor to give the short BIO
graphical sketch of our first Mayor in
truthful and unbiased manner. MIR. Glt
ford is a fast friend to newspapers tina
are honest but he does not like-sott soal
or any city airs We know this to be ;
fact for we have seen him when his ir'
was up telection time) and when he wa
in his best mood. However, take him al
in all he is a good citizen. And now to the
point.
Our subject was born in the State o.
New York, October 20, lS43, where he
resided with his parents until 1858, wher
he located in Neosha county, Wis tie
remained in the Badger State three years
when he removed to Boone county, ILL.,,
where he resided l6 years. He served his
country in the war of the rebellion and
enlisted in the Elgin battery, 1868, and
served with distinction until the close OF
the unpleasantness, 1862
After the close of the war he chose the
profession of lawer and by his close atten-
ton to study, perseverance, will, pluck
and grit, which has characterized all his
dongs and undertakings since here, he
passed creditable examination and was
admitted to the bar in the fall of 1870.
Like every wide-awake citizen he be-
came imbued with the western fever and
decided to 60 west. He wisely chose the
land Of plenty, Dakota, arriving here in
October 1870. He was not long idle and
formed partnership with j. l.. johnson,
the firm doing business in the 2-story
building which now stands near the
brewery south of town, and continued one
year.
During the years of 1870 MIR.
Clifford applied himself very closely
to his growing practice, and Canton had
a friend and champion in whatever came
to the surface that was to her interest
The law partnership of Clifford & Bailey
was formed in June, 1878, and hourished
until the death of Mr. BAILEY in Novem-
Der. 1873. The Chicago, Milwaukee and
St. Paul company appointed him their
attorney in December. 1879, which po-
sition he retains to-day by reason of his
ability, promptncss and sound discretion.
Our young and prosperous city being
willing to enjoy metropolitan airs and be-
come incorporated, decided to rest the
responsibilities upon the shoulders of Mr.
Clifford by electing him mayor. This was
accomplished April 1881, and is now serv-
ing his second term. The same business
tact that characterizes Mr.. Gifford's pri-
vate affairs are also noticeable in regard to
his Office and the affairs of the city.
We find the following in an eastern ex-
change and as the article contains few
points not touched upon by US, we give it
and close the article by wishing Mr.. Gift
ford long and prosperous career and that
his adopted city may ever need his coun-
sci mot in law suit but what pertains to
the city's good The article reads:
O. S. Clifford, attorney and counsellor
at law, office on the corner Of Broad and
Fifth streets, is from Belvidere. ILL.,, loca-
ted in Canton in 1871, and engaged the
first year in the mercantile business, since
which time he has devoted his entire at
tention to the practice of law, and his
business is not confined here, but extends
throughout this and all the principal coun-
ties in southern Dakota. In 1874 he was
elected to the office of district attorney,
but on account of the large volume OF
business he had on hand was unable to
qualify for the office He is foremost in
the promotion of the towns welfare and
is gentleman honored and respected BY
his fellow men. Mr.. Clifford has property
interests both in the city Of Canton and
throughout Lincoln county.