Hot Springs weekly star. (Hot Springs, S.D.) 1892-1917, 1897-09-17
OUR NEXT CIRCUIT JUDGE.

ceived his common school education
in the country schools of that state.
When seventeen years old, he moved
with his parents, by wagon, to South
Western Iowa and located Oh a farm in
Fremont County where he worked for
several summers, breaking over one
hundred acres of prairie the first sea-
son on what is now the 'sWilson Home
stead near lmogene, and taught coun-
try school during three winters. by
means of which he secured means to
enter college, which he did. and wholly
unaided, as the family was poor, he
worked his way through one of the
best colleges in Iowa 10y teaching and
working OH the farm. lie completed Il
full six years course and graduated
with honors in 1882. though he was ac-
tually in school only two years and
three months. He pursued his studies
while teaching and on the farm dar-
ing a large part of the course and at
tended and passed his written eXami-
nations regularly with his class at the
end OF each term. He was accorded
the honor of delivering the Masters
Grafton for his class in 1880. and re-
ceived the degree of NJ. S. While teach
ing, he was elected County Superin
tendent of schools of Page County,
in which position, thoughthe youngest
Superintendent in the state, he served
with credit and distinction for six
years. being twice re elected.
He began the study of law while in
college, pursued it with diligence dur
ing his superintendency, with the de-
termination of entering the practice as
soon as his college debts were paid.
He was for "a while in the law office of
Cpl. w. T.. Hepburn. of Clarinda, now
member of congress from Iowa. He
WA admitted to the bar in 81 and re-
moved TO the Black Hills in 'S6 loca-
! = 1T Hot Springs, where he has
~i,vn lcsi4cG. engaged in the active
rsac.ice eff his profession, the law. He
II onc secured a good practice, and in
50 was elected States Attorney of this
county. in which position he served
ionr years, two terms. Convicted the
first mar sem to the penitentiary from
Fall River County. and the first as
shown 10y the records to enter the pen
after the states admission into the
Union. lie was a most vigorous and
able prosecutor, guarding the interests
of his county with n zeal and devotion
characteristic of the man. The county
records show that out of q total of
thirty eight indictments prosecuted by
him during his four years service, he
secured thirty two convictions. He
served one term as City Attorney of
Hot Springs, and vas re-appointed to
the position, but on account of his pri-
vate practice he resigned before the
close of his second term.
Hewas nominated without opposition
by the republicans for state senator
in the Fall River Custer district in
Oct. 1891, and in one of the hardest
fought campaigns in the state was
elected by an overwhelming majority.
Was elected President pro tenn of the
senate, an honor seldom conferred on
a new member. Was chairman Of the
committee on state affairs. besides
serving on a large number of the most
important committees, and was n of
the active, leading members of that
body.
He was a delegate to Trans Mississip-
pi Congress held in st. Louis in '94
and participated in the leading debate
of the session. He takes a li%velyinter-
est in matters pertaining to the Black
Hills, is thoroughly identified with
home interests, and is Il broad minded
liberal hearted citizen. He is a good
lawyer. thoroughly educated and dici-
plined to patient methodical work, and
if elected to the bench. il is conceded
by Ill! who know him that he will
prove to he an able, firm and upright
Judge. He is in the fullest sense self
ma IL man. having always ha! to con
tend with poverty. and has the keenes.
appreciation of the needs and right,
OF the lahoring classes. In the com
munity in which he lives the working
mcn are all his friends. and he enjoys
the confidence OF all classes to an eX-
tent which renders him IL formidable
candidate Wheueye. his name is on the
ticket.
He is "A hare worker. II keen and inn
partial observer of men. and if judge
of the circuit. will devote all his time
to the faithful. OBSERVATION-DISCLOSURES
of the duties OF the office.