Custer weekly chronicle. [volume] (Custer City, S.D.) 1890-1931, 1897-09-25
CIRCUIT JUDGE.

S. +. Wilson, candidate for circuit
Judge, was born and raised on farm
in Bureau county, Illinois, and received
his common school education in the
country schools of the state. When
seventeen years old, he moved with his
parents, by wagon, to southwestern Iowa
and located on farm in Fremont coun-
ty where he worked for several sum-
mers. breaking over hundred acres of
prairie the first season on what is now
the" Wilson Homestead near Imogene,
and taught country school during
winters. by means Of which he secured
means TO enter college, which he did,
And wholly uRaided. n. the family Vas
ed full SIX years course and graduated
with honors in 1882, though he was
actually in school only two years and
three months. He pursued his studies
while teaching and on the farm, during
large part of the course and attended
and passed his written examinations
regularly with his class at the end
each term. He was accorded the honor
of delivering the Masters Grafton for
his class in 1885. and received the
degree OF M. s. While teaching he was
elected county superintendent of schools
OF Page county, in which position,
though the youngest superintendent in
the state, he served with credit and dis
tinction for six years, being twice re.
elected.
lie 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 while in the law Office Of Col.
w. p. Hepburn Of Clarinda, now mem
ber OF congress from Iowa. He was
admitted to the bar in "a, and removed
to the Black Hills in 's6. locating at Hot
Springs, where he has ever since
resided. engaged in the active practice
Of his profession, the law. He at once
secured good practice, and in 'sS was
elected States Attorney Of his county. in
which position he served four years,
two terms. Convicted the first man
sent to the penitentiary from Fall Riyer
county. and the first, as shown by the
records to enter the pen after the states
admission into the Union. He was q
most vigorous and able prosecutor,
guarding the interests of the county
with zeal and devotion characteristic
OF the man. The county records show
that out OF total Of thirty eight indict-
ments prosecuted by him during his
four years service, he secured thirty-two
convictions. He served one term an
city attorney of Hot Springs, and was
re-appointed to the position, but on ac-
count Of his private practice no resigned
before the close of his second term.
He was nominated without opposition
by the republicans for state senator in
the Fall River-- Custer district in October.
1894, and in one Of the hardest fought
campaigns in the state was elected by
an overwhelming majority. Was elect
cd president pro TEN of the senate, an
honor seldom conferred on new mem.
Der. Was chairman of the committee
on state affairs, besides serving on
large number Of the most important
committees, and was one Of the active.
leading members Of that body.
He was delegate to the Trans
Mississippi congress held in st. Louis in
'94 and participated in the leading
debate Of the session. He takes lively
interest in matters pertaining to the
Black Hills. 10 thoroughly identified
with homo interests, and Is q broad
minded, liberal hearted citizen. He Is
. good lawyer. thoroughly educated and
disciplined to patient nsthodical work.
and If elected to the bench, IL Is con.
ceded by all who know him that he will
prove 10 be an able, firm and upright
Judge. He Is In the fullest sense : sslf
made man, having always had to con.
tend with poverty, and has the kesnest
appreciation Of the needs and rights Of
al classes. In the community In which
he lives the working men are an biz
friends, and he enjoys the confidence OF
all classes to an extent which renders
him 1ovmidablo candidate Whenovor
his name u on the ticket.