J. V. Drips Biography


	This biography appears on page 1214 in "History of South 
	Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. II (1904) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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	J. V. DRIPS is a native of the Hawkeye state, having been born in 
Clinton county, Iowa, on the 16th of April, 1871, and being a son of J. 
H. and Hannah (Hawkins) Drips, both of whom were born in the state of 
Pennsylvania. They became the parents of ten children, of whom eight are 
living. The father of the subject served with distinction in the Union 
army during the war of the Rebellion, passing the major portion of his 
term of enlistment in Dakota, under command of General Sully, in the 
work of suppressing the border outlaws and the refractory Indians. He 
saw much arduous and perilous service, taking part in the memorable 
battle of Whitestone Hill and many other engagements, while he also 
assisted in the erection of Fort Sully. He is now living in the city of 
Clinton, Iowa. 

	J. V. Drips received his educational discipline in the public 
schools of Malone, Iowa, and -after leaving school he turned his 
attention to various vocations in Iowa until 1892, when he came to South 
Dakota and located in Gann Valley, where he purchased the plant and 
business of the Dakota Chief, a weekly paper, of which he continued as 
editor and publisher until 1897, when he sold the property to the firm 
of Dye & Hill, who still continue the publication. Mr. Drips was 
appointed postmaster at Gann Valley in 1895, under the administration of 
President Cleveland, and served in this capacity until August, 1897. In 
1901 he was again appointed to the office, under President McKinley, and 
has since remained incumbent, his management of the affairs of the 
postoffice having met with distinctive popular endorsement and approval. 
In politics he is a staunch Republican and takes an active part in the 
local work of the same. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic 
order and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. Mrs. Drips is a member of 
the Congregational church. The creamery of which the subject is manager 
is doing a large and prosperous business and is a distinct acquisition 
to the industrial enterprises of the county. 

	On the 3d of July, 1897, Mr. Drips was united in marriage to Miss 
Rose Miller, daughter of A. W. and Henrietta Miller, well-known 
residents of Buffalo county, and of this union have been born three 
children, namely: Joseph H., Victor D. and John V. Mr. and Mrs. Drips 
are prominent in the social life of the community, enjoying marked 
popularity in their pleasant home village, while their residence is a 
center of gracious hospitality.