Joseph Peterka Biography


	This biography appears on pages 1356-1357 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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	JOSEPH PETERKA, a native son of Yankton county, was born here in 
November, 1879, and is a son of Frank and Mary ( Behensky) Peterka, both 
of whom were natives of Bohemia. In their childhood days they left that 
country and came to the United States, settling with their respective 
families in South Dakota, where they were married. Upon his arrival here 
in 1869, the father secured one hundred and sixty acres of land and 
subsequently he purchased two more quarter sections so that at the time 
of his death he was the owner of a very valuable property, comprising 
four hundred and eighty acres. Establishing his home here in an early 
day he took an active part in the work of development and improvement 
and became an influential and leading citizen. He served as school 
director for many years and the cause of education found in him. a warm 
friend. His political support was given the Democratic party and he kept 
well informed on the questions and issues of the day. His widow is still 
living on the old homestead and is now fifty-two years of age. Since her 
husband's death she has purchased four hundred acres of rich and arable 
land and her property holdings now aggregate seven hundred and twenty 
acres, the entire farm being utilized in the work of carrying on 
agricultural interests. Much of the land is cultivated and large 
portions are used for pasturage, for stock raising is carried on 
extensively on this place. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Peterka were born nine 
children, of whom one sister is now deceased. The others are Rudolph, 
John, Frank, Joseph, Mary, Charles, Rosy, Emmil and James. All are now 
living in this state with the exception of Frank, who has gone to 
Colorado for the benefit of his health. Rudolph and John are merchants 
in Mica, where they are carrying on general mercantile pursuits. 

	Joseph Peterka was educated in the public schools of this county, 
continuing his studies until he attained his majority and gaining a 
broad and comprehensive knowledge to which he is continually adding by 
reading and observation. When he had reached man's estate he resolved to 
follow as a life work the occupation to which he ,had been reared and 
continued to operate his father's old homestead. He was married to Miss 
Annie Hladke, of Yankton, the wedding being celebrated on the 22d of 
April, 1902. Mr. Peterka is a young man of good business ability and 
readily comprehends intricate business situations and problems. He views 
things from a practical standpoint and he also possesses the 
enterprising spirit which has been the dominant factor in the splendid 
development of the west.