Peter Schenck Biography


	This biography appears on pages 884-885 in "History of South 
	Dakota" by Doane Robinson, Vol. I (1904) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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	PETER SCHENCK. - It is signally fitting that in this work be 
entered a memoir of this well-known pioneer of Faulk county, for, while 
he was a resident of the state for but a few years prior to his death, 
he was prominently identified with the early history of the development 
of Faulk county. Mr. Schenck came of the staunch old Holland Dutch 
stock which had so much to do with the early history of the Empire 
state of the union, of which he was himself a native, having been born 
in Elmira, New York, on the 9th of August, 1845. While still a child 
his parents left New York and removed to Jefferson county, Wisconsin, 
where his father became a pioneer farmer and where the subject was 
reared to maturity. At the outbreak of the war of the Rebellion he was 
but sixteen years of age, and his patriotism was roused to such a 
degree that when he had attained the age of nineteen he tendered his 
services in defense of the Union, enlisting as a private in a regiment 
of volunteers, Company B, Twenty-ninth Wisconsin, and with the same 
continued in active service until the close of the great conflict, 
making the record of a valiant and loyal young soldier of the republic. 
After receiving his honorable discharge, Mr. Schenck returned to his 
home in Jefferson county, Wisconsin, where he remained a short time 
and-then removed to Rock county, that state, where he owned and managed 
the Columbia Hotel, at Emerald Grove, until 1883, when he disposed of 
his interests there and came to Faulk county, South Dakota, where he 
took up the homestead ranch of six hundred and forty acres now owned by 
his widow and family, the same being located eight miles east of 
Faulkton, the thriving county seat. The family were numbered among the 
first settlers in this section and Mr. Schenck at once initiated the 
improvement of his farm, continuing his labors earnestly and 
effectively until the time of his death, on the 19th day of February, 
1887. He was a man of spotless character, signally true and faithful in 
all the relations of life, and  his death was a grievous blow to his 
family, though his devoted wife bravely assumed the added 
responsibility, and with inflexible determination worked on with head, 
heart, and hands for the attainment of the ideals established years 
before by herself and husband for their home and family. She has given 
her ,children excellent educational advantages and all of them have 
well repaid her devotion and self-abnegation by their filial solicitude 
and willing assistance and cooperation. Mr. Schenck was a Republican in 
his political proclivities and took an active and intelligent interest 
in the questions of the hour, being a man of strong individuality and 
high mentality. He was a consistent member of the Methodist church, as 
is also his widow. He was a Mason of good standing, being a member of 
the Mutual Masonic lodge of Chicago.  

	On the 26th day of October, 1866, at Lucknow, Ontario, was 
solemnized the marriage of Mr. Schenck to Miss Elizabeth Henderson, who 
was born in Toronto, Canada, being a daughter of James and Jane 
Henderson. Her father was a native of Scotland, whence he emigrated to 
America when a young man, locating in the vicinity of the city of 
Toronto, where he engaged in farming and where both he and his wife 
passed the remainder of their lives. To Mr. and Mrs. Schenck were born 
ten children, six sons and four daughters, six of whom still survive: 
William S. married Miss Katie Joynt, an estimable young lady who was 
connected with the public schools of Faulk county several years prior 
to their marriage. He operates a large farm near the homestead ranch; 
Ida was married January 20, 1904, to M. R. Staight, a prominent and 
wealthy mine owner at Republic, Washington; Florence is the wife of G. 
F. Scollard, a Chicago publisher; Frank and Charles, who still manage 
the home place. Though mere boys at the time of their father's death, 
they assumed full-grown responsibilities and have at all times shown 
marked discrimination and good judgment. They have attained a success 
that many men of maturer minds could well envy, having one of the best 
improved and most valuable properties in the county; Elizabeth Hazel, 
the youngest of the family, also remains at the home. She is a young 
lady of vivacious manner and sparkling wit, and rivals her city friends 
in artistic accomplishments. Next year she will enter the New England 
Conservatory of Music at Boston, Massachusetts.