William H. Semple Biography


	This biography appears on pages 622-623 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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        WILLIAM H. SEMPLE, who is the owner of one of the fine farms of 
Yankton county, stands as a worthy representative of the intelligent 
and progressive class of American agriculturists, who have done so much 
for the improvement of various sections of the country and who have 
laid the foundation for the present development and progress. He was 
born in Brooklyn, New York, in October, 1858, a son of James and Mary 
Semple. His father died in 1864 and the mother yet lives in the Empire 
state. After his father's death William H. Semple, at the age of ten 
years, went to live with his uncle, Bartley M. Semple, and they have 
since been associated in business interests and have lived together. 
Through a long period both resided with our subject's grandparents, 
John and Jane Semple. who were of Scotch-Irish descent. The 
grandparents and uncle of the subject removed from New York to 
Illinois, in July, 1854, and the subject came to live with them in 
April, 1869. His uncle followed painting. In 1871, however, he 
purchased two hundred and forty acres of land in Yankton county, most 
of which was wild, but the log cabin had been built thereon and a few 
other improvements had been made. The grandparents and the subject then 
located upon this farm and with characteristic energy Mr. Semple of 
this review gave his time and attention to its improvement and 
cultivation. In the flood of 1881 they lost stock amounting in value to 
thirty-five hundred dollars, including eighty-one head of fine cattle. 
He also lost a team and had other property destroyed. In these early 
days they likewise suffered from the grasshoppers and hardships and 
trials incident to pioneer life were to be made, but the persistent 
efforts of Mr. Semple, his uncle and his grandfather at length overcame 
the difficulties and obstacles and success was won. In 1881 the uncle 
purchased two hundred and forty acres of land which was partially 
cleared and he continued to add to his possessions until he. had nine 
hundred and seventy acres. Later he sold six hundred and eighty acres, 
but still retains the balance. In 1890 William H. Semple erected a very 
fine residence upon the farm, but he had just completed it when it 
caught fire and was burned to the ground, as were the barns and other 
buildings upon the place. He, however, rebuilt at once, erecting a very 
nice residence and substantial outbuildings for the shelter of grain 
and stock. Upon the old homestead the grandfather died at the venerable 
age of ninety-five years and the grandmother passed away at the 
advanced age of ninety-four years, but the uncle is still living with 
the nephew, one of the respected and honored pioneer settlers of the 
community and a man whose upright life has gained for him warm 
friendship while his well directed business affairs have won for him 
splendid and deserved success. In religious faith he is connected with 
the Scotch Presbyterian church.  

        On the 4th of June, 1890, Mr. Semple was united in marriage to 
Miss Augusta D. Fisher, a daughter of Bernard and Elizabeth (Clausen) 
Fisher, who came to South Dakota in the fall of 1880 and was identified 
with farming interests here. The mother passed away in 1887 and the 
father is still living, now making his home in Iowa with his son. Like 
his wife, he is a member of the Lutheran church and his political 
allegiance is given to the Democracy. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Semple have 
been born two children: Margraret Elizabeth, now twelve years of age, 
and William Bartley. The parents belong to the Lutheran church and Mr. 
Semple is a Republican in his political affiliations. Socially he is 
connected with the Knights of Pythias and with the Red Men. He raises 
alfalfa for the hogs, having twenty acres planted to that crop. Mr. 
Semple is a self-made man and a successful one. Starting out in life 
with little means he has worked his way steadily upward, realizing that 
there is no excellence without labor and that there is no royal road to 
wealth. He has persevered in what he has undertaken and at all times he 
has maintained honorable relations with his fellow men in every trade 
transaction.