Burton D. Bascomb Biography


	This biography appears on pages 628-629 in "History of Dakota Territory" 
	by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				BURTON D. BASCOMB.  

	The history of a city save in a few rare instances is never 
merely an account of a single gigantic business enterprise, but is the 
outcome of the united efforts of various business men, each carefully 
and successfully controlling his own interests. Prominently connected 
with the industrial activity of Clark is B. D. Bascomb, who is now 
manager of the Clark Roller Mills. He was born in Oronoco, Minnesota, 
April 4, 1868, and is a son of D. J. and Maryette (Crowell) Bascomb, 
who in the year 1884 brought their family to South Dakota, although the 
father had previously located in this state in 1882. When he came to 
Clark he removed his stock of general merchandise from Minnesota and 
opened the first store of the kind in Clark, conducting the business 
successfully until 1886. In 1887 he purchased an interest in the mill 
under the firm name of Bascomb & Wilson and was thus connected with the 
manufacture of flour for two years. In 1889 he purchased his partner's 
interest and his son Burton became active manager although the father 
continued his connection with the business until seven years ago, when 
he sold out to his son. He thereafter lived retired until his death, 
which occurred in September, 1912. His widow survives as do his 
children: Minnie L., now Mrs. Batson, of Clark; Millie, the wife of 
Hamlin H. McCray, who is in the lumber business in Pine Island, 
Minnesota, and by whom she has two sons; Burton; Tresa Aleath, at home; 
and Jay C., also at home.  

	Burton D. Bascomb, the elder of the sons, was educated in the 
public schools of Minnesota and when a youth of sixteen years came with 
his mother and the other children of the family to join the father in 
South Dakota. He afterward assisted his father in the milling business, 
in which he became owner of a half interest, and finally he purchased 
his father's interest in the business. He manufactures flour of 
superior grade according to the most modern and improved methods and 
the output finds a ready sale on the market. He also runs an elevator, 
doing a general grain business, and was engaged in the lumber business 
from 1890 until May, 1914, when he sold out to L. E. Foss. He now 
concentrates his energies upon his elevator and his milling interests 
and excellent results are attending his efforts. 

	On the 6th of September, 1905, Mr. Bascomb was united in marriage 
to Miss Nellie Kneen, of Bangor, Wisconsin, where her birth occurred 
and they have a daughter, Marjorie, born November 30, 1913. Mr. Bascomb 
is an advocate of republican principles, believing the party platform 
to contain the best elements of good government. He has served as 
chairman of the town council and is interested in all matters affecting 
the political welfare of state and nation, but does not seek nor desire 
public office. He is identified with various fraternal organizations, 
including the blue lodge of Masons, the Knights of Pythias, the Modern 
Woodmen, the Knights of the Maccabees and the Fraternal Union, and his 
religious belief is that of the Congregational church. He has 
cooperated in all movements which have tended to advance the material, 
intellectual, social, political and moral welfare of his community and 
his influence has been a potent element for reform, progress and 
improvement.