W. W. Bouska Biography


	This biography appears on pages 786-787 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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				W. W. BOUSKA.  

	W. W. Bouska is a clothier of Yankton, who to his many friends is 
known as "Jim", which indicates at once his close and friendly relation 
with those with whom he comes in contact. His business is located at 
No. 113 East Third street and carefully directed enterprise and energy 
are bringing to him substantial success.  

	Mr. Bouska was born six miles west of Tabor, in Bon Homme county, 
South Dakota, February 18, 1882, a son of James and Katherine (Pechous) 
Bouska, both of whom were natives of Prague, Bohemia. The opportunities 
of the new world proved a strong attraction to them and in 1868 they 
crossed the Atlantic and made their way to South Dakota, settling in 
Bon Homme county, when it was a distinct wilderness. The family shared 
in all of the hardships and privations endured by the pioneers. Mr. 
Bouska took up a claim, which he attempted to cultivate in the years 
when drought and grasshoppers rendered his labors futile. It required 
great courage to face such conditions and continue the work, but 
ultimately this season of hard times passed and after many years Mr. 
Bouska had transformed his property into a richly cultivated and highly 
improved farm. As his financial resources increased he kept adding to 
his holdings until he had finally accumulated eighteen hundred acres of 
land, making him one of the substantial residents of the state. Then, 
with a handsome competence to supply all of his needs and, indeed with 
sufficient to furnish him the comforts and many of the luxuries of 
life, he retired and now lives in Tabor, where he and his wife occupy a 
pleasant and attractive home. They were the parents of nine children 
and it IS a notable fact that the family circle yet remains unbroken by 
the hand of death. In order of birth these are: Mary, the wife of James 
Stulc, of Yankton; Lizzie, the wife of Vit Kocer of Tabor, South 
Dakota; Mrs. Josie Hinek, of Tyndall, South Dakota; Daisy, the wife of 
Mike Vellek, of Scotland, South Dakota; Toney, the wife of Will Brooks, 
of Tyndall; Anna, the wife of Frank Monfore, living in Springfield, 
South Dakota; Elsie, the wife of Chris Lang, also of Tyndall; Clara, 
the wife of Anton Oliva, of Tyndall; and "Jim," or W. W., of this 
review.  

	The last named was born and reared upon the home farm and in the 
acquirement of his education attended the local schools and also St. 
Agnes school in Omaha, Nebraska, while afterward be became a student in 
St. John's University at Collegeville, Minnesota, being graduated from 
that institution at the age of eighteen years. He then came to Yankton 
and entered the employ of Harry Katz, with whom he remained for two 
years. Later he was employed by various merchants in different lines 
until 1911 and during that period he carefully saved his earnings until 
he had acquired a capital sufficient to enable him to engage in 
business on his own account. He then opened a clothing store at 113 
East Third street, of which he is still the proprietor. He carries a 
large and carefully selected line of clothing and men's furnishings. In 
fact, it is one of the most complete stoles in the city and he keeps in 
touch with the most up-to-date styles and all the latest things which 
the markets afford. In addition to his other interests he is a 
stockholder in the Yankton Brick Company.  

	In 1902 Mr. Bouska was married to Miss Emma Conrad, a native of 
Baltimore, Maryland, and they have two daughters, Evelyn and Lorraine. 
The religious faith of the family is that of the Roman Catholic church 
and Mr. Bouska also holds membership in the Elks lodge No. 994 and with 
the Fraternal Order of Eagles. He may justly be called one of the self-
made men of Yankton, as he started out empty-handed and to the 
substantial qualities of industry and determination owes his success. 
Gradually by reason of his sterling traits and his faithfulness he 
worked his way upward and is today one of the successful and 
progressive young merchants of the city.