M. J. Chaney Biography


	This biography appears on page 639 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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				M. J. CHANEY.  

	M. J. Chaney is one of the leading citizens of Vermillion and has 
been connected with the development of his city and section along a 
number of lines of activity. He is president of the Citizens Bank & 
Trust Company of Vermillion and also of the Bank of Wakonda, and is the 
owner of much South Dakota land. He has taken active part in public 
affairs, having represented his district in the state legislature for a 
number of terms and serving as speaker of the house during two terms.

	Mr. Chaney was born in Ogle county, Illinois, October 1, 1858, a 
son of Osborn and Amanda (Rice) Chaney, the former a native of 
Virginia. In 1836 the parents traveled overland to Ogle county, 
Illinois, and there the father followed agricultural pursuits for a 
number of years although he at length turned his attention to the 
lumber business. Both he and his wife are deceased. 

	M. J. Chaney attended the public schools of Rockford, Illinois 
and thus acquired a good education. In 1880 he went to Newell, Buena 
Vista county, Iowa, and there purchased a farm, upon which he remained 
for thirteen years. In 1893 he sold that place and came to South 
Dakota, locating at Wakonda, Clay county. He soon became identified 
with the banking interests of that place, as cashier and later 
president of the Bank of Wakonda, and in 1914 he organized the Citizens 
Bank & Trust Company of Vermillion, which opened its doors for business 
on the 1st of September, 1914. Mr. Chaney has been president of the 
institution since its establishment and is also still president of the 
Bank of Wakonda. He is highly respected in financial circles and his 
knowledge of the banking business, acumen and sound judgment are 
generally recognized. He has unbounded faith in the future of South 
Dakota and owns about thirteen hundred acres of fine farm land in Clay 
county, ten hundred and thirty-five acres thereof being the old Tee & 
Prentiss ranch.

	Mr. Chaney was married in 1886 to Miss Helen McFarline, a 
daughter of Alexander and Cynthia McFarline, both natives of New York. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Chaney have been born three children, Florence, Dorothy 
and Morris.  

	Mr. Chaney is a prominent republican and from 1903 to 1909 
represented his district in the state legislature and during his last 
two terms was made speaker of the house. As a legislator he proved 
efficient and public spirited and as speaker he gained the commendation 
of men of both parties for his capable and impartial discharge of his 
duties. He is a Knight Templar Mason, belonging to the commandery at 
Vermillion. His religious faith is that of the Congregational church 
and he is one of the active members of the local organization. He has 
not used his ability and knowledge for his own advancement alone but 
has always given freely of his time and thought as well as his means to 
movements which have as their object the betterment of his city, county 
or state. The high respect in which he is generally held is richly 
deserved and the warm personal regard entertained for him by many is a 
just tribute to the worth of his character.