James H. Fonger, M. D.


	This biography appears on pages 739-740 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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				JAMES H. FONGER, M. D. 

	Each community has in it men who are recognized as leaders in 
their special line of activity, and among the representatives of 
medical practice in Deuel county is James H. Fongcr, whose ability 
places him with the leading physicians and surgeons of Gary. Early in 
his career he recognized that thorough study must constitute the 
foundation of his success, and close application, wide reading and 
conscientious performance of all his duties have since been salient 
features in his professional career. He was born in Bangor, Michigan, 
May 14, 1875, the only child of James R. and Flora Fonger. The father 
was a druggist, conducting business in Michigan until the fall of 1879, 
when he brought his family to South Dakota, settling at Gary, where he 
opened the first drug store of the town. Later the business was 
purchased by Mr. Rowland, who in turn resold it to Mr. Fonger, and the 
father is still actively engaged in its management. Both he and his 
wife are well known in Gary, their many sterling traits of character 
having gained for them warm friendship and high regard. 

	James H. Fonger supplemented a public-school education by a 
business course in Watertown and afterward entered Hamline University, 
from which he was graduated on the completion of a course in medicine 
with the class of 1900. He then returned to Gary and entered upon 
active practice there. He has since taken post-gradunte work in the 
College of Physicians and Surgeons at Chicago and for one year was 
assistant bacteriologist for the city of Minneapolis. He has since 
practiced in Gary and has the major part of the surgical work. He has a 
hospital and has performed many difficult operations which indicate his 
expert skill and ability in this direction. He is also physician at the 
state school for the blind located at Gary and he has an extensive 
private practice. 

	Dr. Fonger holds membership in the Presbyterian church and he is 
connected with various fraternal organizations, belonging to Gates City 
Lodge, No. 14, A. F. & A. M., the Odd Fellows society, the Benevolent 
Protective Order of Elks at Watertown and the Royal Neighbors. He held 
the commission of captain of Company H, Third Regiment South Dakota 
national Guard until the disbanding of the company when he was 
transferred to the medical staff. He enjoys hunting, fishing and 
motoring and has an especially fine collection of relies in the shape 
of guns of various age and workmanship. His political allegiance is 
given to the democratic party, but while he believes in its principles, 
he has neither time nor inclination to seek office. Anything which 
tends to bring to man the key to the complex mystery which we call life 
is of interest to him. He is conscientious in his practice and broad 
reading keeps him thoroughly informed concerning modern methods and 
standards.