Carl J. Kjenstad Biography


	This biography appears on pages 349-350 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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				CARL J. KJENSTAD. 

	Carl J. Kjenstad is cashier of the Central State Bank of Hayti 
and through persistent and intelligently directed effort has made for 
himself a creditable position in business circles of Hamlin county. He 
was born February 22, 1870, in Fillmore county, Minnesota, a son of 
Christian and Martha Kjenstad. As the name indicates, the family came 
originally from Norway, arriving in Minnesota in 1866. A removal was 
made to South Dakota in the fall of 1880, at which time they became 
residents of Deuel county, where the father homesteaded and also 
secured a timber claim in Norden township. Since that time he has been 
closely identified with agricultural interests in Deuel county and both 
he and his wife are still living upon the old home farm. 

	Carl J. Kjenstad was a lad of about ten years when the family 
came to South Dakota and in the public schools he pursued his early 
education, while later he attended the Lutheran Normal School at Sioux 
Falls. When he had mastered the course there he returned to the farm, 
giving his father the benefit of his services for a time, and then 
started farming on his own account in 1897, having purchased land in 
Deuel county. The succeeding eight years were devoted to agricultural 
pursuits there, after which he rented his farm and took up his abode in 
Watertown, where he became connected with the Melham Brothers Lumber 
Company. Two years later he came to Hayti, as representative of the 
same company. He remained in that employ until 1911 and in the 
following year entered the bank. In company with others Mr. Kjenstad 
purchased the Central State Bank and in April, 1912, assumed the duties 
of cashier, in which position he is largely directing the interests and 
policy of the institution. That the methods of the officers are most 
practical and resultant is indicated in the feet that during the last 
three years the business of the bank has increased about fourfold. In 
addition to his banking interests Mr. Kjenstad is a stockholder of the 
Farmers Elevator at Brandt. 

	On the 25th of November, 1909, Mr. Kjenstad was married to Miss 
Ellen Opdahl; a daughter of Hogen and Mtilda Opdahl, also early 
residents of Hamlin county, and both now living. They have one child, 
Edna Matilda. The parents hold membership in the Lutheran church and 
Mr. Kjenstad gives his political allegiance to the republican party. He 
enjoys hunting and fishing and also is a devotee of the automobile. He 
is a member of the Volunteer Fire Company of Hayti and everything 
pertaining to South Dakota's welfare and upbuilding is of interest to 
him. Practically his entire life has been spent in this state and, 
believing in its possibilities and opportunities, he has done 
everything in his power to further public progress along substantial 
lines. His efforts have been of value to the community and Hamlin 
county numbers him among its representative men.