John Knox Kutnewsky, M. D. Biography


	This biography appears on pages 1247-1248 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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				JOHN KNOX KUTNEWSKY, M. D. 

	Dr. John Knox Kutnewsky, superintendent and physician for the 
State School and Home for the Feeble Minded at Redfield, was born in 
Groveland, Illinois, April 20, 1858, his parents being John and 
Margaret (Knox) Kutnewsky. The former died in 1884 and the latter in 
1903 and their remains were interred in the Redfield cemetery. The 
father was one of the pioneer settlers and business men of Spink county 
and in 1882 began the operation of the first mill of Redfield, which 
also still remains the only mill.. He was quite prominent and active in 
local political circles in Illinois, v here he filled the position of 
postmaster. To him and his wife were born five children: Martha, now 
residing in Malden, Washington; John K., of this review; Benjamin H., 
who is engaged in general me,rchandising at Malden, Washington; Charles 
F., who is state agent for the Equitable Life Insurance Company at 
Boise, Idaho; and Fred H., who is conducting a hardware store in 
Malden, Washington. 

	In the district schools of his native state Dr. Kutnewsky began 
his education. He afterward attended the Illinois State University and 
then in preparation for a professional career entered Rush Medical 
College of Chicago, from which he was graduated at the age of twenty-
three years. He then entered upon the active work of his profession at 
Groveland, Illinois, where he continued until February, 1884, when he 
came to South Dakota following his father's death. Opening an office in 
Redfield, he there remained in active practice until 1901, when he was 
appointed superintendent of the School for the Feeble Minded. Here he 
has since remained in charge, covering a period of fourteen years. He 
has closely studied modern methods of teaching and caring for this 
unfortunate class, has introduced new and improved ideas and has made 
the institution a creditable one to the humanitarian spirit which 
prompted its founding. 

	In 1882, at Athens, Illinois, Dr. Kutnewsky was united in 
marriage to Miss Etta Kincaid, a daughter of John K. and Vienna 
(Williams) Kincaid, both of whom are deceased and lie buried at Athens. 
Our subject and his wife have two children, namely: Walter Knox, of 
North Yakima, Washington, who is a hand agent and also captain of 
Company C of the Washington National Guard; and Edna, who is still 
under the parental roof. Liberal educational advantages have been 
accorded the children, Walter K. being a graduate of the University of 
Minnesota, while Edna completed a domestic science course in Columbia 
University of New York city and is now dietitian of the Redfield 
institution. 

	Dr. Kutnewsky is a republican in his political views and for four 
years filled the office of alderman, during which period he put forth 
every effort in his power to advance the welfare of the city and uphold 
its civic interests. He is also a school trustee. Fraternally he is 
well known as a member of various organizations, including the Masonic 
lodge, the Elks, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of 
United Workmen and others. He has filled all of the chairs in the blue 
lodge and chapter of Masonry and at the present time is eminent 
commander of the commandery. In 1906 he was grand high priest of the 
Grand Chapter of South Dakota, and he is a past president of the 
Masonic Veterans Association. High and honorable are the principles 
which have actuated him in all life's relations. He has ever reached 
out a helping hand to the unfortunate and at the same time he is ever 
embracing his opportunities for advancement that his life work may be 
of greater usefulness and benefit to his fellow men. The course which 
he has ever followed in his official connection with the School for the 
Feeble Minded has won high encomiums, and various plans and methods 
that he pursues might profitably be adopted by other institutions of 
similar character.