Robert J. McVicker Biography


	This biography appears on pages 261-262 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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				ROBERT J. McVICKER.  

	The general store at Vermilion owned by Robert J. McVicker is 
considered one of the best in that section of the state. Mr. McVicker 
is a native of Pennsylvania, born May 4, 1864, of the marriage of 
Simpson M. and Eliza (Wilson) McVicker. The father was a farmer and in 
1865 removed with his family to Illinois, where he resided for six 
years. A removal was then made to Iowa, where he purchased land and 
where he also owned what was known as the Hawley stage station, which 
was soon afterward discontinued. He purchased additional land from time 
to time and devoted his energies to farming throughout his active life. 
Both he and his wife died in the Hawkeye state in 1880. They had eight 
children: Elmer E., a minister of the gospel at Corvallis, Oregon; 
Robert J.; Ella, the wife of H. C. Tuttle, of Canada; Lizzie J., the 
wife of Fred Talcot, of Webb City, Iowa, who is principal of the school 
at Blairsburg, Iowa; Clarence, engaged in the meat business at Clarion, 
Iowa; Willa, the wife of George Garth, a farmer residing near Webster 
City; Albert B., who is engaged in farming near Ackley, Iowa; and 
Ernest A., who lives in Smith Center, Kansas.  

	Robert J. McVicker was seven years of age when the family removed 
from Illinois to Iowa and at that early age he assisted his brother 
Elmer in driving a team from one state to the other, the journey 
requiring three weeks. He assisted his father with the work of the farm 
and after the latter's death operated the homestead for two years. As 
he was compelled by circumstances to devote most of his time to work 
even when a boy, he received but little training in the schools. When 
but nine years of age he did a man's work upon the farm and when 
eighteen years old he entered the employ of a merchant of Webster City, 
receiving a salary of ten dollars per month and his board. He continued 
in that connection for two years and then went to Blairsburg, where 
with money that he had earned and saved he opened a grocery store, in 
partnership with his former employer, under the firm name of R. J. 
McVicker & Company. The store was conducted for two years by that firm, 
which then sold out. Mr. McVicker returned to his former position as 
clerk, but after a year bought a general store which was carried on 
under the name of McVicker & Christman for one year. At the end of that 
time he bought his partner's interest and continued to conduct the 
store alone. In the meantime, in order to induce a physician to locate 
in his little town, he opened a drug store and placed it in charge of 
him. In 1891 Mr. McVicker commenced a small banking business in his 
store and after six months organized a stock company which established 
the Exchange Bank of Blairsburg, of which he was elected cashier. Six 
months after accepting that position he disposed of his store, 
exchanging it for a farm. He continued as cashier of the Exchange Bank 
of Blairsburg until 1893 and then sold his interest in that institution 
and severed his official connection therewith. He removed to Vermilion, 
South Dakota, where, on the 9th of March, 1894, he entered business 
circles as a member of the firm of Grange & McVicker, owners of a 
general merchandise store, the senior partner being J. W. Grange. In 
1910 Mr. McVicker sold out to his partner and for about three years 
conducted stores in different places but during that time maintained 
his residence in Vermilion. On the 28th of January, 1912, he purchased 
a small stock of groceries in Vermilion and also the Anderson building. 
A few months later he purchased the adjoining building and increased 
the business considerably, handling a full line of dry goods, boots, 
shoes, etc. At the beginning of his venture he hired one clerk but now 
has eight employed regularly. He owns a fine residence on Main street 
in Vermilion, and also holds title to land in North Dakota.  

	Mr. McVicker was married the first time to Miss Carrie Grange, a 
native of Dubuque, Iowa, their wedding occurring in 1892. They became 
the parents of two children: Hazel G., who is teaching English at 
Platte, South Dakota; and Carrie N., who is attending the University of 
South Dakota at Vermilion and preparing herself for kindergarten work. 
In January, 1895, the wife and mother died and later Mr. McVicker 
married Miss Priscilla Grange, a sister of his first wife. To them was 
born a daughter, Ethlyn, who is now in high school. Mrs. McVicker died 
in 1905 and in 1909 Mr. McVicker married Miss Edith Spencer, a native 
of South Dakota.  

	Mr. McVicker is a republican and while living in Iowa was 
township clerk. He has served as city assessor of Vermilion for one 
year but has never been a seeker for office He is a trustee of the 
Methodist Episcopal church and is devoted to the work of that 
organization. Fraternally he is a member of the blue lodge, chapter, 
commandery and Shrine of the Masons and has taken the thirty-second 
degree in the Scottish Rite. He is likewise a prominent member of the 
Independent Order of Odd Fellows, having held all of the chairs in the 
subordinate lodge and encampment and being a member of the canton. He 
has gained material prosperity for himself by building up a prosperous 
general store and in so doing has also contributed to the development 
and growth of his city along commercial lines. He is esteemed for his 
upright character as well as for his business ability and is valued 
resident of Vermilion.