Joseph Meyer Biography


	This biography appears on pages 634-635 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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				JOSEPH MEYER.

	Joseph Meyer is conducting at Sturgis the largest grocery store 
in Meade county and is an enterprising business man, forceful and 
resourceful, his ready adaptability enabling him to so direct his 
efforts that excellent results have accrued. He was born in the Rhine 
prvince of Germany, April 4, 1862, and is a son of Caspar and Elizabeth 
Meyer, who were also natives of that locality. The father there learned 
the baker's trade and engaged in that business in Germany until about 
the spring of 1871, when he bade adieu to his native land and sailed 
for America. He settled in Kenosha, Wisconsin, where he afterward lived 
retired, his death occurring there about 1887. His wife survived him 
for about a decade, passing away in 1897, she, too, continuing a 
resident of Kenosha until her demise.  

	Joseph Meyer is the youngest in a family of six children. He 
attended the schools of Kenosha and from the age of twelve or thirteen 
years has made his own way in the world, so that whatever success he 
has achieved is attributable entirely to his own labors. He early 
learned the feet that industry wins and throughout his entire career he 
has based his advancement and success upon that quality. He worked for 
others in Kenosha until the spring of 1883, when he sought the 
opportunities offered in South Dakota and made his way to Sturgis. He 
took up his abode upon a ranch near there and resided thereon for two 
years. He next was employed as a clerk in a post trader's store at Fort 
Meade for a short time and subsequently engaged in the grocery business 
at Sturgis for about five or six years. He then turned his attention to 
the operation of a sawmill near Sturgis and continued in the 
manufacture of lumber for about three years. He then independently 
opened a grocery store in Sturgis and has since continued in the 
business, now conducting the largest establishment of its kind in Meade 
county and comparing favorably with any grocery store in western South 
Dakota. In feet he carries a large line of staple and fancy groceries- 
every thing that is to be found in the market- and the tasteful 
arrangement of his store, his prompt service and reliable business 
methods constitute features in his growing success. He is also a 
stockholder and director in the Bear Butte Valley Bank of Sturgis and 
is the owner of both residence and business property in the town. The 
store building which he owns and occupies was erected about 1905, is 
modern in construction and is thoroughly equipped in every way. 

	In January, 1888, Mr. Meyer wedded Miss Emma Johnson, who was 
born in Sweden, where her parents always remained. Mr. and Mrs. Meyer 
have become parents of four children: Eva E., attending the 
Cammenberger College of Los Angeles, California; Joseph C., assisting 
his father in the business; and two who died in infancy. 

	Mr. Meyer belongs to several fraternal organizations- the Ancient 
Order of United Workmen, the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the Knights 
of Columbus. His membership in the last named indicates the fact that 
he is of the Roman Catholic faith. In politics he is an independent 
democrat and his fellow townsmen, appreciating his worth and ability, 
have called him to public office. He has served as alderman of Sturgis 
and in 1908 was chosen mayor of the city, which position he filled for 
two years. His has been a busy life, for from an early age he has 
depended upon his own resources and his industry and determination have 
enabled him to overcome the difficulties and obstacles which have 
barred his path. He has never allowed discouragement to defeat him or 
competition to deter him from his course and his carefully directed 
business affairs have won for him substantial success.