Herbert W. Pike Biography


	This biography appears on pages 877-878 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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				HERBERT W. PIKE. 

	An active, busy life has brought to Herbert W. Pike the measure 
of success that now enables him to live retired. For a considerable 
period he followed merchandising in Yankton but has put aside the more 
active duties of a commercial career and is enjoying in well earned 
rest the fruits of his former toil. He was born in County Wilts, 
England, April 7, 1848. His father, George Pike, was a native of 
England and in 1849 came to America with his family. He had learned the 
trade of a mason and builder and after living east of the Mississippi 
for about two decades came to Dakota territory in 1867 with Yankton as 
his destination. Here his remaining days were passed in working at his 
trade and many evidences of his handiwork are seen in the city. The 
building which stands at Fourth and Mulberry streets was erected by him 
in 1867 and is one of Yankton,s old landmarks. His life was ever 
active, honorable and upright and his death, which occurred in 1893, 
chronicled the passing of one whose memory formed a connecting link 
between pioneer times and the progressive present. His wife, who bore 
the maiden name of Elizabeth Clark, was of English lineage and died May 
15, 1875. They became the parents of five children, of whom Herbert W. 
is the youngest. The others have all passed away save a sister, Mrs. 
Sarah J. Catell, who is now living in Seattle, Washington. 

	Herbert W. Pike is indebted to the public-school system of 
Cleveland, Ohio for the educational opportunities which he enjoyed. In 
early life he began working at the carpenter's trade for his father and 
followed that pursuit for five or six years after coming to the 
territory of Dakota. In 1878 he embarked in merchandising as a member 
of the firm of Jenkinson & Pike, continuing in that connection for six 
months. The partnership was then dissolved and Mr. Pike remained in 
business until 1908, when he retired. He always carried a good stock, 
catered to the wishes of the public and met its demands in honorable 
dealing and fair prices. He ever recognized the fact that earnest 
purpose goes far toward success and that satisfied patrons are the best 
advertisement. He concentrated his attention upon his business and 
worked diligently year by year until his labors were rewarded with a 
handsome competence. From time to time he invested in property and now 
owns a considerable amount of farm land which returns to him a 
gratifying annual income. 

	In 1872 Mr. Pike was married to Miss Sophia C. Flick, a native of 
Uniontown, Pennsylvania, and a daughter of Stephen and Sarah Flick, who 
came to the Dakota territory in 1867. They settled in Yankton county 
and here the father was at one time county treasurer. Mr. and Mrs. Pike 
have become the parents of four children: Morris C., who is living at 
Niobrara, Nebraska; Harry L., a resident of Chamberlain, South Dakota; 
Jessie M., now the wife of N. A. Colleson, of Yankton; and Oscar D., 
who e home is in Omaha, Nebraska. 

	Mr. Pike is a republican with progressive tendencies but at local 
elections votes independently. For two years he served on the city 
council of Yankton and sought to further the best interests of the 
municipality but has never had a desire for public office. He is a 
Knight of Pythias and is also an Odd Fellow and was the first member 
initiated in Dakota territory who is yet living, being initiated at the 
first meeting of Lodge No. 1, of which he was afterward elected 
secretary. He likewise holds membership with the Modern Woodmen of 
America and the purposes of these organizations are strongly endorsed 
by him. He is today one of the well known residents of Yankton and this 
part of the state, his business relations having brought him a wide 
acquaintance. Enterprise and energy have been the salient features in 
his career and the simple weight of his character and ability have 
carried him into important relations. All who know him respect him and 
he has a circle of friends almost coextensive with the circle of his 
acquaintance.