Herbert Leslie Sheldon Biography


	This biography appears on pages 502-503 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 LESLIE SHELDON. 

	It is difficult to voice the deepest feelings or to put into 
words those emotions which reach to the very foundations of one's 
nature. Thus it is that words seem cold and lacking in force when one 
attempts to indicate the position which an honored individual has held 
in the love and esteem of his associates. Herbert Leslie Sheldon, the 
cashier of the Citizens' National Bank, was one of the most popular 
residents of Watertown, popular by reason of his genuine worth, his 
business ability, his consideration for others, his kindly spirit and 
the nobility of his character. 

	Mr. Sheldon was born in Chautauqua county, New York, February 17, 
1861, upon the old homestead farm near the town of Sherman. There the 
days of his boyhood and youth were passed and his home training was 
such as developed in him habits of industry, economy and unassailable 
integrity. Through the summer months he worked in the fields and in the 
winter seasons attended the public schools of Chautauqua county, and 
later he took up the profession of teaching - a profession largely 
followed by other members of the family. Although still in his teens at 
the time, he soon proved his ability to impart clearly and readily to 
others the knowledge that he had acquired. When twenty years of age he 
received his initial training in the banking business in a position 
offered him in the Sherman Bank, with which he was connected until he 
came to Watertown in 1885. From that time forward he was closely 
associated with financial interests of eastern Dakota. He was given 
charge of the clerical department of the Citizens' National Bank and 
after a brief period, having demonstrated his worth and ability, was 
advanced to the position of assistant cashier. For twenty-five years he 
was connected with the bank and through much of that period was its 
efficient cashier as well as one of the bank directors and 
stockholders. He was always courteous and considerate in his treatment 
of the bank's patrons and loyal to the interests of the institution and 
its stockholders. His banking reputation was so well known that he was 
elected to the position of president of the State Bankers' Association 
and vice president of the National Bankers' Association. No one ever 
questioned his business honesty and all recognized that the spirit of 
progress actuated him in. everything that he did.  

	In 1890 Mr. Sheldon was united in marriage to Miss Sara 
Fahnestock and they became the parents of two sons, Herbert Leslie and 
Morris. In his home he was a most devoted, loving and generous husband 
and father. Moreover, he held friendship inviolable and true worth 
always won his high regard. He was an active and useful member of 
Trinity Episcopal church, in which he served as vestryman for many 
years, and he was equally loyal to the purposes and precepts of the 
Knights of Pythias, the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the 
Ancient Order of United Workmen, in all of which he held membership. He 
was ever a public-spirited citizen and one whose interest found 
expression in many tangible, helpful ways. Twice he was called to the 
position of mayor and made a most creditable record in that office at a 
time when the city was in need of clear-headed, honorable officials. 
His administration was that of a business man who believed in advancing 
public interests yet maintaining an even balance between careful 
expenditures and progressiveness. He judged and supported every measure 
according to its real worth and never allowed himself to be influenced 
by the feet that a personal friend was advocating a plan. He studied a 
situation from every possible standpoint and when he supported a 
measure one could be sure that he believed in its value and efficacy. 
As a business man he embodied the highest ideals. He was honorable, 
generous, persevering and industrious and at all times he was firm in 
his convictions of right and wrong. A modern philosopher has voiced the 
sentiment: "Not the good that comes to us, but the good that comes to 
the world through us, is the measure of our success;" and judged by 
this standard Mr. Sheldon was a most successful man. Perhaps the best 
estimate of his character can be given in quoting from the Watertown 
Daily Public Opinion, which in its comment on the passing of Mr. 
Sheldon said: 

	"Cut down at the zenith of an honored, successful business 
career, exalted in the esteem of his fellowmen, dearly beloved in his 
home, Herbert L. Sheldon is dead. Watertown is weighed down with the 
burden of a great sorrow. Death could not have stretched forth his 
finger and touched a man whose passing could more affect this city. 
There is left a niche unfilled. We awaken to a realization of how much 
we needed, how well we loved Herb Sheldon. No tribute we can pay 
suffices. No expression can encompass the profound respect felt for 
years and now manifest in the keen pang of regret that pierces the 
heart of every man, woman and child who knew this noble man. Had he 
been ambitious for place, there is no office in city or county that the 
people would not have gladly, almost as a unit, offered him. But he 
sought not to serve in high places, yet was ever ready to assist in 
every undertaking conceived to promote the welfare of his home city. He 
sought no honors, yet shirked no duty. Able to do, he was asked to do. 
Few people know how many things of great importance to Watertown were 
piloted to success largely through the persistent, untiring efforts of 
Herbert Sheldon. For his labor he asked no reward. He spurned false 
praise and shrank from the glare of undue publicity. Modesty walked 
with him in every trust. To his zeal and untiring work for the big 
business institution of which he was a part, to his close application 
to every task, whether for himself, for his city, or for a friend, is 
due, perhaps, the shortening of his years. Honest, just, able, 
faithful, the embodiment of those qualities that combine to form the 
highest type of manhood, Herbert L. Sheldon was a man always loved, and 
whose memory will be revered for generations."