Biography of Robert C. Bakewell

	From: History of Dakota Territory  by George W. Kingsbury (1915), vol. V, p. 228
	
	Transcribed by Judy Huber, huberj@btigate.com

ROBERT C. BAKEWELL

	Robert C. Bakewell, the efficient young state's attorney of
Aurora county, is a native of Plankinton, born on the 5th of
September, 1886, a son of Samuel H. and Martha (Cawley)
Bakewell. The father came to South Dakota in 1881 and was here
married, his wife having been principal of schools in Plankinton
before her marriage. The father was a lawyer but after coming to
the territory he homesteaded land in Aurora county and resided
thereon until he proved up his claim. He then removed to
Plankinton and entered upon the practice of his profession. He
held many public offices, was for years county attorney and in
1883 was elected probate judge. He was also honored by elevation
to the county bench. In 1909 he was appointed to the state board
of Charities and Corrections and was a member of that body when
his death occurred. He took much interest in the work of the
board and was one of its most valued members.

	Robert C. Bakewell entered the public schools at the usual age
and was advanced from grade to grade until he was prepared to
enter the state University of  South Dakota at Vermillion, where
he took three years of collegiate work. He then entered the law
department of the university, from which he was graduated with
the degree of L.L. B. in 1907. He returned to Plankinton and
entered into partnership with his father, the firm name being
Bakewell & Bakewell. Since his father's death he has practiced
alone and is today recognized as one of the leading attorney of
his county. He is exceptionally well fitted for the profession
by natural ability, early training and thorough study of the
principles underlying all systems of law and he also has a
detailed knowledge of statutes and precedents. He appears as
counsel in much of the important litigation tried in his
district and has the respect and confidence of his colleagues as
well as of the general public.

	On the 2d of March, 1912, Mr. Bakewell married Miss Leonne
Irons, a daughter of John and Hattie Irons. Mr. and Mrs.
Bakewell have two sons, Samuel Paul and Robert, Jr. Mr. Bakewell
is a republican and has always taken a keen interest in local
politics. For eight years he served as city attorney and is now
state's attorney. In religious faith he is a Protestant, while
fraternally he is connected with the Elks, Masons and Beta Theta
Pi, one of the leading college fraternities. He believes
thoroughly in the future of the city and of its institution. He
has high rank in his profession and his character is such that
he is personally popular and respected and his friends prophesy
for him yet great success in his chosen calling."

George W. Kingsbury

History of Dakota Territory; South Dakota Its History and Its
People, Volume 5, p. 288

 1915, Chicago:  S. J. Clarke Publishing Company.