William A. Crooks Biography


	This biography appears on pages 1146, 1149 in "History of Dakota 
	Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915) and was 
	scanned, OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				WILLIAM A. CROOKS.  

	William A. Crooks is now living retired at Sioux Falls, enjoying 
a rest which he has truly earned and richly deserves. A native of 
Canada, he was born in the province of Quebec, October 22, 1849, a son 
of John N. and Caroline Crooks. The father was a farmer by occupation 
and in 1875 came with his family to Dakota territory, where he 
homesteaded and thereafter engaged in farming until his life's labors 
were ended in death. In the meantime, however, he had removed with his 
family from Canada to Wisconsin and from that state made his way to 
South Dakota.  

	In the public schools of Wisconsin William A. Crooks pursued his 
education and through the periods of vacation and after his school days 
were over he assisted his father in the work of the home farm. The year 
1877 witnessed his arrival in Dakota territory, at which time he took 
up his abode on the present site of the town of Crooks, homesteading 
the northeast quarter of section 3, township 103, range 50. He also 
secured a tree claim, after which he devoted his time and energies to 
general farming until about six years ago, when he sold his property 
and took up his abode in Sioux Falls, where he now has some valuable 
realty. While upon his farm he converted the land into productive 
fields, working diligently and persistently year after year to make the 
place a profitable property He added to it many modern improvements and 
equipments, using the latest farm machinery to facilitate the work of 
the fields.  

	In 1867 Mr. Crooks married Miss Sarah Emery and they became the 
parents of five children: David N., living at Lyons; George. who is 
living at Crooks and who is mentioned elsewhere in this volume; William 
H., residing in Montana; Alma N. deceased; and Arthur, who died in 
infancy.  

	Mr. Crooks has always been a believer in the teachings of the 
Methodist church, in which he holds membership. In politics he was 
formerly very active and he has always supported the republican party 
since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He has filled a 
number of public positions of honor and trust. He was deputy sheriff 
for six years and for eight years was at the state penitentiary as 
assistant deputy warden, but was obliged to give up that position on 
account of ill health. He served for one term as sergeant-at-arms in 
the state legislature and for one term represented his district in the 
general assembly, covering the years 1894 and 1895. He has also been 
assessor and justice of the peace at Crooks and in these different 
positions has discharged his duties with a promptness and fidelity that 
have won for him confidence and high regard. His record at all times 
has been that of a progressive business man, a loyal, public-spirited 
citizen and a faithful friend.