Frank Delire Biography


	This biography appears on pages 630-631 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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				FRANK DELIRE. 

	Frank Delire, a well known jeweler and optometrist of Platte, 
Charles Mix county, was born in Iowa City, Iowa, on the 8th of 
September, 1875, a son of Peter G. and Barbara (Skraball) Delire. The 
father was born April 19, 1829, at Chesverioux, Belgium, and was a 
blacksmith by trade. On emigrating to this country he located in Iowa 
in 1855 and for a number of years resided in Iowa City. In 1882 he came 
to South Dakota and homesteaded in Carroll township, Charles Mix 
county. While operating his farm he also worked at 0a trade to some 
extent. He passed away May 8, 1913, but is survived by his widow, who 
resides in Sioux City, Iowa. They became the parents of eight children, 
namely: Mrs. Emma Meyer, of Galena, Illinois; Joe, of Platte, South 
Dakota; John, of Geddes; Peter G., of Sioux City, Iowa; Mrs. Mary 
Manshiem, of Platte; Frank, the subject of this review; Charles, who 
died April 5, 1914; and one who died in infancy. 

	Frank Delire was educated in the public schools and in Ward 
Academy in Charles Mix county, graduating from the latter institution 
in 1898. He had previously learned the jewelry business and in 1900 
started in business for himself in Platte, being the first to open a 
jewelry store in Charles Mix county. He has been very successful and in 
1905 erected the building in which he is located—an up-to-date two-
story brick structure. He carries a well selected stock, and his annual 
business amounts to a considerable figure. He is also an optometrist 
and has gained considerable patronage in that line. He owns the finest 
residence in Platte and also holds title to valuable farm property. 

	On the 26th of June, 1900, Mr. Delire was married to Miss Bertha 
M. Marty, a daughter of Matthias Marty, an early settler of this state. 
To this union have been born three children: Regina and Olvina, twins; 
and Leona. 

	Mr. Delire is a supporter of the democratic party and for two 
years has served on the city council. He is also president of the 
Commercial Club and to his initiative and excellent judgment is due 
much of the credit for what that organization has accomplished for the 
commercial expansion and growth of Platte. He is a devout communicant 
of the Roman Catholic church and is president of the Holy Name Society. 
Fraternally he is identified with the Elks and the Yeomen. He is one of 
the leading citizens of Platte and no movement for its advancement 
lacks his support and enthusiastic cooperation. The respect in which he 
is held is well deserved and personally he is popular.