W. J. Maytum, M. D. Biography


	This biography appears on pages 515-516 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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				W. J. MAYTUM, M. D. 

	Dr. W. J. Maytum, one of the pioneer physicians of Alexandria, 
Hanson county, has also been quite prominent in public affairs, having 
served as state senator in addition to holding a number of local 
offices. He was born in Penn Yan, New York, on the 11th of December, 
1864, a son of Charles and Emma (Fagg) Maytum, now residents of 
Washington, D. C. The father is a miller by trade. 

	Dr. Maytum received his education in the public schools of Iowa 
and in his youth worked upon a farm and in a mill, thus learning much 
concerning both agriculture and milling In the meantime he attended 
high school and in 1888 matriculated in the University of Iowa, from 
which he was graduated in 1891 with the degree of M. D. He paid his way 
through school by working, and the energy and willingness to apply 
himself that characterized his student days have been large factors in 
his subsequent success. Following his graduation from medical school he 
removed immediately to Alexandria, South Dakota, and there entered upon 
the practice of his profession. In a comparatively short time he had 
established himself in the confidence of the people and as the years 
have passed his practice has grown and his reputation as an able and 
up-to-date physician and surgeon has extended to a wider territory. He 
is a member of the Mitchell District Medical Society, the South Dakota 
State Medical Society and the American Medical Association, and from 
the meetings of those bodies he derives much valuable knowledge 
concerning the discoveries in medical science and the improved methods 
used by other wide-awake and progressive practitioners. For a number of 
years the Doctor was secretary and treasurer of the South Dakota State 
Medical Society. In 1913 he took a three months, special course in 
surgery under Dr. Emil Reis of the Chicago Post Graduate Medical 
School. 

	On November 19, 1894, Dr. Maytum was united in marriage to Miss 
Lillie M. Syferd, a daughter of John W. Syferd of Wayne county, Iowa. 
Dr. and Mrs. Maytum have the following children: Koran and Genevieve, 
both students at the State University of Vermillion; and Cecil, Thelma, 
Crystal, Loraine, John Terrance and Harry R. 

	Dr. Maytum supports the democratic party. In 1890 he was county 
superintendent of schools and efficiently discharged the duties of that 
office. In 1911 he was honored by election to the state senate from his 
district and as a legislator sought to further the best interests of 
the commonwealth. He is at present on the board of health of 
Alexandria. Fraternally he is connected with the Masons, the Odd 
Fellows, the Modern Brotherhood of America, the Yeomen and the Woodmen, 
and his genial nature enables him to make and retain friends easily. He 
is a stockholder and officer of the Security National Bank and also 
owns some excellent land in this state. He is one of the best known 
residents of Alexandria and is also one of the most highly respected 
citizens of the town, and those who have been most intimately 
associated with him hold him in the warmest regard.