William H. Muth Biography


	This biography appears on pages 57-58 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 H. MUTH. 

	William H. Muth, manufacturer of fixtures and interior finishings 
at Yankton, has been thus connected with the business interests of his 
city since 1899. A native of the state of New York, he was born May 20, 
1864, a son of Valentine and Christina (Schilly) Muth, both of whom are 
now deceased. The father was a farmer by occupation and in following 
that pursuit provided for the support of his family of six children, of 
whom William H. is the fifth in order of birth. He was educated in the 
public schools and in the Skaneateles Academy at Skaneateles, New York. 
When his school days were over he entered upon an apprenticeship to the 
cabinetmaker's trade in Rochester, New York, and v. as employed in that 
line of industrial activity for seven years. In 1897 he founded the 
Rochester Rug & Hassock Company, which has grown to be the largest 
plant of its kind in the United States. He continued in active 
connection with the business for two years, but in 1899 disposed of his 
interests there and came to Yankton, where he established a 
cabinetmaking shop which he has developed into one of the city's 
profitable productive enterprises, specializing in store and interior 
finishings. His output is of high grade, displaying the finest 
workmanship with a thorough understanding of every phase of the 
business, and in some of the leading establishments of the city are 
seen his store fixtures and interior finishings. 

	In 1904 Mr. Muth was united in marriage to Miss Verda Lee, a 
daughter of George S. Bailey, of Spokane, Washington, and they have 
gained many friends during the period of their residence in Yankton. 
They hold membership with the Congregational church, and Mr. Muth's 
views upon the temperance question are evidenced in the fact that he 
votes with the prohibition party. He is one of the city's substantial 
and respected citizens, his influence being against anything that is 
inimical to the best interests of the individual and the community. On 
the contrary he upholds every practical effort for good and for 
progress and the genuine worth of his character has established him 
firmly in the high regard of his fellow citizens.