William S. Small Biography


	This biography appears on page 407 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 S. SMALL. 

	William S. Small is the present efficient postmaster of 
Gettysburg, the duties of which position he has ably discharged since 
July, 1914. The period of his residence in this state now covers 
twenty-seven years and he is widely recognized as one of the 
representative and esteemed citizens of his community. His birth 
occurred in Deer Isle, Maine, and he is one of the younger of a family 
of thirteen children. He acquired his education in public and private 
schools of his native state and when but thirteen years of age began 
'working for others, being employed at carpentering, etc. He also spent 
some time as a sailor but subsequently embarked in the net and twine 
business in Portland, Maine, and continued therein until 1888. In that 
year he disposed of the enterprise and came to Potter county, South 
Dakota, where he purchased land and was engaged in the cattle business 
for a few years. Later he embarked in the furniture business at 
Gettysburg, where he has conducted an establishment of that character 
with gratifying success to the present time. In July, 1914, he assumed 
the duties of postmaster of the town, to which position he had been 
appointed by President Wilson and in which connection he has since made 
a most creditable and commendable record. He is still the owner of 
valuable farm lands and city property in this state and enjoys an 
enviable reputation as a substantial and enterprising citizen of 
Gettysburg and Potter county. 

	Mr. Small gives his political allegiance to the democracy and 
acted as town clerk of Gettysburg before its incorporation. He likewise 
served as a member of the board of education and has held other local 
offices in addition to that of postmaster, ever proving an efficient 
and faithful public servant. While still a resident of Maine he joined 
the Masonic fraternity and is now a member of the blue lodge at 
Gettysburg, the chapter at Faulkton and the consistory at Aberdeen. He 
is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows at 
Gettysburg and has an extensive circle of warm friends in his home 
community.