Art Versteeg Biography


	This biography is from "Memorial and biographical record; an illustrated
 	compendium of biography, containing a compendium of local biography,
	including biographical sketches of prominent old settlers and 
	representative citizens of South Dakota..." Published by G. A. Ogle & 
	Co., Chicago, 1899. Page 273

	Scan, OCR and editing by Maurice Krueger,mkrueger@iw.net, 1998. 

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ART VERSTEEG, the popular mayor of Ashton, and one of the most able and 
enterprising business men of the city, was born in Marion county, Iowa, 
April 18, 1863, and was the third in order of birth in a family of five 
children, whose parents were John and Elizabeth (Fischer) Versteeg, 
both of whom were natives of Holland. The father was a miller by trade, 
and our subject early began working in the mill and mastered the 
business which he is now successfully following. Financial disaster 
overtaking the family, they removed to Dakota in 1885, and there the 
father became a member of the firm of Versteeg & Clements. They erected 
the Ashton Flouring Mills, which in, 1887 were sold to the present 
owner, George C. Christian, of Minneapolis, who engaged our subject as 
head miller.

In 1893 he was promoted to the position of manager and has since served 
in that capacity. These mills are operated both by water and steam 
power, the former furnished by an eight-inch artesian well, which 
furnishes twenty-horse power. The well operates in conjunction with a 
seventy-five horse-power Corliss condensing engine. Located in the 
midst of one of the finest wheat producing regions of the world, the 
quality of flour manufactured is unsurpassed. The mill is equipped with 
the latest improved machinery and under the capable management of Mr. 
Versteeg the enterprise is proving a profitable one, its product having 
large sales. 

In 1887 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. Versteeg and Miss Melvina 
Matson, a native of Iowa, and to them have been born two children, 
Chester and Geneva. Mr. Versteeg belongs to the Modern Woodmen of 
America, and in his political affiliations is a Populist. For four 
years he has served as mayor of Ashton and his administration has been 
most progressive and beneficial. During that time the city debt has 
been gradually diminishing, and many local improvements are being made, 
which greatly benefit the town. Every enterprise for the public good 
receives his support, and he withholds his cooperation from no movement 
calculated to advance the general welfare. His business methods are 
commendable and trustworthy, and he enjoys the regard and confidence of 
all with whom he has been brought in contact, either in commercial or 
social circles.