A. C. Witte 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. Pages 474-475

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

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A. C. WITTE. Much of the civilization of the world has come from the 
Teutonic race. Continually moving westward, they have taken with them 
the enterprise and advancement of their eastern homes and have become 
valued and useful citizens of various localities. In this country 
especially have they demonstrated their power to adapt themselves to 
new circumstances, retaining at the same time their progressiveness and 
energy, and have become loyal and devoted citizens, true to the 
interests of their adopted land. In Mr. Witte we not only find one of 
the leading business men of Aberdeen, but also one of its most public-
spirited and honored citizens, a leader in public affairs. 

He was born in Hanover, Germany, June 6, 1857, and is a son of A. 
Witte, a native of the same province and a lumber merchant. Our subject 
received a good practical education, which was co~npleted by a college 
course, and after leaving school was educated in the wholesale hardware 
business in the city of Hanover. For one year he served in the German 
army, being what is called a one-year volunteer. 

In the fall of 1879, Mr. Witte came to America and located in 
Faribault, Minnesota, where he engaged in clerking for a time and then 
embarked in the hardware business on his own account at that place. 
Coming to Aberdeen, South Dakota, in September, 1881, he opened a 
branch store here, being at that time associated in business with a Mr. 
Muller, under the firm name of Muller & Witte. The senior member 
remained in Faribault, Minnesota, while our subject had charge of the 
store here until 1884, when the business was consolidated and the store 
in Faribault discontinued. The partnership lasted until the death of 
Mr. Muller, in 1893, when Mr. Witte purchased his interest, and has 
since been alone in business. Operations were carried on at the corner 
of Railroad avenue and Main street, in one of the first buildings of 
the town, until 1896, when he removed to his present location. He does 
an exclusive hardware business, handling both shelf and heavy hardware, 
stoves, etc., and by fair and honorable dealing has built up an 
excellent trade. He also owns and operates six hundred and forty acres 
of land in Brown county. 

In 1895, Mr. Witte married Mrs. Carole Mueller, who by her first 
marriage had three children, Arthur, Otto E. and Alma, all living. 
Religiously, Mr. Witte and his wife hold membership in the Episcopal 
church. He is a very prominent member of several secret societies; is a 
Scottish Rite Mason, having taken the thirty-second degree; is a member 
of the Ancient Order of United Workmen; a charter member of Aberdeen 
Lodge and a member of the Encampment, and the Uniform -Rank of I. O. O. 
F. in all three of which he has passed all the chairs; was grand 
patriarch of South Dakota in 1892; and represented the state in 
Sovereign Grand Lodges in sessions at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1894, 
and Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 1894. Since then he has retired to 
private life. He is one of the honored counselors of the Republican 
party in his community, and has been especially prominent in city 
affairs. The city was incorporated in 1882, received a special charter, 
April 5, 1883, and was organized under the general laws November 9, 
1887. In 1885, Mr. Witte was first elected alderman, and has been a 
member of the council ever since, at present representing the fourth 
ward. He served as mayor from May 2, 1892, until May 7, 1894, and never 
was the city government in more capable hands. He is vice-president of 
the South Dakota Business Men's Association; was secretary of the 
Inter-State Grain Place Association in 1896; and has-been re-elected to 
that position.