Bates, Hand Co., SD - 1909 Business Directory This file contains a listing from the "South Dakota State Business Directory," published by The Gazetteer Publishing Co., Denver, Colorado in 1909. This listing shows businesses in Bates. This information transcribed by James J. Lewis, jlewis@triskelion.net, and may be freely copied for non-profit purposes. All other rights reserved. BATES A postoffice in Hand county, 18 miles south of Wessington, the nearest railroad point. Population 25. Free Methodist Church Rev. J. P. Jensen, pastor. Jensen, J. P. (Rev.) Pastor, Free Methodist Church Posey, James justice peace. Shea, Emma A. postmaster. Testerman, Dalton contractor. Wessington Hills Farmers Telephone Co.