Scanned from Sioux Falls South Dakota a Pictorial History
Charles K. Howard came to the area at the age of twenty in 1855 were he resided in Sioux City Iowa and worked for the American Fur Company. He also became involved in a Steam Boating business as well as the drug store business. Mr. Howard was born 17 May 1835 in Red Hook on the Hudson, he had three sisters one of whom Mrs. W.D. Stites will also become a resident of Sioux Falls. In 1863 when Fort Dakota was established Mr. Howard was appointed post trader (known as sutler at that time), he continued his trader duties until the fort was disbanded.[1] In the spring of 1871 after Josiah Phillips had laid out the first nine blocks of the townsite Mr. Howard purchased the old forts hospital building, he expanded the building opening a trading goods store.[2] In 1877 Mr. Howard was elected president of Sioux Falls Village serving until 1881. By 1883 the state was becoming well settled and the trading business was declining, he would purchase a tract of land on the Cheyenne River where he began a cattle ranching operation. He made and lost several fortunes over his life time, however, he was considered one of the wealthiest men in his part of the state.[3] He died 11 November 1918, and exemplifies the pioneering spirit that was needed to settle this state.
[1] (Kingsbury 1915, 338)
[2] (Hoover and Miller John E. 2005, 168)
[3] Ibid., 338
[1] (Kingsbury 1915, 338)
[2] (Hoover and Miller John E. 2005, 168)
[3] Ibid., 338