Scanned from Sioux Falls South Dakota a Pictorial Histroy
In 1871 William Van Eps, who became one of the most prominent merchants of South Dakota, moved to Sioux Falls. Once arriving in Sioux Falls Mr. Van Eps became one of the most active and energetic business men that ever resided in South Dakota, as well as one of the most successful. He figured extensively in many real estate transactions, erected a large number of buildings, and had a large and profitable mercantile business. Mr. Van Eps provided one of the most attractive and commodious stores that could be found in the area and he filled it with an elegant class of goods. In politics he was always a Democrat, and as the county and state were always strongly Republican he did not hold many official positions. He was elected one of the trustees when the village of Sioux Falls was incorporated, was a member of the city school board from 1889 to 1893 and an influential member of the state constitutional convention of 1889. He was always considered a strong man in the councils of the Democratic Party, and was recognized as one of the Democratic "war horses" of the state.[1] Mr. Van Eps labored throughout his life to advance the growth, development, and prosperity of Sioux Falls; he was buried on 12 July 1906.
[1] (Bailey 1899, 724)
[1] (Bailey 1899, 724)