Biography of J. C. Dexter



This biography appears on pages 64-67 in
"History of Dakota Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915)

J. C. Dexter has been actively and successfully identified with mercantile interests in Huron for several years, having opened a well appointed dry-goods store here in 1903. He was born in Canada on the 22d of September, 1874, and is a son of Thomas and Mary (Foulds) Dexter, natives of England. The father is deceased, but the mother is still living and makes her home in Winnipeg. Our subject acquired his education in the public schools and at Central College of Stratford, Ontario.

After putting aside his text-books Mr. Dexter secured employment in a dry-goods store in Ohio and there remained until 1903, when he went to Kenosha, Wisconsin. From there he proceeded to Chicago and after a short time spent at his home in Canada came to Huron, South Dakota. Here he embarked in business on his own account as a dry-goods merchant, buying the old M. Booth establishment, which he conducted for a short time under the name of Booth & Dexter, although he was the sole proprietor. In 1905 the name was changed to J. C. Dexter and the business moved to its present location on the 1st of September, that year. In three years, time the business was trebled and he is now nearly doubling his floor space, intending to enlarge his stock. This will give him one of the largest ladies', misses', and children's ready-to-wear departments in the state. He carries an attractive and complete line of dry-goods besides ready-to-wear clothes, and is accorded a very liberal and gratifying patronage because of his reasonable prices, fair dealing and unassailable integrity. In connection with his other business he is a stockholder in the Huron Creamery.

In 1900 Mr. Dexter was united in marriage to Miss Catherine Ward, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, by whom he has three sons: Edward C., Joseph W. and Gerald S., all at home. He gives his political allegiance to the republican party and is identified fraternally with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and the Knights of Pythias. He is well known and esteemed in both business and social circles of Huron and has exemplified the highest standards of manhood and citizenship in the varied relations of life.