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Submitted: 4/18/12 • Approved: 4/18/12 • Last Updated: 8/14/15 • R157531-G0-S3
Prominent Pioneer Citizen in Called
E.J. Elliott Passed Away Tuesday Evening; Funeral Thursday at Four p.m.
E.J. Elliott passed way at his home in Dell Rapids on Tuesday evening of this week, following an illness of a year and a half's duration. In December, 1935, he slipped on the icy sidewalk suffering a fractured hip. Since that time he has been confined to his home, however being confined to his bed only during the past five weeks.
The passing of Mr. Elliott is a distinct loss to the community. For almost a half century he has been one of Dell Rapids most prominent business men. He has been instrumental in many successful enterprises .. the up-building of the community. In times of uncertainly many individuals and business concerns ….. the advice of E.J. Elliott for help and encouragement. He was always a patient listener and his advice was always sound. Because of his splendid disposition he enjoyed the friendship of every acquaintance.
Mr. Elliott was born in Canada, July 29, 1852. Had he lived only a few days longer he would have reached the age of 85 years. His early life was spent in Milwaukee, Wis. On October 6, 1880, he was married to Miss Alice Stickney at Mazonanie, Wis. They moved to Sioux Falls in the fall of 1883 where he was manager of the Queen Bee Mills.
The following year he moved to Dell Rapids to take the manager ship of the Van Epps mill and elevator. He successfully manager this concern until it ceased operation in 1900. In that year he erected a building on mainstreet in which he opened a feed and seed store. Since 1890 he has been connected more or less in the local banking business. He was made president of the Dell Raids bank when it was organized at that time. In 1906 he actively entered the business with the late. G.A. Uline, in the State Bank of Dell Raids. Later he organized the Uline Loan Company of which he was president and manager until he resigned a year ago. He was a director and vice president of the First National Bank of Dell Rapids for many …. And when the New First National bank was organized he was named president, at the present time being chairman of the board of directors.
Mr. Elliott has also been active in public affairs of the community. He was Dell Rapids' first mayor, being elected to that office in 1889. This office he has held for three terms at different intervals. When the park board was organized he was likewise made its first president. During the time he served with this body the park was greatly improved. The pavilion was erected, also the band stand and other improvements made. For a number of years he was city treasurer; treasurer of the board of education and has held other offices of trust.
It was largely through the efforts of Mr. Elliott the local telephone system was installed. For a few years he had the only telephone in the community. He built a private line from his home to the store and elevator and while it was a novelty more or less, it was convenient, and this no doubt was responsible for the local system to be installed at an early date. He was secretary of the local company for many years, later being elected president, which office he was held up to the present time.
He was also knows through the county and state for his executive ability, having been elected to the state senate for one term, refusing the nomination for another session.
He is survived by his widow, two sons and two daughter. Howard of Worden, Montana; Edgar of Dell Rapids; Miss Charlotte, Washington, D.C. and Miss Fay at home. There are four grandchildren, Alice and Rodney of Dell Rapids, Marian and Charlotte of Worden.
Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. George O. Long, at the home this afternoon (Thursday) at 4:00 o'clock.
Dell Rapids Tribune July 22, 1937
Contributed on 4/18/12 by dellsfig68
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Record #: 157531