William M. Arpin Biography


	This biography appears on pages 413-414 in "History of Dakota Territory" 
	by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. IV (1915) and was scanned, 
	OCRed and edited by Maurice Krueger, mkrueger@iw.net.

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				WILLIAM M. ARPIN.  

	William M. Arpin is assistant cashier of the Ware & Griffin Bank 
at Clark, with which he has been connected since 1904, contributing 
much to the success of the institution during the intervening decade. 
He was born in Assumption, Illinois, February 13, 1876, a son of 
Godfrey and Marie L. (Alliot) Arpin. The family came to South Dakota in 
1882, settling in Clark county, when it was still largely an 
undeveloped and unimproved district. The father followed the mason's 
trade and became identified with early building operations here. About 
1889 he turned his attention to the furniture and undertaking business 
in Clark, in which he continued for twenty-five years. Throughout that 
period he enjoyed an extensive patronage, his trade increasing as the 
years went by until, with a handsome competence, he retired from active 
life and is now enjoying a well earned rest. After coming to this 
county he also homesteaded and secured a tree claim and a preemption, 
but sold that property when land advanced in value.  

	William M. Arpin was a little lad of but six summers at the time 
of the arrival of the family in this state. He was educated in the 
public schools and also attended a business college, thereby becoming 
well equipped for an active career. Upon the completion of his college 
course he took up shorthand reporting, representing several lawyers at 
Clark and in other places. Later, however, he engaged in business with 
his father, with whom he was associated until he entered the bank in 
1904, in the capacity of bookkeeper. Later the creditable record which 
he had made in that connection and the recognition of his ability fed 
to his promotion to the position which he is now filling. He is a 
popular official, courteous, obliging and resourceful, and he is also 
known as one of the stockholders and directors of the bank.  

	On the 5th of October, 1897, Mr. Arpin was united in marriage to 
Miss Lulu R. Holtz, daughter of Frederick F. and Rebecca Holtz, early 
settlers of Aberdeen, South Dakota, and later residents of Doland, 
South Dakota. Mr. and Mrs. Arpin have become parents of three children: 
Dewey, born August 22, 1898; Godfrey, born April 2, 1907; and Caryl, 
whose birth occurred January 13, 1909.  

	The family attend the Congregational church, of which Mr. and 
Mrs. Arpin are members. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias 
lodge, the Yeomen and the Commercial Club. He votes with the republican 
party and at the present time is city treasurer of Clark, which 
position he has held for ten years, a fact indicative of his 
faithfulness, his course being entirely satisfactory to his 
constituents and reflecting credit upon himself He is also clerk of the 
school board and is a most public-spirited citizen, his aid and 
cooperation being heartily given to any plan or movement for the 
benefit of city, county and state. Progress and patriotism have 
characterized his activities at all points in his career and his life 
record has measured up to the highest standards of manhood and 
citizenship.