Edward L. Wendt

  General Notes:

Ed L. Wendt is successfully engaged in the real-estate business at Canton as a member of the firm of Wendt & Straw and has long enjoyed an enviable reputation as one of the enterprising and progressive citizens of the town. His birth occurred in Stephenson County, Illinois, on the 25th of June, 1869, his parents being Ernest and Frederika Wendt. The family came to South Dakota in 1875, locating at Lower Canton, where the father embarked in business as a merchant. Four years later he removed to Canton and there both he and his wife still reside. The period of their residence in this state covers almost four decades and they are widely and favorably known. Ed L. Wendt, who was a little lad of six years when he came with his parents to South Dakota, acquired his education in the public schools and at Augustana College of Canton. After putting aside his textbooks he entered his father's store as clerk and assistant and for twenty years was identified with merchandising. During this period he also devoted considerable attention to the real-estate business and acquired quite extensive landed holdings in his locality and in other parts of the state. Eventually, when the management of his investments demanded all of his attention, he left the store and has since been associated with E. J. Straw as a member of the firm of Wendt & Straw. Success has attended his undertakings in this connection and he is widely recognized as a prosperous and enterprising business man. For seventeen years he was a member of the board of directors of the Lincoln County Bank. On the 18th of October, 1888, Mr. Wendt was united in marriage to Miss Jessie E. Gage, of Missouri, by whom he has one daughter, Zoe Marie, who is now the wife of E. E. Subert. In his political views Mr. Wendt is independent, always supporting candidates because of their fitness rather than because of party affiliation. He has served for three years as a member of the city council and for a similar period on the school board, while for ten years he acted as treasurer of the Chautauqua Association of Canton. His religious faith is indicated by his membership in the Methodist Episcopal church, to which his wife also belongs. Fraternally he is identified with the Masonic order, holding membership in Silver Star Lodge, No. 4, F. & A. M., of Canton. Mr. Wendt is a lover of clean sport, an enthusiastic motorist and a public-spirited, loyal citizen who has ever taken a leading part in all movements instituted to advance the interests of his home city. Cordial and pleasing in address, he has made many friends who are attracted to him not only on account of his genial characteristics but because of his recognized liberality and public spirit and his high standing in business circles.