Clark in Clark County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Samuel Harrison Elrod,

Fifth Governor of South Dakota

Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, December 31, 2015

1. Samuel Harrison Elrod Marker

Inscription. Samuel H. Elrod was born near Coatesville, Indiana, May 1, 1856. Having worked his way through Asbury College, now Depauw University, graduating in 1882, he passed the Indiana Bar Examinations and headed for Dakota Territory. Arriving in Watertown July 2, he was met by Arthur C. Mellette, later governor. On July 4 he gave an address at Clark, substituting for Mr. Mellette. Impressed by the spirit of the community he established a law office here. He was delegate to the first Constitutional Convention in 1883. In 1884 he married Mary Ellen Masten of Coatesville, Indiana. Appointed by President Harrison, he served as government paymaster to the Sisseton Indians. He held the offices of Postmaster, County Judge, and State’s Attorney; and in 1904 was elected Governor. While governor he served as chairman of the Capitol Commission which planned the present State Capitol. Leaving South Dakota debt free for the first time in its history, he resumed his law practice in Clark. He continued to take effective interest in politics until his death July 13, 1935. He was survived by his wife who died in 1943, one son, and one daughter.

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To him Clark was the best town, Clark County the best county, and South Dakota the best state. His life was dedicated to their service.

Erected 1962 by the State Highway Commission, and friends of Samuel H. Elrod. (Marker Number 348.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the South Dakota State Historical Society Markers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 1, 1856.

Location. 44° 52.651′ N, 97° 43.965′ W. Marker is in Clark, South Dakota, in Clark County. It is at the intersection of 1st Avenue East and South Commercial Street, on the left when traveling west on 1st Avenue East. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 99 S Commercial St, Clark SD 57225, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East River.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

on the prairies,

and on the Northern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself

Samuel Harrison Elrod Marker, from the west image. Click for full size.

October 4, 2021

2. Samuel Harrison Elrod Marker, from the west

in what was once Rupert’s Land

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Clark County Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Birthplace of South Dakota Amateur Baseball (approx. 8.7 miles away).

Photographed by Ruth VanSteenwyk, December 31, 2015

3. Samuel Harrison Elrod Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 10, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 31, 2015, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. This page has been viewed 641 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on October 10, 2021. Photos: 1. submitted on December 31, 2015, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. 2. submitted on October 10, 2021. 3. submitted on December 31, 2015, by Ruth VanSteenwyk of Aberdeen, South Dakota. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.