De Smet in Kingsbury County, South Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Kingsbury County Bank
Born on March 5, 1844 in Carmichael, Pennsylvania, Thomas H. Ruth was one of six children. He also served in the Civil War. Ruth lived in De Smet from 1880-1908. His first wife was Lara Galbraith and they had no children. She passed away in 1883. He married Amelia Bell in 1895 and they had one son, Edwin. Thomas' health failed and he died in 1908. His son and wife returned to Pennsylvania to live.
The brick building now on the northwest corner of Calumet and Third Street was built in 1886 for the bank. The Kingsbury County Bank became the De Smet, or First National Bank in 1900 and closed on May 28, 1926 after failure to sell it.
Banks were built on corner lots because they received the most traffic. This building had three large office spaces. Dr. Hunter had his practice here and his family also lived here. The building housed a dentist office, a clothing store and a gift shop. Once again it is rental property.
Known as Banker Ruth in The Long Winter, Thomas Ruth was one of De Smet's most prominent and influential citizens. Banker Ruth purchased the last 50-pound bag of flour in town for a dollar a pound during The Long Winter.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.
Location. 44° 23.113′ N, 97° 32.977′ W. Marker is in De Smet, South Dakota, in Kingsbury County. Marker is at the intersection of Calumet Avenue Southeast and 3rd Street Southwest, on the right when traveling south on Calumet Avenue Southeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 227 Calumet Ave SE, De Smet SD 57231, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. John Owen's Law Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Owen Shoe Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); Power Tailor Shop (within shouting distance of this marker); The Loftus Store (within shouting distance of this marker); Bradley Drugstore (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Couse Hardware (about 400 feet away); Waters Land & Loan Company (about 400 feet away); Clancy's Store (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in De Smet.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 7, 2022. This page has been viewed 96 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 7, 2022.