Charles L. Glessner

 

[This biography appears on pages 713-714 in "History of Dakota Territory" by George W. Kingsbury, Vol. V (1915).  From rootsweb.com]

 

          The efficient discharge of the duties of the county auditor demands careful and exact work and the voters of Sully county chose a man well qualified for the office when they elected Charles L. Glessner, the present incumbent. He was born in Waynesburg, Ohio, January 16, 1872. His father, John W. Glessner, was also born in Waynesburg in 1839 and his mother, who bore the maiden name of Miss Josephine Keagle, was born in Liberty, Pennsylvania, on the 29th of March, 1842. John W. Glessner learned the jeweler's trade early in life and followed that occupation until 1883, when he located at Okobojo, Sully county, South Dakota, and turned his attention to farming. He is now residing in Okobojo and is enjoying a period of well earned leisure. During the Civil war he served with the Eightieth Ohio Volunteer Infantry for four years and the greater part of the time was principal musician of the regiment. Although he saw much hard fighting, he was never wounded. He was with Sherman on the famous march to the sea. While living at Waynesburg, Ohio, he served for a number of years as mayor of that town. His wife passed away on the 17th of March 1915.

 

         Charles L. Glessner, who is the third in order of birth in a family of six children. attended the public schools of Waynesburg, Ohio, and of Sully county, South Dakota, as he v as but eleven years of age when the family removed westward. The first year the crops were a failure and, although he was but a boy, he was compelled to contribute to his own support. He began working for others and not only paid his own way but also assisted the family for several years. When twenty years old he engaged in teaching, following that profession for fifteen years. During that time he entered the Indian service as disciplinarian fan and was connected with the school maintained by that department at Pierre for seven years. At the end of that time he returned to Sully county and during the summers followed agricultural pursuits, while in the winter months he taught school. He was so occupied until elected auditor of Sully county. Since taking office he has given practically his entire attention to his official duties and has proved thoroughly competent and courteous. He owns valuable land in the county and has thoroughly identified his interests with those of his locality.

 

        Mr. Glessner was married on the 20th of November, 1901. to Miss Myrtle McGannon, a native of Illinois. Her parents, Reuben and Emma (Alexander) McGannon, were likewise born in that state, where they resided until 1883, when they came to South Dakota, settling near Okobojo, Sully county, where the father carried on agricultural pursuits for many years. Subsequently he engaged in the mercantile business in Okobojo, where he took up his. residence, and he still has business interests, although he leaves the management of his affairs largely to others, as he is living retired. His wife died when Mrs. Glessner was but a child. To Mr. and Mrs. Glessner have been born three children, Marion, Mildred Josephine, and Alma Louise.

 

         Mr. Glessner is a stalwart republican but previous to his election as county auditor had never held public office. Fraternally he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of America and for a number of years served as venerable consul of that body. He is well and favorably known throughout Sully county and his personality has gained him the warm friendship of many.