W. S. L. Henley, a resident of Geddes, South Dakota, pursued a diverse career, transitioning from farming to real estate, finance, and retail. Born in 1853 in Scott County, Iowa, Henley farmed for many years before moving to Dakota, where he homesteaded and expanded his landholdings. In 1900, he relocated to Geddes, shifting his focus to real estate and machinery sales while also investing in town properties. A committed Republican, Henley served as city treasurer and held various local positions. He was active in fraternal organizations, including the Knights of Pythias and Modern Woodmen of America.
W. S. L. Henley, at present a resident of Geddes, has had a varied experience in different lines of business. For many years a farmer, he later became a dealer in real estate, lender of money, and clerk in a hardware store. It is creditable to his ability that in all these pursuits he achieved a fair measure of success, and when the inevitable “rainy day” arrives it will not find him unprovided with the means for comfort in old age. His father, H. W. Henley, was an Indianian by birth and a farmer by occupation, who removed to Iowa in 1836 and lived there until his death, which occurred twelve years ago. He married a Miss Lee, at present a resident of Missouri, and of their eight children, all boys, five are still living.
W. S. L. Henley, one of the survivors above mentioned, was born in Scott County, Iowa, near Davenport, June 4, 1853, and spent the earlier years of his life on his father’s farm. About twenty years ago he removed to Dakota and homesteaded one hundred sixty acres of land, which was subsequently doubled. Thus he was engaged in farming until 1900, when he located in Geddes and began to deal in real estate, loaning and selling machinery of various kinds. He buys and rents town property and, being a shrewd businessman, has enjoyed a thriving patronage since his arrival in town. His political affiliations are with the Republican party and at present he holds the position of city treasurer of Geddes. He has held various minor offices, such as justice of the peace and member of the school board. His fraternal connections are with the Knights of Pythias, Ancient Order of United Workmen, and Modern Woodmen of America. At present, Mr. Henley is clerking in a hardware store at Geddes. He has a wide acquaintance over the county and is regarded as a successful man of affairs.
Source: Robinson, Doane, History of South Dakota: together with mention of Citizens of South Dakota, [Logansport? IN] : B. F. Bowen, 1904.