William F. Rabbitt, the incumbent clerk of the county and circuit courts for Grant County, is widely regarded as an able executive and a popular figure in the community. Born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1872, Rabbitt emigrated to America at the age of twelve. After residing in Chicago and Philadelphia, he settled in South Dakota, where he acquired a substantial farm. Engaged in farming and stock raising, Rabbitt’s commendable work led to his election as clerk of the courts in 1900, a position he was re-elected to in 1902. Beyond his public service, Rabbitt is known for his business acumen and dedication to agricultural development.
WILLIAM F. RABBITT is the incumbent of the responsible position of clerk of the county and circuit courts for Grant County. He is known as an able executive and is one of the popular young men of the county, where he has maintained his home since 1897.
Mr. Rabbitt is a native of the fair Emerald Isle, having been born in County Galway, Ireland, on the 25th of March, 1872. He is the son of James and Nora (Dillon) Rabbitt, who were born and raised in the same county and are now both deceased. The subject received his early education in his native land and came to America in 1884, at the age of twelve. He subsequently resided in the city of Chicago until 1895, attending school and working in various commercial houses. He then moved to the city of Philadelphia, where he was employed as a traveling salesman by the Dogley Tea Company until 1897. In that year, he came to South Dakota and settled near Twin Brooks in Grant County. He became the owner of a farm consisting of one hundred and sixty acres, to which he later added four hundred and eighty acres, making it one of the most valuable and well-improved farms in the county. He was actively engaged in farming and stock raising until his election to his current office in November 1900. He was re-elected in 1902, which demonstrates the satisfactory work he has done as clerk of the courts. He is a staunch advocate of the principles of the Republican Party and was elected on its ticket.
Mr. Rabbitt has shown a deep interest in the development of the agricultural resources of this area. He is recognized as an able businessman and a public-spirited citizen. He owns a beautiful home in Milbank, which is a favorite gathering place for the large circle of friends he and his wife have acquired. Fraternally, he is affiliated with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of America, the Ancient Order of United Workmen, and the Improved Order of Red Men.
On the 29th of March, 1900, Mr. Rabbitt married Miss Augusta Runge, who was born in Wisconsin. She is the daughter of Julius Runge, one of the respected pioneers and prominent farmers of Grant County. Mr. and Mrs. Rabbitt have two children: Nora Augusta and Elizabeth Elmira S.
Source: Robinson, Doane, History of South Dakota: together with mention of Citizens of South Dakota, [Logansport? IN] : B. F. Bowen, 1904.