Holden D. Kinyon, the popular postmaster of Valley Springs, South Dakota, was born in Lomira, Wisconsin, in 1854. After receiving his education, he moved to South Dakota and purchased land near Valley Springs. In 1890, he was appointed postmaster and has served in that position for four administrations. Mr. Kinyon’s business as a dealer in books, stationery, and school supplies has flourished, and he is known for his courteous and obliging nature. He is highly respected in the community, both for his public service and his dedication to the Republican Party. Married to Jennie F. Palmer, he and his wife are valued members of Valley Springs society.
HOLDEN D. KINYON, the popular and efficient postmaster of Valley Springs, South Dakota, also a dealer in books, stationery, and school supplies, was born in Lomira, Dodge County, Wisconsin, September 15, 1854, being the son of Samuel and Elizabeth (McIntosh) Kinyon. He was reared on his father’s farm near Lomira, received his elementary education in the public schools of the town, and subsequently pursued the more advanced branches of study in the Mayville high school, fitting himself for teaching in the latter institution. Until twenty-six years old, he helped cultivate the home place, devoting the winter seasons to educational work, but at that age, he left his native state and came to South Dakota, purchasing in 1887 a claim about five miles northwest of Valley Springs, in the county of Minnehaha. During the ensuing year and a half, he lived on his land and labored at its improvement, but at the end of that time changed his abode to Valley Springs, where he spent the next year unemployed on account of poor health. In the year 1890, Mr. Kinyon was appointed postmaster at Valley Springs, a position he has held to the present time, his period of service extending over four administrations. This fact attests not only his efficiency but also his great popularity with the public, irrespective of politics, although his allegiance to the Republican Party and activity in upholding its principles have made him one of its leaders in this part of the state. Mr. Kinyon has a fine store, in which are found full and complete lines of such goods as he handles, and from the beginning, his business has steadily grown until he now commands a large and lucrative trade. His relations with his customers are gentlemanly and obliging, to which fact not a little of his success is due, and as an official, he attends strictly to his duties, the people recognizing in him a most courteous and accommodating servant whose kindly nature has won a warm and permanent abiding place in public esteem. Mr. Kinyon owns a pleasant home in Valley Springs and has a wife but no children. His marriage dates back to the 18th of March, 1876, to Mrs. Kinyon, formerly Miss Jennie F. Palmer, of Wisconsin. She is popular in the social walks of life, has many friends and acquaintances in the place of her residence, and, like her husband, is respected and manifests an abiding interest in whatever makes for the good of the community.