May 6, 2014 • Page 3 shop online at www.missourivalleyshopper.com First Lady of Territory Deserves Better By Katie Hunhoff Amanda Kate Pennington left the two small graves of her children Willie and Kate in Alabama when she came to Yankton, Dakota Territory in 1874 with her husband, John, who was named Territorial Governor by President Ulysses S. Grant. They had three other children, however, and so she adjusted to life an active and enthusiastic Dakotan. But the Penningtons suffered anew when Amanda grew ill and died in 1884 at her home, an Italianate-style brick home at 3rd and Pearl in downtown Yankton. Since 1987, the Pennington House has been the headquarters for South Dakota Magazine. John Pennington was a Southern newspaperman during the Civil War. He gained General Ulysses S. Grant's trust and attention by editorializing that the South was paying too great a price and should consider surrender. When Grant became president, he awarded Pennington the governorship of Dakota Territory. Pennington survived as governor for four years (1874-1878), double the tenure of most territorial leaders. He was sympathetic to the concerns of farmers and Native Americans and considered a capable fellow, but he became identified with the infamous “Yankton Ring” that mastered the spoils system. For example, when Pennington County was created in 1875, the governor named Yanktonians to serve as county officers; his friends collected salaries without ever moving west to perform their duties. After leaving office, Pennington remained in Yankton. He published a weekly newspaper and built a substantial commercial building downtown. He became a full-fledged South Dakotan after serving as territorial governor. Sioux Falls historian Gary Conradi recently completed a search for all of our governors’ graves. He assumed that Mrs. Pennington was buried in Alabama but when he found six Pennington grave lots in the Yankton Cemetery, he searched the Yankton Press and Dakotan archives for her obituary. It noted that she was indeed buried in the Yankton Cemetery, though the family intended to move the grave home to Alabama so she could rest alongside her deceased children. But, of course, it was not easy to move a loved one's remains in the 1880s, and it never happened. Eventually her husband and three surviving children, Lulu, Mary and John Jr., left without her. Of the six Pennington plots in the Yankton Cemetery, only one was ever used. Amanda rests there alone today, without a stone or any recognition. In this 125th birthday year for South Dakota, a group of Yanktonians and state historians intend to right an old wrong by placing a headstone on Amanda's grave befitting a first lady of the territory. It will include the names of her five beloved children. A collection is being held to pay for the stone; anyone who wishes to donate may send a small check to Remembering Amanda, c/o South Dakota Magazine, Box 175, Yankton, SD 57078. It won’t be an expensive project, so we don’t need large donations. A memorial service will be held at the grave, probably in September. Liquor Specials 109 W. 3rd St. in Downtown Yankton www.yanktonr exall.com . Katie Hunhoff is the editor of South Dakota Magazine, a bi-monthly publication that explores the people and places of South Dakota. For more information or to subscribe visit www.SouthDakotaMagazine.com Old Millwaukee 30pks & Light Registered Angus Bulls For Sale Bred for calving ease & growth. Performance tested, guaranteed. Out of top bloodlines in the Angus breed. Call: Hauger’s Stock Farms IRENE, SOUTH DAKOTA Steven: 605.263.3774 NO DOCUMENTATION FEES Brian & Jean DeGroot, Owners 802 Broadway, Yankton, SD (Never have, never will.) Buy • Sell • Trade Quatlity...USED Cars, Trucks, Campers, Boats & Consignments 665-1596 www.bridgecityautoyankton.com INT BOOK 57 #1 Yesterday’s Solution su do ku EA BOOK 57 #1 Guiding and serving families with compassion and trust. 665-9679 • 1-800-495-9679 PO Box 34, Yankton, SD 57078 www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com Kevin Opsahl Tami Keller $ 69 15. Ten High $ 1.75 L 14.99 Lord Calvert 1.75 L $ 99 14. Phillips Vodka 1.75 L $ 12.99 FREE Customer Parking 605-665-7865 Hours Monday-Friday 8:30-6:00 Saturday 9:00-4:30 Price Effective May 6th - 12th, 2014 Check Our Website for SPECIAL COUPONS in our Toy and Gift Departments Easy-access parking behind store.