Source- History of Dakota Territory IV, By George W. Kingsbury, 1915

Arthur W. Bartels, an enterprising and progressive real-estate dealer of Gary, was born at Nora Springs, Iowa, November 29, 1878, a son of Fred and Mary Bartels, who in 1879 removed with their family to South Dakota, settling in the vicinity of Gary, the father securing a tree claim on section 6, Herrick township. In addition to developing his property according to the methods which won him ownership, he engaged in the grain business, in which he continued for a number of years. Later he established a hardware store which he successfully conducted for a time and then extended the scope of his activities by policing a stock of general merchandise. Thus for a considerable period he was closely identified with the business development of his district. Eventually he and his wife removed to California. where his death occurred in 1907, while Mrs. Bartels is still living in that state.

Arthur W. Bartels was educated in the public schools and in the Mankato (Minn.) Commercial College, in which he continued his course
for a year. After leaving school he worked with his father in the store and later became connected with the First National Bank at Canby as assistant cashier. He also held a similar position at a later date in Gary and eventually became manager of the Farmers Elevator, after which he was appointed postmaster in 1907 by President McKinley, at which time the office was of the fourth class. He was reappointed by
President Roosevelt, at which time the office had risen to the third
class. He retired from the position in August, 1913, and then joined
his brother in the real estate business, in which he has since
continued with growing soys. He is now thoroughly informed concerning
property values and has gained a good clientage.
On the 25th of December, 1907, Mr. Bartels was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Asher, a daughter of Manlius and Carrie Asher, of Yellow
Medicine county, Minnesota. They have one child, Paul Asher, who is in
his first year. The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian church
and Mr. Bartels is an exemplary representative of Gates City Lodge, No. 14, A. F. & A. M., and the Eastern Star, and also has membership with the Elks lodge at Watertown and with the Modern Woodmen. In polities he is a republican and has served on the board of trustees of the town of Gary and as town treasurer. In 1914 he was elected to the office of state representative for the fifty-ninth district. He is fond of all outdoor sports and exercises and is interested in everything pertaining to South Dakota and her welfare. The faith of the majority of South Dakota's citizens in the state cannot be shaken and Mr. Bartels is one who recognizes its natural resources, its advantages and its opportunities. In his business connections he has made substantial advancement and ranks with the leading real-estate dealers of Deuel county.

Source- History of Dakota Territory IV, By George W. Kingsbury, 1915

Arthur W. Bartels, an enterprising and progressive real-estate dealer of Gary, was born at Nora Springs, Iowa, November 29, 1878, a son of Fred and Mary Bartels, who in 1879 removed with their family to South Dakota, settling in the vicinity of Gary, the father securing a tree claim on section 6, Herrick township. In addition to developing his property according to the methods which won him ownership, he engaged in the grain business, in which he continued for a number of years. Later he established a hardware store which he successfully conducted for a time and then extended the scope of his activities by policing a stock of general merchandise. Thus for a considerable period he was closely identified with the business development of his district. Eventually he and his wife removed to California. where his death occurred in 1907, while Mrs. Bartels is still living in that state.

Arthur W. Bartels was educated in the public schools and in the Mankato (Minn.) Commercial College, in which he continued his course
for a year. After leaving school he worked with his father in the store and later became connected with the First National Bank at Canby as assistant cashier. He also held a similar position at a later date in Gary and eventually became manager of the Farmers Elevator, after which he was appointed postmaster in 1907 by President McKinley, at which time the office was of the fourth class. He was reappointed by
President Roosevelt, at which time the office had risen to the third
class. He retired from the position in August, 1913, and then joined
his brother in the real estate business, in which he has since
continued with growing soys. He is now thoroughly informed concerning
property values and has gained a good clientage.
On the 25th of December, 1907, Mr. Bartels was united in marriage to Miss Ethel Asher, a daughter of Manlius and Carrie Asher, of Yellow
Medicine county, Minnesota. They have one child, Paul Asher, who is in
his first year. The parents hold membership in the Presbyterian church
and Mr. Bartels is an exemplary representative of Gates City Lodge, No. 14, A. F. & A. M., and the Eastern Star, and also has membership with the Elks lodge at Watertown and with the Modern Woodmen. In polities he is a republican and has served on the board of trustees of the town of Gary and as town treasurer. In 1914 he was elected to the office of state representative for the fifty-ninth district. He is fond of all outdoor sports and exercises and is interested in everything pertaining to South Dakota and her welfare. The faith of the majority of South Dakota's citizens in the state cannot be shaken and Mr. Bartels is one who recognizes its natural resources, its advantages and its opportunities. In his business connections he has made substantial advancement and ranks with the leading real-estate dealers of Deuel county.