Young, Gertrude Stickney, 1884-1965

Gertrude Stickney Young (September 14, 1883–January 1965) was born in Sioux Falls, Dakota Territory, to Emma and Sutton Young, the first Speaker of the South Dakota House of Representatives. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in 1910 and pursued additional studies at Cornell University, the University of Chicago, and the University of California.

Young served on the faculty of South Dakota State University from 1907 to 1942, where she gained a reputation as an engaging and respected instructor. Upon her retirement, she was named Professor Emeritus and continued to contribute to South Dakota’s intellectual life through her writing. She authored numerous historical sketches, including South Dakota: An Appreciation and Dakota Again, many of which were privately published and remain in library collections across the state.

A dedicated civic leader, Young was the first president of the Brookings Branch of the American Association of University Women and an active member of local organizations such as the Faculty Women’s Club and the Brookings Woman’s Club. She passed away in January 1965.

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