South Dakota Crusader: Francis Case's Road to Congress

by Stephen L. Wilson

Overview

South Dakota Crusader takes an in-depth look at Francis Case's life and times up to the day before he officially becomes a U. S. congressman. It begins by describing his family background and early years as one of five children born in rural Iowa, where his Methodist-minister father served ten pastorates before accepting a new assignment in South Dakota's Black Hills. Next, Francis's high school, college, Marine Corps service, teaching, and graduate school careers are discussed in detail. The story then turns to his newspaper endeavors in Rapid City, Hot Springs, and Custer; and his involvement as a civic leader and unabashed Black Hills promoter. Finally, the book recounts his three attempts to be elected to Congress, and the Epilogue contains a summary of his congressional career. As the story unfolds, short updates about his close-knit family are provided.

South Dakota Crusader is a 2025 Midwest Book Awards finalist in the Biography category..

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780978960018
Publisher:	Joycliff Press
Publication date:	02/10/2024
Series:	South Dakota Patriots
Pages:	586
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Stephen L. Wilson is an award-winning author and a former adjunct professor in the History and Political Science Department at Concordia University-St. Paul. In 2013, he retired from a 35-year law career. During that time, he worked for three different law firms and spent five years with the U. S. Agency for International Development General Counsel's Office in Washington, D.C. From 1991 until retirement, he was a partner with Foley & Mansfield in Minneapolis.

In 1970, Wilson graduated from the University of South Dakota with a B.A. in Government. He then enrolled at England's Oxford University as a Rhodes scholar, completed the Philosophy, Politics and Economics course, and was awarded B.A. and M.A. degrees. He received his law degree from the University of Michigan. When he graduated from college, Wilson was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. He served on active duty in 1973 at Ft. Knox, Kentucky. After six years in the Ready Reserve, he was honorably discharged with the rank of captain.

Stephen has been married to Kristine since 1977, and they have three adult children. His interests include traveling, hiking, fly fishing, golf, getting together with family and friends, reading nonfiction, and listening to music and public radio.