Gladys Pyle papers

Collection

Identifier: MS-128

Staff Only

Content Description

This collection contains materials primarily related to the work and family of Gladys Pyle with few materials related to her time in politics.

Dates

Creation: 1898 - 1980

Creator

Pyle, Gladys, 1890-1989 (Person)

Conditions Governing Access

This collection is open for research without restrictions. Researchers are advised to contact the Archives and Special Collections prior to visiting. Advance notice may be needed to retrieve items for research use.

Conditions Governing Use

Researchers must obtain a signed Permission to Publish Form if they wish to reproduce, broadcast, or otherwise disseminate information from published and unpublished works held by ASC. Permission to reproduce, broadcast, or otherwise disseminate information materials from ASC does not constitute permission from the holder of copyright or literary rights. The researcher is responsible for securing permission from the copyright holder to publish or reproduce content from materials found in the collections.

Biographical / Historical

Gladys Pyle, born in Huron, South Dakota, served South Dakota as the first women state legislator, secretary of state of South Dakota and state congressional representative. She graduated from Huron College in 1911 and taught high school classes at Miller, Wessington, and Huron, S.D., until 1918. She was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1923 and in 1927, went on to serve as secretary of State of South Dakota until 1931. She made an unsuccessful bid for governor in 1930. Pyle served in the U.S. Senate from November 1938 until January 1939 following the death of Peter Norbeck. In 1939, she returned to the life insurance business and farm management. Among Pyle's other activities were membership in the state securities commission from 1931-1933 and the South Dakota Board of Charities and Corrections from 1943-1957. From 1950 to 1986 she worked as an agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Co. Pyle died on 14 March 1989 in Huron, South Dakota.