Douglas County

Biography of Major Robert Bollard

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Major Robert Dollard, born on March 14, 1842, in Fall River, Massachusetts, was a prominent lawyer and public figure in South Dakota. He served with distinction in the Civil War, advancing to the rank of Major. After the war, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1870. In 1879, he became the first settler in Douglas County, Dakota Territory, and played a key role in fighting corruption there. Dollard served as South Dakota’s first Attorney General and held various legislative positions. He married Carrie E. Dunn in 1875. His contributions to public service and law left a lasting legacy in South Dakota.

Biography of Andrew Johnson

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Andrew Johnson, a notable farmer, dairyman, and stock grower in Douglas County, South Dakota, was born and educated in Denmark before emigrating to America in 1873. Initially settling in Hartford, Connecticut, he moved to Iowa in 1877, where he farmed until 1900. Johnson then acquired a half section of land in Douglas County, cultivating 220 acres into a valuable homestead. He focused on general farming, dairy farming, and raising Shorthorn and Jersey cattle. A committed Republican and Presbyterian, he and his wife, Hannah Sorenson, had one daughter, Meta C., who married Henry Singleman.

Biography of Rev. William Lewis Meinzer

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Rev. William Lewis Meinzer was born on December 26, 1868, in Winnebago County, Illinois, to William and Mary Julia Meinzer, immigrants from Baden, Germany. He pursued education at Northwestern College, Iowa State College, and the State Agricultural College, earning a Bachelor of Science in 1894. Meinzer entered the Methodist Episcopal Church ministry, serving in various … Read more

Biography of Rev. William S. O’Meara

by
History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

Rev. William S. O’Meara is a highly regarded priest in charge of the Roman Catholic church in Armour, Douglas County. Born in Detroit in 1871, he completed his education in Baltimore and Cincinnati before being ordained in 1898. Since his arrival in Armour, Father O’Meara has shown great zeal and devotion, leading to the growth of the congregation. Under his guidance, a new church was built, reflecting his commitment to architectural beauty. Although the parish is not yet able to establish a parochial school, Father O’Meara personally instructs the children before they attend public schools. He is also active in civic duties as a Democrat.