South Dakota Genealogy

South Dakota Genealogy is a genealogical and historical resource for your personal use. It contains information and records for South Dakota ancestry, family history, and genealogy. Specifically, it provides sources for birth records, death records, marriage records, census records, tax records, court records, and military records. It also provides some historical details about different times and people in South Dakota history.

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South Dakota County Genealogy

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What’s New at South Dakota Genealogy

The following 20 biographies have been transcribed from the History of South Dakota by Doane Robinson. Added to the other 149 that brings the total to 169 biographies from this four volume set. You can access all of them here: Biographies from the History of South Dakota

The Gold Brothers

The Gold Brothers, consisting of Sidney R., Frank O., James A., John T., and William H., were influential businessmen in the northwest, with interests spanning banking, real estate, and livestock across South Dakota and Minnesota. The brothers, originally from Pennsylvania and of German lineage, moved westward, establishing significant enterprises such as the Gold-Stabeck Land and Credit Company and various banking institutions. Their ventures also included the Gold Brothers Brick Company and involvement in the Inter-State Chautauqua Association. Active in public and religious affairs, they played a substantial role in the development of their communities.

Biography of Alexander A. Shoemaker

Alexander A. Shoemaker, born June 18, 1849, in Keokuk, Iowa, was the son of Jesse and Henrietta Shoemaker. His family moved to Council Bluffs in 1849 during the California Gold Rush, and later to near Omaha, Nebraska, in 1857. In 1877, Alexander relocated to the Black Hills of Dakota Territory, engaging in freighting and surviving numerous Indian encounters. He later settled on a ranch near Rapid City, then moved to Hermosa, Custer County, and eventually to a ranch on the Bad River. A successful cattle and horse rancher, Shoemaker served as a government scout and deputy sheriff. He married Anna…

Biography of James P. Cooley

James P. Cooley, born on February 26, 1845, in Cecil, Maryland, represents Bon Homme County in the South Dakota State Senate. He is one of eight children of Corbin and Mary Cooley, and the eldest of the four surviving siblings. Cooley moved to South Dakota in 1870, becoming a pioneer of Bon Homme County. He acquired extensive land holdings, totaling over 3,000 acres, and successfully engaged in cattle raising. A dedicated Democrat, he served in the territorial legislature (1872-3) and was elected to the state senate in 1902. Cooley married Mary McCollum in 1872, and they had twelve children, ten…

Biography of Captain Joseph Leach

Captain Joseph Leach, president and general manager of the Missouri River Transportation Company, was born on March 7, 1849, in Cambridgeshire, England. He immigrated to the United States in 1851, settling first in Cook County, Illinois, and later in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Leach began his career in steamboat transportation on the Missouri River in 1866. In 1883, he established a residence in Running Water, South Dakota, and developed a successful transportation business. Leach married Minnie Seeley in 1871, and they had ten children. A dedicated Republican, he served in the South Dakota State Legislature and Senate.

Biography of Louis Chladek

Louis Chladek, born on February 22, 1852, in Bohemia, Germany, immigrated to the United States at fourteen. He initially settled in Chicago, working in a furniture factory, before moving westward. By 1869, he reached Dakota Territory, where he pre-empted land near Yankton. Overcoming numerous challenges, he established a successful farming and business career, partnering with his brother in agricultural implement sales. By 1900, Chladek had accumulated significant land holdings and retired in Tyndall, South Dakota. In 1882, he married Louisa Vyborny, and they had four children. Chladek was a dedicated Democrat, a prominent Mason, and a respected community member.

Biography of Henry H. Farrington

Henry H. Farrington, born February 10, 1841, in Lake County, Indiana, is the son of Dr. John and Emily Farrington. He enlisted in the 73rd Indiana Volunteer Infantry in 1862, serving in the Civil War and participating in significant battles such as Stone River. After the war, Farrington farmed in Illinois before moving to South Dakota in 1883, where he acquired government land in Hand County. He later relocated to Wessington, Beadle County, engaging in grain and livestock trading, and eventually the hardware business. A dedicated Republican and Mason, Farrington married Lodema Pulver in 1860, with whom he had five…

Biography of George L. Gilman

George L. Gilman, a landowner in Yankton County, South Dakota, has been instrumental in the region’s development since 1902. Born in West Hartland, Connecticut, in 1850, he is the son of Samuel B. and Harriet T. Gilman. After his father’s death, George managed the family farm, taught school, and eventually moved to South Dakota, securing government land in McCook County in 1882. He later expanded his holdings and relocated to Yankton County. In 1884, he married Emma O. Gaines, and they had five children. An active Republican and Congregational church member, George’s life reflects perseverance and community dedication.

Biography of Ellsworth E. Dye

Ellsworth E. Dye, born on May 14, 1863, in Decatur County, Iowa, was the son of Robert E. and Elizabeth (Trippett) Dye. Raised on a farm, he completed his early education in public schools and continued his studies at Des Moines University. Dye alternated between farming and teaching before moving to Buffalo County, South Dakota, in 1887, where he claimed 160 acres of land. After selling his farm in 1891, he taught in Gann Valley and then served two terms as county treasurer. Partnering with Arthur G. Hill, he entered the real estate business and co-founded the Dakota Chief newspaper…

Biography of Jacob D. Steiner

Jacob D. Steiner, born on June 12, 1861, in Dodge County, Wisconsin, was a prominent farmer and respected citizen of Grant County, South Dakota. He owned a 480-acre farm in Bigstone Township and served as president of the Evangelical Mutual Insurance Company. Steiner moved to South Dakota in 1891 and built a successful farming and livestock operation. A dedicated Republican, he held various local offices and was elected to the state legislature in 1902. Married to Amanda Korte in 1890, Steiner was also an active member of the Evangelical Association, contributing significantly to his community’s development.

Biography of Andrew Melgaard

Andrew Melgaard, born in Norway on September 15, 1842, was a significant figure in Brown County, South Dakota. Educated in Norway, he served five years as a sergeant in the Norwegian army before emigrating to the United States in 1869. Settling first in Litchfield, Minnesota, Melgaard worked for the Minneapolis Harvester Works before moving to Brown County in 1880. There, he homesteaded a half section of land near Aberdeen, transforming it into a prosperous farm and modern residence. He was instrumental in establishing the Northern Normal and Industrial School on his property. Active in community and church affairs, Melgaard was…

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