South Dakota Genealogy is being developed as 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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The following biographies have been transcribed from the History of South Dakota volumes 1.
- Anderson, Hemming
- Anderson, Ole
- Bagstad, Iver
- Bartelt, Charles H.
- Baxter, George H.
- Belk, John T.
- Berdahl, Erick J.
- Bouck, Thomas L., Hon.
- Bridgman, Hosea
- Carpenter, Cora W., M.D.
- Cederstrum, John
- Conrick, James O.
- Davison, Henry M.
- Downie, William W.
- Ericson, Edward Charles
- Eymer, Conrad
- Farley, John S.
- Farren, Henry B.
- Gamble, Hugh S.
- Goldin, Alfred
- Grace, George H.
- Hall, J. C.
- Herreid, Charles Nelson
- Holmes, Harry A.
- Hopkins, Hollace Lincoln
- Jones, David F.
- Kelley, Edgar, Hon.
- Kirk, James
- Kyle, James Henderson
- Langness, J. O.
- Lasell, George G.
- Loffler, Charles L., M.D.
- Lowthian, Nicholas T., Hon.
- Meehan, Frank W.
- Melham, J. O.
- Miles, Edward V.
- Moody, Gordon C.
- Nash, George Williston
- Noble, Andrew J.
- Northrup, Edgar B.
- Olson, Hans C.
- Payne, Edward C.
- Pew, Fred S.
- Pinckney, George H.
- Quale, Albert N.
- Quigley, John
- Reeves, James D.
- Roth, Henry
- Sagar, George R.
- Sandvig, Hans H.
- Smull, John D.
- Sheldon, Charles Henry
- Stelle, George D.
- Swartout, Floyd E.
- Volin, Joseph J.
- Ward, David E.
- Wilber, Henry
- Wood, Guy L.
South Dakota Genealogy
- South Dakota Archives and Libraries
- South Dakota Biographies
- South Dakota Cemeteries
- South Dakota Census Records
- South Dakota Church Records
- South Dakota Indian Tribes
- South Dakota Newspapers and Obituaries
- South Dakota Historical and Genealogical Societies
Neighboring States
Biography of John T. Belk
John T. Belk, a prominent and successful businessman in Codington County, South Dakota, was born in Illinois in 1860. After gaining a practical education, he worked in various industries before settling in South Dakota and acquiring land. Belk’s diligent management of a grain business earned him the trust of the G.W. Van Dusen Company. Alongside his business pursuits, he actively participated in politics, supporting the Republican party and serving as a respected legislator. Belk was also involved in fraternal organizations and held a high position in the Pythian fraternity. He married Jennie Hazlett in 1893, and they had three children.
Biography of John S. Farley
John S. Farley, a prominent merchant in Milbank, has built a prosperous business in hardware and farming implements. Born in Galena, Illinois, in 1856, he grew up on a farm in Howard County, Iowa. After assisting with farm work, he established himself in the hardware business in Milbank in 1880. Through diligent work and correct methods, his business thrived, drawing customers from a wide area. Farley’s dedication to public service is evident in his support of the Republican Party and his elected positions as county treasurer and member of the board of aldermen. He is also involved in community organizations…
Biography of John Quigley
John Quigley was born in County Tipperary, Ireland, in 1847. His parents immigrated to America in 1850, settling in Illinois. Growing up in a new and sparsely settled country, John’s education was limited, but he gained practical skills through hard work on the family farm. After assisting his father, he ventured to Iowa and later settled in South Dakota, where he acquired land and made improvements. He transitioned from farming to working for a railroad company before returning to his farm. In 1890, he moved to Worthing, engaging in the livery business and later becoming a successful dealer in agricultural…
Biography of John D. Smull
John D. Smull, the deputy postmaster at Milbank, was born in DeKalb County, Illinois, in 1865. He grew up in Chicago, where he received his education and pursued a career in the mercantile industry. In 1892, he ventured to South Dakota and settled on government land in the Sisseton Indian reservation. Smull actively contributed to the local community, playing a crucial role in the organization of Blooming Valley Township and serving as president of the Settlers’ Association. He later became deputy postmaster and proved himself as a capable and respected public servant. Smull’s dedication to civic development, political involvement, and…
Biography of Joseph J. Volin
Joseph J. Volin, a pioneer in South Dakota, played a crucial role in the development of Yankton County. Born in Canada in 1838, he moved to Iowa with his family before settling in South Dakota. Overcoming hardships, including crop destruction and floods, Volin became a prosperous farmer, eventually owning a 400-acre cultivated farm. He actively participated in community affairs, helping to establish the first school in his district and serving as a school trustee for two decades. Volin, a Democrat who prioritized merit over party, was also a respected member of the Congregational Church.
Biography of James O. Conrick
James O. Conrick, a successful farmer and ex-soldier, was born in 1838 in Montgomery County, New York. His father, E. P. Conrick, played a significant role in the construction of the first US railroad and the Erie Canal. James ventured west, seeking gold in California, before returning to agriculture. He enlisted in Company A, Tenth Wisconsin Infantry, fighting bravely in numerous battles during the Civil War. After the war, he settled in South Dakota, transforming his homestead into an exemplary farm. An active Republican and devoted community member, James Conrick raised a family, emphasizing education and achievement. His lineage dates…
Biography of James Kirk
James Kirk, a native of Dumfriesshire, Scotland, embarked on a remarkable journey that shaped his life. From his early ventures in the dry goods business in England to engaging in sheep raising in Colorado, Kirk’s experiences were diverse. He devoted several years to missionary work in Sierra Leone, Africa, spreading Christianity and teaching the natives. Returning to Scotland and later settling in South Dakota, Kirk transformed his land into a thriving farm, excelling in livestock breeding and cultivation. A devoted Congregational church member, he actively participated in religious and community endeavors, embodying the qualities of a selfless philanthropist and progressive…
Biography of James D. Reeves
JAMES D. REEVES, a native of Minnesota, made a significant impact on South Dakota’s public affairs. As a newspaperman and former state auditor, Reeves earned public confidence and esteem. Beginning his career as a printer, he founded several newspapers, including the Groton Mirror and the Groton Independent. With unwavering dedication to Republican principles, Reeves served as mayor, school board member, and state auditor. He proved to be a skilled administrator during his tenure and was recognized as a progressive thinker in the newspaper industry. Reeves was also an active member of various fraternal organizations.
Biography of J. O. Melham
J. O. Melham, a prominent businessman from Minnesota, was born on a farm in Fillmore County in 1866. He grew up in a family of Norwegian heritage, and his father was a teacher before immigrating to America. J. O. Melham excelled in his education, attending schools in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and South Dakota. After leaving school, he worked on the family farm before embarking on an independent career in the agricultural industry. Eventually, he found success in the lumber and hardware business, establishing the Melham Brothers Lumber Company. Mr. Melham is also involved in banking and holds significant land holdings in…
Biography of John Cederstrum
John Cederstrum, a Swedish immigrant, is a prominent figure in Dayton township, Lincoln County, South Dakota. Born in 1847, he faced early hardships after the death of his parents, working as a farm laborer until the age of 22. In 1869, he embarked on a journey to America with twelve companions, eventually settling in South Dakota in 1871. Cederstrum worked in the railroad industry before purchasing land in Dayton township in 1881. A dedicated farmer, he cultivates his land, raises livestock, and actively participates in public affairs. Cederstrum is highly regarded for his integrity and contributions to his community.