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 Genealogy
- South Dakota Archives and Libraries
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- South Dakota Indian Tribes
- South Dakota Newspapers and Obituaries
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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
- Bollard, Major Robert
- Borst, William R.
- Clow, Lester H.
- Dunmire, J. M.
- Elliott, James D,
- Fales, Charles H.
- Grebe, Henry
- Hill, Charles
- Lacy, Ernest Jasper
- Lavery, Charles J., M. D.
- Lawrence, Charles L.
- Lumley, George W.
- Morehouse, Eli M., M. D.
- Powers, William M.
- Smith, Hon. Ellison Griffith
- Sutherland, John
- Van Tassel, Frank L.
- Wagner, Joseph A.
- Whiting, Joseph Williams
- Wilcox, Edward Parker
Biography of Soren Mikkelson
Soren Mikkelson was born on February 14, 1865, in Denmark. He emigrated to America with his parents, Ole and Karen Mikkelson, in 1875, initially settling in Illinois. In 1878, the family moved to South Dakota. Soren became a prominent farmer in Yankton County, owning 120 acres, with 80 acres under cultivation. He focused on dairy farming and raising hogs. In 1890, he married Kitty Stockland from Haugesund, Norway. They had six children: Ole, Jennie, Walter C., Alma, Roy, and Herman. Soren was active in the Lutheran church, the Republican party, and local educational and business affairs, serving as chairman of…
Biography of Gustave Rieder
Gustave Rieder was an industrious citizen of Gregory County, known for his significant contributions to agricultural development. Born on June 3, 1846, in Baden, Germany, he was the son of Leopold and Mary Rieder. He emigrated to America in 1863, working in New York and Philadelphia as a butcher. In 1865, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Fifth Artillery and later in the Sixth Cavalry under General Custer and General Miles. After multiple re-enlistments, he settled near Fort Randall, South Dakota, in 1875. He farmed and operated a dairy, becoming a successful and respected community member. In…
Biography of Jopin H. McLaughlin
Jopin H. McLaughlin, known as “Major” McLaughlin, was born on June 22, 1826, in Limerick, Ireland. After completing his education in a classical school, he sailed the seas for seven years, facing numerous adventures and perils, including shipwrecks. In 1850, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving in the Third and Sixth Cavalry, and participated in many campaigns against Native American tribes. During the Civil War, he served on the U.S. steamship “Virginia” and later the “Ida,” taking part in the capture of Mobile and its forts. Post-war, he re-enlisted and served under General Miles. From 1877, he resided at…
Biography of David H. Weeks
David H. Weeks, born on March 29, 1821, in Herkimer County, New York, was a pioneer settler of both Illinois and South Dakota. After marrying Eliza Shaul in 1851, he farmed in Herkimer County before moving to Ogle County, Illinois, in 1859. In 1883, he relocated to Hand County, South Dakota, securing homestead and pre-emption claims in Pearl Township, where he developed a 320-acre ranch. Known for his successful farming and stock raising, Weeks was respected in his community. He and his wife, Eliza, had seven children: John, Ida, Alma, Dayton, Albert, Henry, and George.
Biography of Frank M. Brownson
Frank M. Brownson, born on April 28, 1869, in North Dakota, was a progressive farmer in Yankton County. His parents, Almon C. and Hannah J. (Judd) Brownson, moved from New York to South Dakota in 1864, settling near Mechling before claiming 160 acres in Yankton County. Frank took over the family farm at fifteen and managed it for over a decade. On June 30, 1891, he married Maggie Seddon, and they had four children: Ethel, Edgar, Dorothy, and Roy. Active in the Methodist Episcopal Church and the Modern Woodmen of America, Frank was a well-respected Republican in his community.
Biography of Ole Kjeldseth
Ole Kjeldseth, born on March 20, 1835, in Bye, Wardalen, Norway, emigrated to the United States in 1864, initially settling in Muskegon, Michigan. After working in a sawmill and farming in Wisconsin, he returned to Norway briefly before relocating to Yankton County, South Dakota, in 1870. Starting with 160 acres, he expanded his holdings to 640 acres, overcoming early setbacks like grasshopper plagues. He married Sarah Knutson in 1860, and they had four children. A committed Republican, Kjeldseth served as county commissioner, justice of the peace, and school officer. His success is attributed to his hard work and business acumen.
Biography of Arthur G. Hill
Arthur G. Hill, born on December 7, 1863, in Warwickshire, England, was the son of Thomas and Harriet L. (Briant) Hill. After receiving his education in Coventry and Northampton College, he moved to Dakota Territory in 1884. Settling in Buffalo County, he initially engaged in ranching, acquiring a 320-acre farm. In 1897, Hill co-founded Dye & Hill, a real estate and abstract firm, and purchased the Dakota Chief newspaper. He also established the Bank of Buffalo County in 1898. A committed Republican, Hill served as county auditor and register of deeds. He was married to Mary M. Stroud in 1890,…
Biography of Levi M. Wood
Levi M. Wood, a prominent pioneer of LaValley Township in Lincoln County, South Dakota, was born on January 27, 1842, in Ohio. The son of Morris and Abashaba (Sudnutt) Wood, he moved with his parents to Iowa, where he grew up. He served in the Civil War with the Second Iowa Cavalry. In 1866, he married Virbett (Bent) Lippincott and, in 1872, they settled in South Dakota, where Wood developed a successful 240-acre farm. He was active in local politics, held various township offices, and contributed to the community’s development. He passed away on August 27, 1901, leaving a legacy…
Biography of Seigal B. Cawood
Seigal B. Cawood was born on December 5, 1861, on the family farm in Putnam County, Missouri, to Thomas and Ellen (Starr) Cawood. After assisting his father on the farm, he moved to South Dakota in 1882, settling in Hand County. There, he claimed a homestead in Pleasant Valley Township, developing a successful 640-acre ranch. Cawood was active in local politics as a staunch Republican and served on the board of trustees. He and his wife, Mary Alice Penwell, whom he married in 1886, were instrumental in founding the first Congregational church in the township. They had one son, Ernest…
Biography of John D. Herman
John D. Herman, M.D., was a respected physician and surgeon who practiced in Conde, Spink County. Born on February 27, 1859, in Freeborn County, Minnesota, he was the son of German immigrants Philip and Augusta Herman. Dr. Herman studied at Ohio Medical College, graduating in 1886, and furthered his education in Chicago and Philadelphia. Relocating to South Dakota in 1883, he became Conde’s first physician and opened its initial drug store. Married to Anna Cowan in 1888, they had four children. Dr. Herman was also known for his public service and extensive farming operations in the area.