History of South Dakota - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of James P. Cooley

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

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 of whom survived.

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 children.

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 and the Bank of Buffalo County. A dedicated Republican, Dye was active in local politics and fraternal organizations. He married Anna E. Lockwood on January 14, 1894, and they had two children, Wayne and Warren.

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 known for his public spirit and commitment to education. He and his wife, G. Marie Hoel, whom he married in 1867, raised six children.

Biography of John Duncan

John Duncan, born on May 23, 1851, in Banffshire, Scotland, immigrated to the United States in 1883, settling in Moody County, South Dakota. Initially purchasing a farm in Elkton Township with minimal funds, he later acquired a well-improved 160-acre farm in Ward Township in 1890. Duncan was engaged in diversified farming and specialized in breeding Shorthorn cattle and Clydesdale horses. A dedicated Republican, he held various township offices and served as a county commissioner from 1902. He and his wife, Mary Jane Minty, were active members of the Presbyterian church and the Modern Woodmen of America. They had five children: James Morris, Harry, Alfred, Marjory, and Leslie.

Biography of Chris Callesen

Chris Callesen, born on June 18, 1854, in Schleswig Holstein, Germany, was a respected farmer in Yankton County, South Dakota. Emigrating to the U.S. at seventeen, he initially settled in Yankton County and, upon reaching adulthood, acquired land from the government. In 1880, he married Christina Nelson, a Danish immigrant. Although they had no biological children, they adopted and raised a son, Nels Anderson. Callesen experienced both challenges, like the 1881 flood that destroyed his home, and successes, eventually owning a prosperous 160-acre farm. Active in his community, he was affiliated with the Modern Woodmen of America and the Lutheran church.

Biography of Charles Thomson

Charles Thomson, born on October 12, 1855, in Monroe County, Wisconsin, was a prominent businessman and city treasurer of Miller, Hand County, South Dakota. He moved to Hand County in 1883, claimed a homestead, and worked as a farmer and teacher. Thomson held various public offices, including county commissioner, county auditor, and presidential elector in 1900. A dedicated Republican, he was active in the party’s central committee. In 1895, he married Minnie Duthie, and in 1904 they had one child, Merle C., born in 1899. Thomson was involved in the grain and coal business.

Biography of August King

August King, born on December 15, 1863, in Saxony, Germany, is a respected citizen and legislative representative of Brookings County, South Dakota. Emigrating to the U.S. in 1880, King initially worked on farms in Minnesota before moving to South Dakota in 1886. He married Pauline Schulz in 1890 and eventually purchased a 280-acre farm in Brookings County. King, a successful farmer and stock grower, also contributes to the community through his political service as a Republican and involvement in local organizations. He and his wife are active in the Methodist Episcopal Church and have six children.

Biography of William S. Major

William S. Major, born on January 23, 1851, in Clinton County, Indiana, was a key pioneer in Hand County, South Dakota. Major, who owned 1,500 acres of land, played a significant role in the county’s organization and development. He moved to South Dakota in 1882, claiming government land and establishing a successful farm. A prominent figure in local politics, Major served three terms in the state senate. Known for his contributions to both agriculture and civic affairs, he was also an active member of the Presbyterian Church in Wessington, Beadle County.

Biography of Frank Nedved

Frank Nedved, born in Bohemia on August 18, 1828, played a pivotal role in establishing the Bohemian settlement in South Dakota. Emigrating to the U.S. in 1867, he initially settled in Ohio before leading a group to Dakota in 1869, where he secured land in Yankton County. Nedved’s efforts attracted many Bohemian families to the area. He lived on his homestead with his son Charles until his death. Nedved’s contributions to the community included establishing the first Catholic church and cemetery in Yankton County. His wife, Veronica Stadnik, and their eleven children shared in his pioneering legacy.

Biography of Mike Cwach

Mike Cwach, born in Bohemia in 1851, was a prominent landowner in Yankton County, owning 1,160 acres. Emigrating to the U.S. at seventeen, he initially settled in Missouri before moving to Yankton County in 1872, where he began a successful career in agriculture and stock raising. In 1878, he married Josie Beachan, whose father, Joseph Beachan, led a Bohemian colony to South Dakota in 1869. Together, Mike and Josie had ten children, eight of whom survived into adulthood. Mike Cwach was known for his agricultural contributions and commitment to his Roman Catholic faith.

Biography of Benjamin F. Reynolds

Benjamin F. Reynolds, a successful farmer and stock grower in Charles Mix County, South Dakota, was born on December 19, 1853, in Van Buren County, Michigan. His parents, Benjamin F. and Drusilla Reynolds, were Ohio natives and early settlers in Michigan. Benjamin moved to Minnesota at seventeen, worked in Wisconsin’s pine forests, and later relocated to South Dakota in 1876. He claimed a homestead near Wheeler, expanding his holdings to 500 acres. In 1888, he established a profitable ferry across the Missouri River, which he operated until 1902. Married to Martha Ecker Hill, Reynolds was a dedicated Republican and supported the Methodist Episcopal Church.

Biography of Harry D. James

Harry D. James, a prominent young lawyer in Wagner, South Dakota, was born in Ogle County, Illinois, on October 14, 1869. His father, Amos C. James, a Civil War veteran, relocated the family to Bon Homme County, South Dakota. Harry attended Yankton College and the agricultural school in Brookings before studying law in Sioux Falls. Admitted to the bar, he practiced in Flandreau, serving two terms as state’s attorney. Known for his vigorous prosecution style, he moved to Wagner about a year ago, combining legal work with stock raising. He married Emeline Seaman in 1895, and they have one daughter, Lucile.

Biography of Andrew Johnson

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 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 the school board and holding positions with the Lundquist Mercantile Company and the Irene Creamery.

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 1876, he married Susan Carroll, and they had six children: Mary, Nellie, Gustave C., Lizzie, Lucy, and Susan. Rieder was active in local politics as a Republican, serving as justice of the peace and county assessor. He was also a member of the Catholic Church, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and the Army and Navy Union.