Biography - South Dakota Genealogy

Biography of George Williston Nash

History of South Dakota vol 1 title page

George Williston Nash, the state superintendent of public instruction, is a native of Janesville, Wisconsin, born in 1868. Raised in Lincoln County, his early years were spent on his parents’ homestead near Canton. Nash’s educational journey led him to Yankton College, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1891. After teaching and studying abroad, he returned to Yankton and became a professor of mathematics and astronomy. In 1902, he resigned to assume the role of state superintendent, showcasing his dedication to advancing education. Nash’s leadership, characterized by persistence and fairness, promises a future of valuable contributions in the field.

Biography of Charles Nelson Herreid

Charles Nelson Herreid, the fourth governor of South Dakota, was born in Wisconsin on October 20, 1857. A dedicated student and self-made man, he pursued education, became a lawyer, and thrived as a leader in his community. Despite facing adversity, including a devastating fire that destroyed his town, Herreid remained resilient and committed to the development of his locality. He served as lieutenant governor, chairman of the Republican state committee, and was elected governor in 1900. Throughout his administration, he implemented administrative reforms and maintained a reputation for integrity and fairness. Herreid’s contributions to South Dakota are commendable, and his … Read more

Biography of Hon. Gideon C. Moody

Hon. Gideon C. Moody was a courageous pioneer, eminent jurist, prominent politician, conservative civic force, and honorable citizen. His inflexible integrity, coupled with his intellect, made him a force to be reckoned with. He served as an influential member of the South Dakota constitutional conventions, was elected to the United States Senate, and played a crucial role in Republican national conventions. Moody’s success as a lawyer was attributed to his meticulous preparation and unwavering commitment to justice. In private life, he was a devoted family man and a loyal friend. His legacy is one of remarkable achievements and enduring influence.

Sketch of Charles Bailey

History of Marshall County Dakota title page

The following sketch of Charles Bailey, the first settler in what is now Marshall County, was obtained by the writer from authentic sources and from persons acquainted with him before is arrival here. The Baileys, of whom there were several brothers, lived in Browns Valley, Minnesota, whence the subject of this sketch waylaid a supposed rival in a love affair and shot him but not fatally. For this criminal offense he served some time in the penitentiary at Stillwater. He was finally pardoned before the expiration of his term, and in a few days married a young lady but fifteen … Read more

South Dakota Biographies

Marthy Jane Cannary Biographies from the Memorial and Biographical Record These biographies are from “Memorial and biographical record; an illustrated compendium of biography, containing a compendium of local biography, including biographical sketches of prominent old settlers and representative citizens of South Dakota…” W. G. Ackerman Ell Nathan Aldrich Irwin D. Aldrich M. D. Alexander Andrew A. Anderson G. W. Anderson Oliver E. Anderson William Anderson James Oliver Andrews James J. Aplin Giles A. Baker Thomas Bandy Julian Bennett Dr. William S. Bentley Dr. S. N. Blair Joseph F. Bockler H. A. Booth George C. Bradley Christopher Brakke George Nelson Breed … Read more

Martha Jane Cannary

My maiden name was Marthy Cannary. I was born in Princeton, Missouri, May 1st, 1852. Father and mother were natives of Ohio. I had two brothers and three sisters, I being the oldest of the children. As a child I always had a fondness for adventure and out-door exercise and especial fondness for horses which I began to ride at an early age and continued to do so until I became an expert rider being able to ride the most vicious and stubborn of horses, in fact the greater portion of my life in early times was spent in this … Read more