This South Dakota state page of our website provides direct links to major databases and historical titles found on South Dakota genealogy and history, whether they exist on our site, or across the web.
South Dakota Biographies
Biographies from the History of South Dakota
These biographies are transcribed from the History of South Dakota by Doane Robinson. This is a work in progress.
History of Jefferson South Dakota
This history of Jefferson South Dakota provides a glimpse into the establishment, growth, and evolution of Jefferson, South Dakota, from its early days in 1859 up to the mid-20th century. The narrative contains biographical and/or genealogical details on 31 families containing the names of: Allard, Beaubien, Beavers, Bernard, Bertrand, Bosse, Brouillette, Cates, Chaussee, Chicoine, Collins, Connors, Crevier, Curran, Dennison, Flageolle, Fountaine, Gadbois, Gary, Hummel, la Breche, La Brune, La Fleur, Lambert, Mason, Montagne, Montague, Pinard, Rubida, Ryan, and Wynn.
A Comprehensive History of Minnehaha County, South Dakota
A Comprehensive History of Minnehaha County, South Dakota: Its Background, Her Pioneers, Their Record of Achievement and Development” by Charles A. Smith is an extensive and detailed chronicle of the county’s past, encapsulating its evolution from its earliest days. This work, published in 1958, spans 504 pages, elaborately documenting the county’s journey through various phases of development. Particularly noteworthy are the chapters on the City of Sioux Falls, which provide a comprehensive overview of its growth, municipal enterprises, public buildings, and transportation systems. As well, for genealogists, the few biographies in chapter 13 of part 1.
South Dakota Cemeteries
South Dakota Cemetery Records
South Dakota Cemetery records are listed by county then name of cemetery within the South Dakota county. Most of these are complete indices at the time of transcription, however, in some cases we list the listing when it is only a partial listing.
South Dakota Census Records
- South Dakota, State Census, 1905
Individual census cards arranged in alphabetical order. - South Dakota, State Census, 1915
Name index and images of census cards from the 1915 South Dakota State Census acquired from the South Dakota State Historical Society. - South Dakota, State Census, 1925
Name index and images of census cards from the 1925 South Dakota State Census acquired from the South Dakota State Historical Society. - South Dakota, State Census, 1935
Name index and images of census cards from the 1935 South Dakota State Census acquired from the South Dakota State Historical Society. - South Dakota, State Census, 1945
Name index and images of census cards from the 1945 South Dakota State Census acquired from the South Dakota State Historical Society.
South Dakota Church Records
The Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1860-1960
“Pioneer Church: The History of the South Dakota District, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1860-1960” is a carefully crafted chronicle that delves deep into the roots of Lutheran Christianity across South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. Spanning a century, this volume unfolds the vibrant narrative of faith, community, and relentless dedication to the service of God and humanity in a region marked by its pioneering history. Free to read or download.
South Dakota Court Records
South Dakota, County Naturalization Records, 1865-1972
County Circuit and District court naturalization records from county courthouses in South Dakota. Coverage dates vary by county. The records were acquired from the South Dakota State Historical Society.
South Dakota, Minnehaha County, Probate Case Records, 1873-1935
Probate case records located at the South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre. The files are arranged by box, folder and file numbers.
South Dakota, Pennington County Probate Case Files, 1880-1937
Images of probate case files from the South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre. The collection is arranged by case number.
South Dakota Genealogy
The Descendants of Franklin Mary Noyes Rowe of Humboldt County, Iowa
This book, “The Descendants of Franklin Mary Noyes Rowe of Humboldt County, Iowa, with Some Notes on Their Ancestors,” authored by Velma Rowe Coffin in Storm Lake, Iowa, in 1955, is a meticulously researched genealogical record spanning 87 pages. It traces the lineage of Franklin Rowe, born December 30, 1836, in Onondaga County, New York, and provides insights into his ancestry and descendants. Free to read or download. Contains information on descendants who resided in Carpenter, Corona, Hartford, Irene, Kimball, and Tripp townships in South Dakota.
History of Jefferson South Dakota
This history of Jefferson South Dakota provides a glimpse into the establishment, growth, and evolution of Jefferson, South Dakota, from its early days in 1859 up to the mid-20th century. The narrative contains biographical and/or genealogical details on 31 families containing the names of: Allard, Beaubien, Beavers, Bernard, Bertrand, Bosse, Brouillette, Cates, Chaussee, Chicoine, Collins, Connors, Crevier, Curran, Dennison, Flageolle, Fountaine, Gadbois, Gary, Hummel, la Breche, La Brune, La Fleur, Lambert, Mason, Montagne, Montague, Pinard, Rubida, Ryan, and Wynn.
South Dakota Genealogy Websites
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.
SDGenWeb – South Dakota GenWeb
SDGenWeb is created by a group of volunteers as part of the USGenWeb Project working together to provide free genealogy websites for genealogical research in every county in South Dakota. This Project is non-commercial and fully committed to free genealogy access for everyone.
South Dakota AHGP
A loose federation of websites concerning South Dakota genealogy and history. AHGP stands for the American History and Genealogy Project.
South Dakota History
History of Jefferson South Dakota
This history of Jefferson South Dakota provides a glimpse into the establishment, growth, and evolution of Jefferson, South Dakota, from its early days in 1859 up to the mid-20th century. Jefferson, strategically nestled between the Big Sioux River and the Missouri River, and bordered by the hills of Iowa and Nebraska, became a beacon for early settlers drawn by its promising land. The narrative begins with the arrival of the first white settlers among indigenous populations, highlighting the foundational role of families like Michael Ryan Sr., A. Christie, and Mr. Matthews. This book is free to read and download.
History of Lawrence County South Dakota
In celebration of the Dakota Territory Centennial, the 186-page book “Lawrence County for the Dakota Territory Centennial, 1861-1961” serves as a comprehensive guide and a treasure trove of information for genealogists and historians alike, offering a detailed exploration of Lawrence County’s rich history, culture, and development over a century. Compiled with meticulous care by editor Mildred Fielder and published by Seaton Publishing Company in 1960, this book is free to read and download.
Marshall County, North Dakota History
About the middle of the seventeenth century French explorers passed through what is now Dakota, and again in the beginning of the present century Lewis and Clark explored this region. In 1809 one of the Astor’s parties, conducted by Mr. Hunt on their way across the continent to the mouth of the Columbia River, ascended the Missouri River to the 46 degree parallel, where they procured horses from the Indians and traveled overland.
A Comprehensive History of Minnehaha County, South Dakota
A Comprehensive History of Minnehaha County, South Dakota: Its Background, Her Pioneers, Their Record of Achievement and Development” by Charles A. Smith is an extensive and detailed chronicle of the county’s past, encapsulating its evolution from its earliest days. This work, published in 1958, spans 504 pages, elaborately documenting the county’s journey through various phases of development. Particularly noteworthy are the chapters on the City of Sioux Falls, which provide a comprehensive overview of its growth, municipal enterprises, public buildings, and transportation systems. As well, for genealogists, the few biographies in chapter 13 of part 1. This book is free to read and download.
History of Union County South Dakota
This History of Union County, South Dakota was authored by Donald Dean Parker and published in 1959 by South Dakota State College, and it stands as a comprehensive chronicle of the region’s development from its earliest settlements to its role in the broader tapestry of state and national history. This work delves into the intricate narrative of Union County, capturing its transformation from a sparsely populated territory to a flourishing agricultural hub. This book is free to read and download.
Life and Adventures of Calamity Jane (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 manner.
South Dakota, Grand Army of the Republic Membership Records, 1861-1941
Images of G.A.R post records from the Dakota and South Dakota Departments. The collection includes membership rosters, attendance registration books of various encampments (some include Women’s Relief Corps.), post descriptive books, member deaths, adjutant reports, muster rolls, lists of officers, applications to form a post, reunion rosters, etc. The descriptive books are arranged by post name and number. Most records include item number, name, post name and number. The descriptive books may list name, age, state of birth, residence in South Dakota, occupation, date-rank-company-regiment of service and final discharge, cause of discharge, when mustered into G.A.R., status, and date of death. The collection was acquired from the South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre.
South Dakota, School Records, 1879-1970
School records, including teacher’s term reports, school census and attendance records located at the South Dakota State Historical Society in Pierre. Records are generally arranged by county, year and school district number. This collection is being published as images become available.
South Dakota Land Records
U.S., Bureau of Land Management Tract Books, 1820-1908
3,907 land management tract books containing official records of the land status and transactions involving surveyed public lands arranged by state and then by township and range. These books indicate who obtained the land, and include a physical description of the tract and where the land is located. The type of transaction is also recorded such as cash entry, credit entry, homesteads, patents (deeds) granted by the Federal Government, and other conveyances of title such as Indian allotments, internal improvement grants (to states), military bounty land warrants, private land claims, railroad grants, school grants, and swamp grants. Additional items of information included in the tract books are as follows: number of acres, date of sale, purchase price, land office, entry number, final Certificate of Purchase number, and notes on relinquishments and conversions.
South Dakota Military Records
Dakota Territory Forts
List of colonial forts, trading posts, named camps, redoubts, reservations, general hospitals, national cemeteries, etc., established or erected in the United States from its earliest settlement to 1902.
South Dakota Forts
List of colonial forts, trading posts, named camps, redoubts, reservations, general hospitals, national cemeteries, etc., established or erected in the United States from its earliest settlement to 1902.
1840 Pensioners Census
The information contained in this 1840 Pensioners Census database is a compilation of the data on the Revolutionary War pensioners gathered from the 1840 census returns. The information is organized by place – state, county, then township. It also lists the name and age of the veteran, and the name of the head of household with whom the pensioner resided on the census date.
Revolutionary War Pension Records
Civil War Pensions Index Cards
Each card gives the soldier’s name, unit, the application number, the certificate number and the state from which the soldier served. In some cases, the soldier’s rank, terms of service, date of death and place of death are given. The index cards refer to pension applications of veterans who served in the U.S. Army between 1861 and 1917. The majority of the records pertain to Civil War veterans, but they also include veterans of the Spanish-American War, the Philippine Insurrection, Indian wars, and World War I.
South Dakota World War 1 Draft Registration
South Dakota Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard World War II Casualty List
South Dakota Native American Tribes
- South Dakota Indian Tribes
- South Dakota Indian Reservations
- Blackfoot Indians and their Stories
- Marshall County, South Dakota Indian Reservations
- South Dakota Indian Honored War Dead
- Oregon and South Dakota Indians Wounded in Action
- Current Federally Recognized Indian Tribes by State
- List of Federally Non-Recognized Tribes
- State Recognized Tribes
South Dakotas Vital Records
South Dakota Courthouse Addresses
South Dakota Birth Records Database
This database contains information from birth records with birth dates of over 100 years of age as required by South Dakota Codified Law 34-25-8. At this time this database contains 244,652 records.
South Dakota, Department of Health, Birth and Marriage Indexes, 1843-2014
Index of birth and marriage indexes from 1843 to 2014 provided by the South Dakota Department of Health.
What’s New in South Dakota Genealogy?
SDGenWeb – South Dakota GenWeb
SDGenWeb is created by a group of volunteers as part of the USGenWeb Project working together to provide free genealogy websites for genealogical research in every county in South Dakota. This Project is non-commercial and fully committed to free genealogy access for everyone.
A Comprehensive History of Minnehaha County, South Dakota
A Comprehensive History of Minnehaha County, South Dakota: Its Background, Her Pioneers, Their Record of Achievement and Development” by Charles A. Smith is an extensive and detailed chronicle of the county’s past, encapsulating its evolution from its earliest days. This work, published in 1958, spans 504 pages, elaborately documenting the county’s journey through various phases of development. Particularly noteworthy are the chapters on the City of Sioux Falls, which provide a comprehensive overview of its growth, municipal enterprises, public buildings, and transportation systems. As well, for genealogists, the few biographies in chapter 13 of part 1.
History of Union County South Dakota
This History of Union County, South Dakota was authored by Donald Dean Parker and published in 1959 by South Dakota State College, and it stands as a comprehensive chronicle of the region’s development from its earliest settlements to its role in the broader tapestry of state and national history. This work delves into the intricate narrative of Union County, capturing its transformation from a sparsely populated territory to a flourishing agricultural hub, enriched by a vibrant community and diverse cultural heritage.
History of Jefferson South Dakota
This history of Jefferson South Dakota provides a glimpse into the establishment, growth, and evolution of Jefferson, South Dakota, from its early days in 1859 up to the mid-20th century. Jefferson, strategically nestled between the Big Sioux River and the Missouri River, and bordered by the hills of Iowa and Nebraska, became a beacon for early settlers drawn by its promising land. The narrative begins with the arrival of the first white settlers among indigenous populations, highlighting the foundational role of families like Michael Ryan Sr., A. Christie, and Mr. Matthews.
The Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1860-1960
“Pioneer Church: The History of the South Dakota District, the Evangelical Lutheran Church, 1860-1960” is a meticulously crafted chronicle that delves deep into the roots of Lutheran Christianity across South Dakota, Nebraska, Colorado, and Wyoming. Spanning a century, this volume unfolds the vibrant narrative of faith, community, and relentless dedication to the service of God and humanity in a region marked by its pioneering history. Free to read or download.
History of Lawrence County South Dakota
In celebration of the Dakota Territory Centennial, the 186-page book “Lawrence County for the Dakota Territory Centennial, 1861-1961” serves as a comprehensive guide and a treasure trove of information for genealogists and historians alike, offering a detailed exploration of Lawrence County’s rich history, culture, and development over a century. Compiled with meticulous care by editor Mildred Fielder and published by Seaton Publishing Company in 1960, this book is free to read and download.
South Dakota Historical Newspapers
This page provides links to all available South Dakota historical newspaper images and transcriptions found online by AccessGenealogy. Organized alphabetically by town or city.
The Descendants of Franklin Mary Noyes Rowe of Humboldt County, Iowa
This book, “The Descendants of Franklin Mary Noyes Rowe of Humboldt County, Iowa, with Some Notes on Their Ancestors,” authored by Velma Rowe Coffin in Storm Lake, Iowa, in 1955, is a meticulously researched genealogical record spanning 87 pages. It traces the lineage of Franklin Rowe, born December 30, 1836, in Onondaga County, New York, and provides insights into his ancestry and descendants. Free to read or download.
United States Bureau of Land Management Tract Books, 1800-c. 1955
3,907 land management tract books containing official records of the land status and transactions involving surveyed public lands arranged by state and then by township and range. These books indicate who obtained the land, and include a physical description of the tract and where the land is located. The type of transaction is also recorded such as cash entry, credit entry, homesteads, patents (deeds) granted by the Federal Government, and other conveyances of title such as Indian allotments, internal improvement grants (to states), military bounty land warrants, private land claims, railroad grants, school grants, and swamp grants. Additional items of…
Small Town Newspapers
Small Town Papers gives you free access to the people, places and events recorded in real time over the decades or even centuries! Browse and search the scanned newspaper archive from 1846 up to the current edition! Their archives contain millions of names of ancestors not found anywhere else. Enhance your Ancestry research with their high resolution scanned newspaper archive. Find distant relatives and discover your ethnic heritage by reading the articles about family and friends written back in the day.
History of Arapaho and Cheyenne Treaties
These treaties were instrumental in establishing and defining the relationship between the United States and the Arapaho and Cheyenne Confederation. They also impacted the history of the tribe after it signed the initial treaty of 1825. Each succeeding treaty will show the historian a shrinking land mass controlled by the Arapaho and Cheyenne. Includes land cession maps detailing the land ceded by the Arapaho and Cheyenne.
1930 Ponca Census Extraction
An extraction of the 1930 Indian Census for the Ponca tribe of the Ponca Reservation in South Dakota. In 1930 there were 398 members that fell under the jurisdiction of the Yankton Agency. Most of them still resided within the Ponca Reservation, but some had moved elsewhere and are so indicated within the actual census images. This extraction provides their given names, surnames, sometimes the maiden name, age, and sex of each tribal member.
Massacres of the Mountains
J.P. Dunn wrote Massacres of the Mountains in an attempt to separate historical fact from sensational fiction and to verify the problems that plagued the Indian tribes in this country of years. He doesn’t assign blame, but lets it fall where it belongs by meticulous research and the accurate, unbiased depiction of the true causes and subsequent results of some of the most famous Indian conflicts.
1910 South Dakota Census Map
Last Updated on August 26, 2013 by Dennis 1910 South Dakota Census Map
South Dakota Genealogy at Ancestry
Last Updated on July 11, 2023 by Dennis Ancestry is the largest provider of genealogy data online. The billions of records they provide have advanced genealogy online beyond imagination just a decade ago. The following is but a small sample of what they provide for South Dakota genealogy at Ancestry. While some of these databases […]
Oregon and South Dakota Indians Wounded in Action
Last Updated on August 22, 2013 by Dennis The following Indians Wounded in Action, are listed by Name, Tribe and Location of death. The name under the photograph is the person shown. No additional information was provided in the book. Oregon John Sampson, Cayuse-Umatilla, France Edson Chiloquin, Klamath-Modoc Roland Jackson, Klamath-Paiute LeRoy A. Moore, Klamath-Madoc […]
South Dakota Indian Honored War Dead
Last Updated on June 25, 2013 by Dennis The following Honored War Dead, are listed by Name, Tribe and Location of death. The name under the photograph is the person shown. No additional information was provided in the book. Guy L. Archambeau, Sioux (Yankton, USA Daniel L. Quickbear, Sioux (Rosebud), Africa Joseph Running Horse, Sioux […]
Cahill, Joseph Earl – Obituary
Last Updated on May 2, 2013 by Dennis Funeral services for Joseph Earl Cahill, who died early Saturday morning at his home in Sturgis, will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the F. O. Jolley Funeral Home with Rev. Clayton Berry officiating. Burial will be in the Bear Butte Cemetery under the direction of […]
South Dakota Cemetery Records
Last Updated on May 2, 2013 by Dennis South Dakota Cemetery records are listed by county then name of cemetery within the South Dakota county. Most of these are complete indices at the time of transcription, however, in some cases we list the listing when it is only a partial listing.
South Dakota World War 2 NMCG Casualty List
Last Updated on April 20, 2013 by Dennis Inclusion of names in this South Dakota World War II Casualty List has been determined solely by the residence of next of kin at the time of notification of the last wartime casualty status. This listing does not necessarily represent the State of birth, legal residence, or official […]
