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= '''Step-by-step South Dakota Research, 1850-1905''' =
'''[[South Dakota Genealogy|South Dakota]]''' [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] '''Step-by-step online research 1850--1905''' <br>
[[User:Hanna5974/Sandbox/A SD how to page|'''Step-by-step research 1905--present''']] [[Image:Gotoarrow.png]] '''Step-by-step research 1850--1905'''
A suggested approach to genealogy research in South Dakota online family history records.
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! style="font-size:14pt; color:darkblue" | <br> <center>'''Step-by-step South Dakota Research, 1850-1905<br><br> Table of Contents'''</center>
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:'''[[Step-by-step South Dakota Research, 1850-1900#Step_1:_Search_the_1900, 1880, 1870, 1860, and 1850 census records online.|1. Online census records.]]'''
:'''[[Step-by-step South Dakota Research, 1850-1900#Step_2:_Using_all_the_death_date_information.2C_try_to_find_additional_details_about_your_ancestors_in_Social_Security.2C_obituary_and_cemetery_records_online.|2. Obituary and cemetery records online.]]'''
:'''[[Step-by-step South Dakota Research, 1850-1900#Step_3:_Search_delayed_birth_certificates_and_county_birth_and_marriage_records_online.|3. Births and marriages online.]]'''
:'''[[Step-by-step South Dakota Research, 1850-1905#Step_4:_Search_military_records:_World_War_I_draft_cards_and_Civil_War_pension_records_online.|4. Military records online.]]'''
:'''[[Step-by-step South Dakota Research, 1850-1900#Step 5: Return to census record searches, using new clues you have found.|5. Search census records again.]]'''
:'''[[Step-by-step South Dakota Research, 1850-1905#Step_6:_Search_a_printed_local_history_or_biography_online.|6. Printed local histories or biographies online.]]'''
:'''[[Step-by-step South Dakota Research, 1850-1905#Step_7:_If_your_ancestor_was_an_immigrant.2C_search_immigration_and_naturalization_records_online.|7. Immigration and naturalization records online.]]'''
:'''[[Step-by-step South Dakota Research, 1850-1905#Step_8:_Write_to_a_county_for_wills_and_probate_indexes.|8. Wills and probate.]]'''
:'''[[Step-by-step South Dakota Research, 1850-1905#Step_9:_Search_land_records_online.|9. Land records online.]]'''
:'''[[Step-by-step South Dakota Research, 1850-1905#Step_10:_Contact_a_county_historical_or_genealogical_society.|10. Historical or genealogical societies.]]'''
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[[User:Hanna5974/Sandbox/A SD how to page 2#After_online_research.2C_continue_your_adventure_at_the_Family_History_Library_or_a_Family_History_Center.|'''Continue your adventure <br>at a Family History Center.''']]
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'''In this period of South Dakota, census records are the most valuable record because statewide civil registration does not begin until 1905. Collecting a few vital records and cemetery/obituary records will then provide clues for searches in even earlier census records. Then, there are a variety of records that take a bit more work, but can produce good results.'''
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===== See also [[How to Use "Record Hints"|How to Use "Record Hints"]] =====
=== '''Step 1: Search the 1900, 1880, 1870, 1860, and 1850 census records online.''' ===
A census is a count and description of the population of a country, state, county, or city for a given date. A census took a "snapshot" of a family on a certain day. For each person living in a household you might find (depending on the year) their name, age, birthplace, relationship to head of household, place of birth for father and mother, citizenship status, year of immigration, mother of how many children and number of children living, native language, and whether they were a veteran of the military.
To learn more about census records, including search strategies, see [[United States Census Records for Beginners|'''United States Census Records for Beginners''']].
Look at the samples of census records below. Then you will want to find your family members in every possible census, using these convenient links:
*[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1417683 1880]
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6247 1885 territorial census] ($)
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=6120 1895 state census] ($)
*[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1325221 1900]
*{{RecordSearch|1477737| 1905 state census}}
*Note: The 1890 census was destroyed in a fire.
*You will want to find and keep notes on census records from every census during each ancestor's lifetime.
*With the census records you will be able to estimate approximate birth dates and marriage dates. These records will lead you to new searches because you will find the names of other members of the family. You will find clues to other states and countries your family lived in before coming to South Dakota.
==== '''United States census records''' ====
*Here are samples of these United States census records. You can see all the different information you can glean from this record once you find your family in the census.
*'''The 1900 census is particularly helpful because it states month and year of birth, how many children a woman has born, the year of immigration to the U.S., among other things.'''
[[Image:1900 United States Census.jpg|thumb|center|600px|1900 United States Census.jpg]]
[[Image:United States 1880 Census (11-0629).jpg|thumb|center|600px|United States 1880 Census (11-0629).jpg]] <br>
[[File:1870 United States Census.jpg|thumb|center|600px]]
[[File:1860 United States Census.jpg|thumb|center|600px]]
[[File:1850 United States Census.jpg|thumb|center|600px]]
==== '''South Dakota state census records''' ====
*Click on these links to see some example of typical state census records:
*'''You can use what you learned from the census records to help you search for birth, marriage, and death records. Possibly the clues you find in the certificates will lead you back to the census records again for new names of family members.'''
=== '''Step 2: Using all the death date information, try to find additional details about your ancestors in Social Security, obituary and cemetery records online.''' ===
==== '''U.S. Social Security Death Index''' ====
The U.S. Social Security program began in 1935 but most deaths recorded in the index happened after 1962. The '''Social Security Death index''' includes those who had a Social Security number and/or applied for benefits. The index entries give the person's full birth date, last known residence, and residence at the time they first enrolled. Women are listed under their married name at the time of their death. You can search these records online at {{RecordSearch|1202535|United States Social Security Death Index}}. Also at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=3693 Ancestry.com], ($), index.
The [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=60901 '''Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007'''] picks up where the Social Security Death Index (SSDI) leaves off, by providing information filed in the application or claims process, including valuable details such as '''birth date, birth place, and parents’ names.''' Unless the deceased would be at least 75 years old today, the parents' names are not published. ''You will not find everybody who is listed in the SSDI, as criteria for inclusion differs.''
If you find your ancestor in the SSDI index, you can order a copy of their original Social Security application (SS-5). If you can prove the individual has died (by sending an obituary or copy of their cemetery headstone), the application will also give the deceased's parents' names, if listed.
[[Image:South Dakota Social Security record.png|thumb|center|500px|South Dakota Social Security record.png]]
==== '''Obituaries and cemeteries''' ====
*Frequently, a death is announced in the newspaper with an obituary.
*These obituaries may supply missing birth or death dates and name the parents of the deceased.
*Obituaries may also name family members, their spouses, their current residences, and whether they died before the person or are still surviving, especially in obituaries written in the last half of the 20th Century.
*Try these South Dakota links:
:*[http://www.ancestorhunt.com/south_dakota_newspaper_obituaries.htm Ancestor Hunt South Dakota Obituaries]
:*[http://obituarieshelp.org/south_dakota_newspaper_obituaries.html South Dakota Obituaries Help]. '''Click [http://www.lcherald.com/page.php?22 here] to see an example.''' In this site, you will select a newspaper, then select the "Obituaries" link at that newspaper. Sometimes there is a required subscription fee.
:*[http://www.obitlinkspage.com/obit/sd.htm ObituaryLinks South Dakota], index. This site gives lots of death record "how-to" advice before you come to obituary links. Scroll down quite a way to find the obituary links. '''Click [http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~sdpotter/obitsmain.htm?cj=1&netid=cj&o_xid=0002390503&o_lid=0002390503&o_sch=Affiliate+External here] to see at example.'''
===== '''Cemeteries''' =====
*Cemetery records may only give the names and dates stated on the tombstone, but as in the case of FindAGrave, sometimes pictures of the deceased and their tombstone, children's or parents' names and links to their graves, and marriage information have been added. Always verify information added by others.
*Frequently family members are buried in the same cemetery often in neighboring plots.
*Try these South Dakota links:
NOTE: Each database covers different cemeteries, although some may overlap. Don't be discouraged if you do not locate your individual in the first database. '''Check each collection.'''
:*[http://apps.sd.gov/applications/DT58Cemetery/ South Dakota Cemetery Record Search].
:*[http://interment.net/us/sd/index.htm South Dakota Cemetery Records at Interment.net]. '''Click [http://interment.net/data/us/sd/harding/shortpine/shortpine.htm here] to see an example.'''
:*[http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi Findagrave.com South Dakota Cemetery Records]. '''Click [http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=138665331 here] to see an example.'''
:*[http://billiongraves.com/pages/search/#country=United+States&state=South+Dakota&county=0&search_text=&action=search_cemetery Billiongraves.com South Dakota Cemeteries].
:*[http://www.usgwtombstones.org/southdakota/sdakota.html USGenWeb South Dakota Tombstone Transcription Project]. '''Click [http://files.usgwarchives.net/sd/washabaugh/cemetery/hope.txt here] to see an example.'''
:*[http://www.idreamof.com/cemetery/sd.html I Dream of Genealogy South Dakota Cemeteries]<br>
This example of an online cemetery record is from FindAGrave" [[Image:FindAGrave sample.png|center|600px|FindAGrave sample.png]]
=== '''Step 3: Search delayed birth certificates and county birth and marriage records online.''' ===
States, counties, or even towns in some states recorded births, marriages, and deaths. You have probably seen these types of certificates and have your own. In addition to the child's name, birth date, and place of birth, a birth certificate may give the birthplaces of the parents, their ages, and occupations. A death certificate may give the person's birth date and place, parents' names and birthplaces, and spouse's name.
Vital records registration of births and marriages at the state level started in 1905. Prior to that the individual counties kept the records. The starting dates of those records vary from county to county, depending on when the county was formed. The state also invited citizens born before 1905 to file delayed birth records. All of these records were collected by the state. They may be found in the '''[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/2549807 FamilySearch record: South Dakota, Department of Health, Birth and Marriage Indexes, 1843-2014.]'''
==== '''Samples of index entries''' ====
{|
|-
| style="vertical-align:top" | [[Image:Birth index sample South Dakota.png|thumb|500px]]
| [[Image:Marriage index South Dakota .png|thumb|500px]]
|}
==== '''Birth records lead to other searches''' ====
*If a birth record gave you parents names you did not have before, you can return to the census records again and search for additional family members.
*Search the birth index again using only the surname and the parents' names to find other additional children.
*If the time period is early enough, try searching for the parents as children in the birth index.
*With the additional family names discovered, look for marriage records for the parents and their children.
==== '''Marriage records lead to other searches''' ====
*Marriage records are especially helpful in determining the wife's maiden name. With a maiden name, look for her with her parents in a census record before she was married
==='''Step 5: Search the 1850, 1860, and 1870 census records online.'''===
Now you will use the clues you have gathered from the more recent census records, cemeteries and obituaries, and birth, marriage, and death records to search even earlier census records.
Look at the samples of census records below. Then you will want to find your family members in every possible census, using these convenient links:
*[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1438024 '''1870''']
*[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1473181 '''1860''']
*[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1401638 '''1850''']
=== '''Step 6: Search military records: World War I draft cards and Civil War pension records online.''' ===
*There are many different types of military records, some covered in online collections, some microfilmed, and some requiring you to order them from government repositories with a fee. For more information, read the [[U.S. Military Records Class Handout|'''U.S. Military Records Class Handout''']]. Information in military records can vary from a simple lists of name, age, and residence, to more detailed records including name, residence, age, occupation, marital status, birthplace, physical description, number of dependents, pensions received, disabled veterans, needy veterans, widows or orphans of veterans, and other information.
==== World War 1 Draft Registration ====
*One of the most helpful military records is the '''draft registration of 1917-1918'''. During three separate registrations, men born between 1873-1897 were required to register in the draft for World War I. Cards may give birth date, birth place, residence, occupation, employer, physical description, next of kin (usually the wife or mother), and number of dependents. Search for your male relatives born in this time period at {{RecordSearch|1968530|'''U.S. WW I Draft Registration Cards, 1917-1918'''}}.
*Here is an example of a typical draft card.
<div style="position:relative; top:30 px; left:350px">
[[Image:WWI draft card.jpg|thumb|right|1000px|WWI draft card.jpg]]
</div>
==== Civil War Pensions ====
*Pensions were given to Union Civil War soldiers who sustained war-related disabilities from the Federal Government.
*There are several Civil War pension indexes online:
**{{RecordSearch|1471019|'''United States Civil War and Later Pension Index, 1861-1917'''}} at FamilySearch
**[http://search.ancestryinstitution.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=4654 '''General Index to Pension Files, 1861-1934, Civil War'''] at Ancestry - $
**[https://www.fold3.com/browse/249/hh_q9kMjO '''Civil War Pensions Index'''] at Fold3 - $
*{{RecordSearch|1922519|'''United States Civil War Widows and Other Dependents Pension Files, 1861-1934'''}} This collection indexes approved pension case files of widows and other dependents of soldiers submitted between 1861 and 1934 and sailors between 1910 and 1934. The wife's maiden name is used along with her married name.
[[Image:Civil War widow's pension.png|thumb|600px]]
*{{RecordSearch|1979426|'''U.S., Remarried Widows Index to Pension Applications, 1887-1942'''}}.
This collection consists of two card indexes to widows who had applied for a pension renewal. The first covers service between 1812-1860 and the second covers service in the Civil War and later. This is helpful in locating a woman in census and death records under her new surname.<br>
[[Image:WWI Remarried Widow pension.png|thumb|600px]]
<br>
==== Pension Records for Other Wars ====
*This record might help by naming a wife or widow of a Revolutionary War veteran who settled in South Dakota: {{RecordSearch|1417475|U.S., Revolutionary War Pension and Bounty Land Warrant Applications, 1800-1900}} Index
*This record is comprised mostly of Native American names, year of birth, and date of enlistment: {{RecordSearch|1880762|U.S., Registers of Enlistments in the U.S. Army, 1798-1914}} Index and images.
*These records might help by naming a wife or widow of a veteran who settled in South Dakota:
**{{RecordSearch|1979425|U.S., Old War Pension Index, 1815-1926}} Index Only.
**{{RecordSearch|1979427|U.S., Index to Indian Wars Pension Files, 1892-1926}} Index only.
**{{RecordSearch|1979390|U.S., Mexican War Pension Index, 1887-1926}} Index only.
*For a more complete list of available online military records and indexes, see [https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/United_States_Military_Online_Genealogy_Records United States Online Military Records].
=== '''Step 7: Search a printed local history or biography online.''' ===
==== '''Local histories''' ====
*Published histories of towns, counties, and states usually contain biographies and accounts of early or prominent families. They describe the settlement of the area and the founding of churches, schools, and businesses.
*The authors usually invited the residents of the county to submit their personal family histories, in order to create an automatic market for the book. County residents whose families were in the book were sure to buy a copy.
*Histories can also give lists of pioneers, soldiers, and civil officials.
*Even if your ancestor's name is not listed, information about other relatives may be included that may provide important clues for locating your ancestor.
*Here are several websites that feature '''online copies of printed county histories:'''
**[https://www.hathitrust.org/about Hathi Trust Digital Library]. Don't use the keywords South Dakota; that will bring up too many hits. Just use the name of the county and "county": for example, "Hyde County"
**[https://books.google.com/ Google Books]. Use keywords "South Dakota" and the county name. Hits will list online readable books, lists of libraries that carry the book, and purchasing opportunities.
**[https://archive.org/index.php Internet Archive].Use keywords "South Dakota" and the county name.
**[http://www.genealogybooklinks.com/south_dakota.htm Genealogy Book Links, South Dakota]. Browse list; county histories are interspersed.
**[http://southdakota-genealogy.com/South-Dakota-Historical-Records.htm South Dakota Genealogy]. Don't use the sidebar county list; scroll down and, in the body of the article, find the list "'''County Historical Records'''". These county links lead directly to book listings.
**[http://search.ancestry.com/search/CardCatalog.aspx#ccat=hc=25&dbSort=1&sbo=1& Ancestry.com], ($). In the Card Catalog search box, use South Dakota and the name of the county.
*Local histories are extensively collected by the [[Family History Library|Family History Library]], public and university libraries, and state and local historical societies. If you have access to the [[Family History Library|Family History Library]] or a [[Family History Centers|Family History Center]], you can find out about local histories the library has by checking the [https://familysearch.org/catalog-search FamilySearch Catalog]. In the "place" field, type the name of your county and select it from the drop down list, then click "Search". A list of subheadings for the county will appear. Local histories containing genealogies and biographies will be found under Biography, Genealogy, History, and History - Indexes.
*Also, in '''[[User:Hanna5974/Sandbox/A SD how to page 2#Step_8:_Contact_a_county_historical_or_genealogical_society.|Step 10]]''', you will be contacting a county history society. Societies often have a good selection of printed histories about the area. Some may be search history for you for a fee.
==== '''Biographies''' ====
These collections of South Dakota biographies can be searched online. Most have a table of contents and an index. Or you can use the "Find" function on your computer.
*[http://usgwarchives.net/sd/biography/bios.htm SDGenWeb Biographies] Includes biographies from ''History of South Dakota''.
*[http://history.sd.gov/archives/Data/bioindex/index.aspx Biographical Index of South Dakotans].
*[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=26120 Doane Robinson's encyclopedia of South Dakota], ($), index/images
*[http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101060825039;view=1up;seq=9 History of South Dakota / by Doane Robinson, together with personal mention of citizens of South Dakota. v. 1], [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=njp.32101060825021;view=1up;seq=9 Vol. 2]
*[http://www.usgwarchives.net/sd/biography/memor.htm Biographies from the Memorial and Biographical Record]
*[http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=wu.89064894397;view=1up;seq=12 Memorial and biographical record; ... including biographical sketches of...prominent old settlers and representative citizens of South Dakota.... ]
*[http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=coo.31924092232648;view=1up;seq=15 History of Dakota Territory: South Dakota; its history and its people Vol.1], [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433081842803;view=1up;seq=21 Vol. 2], [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433081842811;view=1up;seq=11 Vol. 3], [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433081842837;view=1up;seq=1 Vol. 4], [http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433081842829;view=1up;seq=9 Vol. 5]
*[http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=hvd.hx54qu;view=1up;seq=7 History of southeastern Dakota, ....biographical sketches of the pioneers and business men,... ]
*[http://babel.hathitrust.org/cgi/pt?id=nyp.33433081824884;view=1up;seq=173 Warner's history of Dakota County, Nebraska, from the days of the pioneers and first settlers to the present time, with biographical sketches, and anecdotes of ye olden times]
Here is an example of the genealogical information you might find in South Dakota history with biographies:
<div style="position:relative; left:300px">
[[Image:Typical published biography.jpg|thumb|800px]]
</div>
=== '''Step 8: If your ancestor was an immigrant, search immigration and naturalization records online.''' ===
The census records may show that your ancestor was born in another country. It will be necessary to try to find the town or city they were born in to continue research in that country. So searches of immigration records (usually passenger lists) and naturalization (citizenship) records are the next goal. Immigration refers to people coming into a country, such as the United States, and emigration refers to people leaving a country to go to another. Usually these records are passenger lists of the ships they sailed on. A typical record will show name, age, and country of origin, but many times you can find the actual town of birth, the next of kin still living in the old country and their residence, and the names of relatives in the place they are traveling to.
==== Census clues to Immigration records ====
Census records can provide important clues about nationality and immigration. This chart lists data that can be found in each of the census records. Gather the information in the census records specifically about immigration, as it will help narrow down your search.
{| style="border:3px solid green; width:70%; align:center"
|-
| colspan="2" style="border:1px solid green; align:center" | <center>'''Immigration and Naturalization Found in the U.S.Census by Year'''<br> (other smaller details also given but not listed here)</center>
|
|-
! style="border:1px solid green; text-align:center; width:25%" | <center>Year of census</center>
! style="border:1px solid green; text-align:center; width:75%" | <center>Immigration and Naturalization Information </center>
|-
| style="border:1px solid green; text-align:center" | 1870
| style="border:1px solid green;" |
*Whether father and mother are of foreign birth
|-
| style="border:1px solid green; text-align:center" | 1880
| style="border:1px solid green;" |
*Place of birth for father and mother
|-
| style="border:1px solid green; text-align:center" | 1900
| style="border:1px solid green; align:center" |
*Place of birth for father and mother
*Naturalization status: alien, papers submitted, or naturalized
*Year of immigration to U.S.
*How many years lived in U.S.
|-
| style="border:1px solid green; text-align:center" | 1910
| style="border:1px solid green; align:center" |
*Place of birth for father and mother
*Naturalization status: alien, papers submitted, or naturalized
*Year of immigration to U.S.
|-
| style="border:1px solid green; text-align:center" | 1920
| style="border:1px solid green; align:center" |
*Place of birth for father and mother
*Naturalization status: alien, papers submitted, or naturalized
*Year of immigration to U.S.
*Year of naturalization
*Native language
*Native language of father and mother
|-
| style="border:1px solid green; text-align:center" | 1930
| style="border:1px solid green; align:center" |
*Place of birth for father and mother
*Naturalization status: alien, papers submitted, or naturalized
*Year of immigration to U.S.
*Native language
|-
| style="border:1px solid green; text-align:center" | 1940
| style="border:1px solid green; align:center" |
*Naturalization status: alien, papers submitted, or naturalized
|}
==== '''Immigration records''' ====
There are too many immigration records to list here. Click [[United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records|here]] to see a complete list of available immigration records online. Notice that they are listed by state, but under the letter "U" there is a long list of records that cover all of the United States. Unless family information tells you the port where family arrived, you will need to search all of the [[United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records|United States Immigration Online Genealogy Records]] for the time period when your ancestors arrived.
In this [http://interactive.ancestry.com/7488/NYT715_792-0396/4013594401?backurl=http%3a%2f%2fsearch.ancestry.com%2f%2fcgi-bin%2fsse.dll%3fgss%3dangs-c%26new%3d1%26rank%3d1%26gsln%3dhepper%26msapn__ftp%3dNew%2bYork%252c%2bUSA%26msapn%3d35%26msapn_PInfo%3d5-%257c0%257c1652393%257c0%257c2%257c3244%257c35%257c0%257c0%257c0%257c0%257c%26cp%3d0%26MSAV%3d1%26uidh%3d7h4%26pcat%3dIMG_PASSLISTS%26h%3d4013594401%26recoff%3d9%26db%3dnypl%26indiv%3d1%26ml_rpos%3d43&ssrc=&backlabel=ReturnRecord example of a passenger list], you see at #22, the family of Eduard Hepper of Gross Liebenthal travelling to Java, South Daokta.
==== '''Naturalization (Citizenship) Records''' ====
Naturalization is the process of becoming a citizen. Records can include the immigrant's declaration of intent to become a citizen, applications for citizenship, and final citizenship papers. The records can show birth date and place, spouse's name, marriage date and place, and lists of children with their birth dates. [https://familysearch.org/pal:/MM9.3.1/TH-1942-33214-8273-42?cc=2078640&wc=MCYZ-366:357892101,357977101 Click here] to view examples of declaration of intent records and the information they give.
South Dakota naturalization records are organized by county. Look for them in any county where the person lived, unless the census tells you the year they were naturalized, and you have evidence of where they lived that year.
==== '''South Dakota Naturalization and Citizenship Online Records''' ====
*{{RecordSearch|2078640|South Dakota County Naturalization Records, 1865-1972}}
*[http://history.sd.gov/Archives/Data/Naturalization/FirstPapersSearch.aspx South Dakota Naturalization Records Index:First Papers].
*[http://history.sd.gov/Archives/Data/Naturalization/SecondPapersSearch.aspx South Dakota Naturalization Records Index:Second Papers].
*[http://www.archives.gov/kansas-city/finding-aids/naturalization-south-dakota.html Name Index to Naturalization Records from Dakota Territory and South Dakota], at National Archives, Kansas City
=== '''Step 9: Write to a county for wills and probate indexes.''' ===
*"'''Probate''' is the legal process through which an individual’s real estate (property) and personal estate (possessions) are distributed to his or her heirs, whether or not there is a will. '''Testate''' is the term used when a will existed in the settling of the estate. '''Intestate''' is the term used when there was no will written and the court decides how the estate is to be distributed.
*"Not everyone in the United States wrote a will or went through probate. Nearly 10% of the pre-1900 adult population made wills, usually males with property. Before 1900, about 25% of estates were probated, even though no will had been written. '''However, this percentage is higher for rural areas because that is where the land was owned.'''
*"The single most important value of probate records is the '''proof of relationships'''. In a will, people are identified as a wife, son, daughter, nephew, niece, brother, sister, etc. If there is no will, the distribution is made by the court to the heirs who are usually family members. Other helpful and interesting information that may be learned from probate files are: date and place of death, name of the spouse and other possible family members and relationships, location of the heirs, property ownership, and guardianship of minor children." Jill Shoemaker, [[U.S. Probate Records Class Handout|U.S. Probate Records Class Handout]]
==== '''County probate records''' ====
*South Dakota probate records include probate proceedings, petitions, affidavits, orders for sales, reports of sales, administrators' and executors' bonds, guardianship papers, wills, and letters of administration. In a will book, usually just a transcription of the will is recorded. But all of these other records are kept in a '''probate packet'''. '''Administrations''' are probate proceedings that handled an estate if no known will existed.
*Currently, these counties are microfilmed and digitized:
:[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1392773 South Dakota, Minnehaha County, Probate Case Records, 1873-1935]. Also at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9081 Ancestry.com] ($).
:[https://familysearch.org/search/collection/1389957 South Dakota, Pennington County Probate Case Files, 1880-1937]. Also at [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9081 Ancestry.com] ($)
:[http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9081 South Dakota, Marshall County Probate Records], ($).<br>
<br>
*Eventually more of these records will become available online.
**Watch [https://familysearch.org/search/collection/list/?page=1&countryId=45 FamilySearch Historical Records--South Dakota] for updates on their collection.
**Watch [http://search.ancestry.com/search/db.aspx?dbid=9081 Ancestry.com--North Dakota and South Dakota, Wills and Probate Records, 1800-1985] which has begun posting a new collection of probate records "brought together from multiple courthouses over time to give you a single source to search." <br>
*In the meantime, this online directory by GenealogyInc. will enable you to arrange to have them searched for a fee: [http://www.genealogyinc.com/southdakota/ Click on the map] to select a county, then scroll down to the '''Courthouse and Government Records''' to find the address and phone number of the '''County Clerk of Court.''' Ask them about the years covered by their probate records and their procedure and fees for ordering copies probate packets. When you write, '''always ask for the full probate packet, not just the will or administration.'''
==== '''Territorial probate records''' ====
*Prior to statehood, probate records were kept by the Territorial Probate Court. Contact the Archives Division of the [http://history.sd.gov/Archives/ South Dakota Historical Society] for copies of territorial probate records.
=== '''Step 10: Search land records online.''' ===
*These records will give the name of the owner, the date they obtained the land, the county, and the exact location of the land. They can contain clues to family members who shared ownership of the land, sold or gave land to a child, or witnessed the sale. Sometimes they show the previous or new residence of the parties to the deed. They can be useful in tracking an ancestor who lived in more than one county in South Dakota. Then the probate and vital records of each county could be searched.
**[http://www.glorecords.blm.gov/default.aspx Bureau of Land Management Land Patents]
**[http://www.moodycountymuseum.com/Documents/BLM%20Homestead%20Records.pdf South Dakota Land Patents Database].
**[http://www.usgwarchives.net/sd/land/sdland.htm South Dakota BLM Database]
<div style="position:relative; left:150px">
A search of the Bureau of Land Management records gives results like this: [[Image:BLM search results.png|thumb|800px|BLM search results.png]]
</div>
=== '''Step 11: Contact a county historical or genealogical society.''' ===
*County historical societies have collections that are frequently little known and often overlooked. Many have a surname file, where they have collected genealogies, newspaper clippings, old photographs, etc. Many have a sort of "pioneer ancestor" program, where people can submit pedigrees to prove they are the descendants of an early resident of the county. Most keep track of queries about families that once lived in the area from other distant relatives who may actually have more family memorabilia than you.
*If you can find the society on the internet, they may list their holdings. Or call them on the phone, find out what they have, and find out what arrangements can be made to search their collection. Frequently, you can hire one of their members to search the collection for you.
This online directory by GenealogyInc. lists historical and genealogical societies by county: [http://www.genealogyinc.com/southdakota/ Click on the map] to select a county, then scroll down to the historical or genealogical society listings. '''Note: some South Dakota counties are so sparsely populated that they do not have the population to support a society.'''
Here is an example of an internet website for a local genealogical society. Notice that it gives details on how to pay for searching services.
<div style="position:relative; left:130px">
[[Image:Rapid City GS Home page trimmed.png|thumb|700px]] [[Image:Rapid City GS records trimmed.png|thumb|700px]]
</div>
=== '''Step 12: If your family was Native American, search Indian agency records online.''' ===
{| style="border:3px solid DarkBlue"
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| style="background:Wheat; font-size:18px" | '''If Your Family Was Native American'''
|}
*If your ancestor was Native American, there are Indian Agency [[How to Find South Dakota Birth Records#Bureau_of_Indian_Affairs_Birth_Records|birth records]] and [[How to Find South Dakota Marriage Records#American_Indian_Agency_Marriage_Records|marriage records]] and [[How to Find South Dakota Death Records#Bureau_of_Indian_Affairs_Death_Records|death records.]] Click on each type of record in the previous sentence for numbers of microfilm records which can be searched at the [https://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/Family_History_Library Family History Library] or your local [https://familysearch.org/locations/ Family History Center].
=== '''After online research, continue your adventure at the Family History Library or a Family History Center.''' ===
*Search the catalog of the [https://familysearch.org/catalog-search '''FamilySearch'''] collection.
Records are catalogued by location. Do these three searches for each place: South Dakota; the county (or counties) where your ancestors lived; and the town (or towns) where they lived. After clicking on "Search", you will next see a list of topics. Click on any topic, and the list will expand to show the records available.
*Records listed can then be viewed at the [[Family History Library|'''Family History Library''']] or a [[Family History Centers|'''Family History Center''']], <br>
*Search by state.
[[Image:Search by state.png|thumb|600px|Search by state.png]]
*Search by county.
[[Image:Search by county.png|thumb|600px|Search by county.png]]
*Search by town.
[[Image:Search by town.png|thumb|600px|Search by town.png]]
*Expanded list of library holdings.
[[Image:Screen Shot 2015-09-09 at 12.32.42 PM.png|thumb|600px|Screen Shot 2015-09-09 at 12.32.42 PM.png]]
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