FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  Aug. 10, 2007
CONTACT:  Chelle Somsen, (605) 773-5521, Chelle.Somsen@state.sd.us

Mitchell couple discovers family history at Cultural Heritage Center

PIERRE, SD -- Dale and Deanna Ducheneaux of Mitchell found a piece of their family history Aug. 3 when they visited the State Archives of the South Dakota State Historical Society at the Cultural Heritage Center in Pierre.

In November of 1944, Dale’s second cousin, Frank Ducheneaux, made a donation to the State Historical Society of the marriage certificate of Dale’s great-grandparents, Napoleon and Sophie Ducheneaux, who were married in Dakota Territory on July 1, 1867. Dale and Deanna had heard the marriage certificate was at the State Archives but had never seen it.

Dale said Napoleon Ducheneaux left Quebec, Canada, and came to Dakota Territory. He settled near present-day Fort Pierre as a trapper and ran a trading post. Being a trader, Napoleon became well known with local American Indians. While near present-day Fort Pierre he became acquainted with his wife, Sophie Lecompte. 

The marriage certificate reads as follows:  “Mr. Napoleon Duchnaux (Ducheneaux) aged 29 years and Sophie Lecompte daughter of Louison Lecompte aged 16 years do hereby promise & declare that we have to live together as husband and wife for times and years and do hereby solemnly covenant and agree by the Parties here present that we will forsake all others and remain faithful to each other.” 

Six witnesses signed the certificate. The official for the wedding was Colin Lamont. He was then Register of Deeds for Swan Ranch, noted as the location of the marriage.

“The State of South Dakota was not required to keep marriage licenses until 1905,” notes Chelle Somsen, State Archivist of the South Dakota State Historical Society. “The 1867 marriage certificate is a rare piece of Dakota Territory and South Dakota history, and we are honored to have it in our collection.”

If you are interested in donating items to the State Historical Society, please call (605) 773-3804 (archives) or (605) 773-3458 (museum) or visit www.sdhistory.org.