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Stewart Sheldon. The potential for statehood was the main topic of discussion. Ward became a leader in the movement for statehood. He was a member of the constitutional conventions in 1883 and 1885. He was among those who, under the leadership of Gen. W.H.H. Beadle, forced provisions in the state constitution that preserved the school lands. Ward helped a committee draw up a tentative state constitution which subsequently was adopted as the constitution of the state of South Dakota. He was the author of the state motto "Under God the People Rule." The design of the great seal of South Dakota is the result of his written description.
• Ward died on Dec. 11, 1889, in Yankton as a result of diabetes. He had lived to see South Dakota achieve statehood on Nov. 2, 1889.
• "Aside from his work in church and college, Dr. Ward has been without doubt the foremost citizen of Yankton, interested in every project to promote the settlement and the growth of this entire region. Some of the most important commercial achievements of this city were due to his skill and wisdom; the state owes him a debt of gratitude for persistent efforts for its advancement and statehood, and he has left his mark in its constitution," stated the Yankton Daily Press and Dakotan in an article announcing Ward's death.
• Ward was given the degree of Doctor of Divinity by Knox College, Ill., in 1888.
• He was posthumously recognized as one of the great men in the 300 years of history of the Congregational Church in 1910. A statue of Ward was dedicated in 1963 in the United States Capitol as South Dakota's contribution to the famous American men and woman who are commemorated in its Statuary Hall.
• This moment in South Dakota history is provided by the South Dakota Historical Society Foundation, the nonprofit fundraising partner of the South Dakota State Historical Society. Find us on the web at www.sdhsf.org. Contact us at info@sdhsf.org to submit a story idea.