[1] During the regiment's three months of Union Army service at the start of the American Civil War, it performed garrison duty at Fort Monroe and took part in the Battle of Big Bethel.

[10] In September 1864, Dollard received a head wound during the Battle of Chaffin's Farm, and his heroism and coolness under fire while directing troops to maintain their lines resulted in his promotion to major.

[1] After the war ended, Dollard's regiment performed occupation duty in Texas, and he was mustered out at Brazos Island on February 12, 1866.

[11] After the war, Dollard was an active member of the Grand Army of the Republic, Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and other veterans groups.

[12] He took part in numerous reunions and other public events to commemorate the war, and published several newspaper articles and other writings about his experiences.

[14] Dollard traveled to San Antonio, Texas and New Orleans, Louisiana in search of other opportunities, but returned to Galesburg several months later to begin studying law with a local attorney.

[18][19] While farming most of the year, Dollard resided in Scotland, South Dakota during the winter and practiced law, including travel to the territorial capital of Yankton for trials.

[20] In 1881, Dollard gave up farming and settled in Scotland, where he developed a law practice that covered Bon Homme, Hutchinson, and several adjoining counties.

[25] In 1888, Dollard was elected to the Territorial Council, the upper house of the legislature, and he served until South Dakota attained statehood in November 1889.

[28] In 1898, Dollard was an unsuccessful candidate for Congress at the state Republican convention;[29] the nominations were won by Charles H. Burke and Robert J.