This picture was taken in 1938/39.
Front row: William S. Shoun (1867-1941); (John H, William, Leonard Shoun); Barbara Kay Johnson (1935-present); Emma (Hawks) Shoun (1879-1944); Betty Lavonne Johnson (1931-1961).
Top row: John Eugene Shoun (1908-1982); Ruth (Shoun) Johnson (1910-1968); Harold Evertt Johnson (1907-1979); Ralph Vernon Shoun (1916-1970)
William S. Shoun was born in Little Doe, Johnson Co., TN 29 January 1867. He followed his Uncle Vespasian Shoun and other relatives to the Dakota territory. He punched cattle for several of the large outfits in the 1900's, he homesteaded a ranch of 2,000 acres, which was 32 miles north of Midland, South Dakota. He founded the Post Office and General store in Manila, South Dakota.
He met Emma Louise Hawks in Pedro, S.D. where she had homesteaded property. They were married 21 November 1906 and three children were born from this union. When the children became old enough to go to high school, he sold the ranch to the O'Neal Company. He later bought the ranch back and the family sold it after his death.
From Manila he moved to Rapid City, S.D. and placed a homestead there which eventually was within two blocks of downtown. He built 5 two bedroom homes (today, 1998, some are still there) four of which he rented and a large apartment house with three apartments in it.
He was a very brillant man and was able to make money with his widsom. At one time the City of Rapid City sued him for watering his parkway when they had a ration on the water used. He went to court and he proved he had his own water well and pump and did not use city water. The city became a laughing stock at that trial. Buying back his ranch in Manila for back taxes was a sign of his golden touch. He became well known as one of Rapid City's pioneers. He died in Rapid City on 9 August 1941 and was buried in Mt. View Cemetery where many other Shoun's, including his uncle Vespasian Shoun were buried.
These notes are from the granddaughter, Barbara in the picture next to William S. Shoun.
Submitted by and used with the permission of Sue Birch, granddaughter of William S. Shoun
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Copyright © 1998 Mary Floy Katzman