Home > United States of America > South Dakota > Lincoln County > Lennox > Lennox Cemetery > William Augustus “Gus” McClung

William Augustus “Gus” McClung

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Birth	:	10 Nov 1852 Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia, USA
Death	:	29 Sep 1944 South Dakota, USA
Burial	:	Lennox Cemetery, Lennox, Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate	:	43.3418999, -96.9041977
Description	:	Earliest of the remaining pioneer settlers is William Augustus McClung. This early resident of the Lennox vicinity has resided continually here since coming with his parents in 1889—a span of 70 years. Mr. McClung—"Gus" as he is familiarly known—adds another distinction to this enviable record. At 87 he is perhaps the oldest bicycle rider in South Dakota, continually using his two-wheeled vehicle in his daily trips to town. He resides alone. A native of West Virginia, Mr. McClung was born near Parkersburg, November 10, 1852. The family continued their residence in the Panhandle state until 1868 when they emigrated westward and settled in... Read More	Earliest of the remaining pioneer settlers is William Augustus McClung. This early resident of the Lennox vicinity has resided continually here since coming with his parents in 1889—a span of 70 years. Mr. McClung—"Gus" as he is familiarly known—adds another distinction to this enviable record. At 87 he is perhaps the oldest bicycle rider in South Dakota, continually using his two-wheeled vehicle in his daily trips to town. He resides alone. A native of West Virginia, Mr. McClung was born near Parkersburg, November 10, 1852. The family continued their residence in the Panhandle state until 1868 when they emigrated westward and settled in Butler County, IA. There they remained for a year and in 1869 came to Dakota Territory and settled in this vicinity. They entered Lincoln County in June, of that year, the trip from LeMars, IA., being made in covered wagon. The wagon had to be shipped from Ackley to LeMars because of the impassable roads due to heavy rains. In their overland trip the McClungs brought 43 head of cattle and 16 horses. "Gus," then about 17 years of age, rode horseback. Mr. McClung's father and older brother filed homestead claims. "Gus" pre-empted a claim when he became 21. His father, older brother, and remainder of the family returned to their former home in West Virginia as soon as they proved up their claims. When the family settled on their claim in Delaware Township there was no other house between their farm and Sioux Falls. The McClungs had conveyed on their overland trip provisions for nearly a year, and when they camped the first night at the end of their journey, they pitched a tent on the open prairie. Their first night was no pleasant one, a heavy hail and rainstorm threatening their tent. Their first home was a dug-out; half of the roof on the sod hut blowing off during a wind and rain storm. Prairie fires were frequent, occasionally started by roving Indians. On various occasions they feared Indian attacks, and often laid in wait for these when they were reported coming. Approximately a year after the McClungs settled here the covered wagons began to appear and gradually the influx of settlers found new homesteaders throughout the surrounding territory. The early handicaps of the settlers were numerous—settling in a new country and experiencing storms, blizzards, grasshoppers, and other hardships—but the courage and fortitude of the early homesteaders brought various developments. With the extension of the railroads and rail transportation through here, further conveniences were added. Mr. McClung carried mail between Milltown and Canton for one year. He married in 1894, and three children were subsequently born to this union, namely: Miles, Ida Mae (Mrs. J. G. Lounsberry), and Henry McClung. Mrs. McClung, nee Martha Ward, was born September 19, 1846 near Burlington, IA., and in 1876 came to Dakota Territory, locating on a homestead south of Lennox in 1878. She was united in marriage previously to a Mr. Moter, and seven children were born to that union, including: John, Charles, Mattie, George, and Lincoln Moter, and Mrs. Dollie Leviatt, and Mrs. P. E. Bertsch. Shortly after the death of her first husband, she was united in marriage a second time, to W. A. McClung. Mrs. Mc- Clung died February 24, 1920. Mr. McClung, who never owned a car, is presently using his fifth bicycle. A son, Miles, presently is on the homestead farm.

frequently asked questions (FAQ):

Where is William Augustus “Gus” McClung's memorial?
William Augustus “Gus” McClung's memorial is located at: Lennox Cemetery, Lennox, Lincoln County, USA.
When did William Augustus “Gus” McClung death?
William Augustus “Gus” McClung death on 29 Sep 1944 in South Dakota, USA
Where are the coordinates of the William Augustus “Gus” McClung's memorial?
Latitude: 43.3418999
Longitude: -96.9041977

Family Members:

Spouse

Martha Alice Ward McClung

(1846 - 1920)

Children

Ida May McClung Lounsbery

(1882 - 1967)

Miles Monroe McClung

(1887 - 1941)

Flowers:

Nearby Cemetories:

1. Lennox Cemetery
Lennox, Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3418999, -96.9041977

2. Mount Olivet Cemetery
Lennox, Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3516884, -96.8560791

3. Chancellor Reformed Cemetery
Chancellor, Turner County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3442001, -96.9646988

4. Turner County First Presbyterian Church Cemetery
Davis, Turner County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3016205, -96.9447327

5. West Prairie Lutheran Cemetery
Lennox, Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3014900, -96.8480800

6. Chancellor Baptist Cemetery
Chancellor, Turner County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3964005, -96.9741974

7. Forever Friends Pet Cemetery and Memorial Park
Worthing, Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3446000, -96.7975100

8. Delaware Reformed Cemetery
Lennox, Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2573509, -96.8887863

9. Saint Edwards Cemetery
Worthing, Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3300018, -96.7863998

10. Germantown Presbyterian Church Cemetery
Chancellor, Turner County, USA
Coordinate: 43.4170990, -96.9645996

11. Faith LaValley Cemetery
Lennox, Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3750992, -96.7880020

12. Davis Cemetery
Davis, Turner County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2644005, -96.9903030

13. Worthing Cemetery
Worthing, Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3236008, -96.7658005

14. Trinity Lutheran Cemetery
Tea, Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate: 43.4229300, -96.8063000

15. Norwegian Pioneer Lutheran Cemetery
Chancellor, Turner County, USA
Coordinate: 43.4468994, -96.9539032

16. Melhus Cemetery
Turner County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2285995, -96.9246979

17. Frieling Cemetery
Turner County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2186012, -96.9816971

18. Hurley Cemetery
Hurley, Turner County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2743988, -97.0982971

19. Beaver Creek Lutheran Cemetery
Harrisburg, Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate: 43.3590800, -96.6878600

20. Pleasant View Cemetery
Harrisburg, Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate: 43.4247017, -96.7067032

21. Mount Zion Cemetery
Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1716995, -96.9105988

22. Hattervig Cemetery
Turner County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1925011, -97.0438995

23. Swan Lake Catholic Cemetery
Turner County, USA
Coordinate: 43.2567700, -97.1251300

24. Pleasant Hill Pioneer Cemetery
Beresford, Lincoln County, USA
Coordinate: 43.1847000, -96.7758026