The book FROM DESPAIR TO FORTUNE - THE HALL DYNASTY was intended to be a historical novel that traces the Hall and Swango families from the mid-1800's until the end of World War II. Although the main characters are fictional, the author has used the true names of notable individuals from that time period. Also, the events occurring in this time frame are factual. The setting is the barren and wind-swept plains of northwest South Dakota and northern Wyoming. The hardships encountered by these early pioneers who took advantage of the Enlarged Homestead Act of 1909 is documented in detail. With cattle as their main source of income, the harsh winters would mean that all of the ranches needed to thin their herds and ship most of the cattle to eastern markets in the fall. In addition to the isolation and weather found in this part of the country, these early settlers had to deal with desperadoes and Indians. It took the United States Cavalry to bring peace to this region of the country. Often, law abiding citizens who deputized sheriffs found that one or two lawmen could not control their towns. The author brings to light far-sighted businessmen who believed in their endeavors to bring civilization to the West. Among the many such men was Seth Bullock, the sheriff who controlled the town of Deadwood, South Dakota, after the shooting of Wild Bill Hickok. Mr. Bullock was also primarily responsible for establishing the town of Belle Fourche.