Kings County Biographies


This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
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ISAIAH SHOUMAN.
 
        To a great ,extent the prosperity of our country has been due to the 
honest industry, the sturdy perseverance and the wise economy which so 
prominently characterize the foreign element that has entered largely into our 
population, for these people have recognized the fact that, by comparison with 
their old country surroundings, in America lie the greatest opportunities for 
the man of ambition and energy. Isaiah Shouman is a native of Russia, born on 
the 28th day of March, 1886, a son of Solomon and Rosa Shouman. Prior to the 
World war Solomon Shouman conducted a successful mercantile business, but was 
killed during the great conflict, his wife dying soon afterward.
        Isaiah Shouman received a good education in the public schools of his 
native land, and then was employed in the grain business, in which he was an 
expert, importing and exporting to Germany and England. In 1915 he came to the 
United States, war conditions having wrecked his business in Russia. He first 
located in Fresno, where his condition, without money and ignorant of the 
English language, was anything but pleasant. But, determined to succeed here, he 
wisely first applied himself to a study of the language, in the acquiring of 
which he made quick progress. In 1917 he came to Hanford and at once engaged in 
business on his own account as a dealer in furniture. Starting in a modest way, 
but displaying his small stock to the best advantage and giving to every 
customer the most careful consideration, he gradually won the confidence of the 
buying public and his business steadily increased until at the present time he 
is carrying one of the largest stocks of furniture in Hanford, and in addition 
is also conducting a department for second-hand furniture, for which there is 
always some demand. He employs six salesmen and gives his personal attention to 
every detail of the business.
        Mr. Shouman was married to Miss Reva Shenson, who was born and reared in 
San Francisco, and they are the parents of two children : Berdine Mersella and 
Stanley. Through his laudable ambition and persistent endeavor Mr. Shouman has 
won his way from a humble position to a position of honor in business circles 
and has absorbed the spirit of his adopted country, giving hearty support to all 
movements for the betterment of the community welfare and the upholding of our 
institutions.
        Mr. Shouman gives his support to the republican party and is affiliated 
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Knights of Pythias, the Woodmen 
of the World, the Independent Order of B'nai B'rith and the Eagles.
 
Source:  History of Tulare County and Kings County, California � Kathleen 
Edwards Small & J. Larry Smith, Vol. II, Chicago, The S. J. Clarke Publishing 
Company, 1926.
p. 570
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler