The keeping of death records began in South Dakota in 1905, though it took a few years for full compliance. You can order death records from the State Department of Health and Vital Records. Some records prior to 1905 may be at the Shannon County Registrar's Office in Hot Springs, SD. You can find the address under Court Houses. Also be sure to check cemetery records for death information. Many people who lived in Shannon County may have died in rest homes or hospitals located in Rapid City, SD or Gordon, NE. You can also find death information in obituaries, so be sure to check there as well.