Wyoming Genealogy - Wyoming Genealogy

Al Houston, Pioneer Indian Fighter, Hunter and Guide

The Newman Ranch on the Niobrara, about 1886.— Photo by courtesy P. H. Waddill of Gordon, Nebraska

Al Houston, a pioneer who arrived in Denver in 1857, became a notable hunter and guide in Wyoming. He provided game for the Overland Stage Company and Union Pacific crews while settling along the Laramie River. Known for his remarkable skills, he used one of the first repeating Winchester rifles, surprising attacking Indians. Houston also led numerous hunting trips, garnering respect as a sharpshooter and guide. He moved frequently, seeking good land, and eventually retired to California, where he passed away in 1915. His legacy as a skilled hunter and guide remains significant in Wyoming history.

Clashes Between Cattle and Sheep Owners on the Laramie Plains

The Laramie Plains experienced relatively few violent conflicts between cattle and sheep ranchers compared to other Western areas. Notably, incidents involved pioneer ranchers Creighton, Hutton, and Alsop, who managed both livestock. Two significant events were reported: the suspicious death of Mr. Lubber in 1876 and the 1904 Albany County Sheep Raid, where masked men killed 300 sheep amid disputes over grazing rights. Ultimately, ranchmen expressed frustration over trespassing claims, but the early ranchers often ran both sheep and cattle, mitigating potential conflicts.

Organization of Wyoming Stockgrazers Association in Laramie in 1871

On April 14, 1871, key pioneers from Laramie and Cheyenne convened to establish the Wyoming Stock Graziers Association, later known as the Wyoming Stockgrowers Association. The meeting aimed to form a permanent society to promote quality livestock, prevent stock theft, and support small ranchers through cooperative efforts. Notable figures included Ora Haley, George Fox, Dr. Latham, and Charley Hutton, who contributed significantly to the livestock industry in Wyoming. The association’s first constitution was adopted, with annual meetings to follow, cementing Laramie’s role as a hub for Wyoming’s cattle industry.

Dr. H. Latham, U. P. Surgeon and Laramie Plains Booster

Dr. H. Latham, a Union Pacific Railroad surgeon, played a prominent early role in the development of the Laramie Plains in the 1870s, both as a medical professional and as an enthusiastic promoter of the region’s livestock potential. Arriving in Laramie with the railroad, he invested in cattle operations, helped organize the area’s first Stock Grazing Association, and authored an influential pamphlet advocating the economic viability of year-round grazing on the Western plains. Though his own ventures ultimately failed, and he left for Japan in 1873 to pursue an academic career, his writings and advocacy significantly influenced the growth of Wyoming’s livestock industry.

Marks and Brands of Albany County Wyoming, 1871-1880

From Original Books in the Office of County Clerk of Albany CountyBy A. S. “Bud” Gillespie and R. H. “Bob” Burns These brands were entered in the order filed, and the figures give the month, day, and year on which they were filed. The list is a kind of Who’s Who of Albany County Livestock Raisers, some of which became well established through the years and others whose names disappear from the tax rolls in a few years. These rugged men all had one thing in common, namely an unbounded faith in the future of the livestock industry on the … Read more

Laramie Plains First Area to Produce Range Cattle

Atop the world are the Laramie Plains, an extensive plateau situated on top of the Rocky Mountains at an elevation of around 7,000 feet above sea level. They extend some hundred miles north and south from the Colorado line to Laramie Peak, and are some fifty miles wide from the crest of the Laramie Mountains (Black Hills) on the east, to the Medicine Bow Mountains on the west. The plains, along with the rivers and mountains, all bear the name Laramie, from Jacques LaRamie, an early day French trapper who was killed by Indians in 1820 near the mouth of … Read more

Pioneer Ranches of the Rocky Mountain Empire

Resources of Plains and Origin of Intermountain Livestock Industry By R. H. “Bob” Burns Early explorers and later emigrants noticed the thick sod of grass covering the western plains west of the 100th meridian and they also noticed the good condition of the large herds of game such as buffalo, antelope, deer, and elk. It is not surprising that when travel-weary oxen were turned loose to graze on these short grasses they soon recovered their strength and rapidly put on flesh. Many such incidents involving travel-weary oxen have been reported by word of mouth. Stage masters and others with business … Read more

Gebo Ghost Town and Cemetery, Hot Springs County, Wyoming

Gebo Ghost Town and Cemetery, Hot Springs County, WyomingN 43 47.511 W 108 14.4071/4 Section 10, Twp 44N, R95W This town was named for Samuel W. Gebo, who was a developer of the coal mines here in the 1880’s. Gebo, Wyoming was an active town for 32 years, 1906-1938. In 1929 there were about 1200 employees and families living in the area with over 600 employed in the coal mines of Gebo. Thus, these deaths represent only a few of those that must have occurred at Gebo, Wyoming and Crosby, Wyoming (the closest town to Gebo). The first car of … Read more

Dickie Mausoleum, Hot Springs County, Wyoming

Dickie Mausoleum, Hot Springs County, WyomingN 43 59.493 W 108 46.241Elevation: 6592′ (There are five people buried here.) Dave and James Dickie were born on the Islander Bute off the coast of Scotland. They tried New Zealand. Disillusioned with the conditions there, Dave came to San Francisco in 1884. He then took a job in the Rock Springs, WY area herding sheep for John Lobar. Bringing along a finely bred Scottish collie dog, James joined his brother. They eventually ended up on Enos Creek, then Gooseberry Creek in Hot Springs County. Other relatives came over. More history is contained in … Read more

1883 Pensioners – Wyoming Territory

List of Pensioners on the Roll January 1, 1883 – Giving the Name of Each Pensioner, the Cause for Which Pensioned, the Post-Office Address, and the Date of Original Allowance, United States Pension Bureau Senate – Executive Document 84, Parts 1-5. This list is taken from the official Pension Roll of 1883, the major genealogical source for Civil War and War of 1812 pensioners. Pensioners are listed by post office address, and in no apparent order after that. Albany County No. ofcertifi-cate. Last nameof pensioner First nameof pensioner Post-officeaddress Cause for which pensioned Monthlyrate Date oforiginalallowance. 128768 Kearney Francis J. … Read more