Wyoming's Pioneer Ranches - 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.

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