Samuel Corson has long been prominently identified with business, political and fraternal interests in Wyoming and since the '80s has made his home in Cheyenne, where he is now living retired from business save for the supervision which he gives to his invested interests. This freedom from business cares allows him leisure for activities along other lines and he has been a most active cooperant factor in many movements which have to do with the public welfare and with the advancement of fraternal interests.
    He was born in Girvan, Scotland, June 16, 1857, a son of the Rev. William and Aitcheson (Dobbie) Corson. The father was a clergyman of the Established Church and Samuel Corson was reared amid the environment of a cultured home. His education was begun in the schools of his native town and he afterward attended the Dumbarton Academy of Scotland. Subsequently he became a clerk for the firm of John Orr Ewing & Company, cotton manufacturers of Glasgow, with whom he remained for eight years, thus making his initial step in the business world. He was afterward connected with Handasyde Dick & Company, an East India mercantile house, for two years and came to the United States in 1883, when a young man of twenty-six. He located first in Kansas City, where he occupied a clerical position with the Fort Scott & Gulf Railroad for a brief period. He then removed to Cheyenne, where he entered the employ of the Union Mercantile Company, becoming a stockholder and secretary and treasurer, and in that connection he continued for a quarter of a century, being thus closely associated with the commercial interests of the city. His enterprise and progressiveness contributed much to the development and growth of the business, which became one of the most profitable mercantile interests in Cheyenne. As he prospered in his undertakings Mr. Corson made extensive and wise investment in interests which are now bringing to him a substantial financial return and enable him to live practically retired from business, giving his attention only to the supervision of his personal investments.
    In March, 1888, Mr. Corson was united in marriage to Miss Mary Gray, returning to Scotland for his bride, and to them were born the following children: William A., who is now second lieutenant in the Three Hundred and Fourth Field Artillery, serving in France; Samuel, Jr., who is now a junior in the Cheyenne high school and a sergeant in the cadet corps: and Mary Gray, who died at the age of six years on April 8. 1895. Mr. and Mrs. Corson hold membership in the Presbyterian church, in which he has served as session clerk and as elder for many years. They take an active interest in the church work and cooperate heartily in all of its plans for reaching and uplifting mankind.
    Mr. Corson turns to fishing and hunting for recreation. He is a man of social nature and has become a most prominent member of the Masonic fraternity in Wyoming, being one of the few residents of the state upon whom has been conferred the honorary thirty-third degree. He is a past grand master of the Grand Lodge of Wyoming, A. F. & A. M.. and a past high priest of the Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons of Wyoming. and a past grand commander of The Grand Commandery, Knights Templar, of Wyoming. Since January 1, 1914, he has been secretary of the Scottish Rite bodies in Masonry.
    His political activity has been actuated by an earnest desire to uphold the best interests of city and state. He served for three years as a member of the city council of Cheyenne and in 1900 he became county commissioner. In 1895 he was elected to the state legislature and served for one term as a member of the lower house, while for two terms he represented his district in the state senate. He was an active working member on the floor of the house, did important committee service and was connected with much constructive legislation looking to the development of the state and the safeguarding of its interests. Throughout his entire life he has never been content to choose the second best but has held to the highest standards, his aid and influence being always on the side of those activities which make for progress and improvement in the affairs of men.