Joseph Lytle

Submitted by Marrie Miller

It has been very truthfully said of an eminent man of the olden time that he did things worthy to be written about, that he wrote things worthy to be read, that he, by his life, contributed to the benefit of the people and to the happiness of mankind. Any man on whom this transcendent eulogy may be truthfully pronounced, in even a modified degree, is entitled to the profound gratitude of his fellows, and, nowhere in the extended expanse of the commonwealth of Wyoming, can there be found an individual to whom this statement will apply in greater degree than to the gentleman whose name heads this brief review, for there is not a line of activity, mental, moral or industrial, existing in all of the region of his residence, in which his energetic nature has not made a beneficial impression, or which has failed to receive the potent stimulus of his aid and influence. Business, political, moral, intellectual, society and social endeavors, all, have been profited by his forceful service, while the progressive civilization of the rapidly expanding section of Wyoming, where is located the seat of his fruitful accomplishments, has been largely benefited by his wise counsel and sympathy, in both municipal and county affairs. The suggestive ideas that have emanated from his fertile brain, expressed both in conversation and in print, have been not only sought and appreciated, but have ever proved a pregnant source of help. While his forceful activity in these directions would of themselves entitle him to distinctive representation in this volume, it has been his deep sympathy with all forms of suffering, and his sincere and abiding interest in his fellow men, his desire for the general and individual uplift of the community which has especially endeared him to all. He has ever rejoiced in the good fortune and happiness of others, and no man has ever been- more ready to aid in tangible evidences of sympathy in times of distress or, in accordance with his means, more liberal in his benefactions. Joseph Lytle was born in Missouri on July 22, 1870, being the second son of Henry and Virginia D Lytle. The family removed to Kansas in 1874 and to the Black Hills ten years later, arriving at Sundance, Wyo, on June 3, 1884. Young Lytle attended the country and city schools, and at the age of sixteen years successfully passed the examination for a teacher's certificate. Being of poor parentage, he worked for wages during the summer months and in this way. not only contributed to the sustenance of the large family of which he was a member, but also managed to earn sufficient funds to keep himself in school. Like most early settlers on the frontier, young Lytle was subjected to privations which severely tested his mettle, and which showed him to be a boy of indomitable courage. In early life his paramount desire was education, and many a day he walked without overshoes to and from school, a distance of two and one-half miles, through snow two feet deep, when the mercury hovered between thirty and forty degrees below zero. In April, 1891, he began work in the mechanical department of the office of the Sundance Gazette, and, two years later, was united in marriage to Bertha Aree. the younger daughter of Attorney and Airs. Melvin Nichols. In January, 1895, he established at Sundance the Crook County Monitor, a weekly newspaper, which he has personally edited and managed since its initial number was issued. In the early history of the Monitor, Mrs Lytle was connected with its publication, being herself a practical printer, and she was instrumental in tiding the paper over the adversities incident to its early existence. The Monitor has been the official newspaper of Crook county from the time of its establishment, being one of the most profitable business enterprises in Sundance. Mr and Mrs Lytle are the parents of one' son and three daughters. Marvin, Blanche. Ruth and Mae, who add to the attractions of the pleasant home by their winsome grace.