Trails to the Past
Uinta County Wyoming Biographies
 

 

MARK MANLEY.

This versatile gentleman is well classed among the leading spirits and sterling pioneers of Wyoming and he is a true son of the West, having been born at Salt Lake City, Utah, on November 17, 1865, a son of James and Sarah (Myers) Manley. his father being a native of Zanesville, Ohio, born on March 27, 1827, and his mother of Nauvoo, ILL., where she was born on March 16, 1845, a daughter of George and Anna (Yost) Myers, who were Pennsylvanians of Holland ancestry and farmers by vocation.  James Manley was a glassblower by trade and he came to Utah with General Connor when he brought his California volunteers to quell the Mormon uprising, remaining in Utah until 1867.  He then came to Fort Bridger and engaged in merchandising in the old town of Merrill. An energetic, educated and public spirited person, he was an important factor in all matters affecting the public weal and when Uinta County was organized, with the temporary county seat at Merrill, he was the first deputy county assessor of the new organization. His marriage occurred at Salt Lake City, in September, 1864, and three children came to them, Mark, Sarah B., now residing in California, the wife of David E. Stayton, and Blair, who died in infancy. Both of the parents died at Fort Bridger. the mother on February 12, 1873, and the father on April 8, 1874, and they were interred at Salt Lake City.  Mark Manley attended the public schools of Salt Lake City, attaining such proficiency as to enable him to engage in teaching, at the age of sixteen, however, coming to Fort Bridger and becoming the mail carrier between the Fort and Carter and Henrys Fork. Later he for two years taught very successfully in schools at Hilliard and Burnt Fork, assuming then a clerical position in the post store at Fort Bridger, in which he continued for two years, winning many friends by his courtesy. attention to business and his numerous good qualities. Deeming it desirable to have an independent business, he started ranching, taking up the land of his present home, .where he is nicely and eligibly located, owning 320 acres of productive land and happily occupied in caring for his fine herd of graded Hereford cattle, which is yearly increasing in size and importance. He is considered one of the able and reliable citizens of the county, being a valued member of the Woodmen of the World and prominently allied with the Democratic party and was the candidate of his party in 1894 for member of the State Legislature, receiving a very complimentary vote but, owing to the superior numerical strength of the opposing party, he failed of an election. He has, however, done excellent service as a deputy assessor. Where nonpartisan issues are in discussion his judgment and opinions are carefully weighed and considered. At Ogden, Utah, on January 11, 1889, were solemnized the marriage ceremonies uniting Mr. Manley and Mrs. S. M. Hamilton, the widow of R. H. Hamilton, of Michigan, and a daughter of Philip and Sarah LaCroix, also natives of Michigan. Three children brighten the beautiful home over which Mrs. Manley presides with grace and entertains with hospitality  (Source Progresive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

ARCHIE R. MARCHESSAULT.

There have been no greater factors in the development of the Great West and Northwest than the brave Canadians of French extraction who have everywhere distinguished themselves by their daring and brave pioneering and by the civilization that has never failed to follow in their footsteps. Mr. Marchessault is one of the men of this race who has manifested in the present generation the progressive characteristics shown so often by his ancestors in the preceding periods of our history. His life and activities find a fitting place in this volume, as he is a strong, self-reliant man, who, having been dependent upon himself since early youth, has come to regard ordinary obstacles in the way of his progress as but trifles that vanish like shadows when attacked by zeal and determination. Archie R. Marchessault, now a prominent stockman of Uinta countv, Wyoming, his highly improved and developed home ranch lying on Smith's Fork, near the pleasantly located town of Mt. View, was born near L'Acadie in the Dominion of Canada, on March 13, 1857, a son of Simon and Florence (Beauchard) Marchessault. both natives of Canada and of French lineage, their ancestry running back for generations into tented fields and knightly endeavor in the fair land of France. The father was a farmer, adding to the slender produce of the sterile acreage by his diligent handiwork as a blacksmith, his father, Levi, being for long years the proprietor of a small hotel. The fourth in a family of ten children, seven of whom are now living, the luxuries of life were not in great evidence for Archie, but in the parish school he acquired a correct knowledge of the French language, which formed a solid base for the education he has diligently pursued under his own instruction in the United States, a knowledge of scholastic English being a portion of the curriculum. When but thirteen years of age the courageous youth crossed the international boundary, and as he possessed a strong vitality, he could and did find employment in brickyards and icehouses, the heavy toil there necessary only hardening his muscles and being a fitting preparation for his after life and labors in the far west. Feeling assured that in that free land beyond the great western plains were opportunities for carving out a successful career, in 1876 Mr. Marchessault took the long trail for the west, never stopping until he reached the territory of Utah, his initial employment here being mining in the camps of the Atlas and Frisco districts. A year later he was in the mining region of Nevada, where he tried both farming and mining, not meeting success enough however to prevent him from saying farewell and leaving Elko, his last location, and pressing on to the Wood River country of Idaho, where he mined and freighted for a year and then came to Evanston, Wyo., where he became identified with railroading as a brakeman and a fireman on the Union Pacific, "leaving the road" to become an employe for a year of the great stockman Phil Mass, his operations being conducted on Henry's Fork. Being thus well equipped with the technical knowledge necessary to a successful and profitable adventure for himself in the cattle industry, Mr. Marchessault secured a squatter's right on a portion of the land now constituting his fine landed estate, and engaged in the stock business, in which he has shown rare skill and judgment and in which he still continues, being bountifully prospered in his operations, his herds increasing from year to year unless diminished by sale, which only tends to his prosperity. When the reservation land wa6 thrown open to settlement, he filed on the place now constituting his home ranch, which estate consists of 240 acres of excellent meadow land under intelligent improvement of a high order, while three miles below he is the owner of another choice 160 acres. He has raised horses, cattle, and sheep and is known as one of the daring operators in his line. He has at present a large number of cattle, mostly milk cows, while his sheep have been reduced by sale to two bands. He has won his way to wealth by an earnestness and a determination that few men possess, while, being courteous in his manner, entertaining in his conversation and generous in his impulses and hospitality, he has made warm and lasting friendships and his family holds a high place among the people of the entire county. He is particularly happy in his domestic life and has no desire to exchange it for political honors, although loyal and energetic in his support of the Republican party as a member in the ranks. On March 9, 1885. occurred the wedding of Mr. Marchessault with Miss Belle J. Harvey, a daughter of William and Agnes (McCulloch) Harvey, natives of Scotland, her native place however, being Muscatine, Iowa. The children of this congenial couple are Florence A.; Clyde W.'; Robert R.; Max A.; Victor G.; Myrtle R.; Grace W. M., and a beautiful fragrance of hospitality emanates from the home.  Biographie Index

MICHAEL MARIALAKY.

A scion of a noble ancestry and born in Dcbreczin, Hungary, on June 22, 1853. Michael Marialaky. the one of whom we write, is a son of Michael and Julia (Nenctky) Marialaky, but he has become an American citizen and a stirring man of business in this new hemisphere, where a mans success and reputation depend not on honors or personal, emolument, but on the dignity of his character and the inherent powers of his own personality. In this diversified field Mr. Marialaky has shown himself of equal powers with the keenest of his business competitors, having wrought out a success, that is not only very satisfactory in a financial point of view, but also greatly redounds to his personal credit as a business man of eminent ability. His honored father was a son of Michael and Susan (Kollat) Marialaky, and the noble family has been entitled to bear arms since 1631, having distinguished record in books of heraldry. His preliminary education was acquired under competent tutors and his advanced education was received in Rosser College, at Buda Pesth, the beautiful twin city capital of Hungary, which is charmingly located on the banks of the Danube.  He was one of sixteen children, of whom seven are still living. Mr. Marialaky is the only one now living and bearing the name of Michael in the family, which has been the name of all the noblemen of his house.   After his school days Mr. Marialaky held the position of second bookkeeper in the government bank at Ruda Pesth for a short time, and then received a governmental position in the customhouse which he filled with great acceptability for about three years. He then, in 1873. came to the United States and located at Carlstadt, N. J., engaged in agriculture for a time and then, proceeding to Utica, he there worked on a farm for a few months. His ambition however was to go to the West where opportunities were greater and his chances for success were not so circumscribed. In Missouri and Iowa he followed agriculture and then worked in Davenport, Iowa, as a steamfitter. Neither of these occupations fully realizing his ambition, he came still further west to Wyoming and to Cheyenne. Here he was fascinated with and enjoyed life on the plains as a cowboy, and from 1863 he continued this occupation in Uinta County for two years. In 1885 he took up 160 acres of government land, where he now resides and to which he has since added until his estate now comprises 280 acres. On this property, which he has developed and improved in a high degree, he has since been successfully engaged in raising horses and cattle.  His diligence, attention and care and the discriminating methods of procedure which he has employed could bring but one result and that he has attained, success. In 1889 Mr. Marialaky returned to Hungary, where, on July 4, of that year, he wedded Miss Emelia Fabry, a daughter of Frank and Rosa (Varga) Fabry. Her grandfather, Frank Fabry, was a wholesale iron merchant who married Caroline Burknod, of German ancestry, and his son, Frank, her father, was also successful in merchandising as a wholesale grocer. Mr. and Mrs. Marialaky are the parents of two children, Viola E. and Charles, and the home circle is noted for its thoroughly western hospitality. Both of his parents died in his native land, his father on Christmas day, 1865, at the age of sixty-five. Mr. Marialaky is the oldest settler on Hilliard Flats and is held in the highest esteem by all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance or with whom he has business transactions.    He is a loyal American, being thoroughly imbued with the principles of this great republic and the spirit pervading American institutions, and he expects to pass the remainder of his life as a citizen of the United States. He is a living exemplification of the truth that blood will tell. His scorn of all trickery, dishonesty and deceit is a fundamental trait of his character, and has been a potential factor in his life. no consideration of self interest or policy ever prevailed against it or induced him to condone, cither in public or private life, actions or tendencies in the slightest degree repugnant to his sense of justice. Mr. Marialaky is in fullest accord with the principles advocated by this young American republic, and loyally sustains its cause. He is also an honored member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, in which he holds the office of one of the Seventy.  (Source Progresive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

EPHRAIM MARSHALL.

Even in this land of Democracy, the American republic, the universal law holds good that blood will tell, and inherited ancestral traits will appear in descendants of the strong and gifted, giving to them an added advantage in the strenuous struggle for existence. We are led to these reflections in considering the popular ranchman of Blacks Fork, near Lyman. Wyoming, whose name heads this review, for in the veins of his children commingle the blood of two of Americas grandest orators and statesmen, the distinguished Patrick Henry and the no less famous John C. Calhoun. Mr. Marshall was born in Tooele county, Utah, on June 5, 1857, being the son of George and Elizabeth (Wamsley) Marshall, the father a native of Scotland and a brother of the Marshall who first discovered gold in California, and the mother of England, but of Scotch descent. The father carried on stock raising in Utah, but this was subsidiary to his connection with the Church of the Latter Day Saints, in which he was very active and held in high esteem. He died, however, at the early age of forty-five years, when his son, Ephraim, was a small lad, the mother, who could trace her lineage through her mother to John C. Calhoun, surviving him and later marrying William Corbridge, and living until 1896, attaining the venerable age of eighty-one years, and her remains now rest in the cemetery at Minersville, Beaver county, Utah. Ephraim Marshall, one of the six children of his mother, was carefully educated in the Utah schools and thereafter engaged in farming, continuing this vocation and stock raising quite successfully in Utah until 1897, when commenced his connection with Wyoming. In that year he homesteaded a tract of 160 acres of government land on Black Fork River, about two miles north of the town of Lyman, and here he has since made his home, developing a model stock ranch, giving especial attention to the raising of a fine strain of graded Shorthorn cattle, showing marked success in his results and maintaining a high standing among the stockmen of the country. He is a prominent and active worker in the ranks of his political party, while, in the domain of his church, his abilities have caused his selection for important trusts, which have been faithfully and capably held. He was sent to England as a Mormon missionary and his services were there given for a period of twenty eight months with great acceptability. He also filled the position of assistant superintendent of the Sunday school of the church at his Utah home for a long term of years, and he has now the distinction of being the first counselor to Bishop Brough of the Lyman ward. Mr. Marshall married at St.  George, Washington county, Utah, Miss Ida Dotson, a lady of culture and attainments, a daughter of W. L. H. and Henrietta (Landrum) Dotson, natives of Alabama, who emigrated from Mississippi to Utah in 1864. She was born in New Orleans, La., on July 22. 1861. Her father was a strong man, conspicuous in the active work of the Mormon church, who also exercised great weight as a leader in politics, serving two terms in the legislative assembly of Utah, for several years holding the important office of county commissioner, being also a delegate from Utah to the convention of the National Stock Commission held in Texas, and also to the Irrigation Congress, held in Salt Lake City He was a son of Reuben and Nancy (Henry) Dotson, his mother being a lineal descendant of Patrick Henry. He lived happily on his fine plantation in Mississippi, where the labor was performed by his numerous slaves, until the Civil War ruined him and gave them freedom, and he then turned his face westward. Mr. and Mrs. Marshall have the following children, Metta J., wife of Albert G.  Heder, of Smiths Fork, Wyo.; Fayette; William D.; Mima; Daniel G.; Flossie; Bernice; John H.; Leslie H.  (Source Progresive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

WILLIAM J. McGINNIS.

The gentleman whose name heads this review and whose wife is the present postmaster at Midway, Uinta County. Wyoming, and who has most efficiently filled the position since December 23, 1898, Mr. William J. McGinnis was born in Adair county, Ky., in 1848, a son of Anderson and Nancy (Preston) McGinnis, also natives of the Dark and Bloody Ground. Anderson McGinnis was of Irish parentage and was a planter. From Kentucky he moved to Nebraska, and then to Davis county, Mo., where his death occurred in 1900 at the age of eighty-one years, his remains being interred at Winston, Mo. Nancy (Preston) McGinnis was of Scotch descent, bore her husband six sons and four daughters, of which family five are still living. Of these ten children. William J. was the fourth and the eldest boy. The mother of this family was untimely called away in 1865 at the comparatively early age of forty-one years.  Mr. McGinnis was educated in Kentucky and in early manhood emigrated to Utah and Nevada, where for about twenty years he was engaged in silver mining. In 1887 he came to Wyoming and took up a preemption claim of 160 acres and a desert claim of 240 acres where he now lives and which he has all under irrigation, and, it is needless to add, under a good state of cultivation. Here he also owns a large herd of cattle.  Mr. McGinnis was joined in matrimony in Salt Lake County, Utah, in 1876, with Miss Mary H.  Moore, a daughter of Samuel and Mary C.  (Hawke) Moore. Samuel Moore was born in Massachusetts on January 19, 1804, died on October 26, 1883. and was buried in Utah. The maternal grandfather of Mrs. McGinnis was William Hawke. a native of Pennsylvania. The marriage of William J. and Mary H. McGinnis has been crowned with eight children, of whom seven are living, Caroline M. of Nebraska; Anderson L.; Miranda; Lucilla A.; William J.; Olive H.; Frank R. E. The deceased child, Asa E., was born on July 17, 1889, and died at LaBarge, Wyo., November 15, 1890. Besides enduring the hardships of frontier life in the far West and assisting materially in the development of the country, Mr. McGinnis served as a Union soldier in the great Civil War in Co. C, Thirteenth Kentucky Cavalry, having enlisted on December 26, 1863, and being mustered out on March 1, 1865, during which period he participated in many a hard fought battle, among them that of Salt Works, Ky. Since his residence in Wyoming, Mr. McGinnis has done much toward the development of the country, with three others taking out the first irrigation canal in the Green River Valley, and in the promoting of its prosperity, and with this prosperity his own has kept pace. He is public spirited and enterprising, ever ready to extend a helping hand to the incoming stranger. He believes in progress, and few men in Uinta County take a greater interest in its development.  (Source Progresive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

JOHN A. McGRAW.

When, after a life filled with useful activity in labors that have permanently benefited the communities where they make their home. and.  after years of devoted sacrifice and valor in patriotic support of their countrys flap and honor, the ripened years of life of such individuals show them to be in the possession of wealth and a competency, in landed estate or personal property, we must express our thankfulness that they have received so just a reward for their invaluable services. These reflections come to mind while considering the career of John A. McGraw, of Evanston. Wyoming, who is a fitting representative of both the above named classes, being universally esteemed by an unusually large circle as a man of substantial possessions in a material way. and also as a citizen of the highest type, standing for all that indicates the uplift ami progress of the best elements of society. The history of such a person furnishes both stimulus and incentive, and we make here a brief record for the benefit of aspiring youth in coming generations. Mr. McGraw was born in Pennsylvania, in 1845. a son of James and Elizabeth (Bowser) McGraw. His paternal grandfather. John McGraw. was the American emigrant from Scotland of the family, and for the remainder of his life he exemplified the manly, if rugged, virtues of his native land in Pennsylvania. James McGraw, his son. became a successful millwright, following that vocation for long years in his native state of Pennsylvania, acquiring not only a worldly competency, but the esteem of his contemporaries. His death, at the hale old age of eighty-two, occurred in 1897. His wife bore him three children, of whom our subject was the eldest, and.  in a short time thereafter, she closed her eyes to earthly scenes. She was born in the same state, a daughter of Samuel Bowser. Possessing a natural disposition to handle tools. Mr. McGraw.  of this review, early was attracted to the machinists trade, which he thoroughly acquired in one of the great plants of Pittsburg. Pa. That he was an acknowledged master of his trade is evidenced by the fact that he was in constant employment in that great industrial center until he came to Evanston, Wyo., in 1878. There was ample place and opportunity for such a workman as he in the Evanston shops, and. from that time to the present, his labors have been given in the same industrial field, bringing to him satisfactory returns, while his personality has been such as to cause the best elements of the citizenship of the city.   He has invested some of his earnings in the development of his valuable ranch of 1.600 acres, which is located on Green River, twenty miles from Evanston. In 1870 Mr. McGraw became the husband of a winsome Canadian lassie, of Scottish extraction. Miss Mary McKenzie, the daughter of Archie and Mary McKenzie. Their children are Frank, William, John, Archie, Emma, Mabel, Mary and James, deceased. During the great Civil War, Mr. McGraw loyally maintained the integrity of the Union on Southern battlefields for two years as a member of Co. C, Fourteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, receiving an honorable discharge at his muster out. He is a Republican in politics and a citizen who is held in high esteem for his many excellent traits of character.  (Source Progressive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

T. A. MEGEATH

He has thriven in business and risen to consequence in the good opinion of his fellow citizens, being one of the enterprising, and far-seeing men of the county, intelligently contributing to its advancement, aiding to adding to the wealth and dignity of the communities where they have made their homes. T. A. Megeath, of Robertson, Wyoming, is one of this class since he was born in Loudoun county, Va., on November 16, 1843, the son of Joseph P. and Elizabeth (Cockran) Megeath, also natives of Virginia, where the father was an active and leading citizen, being a prosperous merchant and farmer, and for years the postmaster of Philomont. His parents, descendants of old Colonial families, were Gabriel and Martha (Adams) Megeath. Mrs. Elizabeth (Cochran) Megeath is of Scotch ancestry and was a daughter of the locally prominent Capt. James Cochran, of Virgina, who was the commander of a company of militia in the War of 1812, and gallantly led his forces to Washington to aid in the defense of the National capital when its safety was imperiled by a British squadron. Mr. T. A Megeath was the ninth of the ten children of his parents, seven of whom are now living. After his Virginia school days ended, in 1860 he engaged in merchandising in Omaha, Neb., but, feeling the necessity of further education, he went to St. Louis in 1864 and for one year there gave diligent attention to studies at the college of the Christian Brothers. Then he commenced a life of intense business activity as a merchant, his operations in that field, and as a commercial traveler, extending over a period of many years, while in his itinerancy he was located in many places, notably Omaha, Fort Laramie, Fort Phil Kearney, North Platte, Crete and Friend, Neb., Cheyenne, Wyo., Council Bluffs, Iowa, Chicago. Ill., Baltimore, Md., his operations being in dry goods, groceries, general merchandising, lumber and real-estate, while, for a period of six years, he held with great acceptability the position of register of Douglas county, Neb., for a portion of the time also being in the employ of the U. S. government. In 1895 Mr. Megeath made his permanent residence in Wyoming, locating at Hopkins, now Sweetwater, where, for two years, he was engaged in a clerical capacity, then becoming the manager of the store until September. 1900, when, practically retiring from business life, he was made the candidate of the Democratic party for state senator, and. after a close and very exciting political contest, the normal Republican majority of the county being 400, he was defeated by only about eighty votes, his personal popularity being so great as to almost secure him the office. His genial and pleasant ways and manners, his correct and methodical conducting of business and his broad and comprehensive knowledge of human nature render him fully competent to capably fill any position in the gift of the people of his state and with credit to both himself and constituents. Fraternally, Mr. Megeath is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. In Harrisburgh, Pa., on February 14, 1893, Mr. Megeath was united in matrimony with Miss Abbie R. Yoder, a native of Pennsylvania. Of their five children, three survive, William C.. married with Alma Ramsey, is the popular manager of the Wyoming Mercantile Co., at Rock Springs; James G.; Theresa J., died in childhood; Ernest Y.; Mary, deceased.  Biographie Index

JOSEPH M. MILLER.

It is with pleasure that the historian takes pen to trace the life of a truly self-made man. who.  after long years of toil, exertion, deprivations and thrilling experiences, at last finds himself iii independent and prosperous circumstances, maintaining a position of honor and dignity among his fellows, and having the satisfaction of knowing that this has been brought about by his own industry, his own thrift and the daily exhibition of valuable characteristics of the best citizenship. These sage reflections have passed through our mind in considering the life and activities of Joseph M. Miller, a prosperous ranchman on Smiths Fork at Robertson, Wyoming, who has well earned the noble position in which he stands among his neighbors, who have known and prized him for many years. Mr. Miller was born near Hagerstown, Md., on May 5, 1851, and he has consequently more than rounded out a half century of useful activities. His parents were Michael and Wilhelmina (Powley) Miller, his paternal grandfather, Jacob Miller, being a worthy descendant of his German ancestors who came to Pennsylvania in years far antedating the American Revolution. Both the Powley and Miller families continued to inhabit Pennsylvania soil for generations. Being doubly orphaned at an early age, his home for some years was with one of his aunts in Pennsylvania, but, while yet in his teens, his spirit of independence induced him to take his fortune in his own hands and carve out his livelihood and acquire wealth by his unaided efforts. So he engaged in rafting on the Susquehanna River and soon commenced his long western journey by removing to Missouri, where were given his initial efforts in the care of stock, a business ultimately to become one of great importance to him. He also was there connected with railroading, moving on to Kansas, he was there industriously engaged in agriculture until 1881. which year marks the date of his entry to Wyoming. Making his home at Fort Bridger, he was in the employ of the Carters for a time, and had a contract to put up hay on the adjacent meadows, continuing this until the reservation was thrown open for settlement, when he made the third claim on the land of the reservation, filing on and thus securing the 160 acres where is now his home, which is but a short distance from the site of Fort Supply, which was built by the Mormons in the first exodus to Utah. His ranch is quite a hive of industry, for in addition to his fanning and stock raising operations, Mr. Miller owns and conducts a store, at which is located Robertson post office, of which Mrs. Miller is the capable postmistress, she having been commissioned to that office in 1893, upon the establishment of the office, and being in tenure of that position until the present time, with the exception of an interval of two years when she resigned it. Mr. Miller married Miss Helen Creekmore, a daughter of Calvin L. and Mahala (Ross) Creekmore, near Winston, Md., on November 1, 1880. Her father was a son of Horatio and Lourania (Meadows) Creekmore, both natives of Virginia, tracing their lineage back to France but through long years of American residence, while her mothers parents were John and Elizabeth (Chitwood) Ross, also natives of Virginia.  Her father was a lawyer of reputation and ability, being a popular county attorney for eight years, still later acquiring added dignity by his administration of justice as a circuit judge of Whitley County. Ky. An honored and esteemed couple, he and wife are pleasantly passing the evening twilight of their lives at Richmond, Ky.  Mr. and Mrs. Miller have had ten children, Clyde M., died in infancy; J. Nestor, deceased; Mabel M.; Maud J.; Nellie W.; Clara; Wilhelmina and Joseph M. (twins) ; Agnes; Hazel, all living except the first two named. Mr. Miller is one of the school trustees of his district, and his influence is strongly felt in all important matters of the community. In business operations he devotes himself principally to his fine herd of thoroughbred and graded Hereford cattle and is one of the representative stockmen of his district.  (Source Progresive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

ROBERT MILLER

The sons of "Bonnie Scotland" are everywhere found in the leading ranks of human endeavor, and they have played a distinguished part in the toils and endurance, the labors and the achievements that have resulted in the creation of the great west. Perhaps in no field of industrial activity has their beneficial presence been more marked than in the mining of coal, one of the most important branches of our present industries, for Scottish energy, intelligence and thrift, combined with a thorough technical knowledge of mining, and indefatigable industry, if given a good opportunity, rarely fail to win a success worthy of the name. A notable example of this is presented in the life of Robert Miller, now a prominent and esteemed citizen of Evanston, Wyoming, who was born on February 3, 1861, at Knightswood, County Dunbarton, Scotland, being a son of David and Elizabeth (Dougherty) Miller, and descending from famihes running back an unknown number of generations in his native land. David Miller, born in Scotland in 1819. a son of Walter Miller, a lifelong resident of Dunbarton county, acquired a solid education in the national schools, and for many years was engaged in coal-mining, which vocation he diligently followed until coming to the United States in 1883, marrying and rearing a family of nine children in the old country. Mrs. Elizabeth Miller, born in 1823, a faithful and beneficial wife and mother, passed from earth to those activities that have no weariness, at Almy, Wyo., at the age of seventy-eight years, long surviving her husband, who died and was buried at Evanston in 1890. After a residence of two years at Echo, Utah, their life in the West was passed at Almy, Wyo. , where they were highly esteemed members of society and devoted members of the Presbyterian church. Robert Miller had the Scotch desire for knowledge, availing himself of all the school advantages he could obtain and supplementing these by observant reading of valuable authors. Of course his environments made him a miner and he became well grounded in its technical knowledge which was assisted by constant observation and a keen intellect. Preceding his parents to this country by one year, in 1882 he became identified with mining at Echo, Utah, for three years, thence proceeding to Almy, Uinta county, Wyo. . and continuing the industry there for more than a decade. For three years he was employed in the silver mines at Park City . Utah , coming from that place to Frontier. Wyo. , where he followed mining until his special qualifications and fitness for public life caused him to be placed in responsible positions of trust and confidence. In 1892, as a Republican, he was elected State Senator for the county of Uinta and served his constituents well and faithfully in the Legislatures of 1893 and 1895. He was decidedly a working member of the Senate, carrying the same industry and integrity into his official life that were prominent characteristics of his every day existence among the people and he has won many friends. In 1900 he was elected clerk of the District Court and in 1902 was again the choice of the Republican party for the same office, to which he was again elected by one of the largest majorities ever given to any candidate in the county and he is now holding the office, being very popular with the people, the court and the legal fraternity. By his marriage on January 29, 1889, with Miss Ellen G. Hunter, a native of Pennsylvania, he has four children; Mary A.; David H.; Goldie M.; Robert N. Miller, their mother being the daughter of Robert N. and Mary (McDonald) Hunter, and her paternal grandfather, John Hunter, of Scotland, better known in the old country by his popular name of "Clydeside Johnnie," at one time lived in the United States, being a man of wide experience and great power as an orator, acquiring distinction for his sterling advocacy of all causes tending to the amelioration of the condition of the miners of Scotland. Her father was born in Scotland, but he has lived for more than forty years in America and now resides, a respected citizen at Cumberland, Wyo.  Biographie Index

CHARLES MOSLANDER.

One of the prominent and representative agriculturists and stockmen of Uinta County, Wyoming, is Charles Moslander, whose fine ranch is located on the Big Muddy, eight miles south of Altamont. He was born in St. Louis, Mo., on June 29, 1857, a son of Joseph and Belle (Humes) Moslander. His father was a native of Wisconsin, while his mother was born in England. Until he was fourteen years of age Mr. Moslander diligently attended the common schools of St. Louis, and acquired a scholastic foundation for the practical knowledge which has come to him through long years of association with men and affairs. Commencing the responsibilities of life for himself at the age of fourteen, for seven years he was a teamster in St. Louis, but, on attaining his majority in 1878, he took the long and wearying journey across the plains to Utah, where he located in Cache county and for one year was engaged in working for wages, he then came to Wyoming and was employed for six months in Aspen, and then in Beaver Canyon in Idaho, he engaged in teaming for himself. Eight months later he returned to Utah for the winter, going to Blackfoot, Idaho, in the spring and following freighting for six months from Blackfoot to the Wood River country.   He then went back to Cache Valley and to Heaver Canyon, Idaho, where he was engaged in freighting for six other months and then following freighting from Cache Valley to Camas. Idaho, and also from the mine Viola to Camas, to Cache Valley and to Rawlins, Wyo., occupying in all two years time in this vocation. From Rawlins he went to Aspen, Wyo., and was engaged in the sawmill business and in ranching.   In 1887 Mr.  Moslander located 600 acres of government land in partnership with A. K. Stoddard, with whom he formed a business connection in stock raising, which they have conducted with great success to the present. These gentlemen now own about 6,500 acres of productive land and give their attention to the raising of graded Hereford and Durham cattle, of which they raise a large number. They are also interested to some extent in raising sheep and horses on the same property. Mr. Moslander is also connected with Mr. Stoddard in the sale of hardware and implements and in a lumber and coal business in Nampa, Idaho. Their business operations have been conducted with skill and discrimination and have brought them satisfactory and profitable returns. Mr. Moslander has always taken an active part in local affairs as a prominent and valued member of the Democratic Party, in whose cause, campaigns and elections he has done valuable service.  Fraternally he is a member of the Brotherhood Protective Order of Elks, holding membership with Salt Lake City Lodge, No. 89, at Salt Lake City, and is also identified with the Maccabees at Evanston, Wyo. Mr. Moslander was married in Logan, Utah, on January 19, 1882, with Miss Maggie Manghan, a daughter of William H. and Elizabeth (Mill) Mangham, who was born in Wellsville. Cache County, Utah, her mother being a native of Canada and her father of England. Eight children constitute the family of Mr. and Mrs. Moslander, Nora M, a graduate of Brigham Young College at Logan. Utah, and now teaching school in Spring Valley, Wyo.; Bessie, Margaruite, Isabelle, Valeria. Charles, Harold and Zadia. Mrs. Moslander has long been prominently connected with and a useful member of the church of Latter Day Saints, and her daily walk and character are in fullest accord with the honorable teachings of the church.  (Source Progressive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

The character of a state being but the sum and total of the individual characters of its citizens, every mans individuality has a peculiar interest for us when writing of the attainments and prosperity of its commonwealth. For many centuries in England has the name of Moss been connected with feats of valor, movements of statesmanship, industrial progress and professional achievement.  Emigrating from the mother country to Massachusetts in the early days of anxiety, privation and suffering, three brothers named Moss established on New England soil the same characteristics appertaining to the English family. One of these brothers was the great grandfather of Wentworth H. Moss, of Uinta county, Wyoming.  In America, as in England, the family has been noted for its intelligence, culture and beneficent interest in public affairs and for its integrity and superior business qualifications. Wentworth H.  Moss was born on March 20, 1843, in what is now the beautiful manufacturing village of Sandy Hill, Washington county, N. Y., where is located one of the largest manufactories of wall paper in the world, a son of Edward and Mary (Carter) Moss, both of whom were natives of New York state. Edward Moss was a good type of an intelligent New England farmer, and, in addition to his vocation of agriculture, took quite an active part in the conduct of public affairs.  He removed with his family in 1846 to Boone county, Ill., where for a long term of years he was a superintendent of schools. His father, Edward Moss, was a soldier of the American Revolution. Six children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Moss, of whom Wentworth was the third.  His eldest brother, James Moss, distinguished himself and maintained the patriotic record of the family in the Civil War by his loyal service as captain of Co. B, Fifty-eighth Illinois Volunteers and lost his life in the memorable engagement at Red River Crossing. Louisiana. Wentworth H. Moss received his elementary literary education at the public schools of Illinois, supplementing this by an attendance at a somewhat celebrated private academy. In 1865. his independent business career was initiated by his services as a bookkeeper at Salt Lake City and later he was an U. S. wagon master, with headquarters at Forts Laramie, Sedgwick and Russell and also McPherson and Camp Carlin. Following this employment he made his home successively in Laramie and Cheyenne. Wyo., devoting his time to the carrying out of the various government contracts he had undertaken. In 1884, he established the family residence in Uinta County, Wyo., on the headwaters of the Big Muddy, six miles south of the village of Piedmont. This has continued to be his home, and here he owns 160 acres of land which he has developed in a wise and systematic manner to meet the demands of the cattle and horse raising departments of agricultural industry to which he has devoted his land.  He has still continued and is now engaged in extensive contracting operations, having a large acquaintance with men and affairs, not only in Western Wyoming, but far beyond the boundaries of the state. He is an active member of the Democratic party, prominent in its councils and in its campaigns. Without any desire however for political honors or emoluments for himself, he has accepted and done valuable service as postmaster, deputy U. S. marshal and as a water commissioner. Fraternally, he has attained to the Royal Arch degree of the Masonic order, and is also identified with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, holding membership in the first at Evanston, Wyo., and in the second at Rock Springs. In Norfolk, Neb., on December 22, 1875, occurred the nuptial ceremony uniting Mr. W. H. Moss and Miss Mattie B. McClary, who is a daughter of David and Almy McClary, who also trace their lineage to very early New England families, themselves however being like their daughter, native in the state of New York. Universally esteemed for his genial ways, his sterling worth and integrity, Mr.  Moss is one of , the best types Wyoming can produce of a self made man. His success is the result of steady industry, business thrift and enterprise reaching over an active period of years.  He has ever been benevolent and hospitable, a patron of educational interests, a public spirited citizen and an exemplary member of society.  With numerous friends in official circles and among the leading representative men of western Wyoming, no man is in a position to exercise a greater influence in the direction of business integrity or in shaping the affairs of this section of the state, than this representative of an old time family, Wentworth H. Moss.  (Source Progresive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

GEORGE A. MYERS.

A native son of the West, as a child and a man witnessing its marvelous and unparalleled growth and prosperity, by his enterprise and industry and successful business operations taking an active part in its development, George A.  Myers of Fort Bridger, Wyoming, was born on August 7, 1865. in that portion of Utah, that by later segregation is now Wyoming. He is the son of John W. and Sarah Myers, both natives of England, and was the youngest of their five children, whose names we will here record: Mrs.  Leonard; George; John, deceased; Mary, deceased; Frank B., of Alamogordo, N. M.; Nellie, wife of W. L. Leonard of Evanston; George A.  The father was a pioneer of Utah and one of the makers of its civilization. In England he received an excellent technical education in the trade of carpentry on the estate of an earl and in this new part of the world his services were greatly in demand. He was a man of strong character, took a leading part in the affairs of the Democratic Party and was conspicuous as a member of the Church of Latter Day Saints. He possessed a fine stock ranch on the Bear River, where he gave careful attention to the extensive raising of superior breeds of cattle and horses, dying, after an unusually active life, on April 27, 1901, being survived by his wife. In the public schools of Hilliard, Wyo., George A. Myers received the foundation of his education, but the knowledge there acquired has been largely supplemented by self culture, extensive reading and in the comprehensive school of experience. In 1894 he engaged in sheep raising, purchasing as his initial band 500 lambs. Under his careful oversight they rapidly increased and he now runs a band of over 3,000 sheep, being prospered in his undertakings as a result of his discriminating care and watchful attention. Mr. Myers and partners are the owners of a fine sheep range of 8,400 acres situated in Summit County, Utah, which is well watered by mountain streams and very suitable for the conduct of this branch of agricultural enterprise. He is an esteemed member of Shelton Lodge, No. 92, Knights of Pythias, located at Shelton, Neb., joining this lodge during a residence at that place from 1889 to 1894.   Aside from this period of time his entire life has been passed in the West, and here he has made many friends and is in the full tide of a prosperous enterprise that bids fair to bring him wealth. Mr. Myers is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a man of broad and accurate judgment in religious, political and civil life. He is allied in politics with the Republican Party, but has no desire for political office or emoluments, being one of the best types of the citizens of the state.  (Source Progresive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

ALEXANDER NISBET.

This worthy and industrious citizen of Evanston, Wyoming, was born at Knightshood, Dumbarton, Scotland, on January 27, 1865, the son of Alexander and Isabella Nisbet, natives of Scotland. The father came to the United States in 1830 but returned to Scotland in his latter days and died there on November 28.  1887, where his remains lie buried at Maryhill.  In 1890 his widow returned to America and remained about three years, once more making an ocean voyage on her return to Scotland where she abided for a time but quitted it again for America in 1900, since when she has made her home in Salt Lake City. Alexander Nisbet.  of this review, received his early education in Scotland and there gave diligent heed and attention to the occupation of a miner. Coming to the United States in October, 1888, he located for a time in Wellston, Ohio, whence he came to Almy, Wyo.. where he engaged first in coalmining, and later, and for the last three years of his stay, as a coal weigher. In politics he is a Democrat, and from his capability for the place he was appointed deputy county clerk under James Brown in 1895, and he has conscientiously held the place from that time on the present writing. He was married on June 24, 1892, with Miss Maggie Campbell, a native of Scotland and a prominent member of the Church of Latter Day Saints, and by this marriage four children have been born, Alexander, Matthew. Maggie and James. The last named died in September, 1900, being buried at Evanston. Wyoming.  (Source Progresive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

CHALMERS C. NORWOOD

The genial, courteous and accomplished superintendent and principal of the schools of Evanston, Wyoming, Prof. C. C. Norwood is a native of the state of Alabama, having first seen the light there in 1853, in what was then Pike county, but is now known as Bullock county. He knows but little of his parents, his mother dying when he was an infant of a few months and his father when he was only a child. His father, Joseph Norwood, was a native of Georgia and died a valiant soldier in the Civil War in the Confederate service. His mother, Sarah (Munn) Norwood, was a native of South Carolina, whence she moved to Alabama on her marriage to survive only a few months. Her remains are buried at Perot, Ala. Chalmers C. Norwood was reared by his maternal grandparents and was educated in Davidson college, N. G, and in the Johns Hopkins University of Baltimore, Md., from whence he was graduated in 1878. For two years he was a professor in Davidson College and in the Agricultural College of Maryland he occupied a professor's chair for four years. He entered the Department of the Interior of the United States under President Harrison and was an examiner in the U. S. patent-office for five years. Following this he went to Utah and taught in the New Jersey Academy at Logan for two years and in the Agricultural College one year. After that he came to Evanston, Wyo., and here he has been the superintendent and principal of the schools for the last four years, serving with great credit to himself and extreme satisfaction to his fellow citizens and his associates in the work of educating the young. A man of learning and ability, he enforces precept by example. He is a man of fine manners and of practical accomplishments as well, being a highly valued member of the State Board of Education. Mr. Norwood and his wife, with whom he married in 1889, are members of the Presbyterian church. They have one child, a daughter, named Helene. Mrs. Norwood was Mary Tuthill, a native of New Jersey, and a daughter of Captain Benjamin C. and Margaret (Harrison) Tuthill. She comes of good Revolutionary stock as is evidenced by her membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her greatgreat-grandfather. Christopher VanDeventer and his seven sons were able soldiers in the Continental army of the Revolution, .one of the seven being the great-grandfather of Mrs. Norwood. Indeed the family has always given of its best talent and wealth to the country. Mrs. Norwood's own father was a sea captain, following the waves until his retirement from active life. During the Civil War his vessel, the John Linthall. was in the service of the U. S. Government and he was a participant in the Burnside expedition.  Biographie Index

HON. THOMAS D. OFLYNN.

Descended from distinguished lines of Irish and Scotch ancestry, who bore their part well in all the relations of life wherever they lived and contributed to the advancement of their country in many ways in both civil and military life, Judge Thomas D. OFlynn of Evanston, Wyoming, has been true to the traditions of his family and exemplified in his own career the best features of its history. He was born on June 15, 1844. in the province of Ontario, Canada, the son of John L. and Nancy (Murdock) OFlynn, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Canada. The father followed teaching for thirty years in his native country and upon retiring from that vocation was elected mayor of Belleville, the county seat and most considerable city of County Hastings, where he died in 1862. The paternal grandfather of the Judge was born in Ireland and emigrated to America in his young manhood, locating in Canada and after a long and successful career in business there, returned to the land of his birth to die. The maternal grandfather was born and passed his life engaged in active pursuits in Scotland, dying there at a good old age. Judge OFlynn came into the United States at the age of eighteen, and enlisted in Co. R. Ninth N. Y. Heavy Artillery in the Union army, and rendered good soldierly service to the land of his adoption from 1862 to September 29, 1865, when he was mustered out in command of Co. I, Second N. Y. Regiment, having entered the service as a private and risen to this position by promotion for meritorious conduct and gallantry. He was in General McKinleys brigade and saw active and arduous service, participating in more than a dozen serious engagements, among them Cold Harbor, James River (Seven Days Fight), Winchester and the battles around Petersburg and Richmond up to Lees surrender. At the battle of Winchester he was severely wounded. After the close of the war he returned to Canada and engaged in the retail grocery business at Colborne and was twice elected mayor of the town. In 1883 he came to Wyoming and. locating at Evanston, entered the employ of Beckwith & Quinn, grocers, with whom he remained two years. He then formed a partnership with one Waynick, and they as OFlynn & Waynick conducted a retail grocery for two years. In 1890 and in 1900 he was U. S. census enumerator and in November of the latter year was made the county judge of Uinta county, being designated soon after by the city council of Evanston to serve the city as police justice. In politics he is a Republican, deeply imbued with the principles of the party. He is active in its service and his judgment is highly appreciated in its councils. He belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic, being also the local adjutant of Post Xo. 53 of the Department including Colorado and Wyoming. He was married in 1870 in Ontario, Canada, to Miss Maggie Lutman, a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Spencer) Lutman. natives of the province and both now resting beneath its sod. Mrs.  OFlynn died in 1887 and her remains were buried beside those of her parents. She left two children. John L. a barrister at law at Sank Ste.  Marie, Canada, and Blanche, who lives with her uncle, a prominent banker of Ontario. In the land of his adoption Judge OFlynn is thoroughly domesticated. He is firmly attached to its institutions and cordially interested in its welfare, being patriotic in all respects and exhibiting the best traits of American citizenship.  (Source Progresive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

GEORGE E. PAXTON.

This well known citizen of Evanston, Wyoming, was born in Berlin, N. Y., the son of George and Catherine (Rivenburg) Paxton, in 1862, his father being a native of Yorkshire, England, where he was born in 1830, coming to Berlin, N. Y., when eighteen years old, becoming then a very successful farmer and hop grower and an active Republican, serving as town assessor for twenty-one years. His wife was born in Albany, N. Y., in 1832 and died at Berlin in 1896, being the mother of three children.  Both husband and wife were devoted Methodists.  George E. Paxton received his early education in the public schools at Berlin coming to Evanston.Wyo., at the age of twenty-four, there first taking employment as a clerk for Blyth & Fargo.  In 1893 he went into the hotel business in which he has been remarkably successful. It takes special qualifications to conduct two hotels successfully in a town such as Evanston; but Mr.  Paxton exhibits all of these qualifications in a high degree in his management of the Pacific Hotel and the Marks House, being also a partner in the Hotel and the Marks House, being also a partner in the firm of Paxton & Hilard of Ogden, Utah. Mr. Paxton is an active and influential Republican, being a member of the State Central Committee of that political party, and he is also affiliated with the Freemasons of Evanston and also with the Elks of Salt Lake City. He was married in 1886 with Anna Saunders, a native of Salt Lake City, Utah, who has borne him two sons, Ellsworth and Sidney  (Source Progresive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

HENRY PERRY.

While we cannot, except in a relative, sense, call anything old in the civilization of the western states, or claim for it the merit of antiquity, yet there has been crowded into the history of the Great Northwest so much of heroic effort and heroic achievement that the mark of its advancement is as high as those of many sections on which rests the majesty of centuries.  Surely no race of men have anywhere accomplished more, braved more, endured more than the pioneers of this state, and among the heroic old timers of the pioneer period on whom time has set the seal of approval, which seldom comes except to the departed, no one is more entitled to honorable mention than the venerable Henry Perry, who is now living a retired life on Henrys Fork, Uinta county, surrounded by children and childrens children, who delight to do him reverence. He was born in St. Louis county. Mo., on January 28, 1830, a son of John and Theresa (Marshall) Perry, natives of Canada and Missouri. The father descends from an ancient family of France, the name originally being Paria. Locating in Missouri when a young man, the father there married and resided until his death in 1859, his farming operations being broken only by his participation as a soldier in the early Indian wars, wherein he acquitted himself most nobly. His son, Henry, was the ninth of a family of twelve children and, as his childhoods home was on the very frontier, he had absolutely no advantages for education in the schools, for he early engaged in driving mules for the U. S. government, continuing this in the Santa Fe region for two years, then individually conducting freighting with ox teams from Independence, Mo., to Santa Fe, at that time belonging to Mexico.  Returning to Missouri at the end of a year of freighting he remained in his native state until 1851, when he became a pioneer of pioneers in Wyoming, where for six years he followed trapping for beaver and hunting buffalo. The Indians were in full possession of the country and many were the, wild adventures and thrilling were the experiences that fell to the lot of Mr. Perry in the strenuous life of the new lands. Once his train and another one which joined it were attacked by combined bands of Comanches and Kiowas on the Santa Fe trail, the result being the repulse of the Indians. At another time he was in a fight with Indians near the present Sweetwater, where again the whites were successful, the savages having a large number killed. But a volume would scarcely contain all the exciting episodes in which Mr.  Perry had part. For many years he conducted a profitable stock business, a few years ago retiring from active labor, secure from adverse fortune and firmly fixed in the regard and esteem of his fellows. He was a resident in his present locality in 1854, when the Mormons built Fort Supply and during the three years of their occupancy of it he frequently bought vegetables of them. When he came across the plains he had six yokes of oxen attached to two wagons, and among his companions in hunting and trapping were Tim Goodwell, Mitchell Marden and Joe and John Baker, the noted Indian scouts, and he was also himself a scout and a guide against the Indians with the regular troops in 1857, when they were called thither by the report of the Mountain Meadow massacre. On May 17, 1865, and at Virginia City, Montana, Mr. Perry was united in holy marriage with Miss Louisa Wade, a daughter of James and Sarah (Elliott) Wade, natives of Illinois, four of their five children are now living, Sarah, wife of George Herford of Henrys Fork; Mary T., wife of Charles Eberhart of Rock Springs; James G.; Laura, wife of Thomas Casto, a prominent sheep man of Uinta county, Wyo. The youngest, Lillie, who married E. Mason of Lander, is now deceased.   (Source Progresive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

 
James G. Perry, the son of Henry and Louisa (Wade) Perry, was born in the mining camp of Rochester Gulch, Mont., on December 19, 1868, and from the exigencies of the situation his education in textbooks was necessarily limited.  But by diligent study and judicious reading at every opportunity he has acquired a valuable fund of knowledge. He early engaged in the stock business, following it successfully until April 1, 1902, when he transferred his energies to merchandising at Mountain View, where the qualifications which won his success in his former vocation are still in evidence, showing satisfactory results. He still owns his well improved ranch of 320 acres and five town lots, two at Mountain View and three at Piedmont.  His first claim and location of 160 acres was made on Smiths Fork, five miles southwest of his present residence. In politics he is a firm believer in the policies of the Republican Party, and gives to its needs an earnest, thoughtful and helpful attention. He married with Miss Nellie Hendrie, a daughter of William M. and Sarah (Oderkirk) Hendrie, at Fort Bridgcr, Wyo., on April 15, 1893, and their family contains two children, Lillic L. and Albert G. The Perry family is one of the long established and sterling families of Uinta County and in the pleasant homes of its various branches a truly pioneer hospitality is graciously displayed  (Source Progresive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

GEORGE F. PFISTERER.

The owner of 160 acres of productive land on the bench near Mountain View and having the honor of being a veteran of the Spanish-American War, wherein he very bravely served against a barbarous enemy in the faraway Philippines, George F. Pfisterer has seen much of strange lands, peoples and customs since his birth in New York City on Christmas day, 1864, a son of David and Louisa (Miller) Pfisterer, the father being a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and the mother of Bavaria. The father came to New York in 1853 and there conducted a flourishing business as a tailor until he died in . Brooklyn on February 18, 1884. He left thirteen children, of whom the following are living, Henry, George F., Herman, a soldier in Co. G, . Seventeenth U. S. Infantry; Fred, a bridge builder in New York City; John, living near Lyman. Wyo.; Rose, wife of Peter Olsen of Huntsville, Utah; David, of Nevada. In 1892 the widow married with Harry Weitzel, a retired soldier, of Huntsville, Utah, where they are now living. George F. Pfisterer after his graduation from an excellent high school in New York learned and followed his fathers trade of tailor, becoming noted for his skill in the departments of cutting and fitting, and he was associated in business with his father as manufacturing tailors until the death of the parent in 1884. Two years later, on July 6, 1886, the son enlisted in the military service of the United States as a private in Co. H, Twenty-first U. S. Infantry.  Soon after he was made tailor for the company and accompanied the command to Fort Bridger, Wyo., remaining there until the abandonment of the post in 1890, when he accompanied it in its various movements to Salt Lake City, where he was discharged in 1891 at Camp Douglas, from there going to South Dakota, to Buffalo and on to Plattsburg, N. Y., where at the barracks he reenlisted in April, 1898, in the same regiment but in Co. E, for service in the Spanish-American War. In Cuba he participated in the historic battle of San Juan Hill, upon his return to New York being transferred to his old company H on February 22, 1899, with which he proceeded to the Philippines, where he was in constant and active service, taking part in the fierce battle of Zapodia Bridge, with the expedition sent from Marong to Paete on July 16 to 20, 1899, in the engagement at Calambra on July 26, 27 and 30 and also the later one at Bantanges, being honorably discharged at Laguinoc in the province of Tayabas, Luzon, in April, 1901, immediately coming to the United Slates and locating temporarily at Huntsville, Utah, from whence he removed to Uinta county, Wyo., in 1902, and settled on his present site.  An intelligent citizen, a gallant soldier, a Progressive and enterprising commercial force, the community is honored by his residence among its people. He is politically connected with the Republican Party and fraternally belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, holding membership at Plattsburg, N. Y., having in his heart the full knowledge of its teachings.  (Source Progresive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

WILMONT I. PORTER.

This popular ranchman comes of distinguished American ancestry, the family name appearing high on the roll of the eminent men of both the army and navy of the United States in all of its prominent wars, conspicuous examples being Rear Admiral Porter and Gen. Fitzjohn Porter, while, in the immediate family of Wilmont I. Porter, his father, Robert H. Porter, did most loyal service as a bugler in the Mexican War even as a youth, serving with great acceptability during the full period of hostilities. Robert H. Porter was born in the state of New York in 1820, and died in 1878, at the age of fifty-eight years. After the Mexican War he went to California, where he was for some years a popular landlord, serving also with eminent satisfaction as a tax collector for four years. Removing to Utah in 1854, he there carried on farming operations until 1863, when he located as a pioneer settler on Bear Creek, eighteen miles above Evanston, Wyo. Here his entire outfit was destroyed and burned by hostile Indians, himself and family being driven out of the country. He then made a home on Yellow Creek until 1869, when, migrating to Coalville, Utah, he was there employed until 1873, in that year returning to Evanston. His migrations continued, as in 1877 he was at Rawlins as the proprietor of a stage line, thereafter, in 1878, removing again to Utah, where his death occurred on the sixth of November of the same year. He was an active, energetic man of high ideals, a devoted member of the Church of the Latter Day Saints, and won and retained the cordial friendship of his neighbors. In New York State he was married with Miss Mary A. Williams, an estimable lady of English birth, who is now residing on Hams Fork, Wyo., at the age of seventy-two. Wilmont I. Porter, son of Robert H. and Mary A. (Williams) Porter, was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on December 16, 1857, and had the educational advantages afforded by the primitive schools of the pioneer period. From the age of twenty-two years he was for two years located in one locality, then he became connected with railroading on the Union Pacific, maintaining his headquarters at Evanston, Wyo., these duties employing him from 1884 to 1886, inclusive. He then engaged in freighting operations for a short period of time, returning again to the railroad service, later, in 1887, locating on a homestead claim in townships 22 and 23, and there devoted his individual attention to the raising of a superior strain of horses, in which profitable employment he still continues, being a good citizen and, retaining the high regards of an extended acquaintanceship. He is a close observer, giving much thought and attention to public affairs of a local nature as a member of his political party and is also very influential in his circle of friends. His paternal grandfather, Robert H. Porter, was a native of Ireland, who, after a life of numerous changes and great industry, departed this life at Fort Saginaw, Mich., in 1898, at the age of seventy-six years.  (Source Progressive Men of Wyoming)  Biographie Index

 

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