USA > Wyoming > History of Wyoming, Volume II > Part 30
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ROSCOE H. ALCORN.
Roscoe H. Alcorn, owner and editor of the Rawlins Republican and widely known as a leading representative of journalistic interests in Wyoming, was born January 10, 1888, in Jewell, Kansas, a son of the late William J. Alcorn, who was a native of Kentucky and a representative of one of the old families of that state, of Scotch-Irish descent. The father followed mercantile pursuits and at the time of his death, which occurred December 24, 1912, was manager of the Cullen Commercial Company at Rawlins. He took up his abode in this city in 1901 and during the eleven years of his residence here won very favorable criticism for the policy which he pursued in business affairs and for his upright life in other connections. It was therefore a matter of deep regret when he passed away at the comparatively early age of forty-seven years. He married Pearl Ransford, a native of Kansas and a daughter of Benjamin Ransford, who was one of the pioneer farmers and successful business men of the Sunflower state. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for troops, enlisting in defense of the Union, serving with Company F of the Fourteenth Iowa Infantry throughout the entire period of hostilities. He participated in the battles of Shiloh and Fort Donelson and being taken prisoner, was sent to Libby prison, from which he later made his escape. At the battle of Shiloh he was slightly wounded. It was after the close of the war that he took up a homestead in Jewell county, Kansas, where he resided until 1894. He then removed to Pomona, California, where he still makes his home, and is now retired from active business, enjoying the fruits of a well spent life. He re- mained on his Kansas farm for twenty-three years and was thus closely con- nected with the agricultural development of that state. He holds membership in the Grand Army of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant relations with the Boys in Blue, with whom he marched over the battlefields of the south. Mrs. Alcorn is residing in Rawlins and by her marriage became the mother of six children.
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Roscoe H. Alcorn, the first in order of birth, attended the public and high schools of Rawlins, and also became a student at Wesleyan University, of Salina, Kansas, where he continued until his senior year in 1910. Prior to entering col- lege, however, he served a four years' apprenticeship to the printing trade in Rawlins and after leaving college became editor of the Rawlins Republican, in which position he has since continuously remained. He has been owner and editor of the paper since 1911. The Republican was established in 1888 and one of its first editors was George Perry, now a well known banker of Sheridan, Wyoming. During the intervening years the ownership has changed on various occasions but during no period of its career has the Republican enjoyed a more substantial standing or made more gratifying progress than under the present management with Mr. Alcorn as owner and editor. He has given to journalistic questions close and careful study, seeking to make his paper both the molder and mirror of public opinion. The Republican is ever found as the champion of well devised plans and measures for the general good and has taken the initial step in advancing many ideas which have proven of great benefit in connection with the upbuilding and progress of the city. When Mr. Alcorn took charge the paper had a paid circulation of about six hundred copies and this number has been increased to fifteen hundred and fifty copies per week. It is accorded a good advertising patronage and a considerable job printing busi- ness is done in the office, so that the enterprise is proving one of substantial profit. As the name indicates, the paper upholds republican policies in politics, being a stanch champion of the principles of the party. The business was incorporated in 1901 and through the intervening years the paper has continued to progress along lines that have led to substantial results.
Mr. Alcorn is a member of the Wyoming Press Association and also of the International Typographical Union. He has always voted with the republican party and has made a close and discriminating study of the questions and issues of the day. His opinions concerning politics and other vital questions are trenchantly expressed, his reasoning is clear and his logic convincing. Fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks, with the Modern Woodmen of America and with the Masons. His religious faith is that of the Methodist church.
It is largely through individual effort that Mr. Alcorn has reached his present position in journalistic and business circles. It is true that he had liberal educational opportunities, pursuing a college course in journalism, but all those who have trained in such do not attain success. There is often times a lack of adaptability which is a source of partial failure. Mr. Alcorn, however, has readily and wisely used the powers which he developed and is today one of the leading newspaper men of western Wyoming, while in matters of citizen- ship he ranks high as the champion of all those interests which are working for the general good and which look beyond the exigencies of the moment to the possibilities and opportunities of the future.
LYMAN H. BROOKS.
Prominent among the enterprising, progressive and successful business men of Sheridan is Lyman H. Brooks, the president and general manager of the Sheridan Company and also the president of the L. H. Brooks Realty Company.
He was born May 5, 1856, in Sherbrooke, in the province of Quebec, Canada, a son of Samuel T. and Lucy ( Mills) Brooks. His education was acquired in St. Johnsbury Academy at St. Johnsbury, Vermont, for in 1862, when but six years of age, he was taken by his parents to northern Vermont, where the period of his school life was passed. After his education was completed he was em- ployed at St. Johnsbury by the Fairbanks Scale Manufacturing Company, with which he was connected from 1870 until 1880. He became a resident of the
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west in 1880 and took up his abode in what is now Sheridan county, Wyoming, where he engaged in ranching and in the live stock business for twenty-nine years or until 1909. In the meantime he also became identified with other busi- ness interests in Sheridan, becoming a member of the hardware firm of Brooks & Diefenderfer, his active connection with the business continuing from 1892 until 1903. He has also been general manager of the Sheridan Lumber Company since 1903 and in 1909 he organized and became president of the L. H. Brooks Realty Company and has since been in active control of its interests. He is a progressive, farsighted and sagacious business man, recognizing and utilizing op- portunities and so directing his efforts that success in substantial measure has come to him. He is a director and was one of the organizers of the Bank of Commerce of Sheridan, which was established in 1892, and he is a director of the Sheridan Street Railway Company, and is president of the Grandview Addition Company of Sheridan. His business connections are thus extensive and prominent and have contributed in substantial measure to the upbuilding and development of the city as well as to the advancement of his individual fortunes.
Since 1912 Mr. Brooks has served as a trustee of the Wyoming State Uni- versity. His political allegiance is given to the republican party and he repre- sented his district in the general assembly from 1895 until 1897. He had become a naturalized American citizen in 1877 and throughout all the intervening years he has stood loyally for what he believes to be best for the interests of county, commonwealth and country.
J. P. FOLGER.
J. P. Folger, receiver at the United States land office in Evanston, was born in Pickens county, South Carolina, August 4, 1870, a son of Alonzo M. and Elizabeth ( Burdine) Folger, who were also natives of South Carolina and rep- resented one of the old families of the south, located there since a very early period in the colonization of the new world. Peter Folger landed in Nan- tucket, Massachusetts, in 1635 and was the first of the family in the United States. Both Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo Folger are still residents of South Carolina. The father has engaged in business not only as a planter and farmer but has also prepared for medical practice and is a well known physician and surgeon of his locality. He yet occupies the old homestead in Pickens county and is now eighty-two years of age. At the time of the Civil war he was a member of the Medical Corps. His wife was born in 1842 and has therefore passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey.
J. P. Folger was the third son in their family of seven children. In his boyhood days he attended the public schools of Pickens county to the age of fifteen years and then began studying telegraphy, becoming an operator for the Southern Railway Company in South Carolina. In 1888 he went to Ari- zona for the Santa Fe Railroad Company, where he acted as telegraph operator and station agent at various points. In 1892 he arrived in Wyoming, settling at Green River, where he occupied the position of chief train dispatcher for the Union Pacific Railway Company. Later he removed to Kemmerer, where he also served as train dispatcher and as assistant superintendent, remaining at that place from 1902 until 1914, when he came to Evanston to accept the position of receiver at the United States land office and has since acted in that capacity. One of his strong characteristics is his fidelity to any trust reposed in him and he is there- fore making an excellent record in this position, as he also did while representing the railroad companies in telegraph service. Mr. Folger has also occupied other official positions and twice was made mayor of Kemmerer, having been elected in 1906 and again in 1912, so that he occupied that position for two terms of two years each. He was also a member of the city council of Kemmerer for several terms and was county clerk of Lincoln county, making an excellent record in all of
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these different positions by the promptness, faithfulness and capability which he displayed in the discharge of his duties.
On the 8th of April, 1896, Mr. Folger was united in marriage to Miss Marie Mockler, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Mockler, representatives of a pio- neer family. Mr. and Mrs. Folger have become parents of five children : Anna, who was born in Green River in 1898 and is a graduate of the Evanston high school; Alfred, who was born in Green River in 1900 and attended the high school, while at the present time he is a clerk in the First National Bank of Evanston ; Patricia, who was born in Green River in 1902 and is now a high school pupil; Gerald, who was born in Green River in 1904 and is attending the high school; and J. P., who was born in Kemmerer in 1911 and is pursuing his studies in the public schools of Evanston.
Mr. Folger is well known as a representative of the Masonic fraternity, belong- ing to lodge, chapter and commandery. He is one of the best known and most pop- ular citizens of Evanston and this section of the state, standing high in public regard by reason of his record in connection with railway service and by reason of his record in public office.
HARRY G. PARKER.
Harry G. Parker, senior partner in the firm of Parker & Stafford, dealers in hay, feed and grain at Rock Springs, was born at Coalburg, Ohio, July 21, 1886, a son of Henry Stephen and Lucy Jane (Williams) Parker, both of whom were natives of Liverpool, England. Coming to America in early life, they settled in Coalburg, Ohio, and the father there engaged in coal mining until September, 1888, when he sought the business opportunities offered in the great and growing west. He made his way to Rock Springs, Wyoming, and took up mining, but at the present time he is superintendent of the State Hospital. His wife also sur- vives and the family circle is yet unbroken by the hand of death, for the four children are yet living, namely, Mrs. Ada Ramsey, Mrs. William Kellogg, Harry G. and Blanche, all at Rock Springs.
Harry G. Parker was but two years of age when he removed from Ohio to Wyoming and at the usual age he became a pupil in the public schools of Rock Springs, and later continued his education in the Utah Agricultural College at Logan, where he devoted two years to a commercial course. He was afterward em- ployed by the American and Pacific Express Companies at Rock Springs, continu- ing in that connection for three years, at the end of which time he became an employe of the J. P. McDermott Company. After two years spent in that way he resigned and embarked in business on his own account in partnership with A. Staf- ford under the firm style of Parker & Stafford, dealers in hay, feed and grain. The business was established May 21, 1914, in a small way but has grown steadily and has now developed to large proportions through the able management of Mr. Parker and his associate in the enterprise. He is a man of sound business judg- ment, of unfaltering industry and of keen sagacity, and his efforts have resulted in building up a gratifying business, his trade equalling if not exceeding that of all dealers in his line in this part of the state.
On the 10th of September, 1910, at Rock Springs, Mr. Parker was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Travis, of Rock Springs, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Peter Travis. Her father was killed in the Hanna explosion about seven years ago. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Parker : Henry Stephen, who was born in Rock Springs, September 14, 1912; and Peter, born November 15, 1914.
Mr. Parker votes with the republican party and in 1913 was a candidate for the office of county clerk of Sweetwater county but failed of election by a very narrow margin. Fraternally he is a Master Mason and loyally adheres to the teach- ings and purposes of the craft. He ranks with the representative young business
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men of his adopted city, a city, however, in which almost his entire life has been passed. He has therefore witnessed much of the growth and development of Rock Springs and rejoices in what has been accomplished as the work of progress and improvement has been carried forward. Since attaining man's estate he has supported all measures and movements for the general good and his worth both as a man and citizen is widely· acknowledged.
ALBERT E. STIRRETT.
Among the recent additions to the Wyoming bar is Albert E. Stirrett of Casper, who brought to the performance of his professional duties here wide experience, gained as an attorney in South Dakota and this experience was based upon thorough training in the law department of the University of Colo- rado. He is thus well equipped for onerous and responsible professional duties and it is a recognized fact that he is most loyal to the interests of his clients.
He was born in Uttoxeter, Ontario, Canada, October 4, 1885, a son of Robert and Olivia Stirrett. In the acquirement of his education he entered the Uni- versity of Colorado as a law student, having determined upon the practice of law as a life work, and on completing the regular course the LL. B. degree was conferred upon him in 1910. He has since engaged in the practice of law and from 1913 to 1916 was state's attorney of Lawrence county, South Dakota, making an excellent record during his four years' incumbency in that position.
On the 24th of May, 1913, in Deadwood, South Dakota, Mr. Stirrett was united in marriage to Miss Edith A. McPherson, a daughter of D. A. McPherson, and they have become parents of two children, Donald Elmer and Robert Mc- Pherson.
In religious faith Mr. Stirrett is an Episcopalian, while fraternally he is connected with the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. His political endorse- ment is given to the republican party and he keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, supporting his position by intelligent argument. His time and attention, however, are concentrated upon his professional duties. He ranks high in the discussion of legal matters before the court and his applica- tion of legal principles demonstrates the wide range of his professional acquire- ments. The utmost care and precision characterize his preparation of a case and have made him one of the successful lawvers of the west.
HARRY P. HYNDS.
Harry P. Hynds is proprietor of the Plains Hotel, one of the leading hostelries not only of Cheyenne but of Wyoming. In the conduct of this business he fol- lows the most progressive methods of hotel management and his enterprise has made his establishment most popular with the traveling public. Success has at- tended his efforts, as is illustrated by the fact that he has recently erected one of the finest fireproof buildings of the city.
Illinois claims Mr. Hynds as one of her native sons, his birth having occurred in Morris, that state, on the 22d of December, 1860, his parents being Martin and Jane (O'Hale) Hynds. At the usual age he became a pupil in the public schools of Morris and afterward attended the Normal Night School of that city. In early life he began learning the blacksmithing trade, which he followed at Morris and also in Chicago. At length he determined to try his fortune in the west, for it seemed to him that better business opportunities might be secured in a section of the country where competition was not so great but where there was every prospect of growth and advancement. In the fall of 1882, therefore, he made his way to Cheyenne, Wyoming, where he engaged in blacksmithing on his
Harry P. Abends.
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own account. At his shop the horses that drew the stage to the Black Hills of South Dakota were shod. He conducted business under a partnership relation, the firm name of Elliott & Hynds being assumed. This connection was continued until 1886 and Mr. Hynds then turned his attention to various other business in- terests, being so engaged from 1886 until 1910. He became actively interested in mining and has been connected with the development of the mineral resources of the state for many years. He has ever watched his opportunities for judicious investment and has at all times improved his chances in that connection. Lately he has become extensively interested in the development of the oil fields and his investments have brought to him a notable measure of success. In 1910 he or- ganized hotel interests under the name of the Plains Hotel Company but of the business he is sole owner. He leases the building which he occupies, but the furnishings are his and he is conducting one of the best hotels in Cheyenne. He also built the Capital Grill and he is now erecting a five-story steel and concrete fireproof structure for store and office purposes at the corner of West Lincoln highway and Capital avenue, its advantageous location insuring him a ready rental of the property.
On the 11th of April, 1901, Mr. Hynds was married to Miss Nell McGuire. Mr. Hynds greatly enjoys hunting and fishing. His religious faith is that of the Catholic church. He is an honorary life member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks. He has membership in the Industrial Club of Cheyenne and is interested in all of its plans and purposes for the advancement of the city's inter- ests. His political allegiance is given to the republican party. With many ques- tions of public importance he is thoroughly familiar and he has been actively identified with the good roads movement, having served as president of the Laramie County Good Roads Association in 1913 and 1914. He has held nu- merous appointments whereby he has represented Wyoming in national con- ventions and he is ever alert to the opportunities for upbuilding the state, for ex- tending its trade relations, for advancing its natural resources and for upholding those interests and activities which have made Wyoming a great commonwealth, equal in its opportunities and advantages to the older states of the Union.
DANIEL C. BUNTIN.
Daniel C. Buntin occupies a prominent position on the stage of business activity in Laramie, where he is well known as president of the Laramie Water Company. He was born in Nashville, Tennessee, in 1875 and was educated in private schools and in a university of the south, while for a time he was also a student in Van- derbilt University, from which he was graduated in 1899 with the LL. B. degree. Liberal educational advantages thus qualified him for life's practical and respon- sible duties. He has been a resident of Laramie since 1908 and through the inter- vening period has been closely identified with development projects and with the work of upbuilding, throughout this section of the state. Realizing the oppor- tunities of the country and the possibilities for men of enterprise, he has become a factor in work that has contributed much to the material development of the state. He was the builder of the James Lake irrigation system, which was executed at a cost of a half million dollars. He colonized that district and sold land to the value of about one and a half million dollars. Again the call of opportunity was to him the call to action and he became the promoter of the Laramie Water Company. concentrating his efforts upon the building of its plant, which work was carried through at a cost of two million dollars. He also has twenty thousand acres of land on which he is extensively engaged in the raising of sheep, cattle and other live stock. He became the vice president of the Tallmadge-Buntin Land Company, which was organized for the puropse of conducting a general land and immigra- tion business-to deal in large and small tracts of alfalfa, wheat, corn, cotton, timber, sugar beets, fruit and general farm and ranch land. In other words, to Vol. II-15
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conduct a general wholesale and retail land and immigration business in the south and in the west. This company opened its offices in the Railway Exchange bu:ld- ing of Chicago and from that point conducted its interests. To his work in this connection Mr. Buntin brought broad experience. He was the vice president of the First Savings Bank & Trust Company of Nashville, Tennessee, and general manager of the Realty Company, also of Nashville. The latter is a stock com- pany that owned and promoted West Nashville, which has grown to be a city of large proportions, in which are located twenty-nine mills and factories, employ- ing five thousand men. He promoted many other projects in Nashville and in the south, including the building of the great Arcade store and office building, which was erected at a cost of a half million dollars. Mr. Buntin personally owns and controls a large interest in that building and is a stockholder in many of the banks in Nashville and other business projects there. He became the associate of E. R. Tallmadge and others in promoting the railroad from Canyon City, Texas, to Plainview, Texas, and now controls all town-sites along that line. He has exten- sive holdings and large interests in the southwest and is considered one of the successful young financiers of the country. Turning his attention to Laramie, he recognized its possibilities and his efforts in this connection have been equally effective and valuably resultant.
On the 12th of June, 1901, Mr. Buntin was united in marriage in Nashville, Tennessee, to Miss Elsie Caldwell, a native of that city and a daughter of James E. and Mary W. Caldwell. Her father is the president of the Fourth-First National Bank of Nashville. Mr. and Mrs. Buntin have two children : Thomas Craighead, who was born in Nashville, March 15. 1902; and May Winston Caldwell, who was born in Nashville in 1914. The parents hold membership in the First Presbyterian church of Nashville.
Mr. Buntin is a member of the Chamber of Commerce of Laramie and he is identified with various social organizations and clubs throughout the country. He belongs to the Chicago Athletic Club ; to the Hermitage, of Nashville, of which he was formerly president ; to the Nashville Golf & Country Club and to the Noelton Golf & Country Club of Nashville, of which he was formerly vice president. Well descended and well bred, he is a gentleman whom it is a pleasure to meet, for he has the happy faculty of placing anyone at ease who enters into conversa- tion with him. He is a man of splendid judgment, quick action, remarkable execu- tive ability, and in all things is actuated by a spirit of determination that knows no such word as fail, for he recognizes the fact that when one avenue of oppor- tunity seems closed he can carve out other paths that will reach the desired goal. His efforts, important and extensive in proportions, have constituted a most effec- tive force in promoting development and progress in various sections of the country, for he has in marked degree all of those qualities which characterize the far-sighted financier and the clear-headed executive.
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