Laramie Wyoming

Wyoming’s Pioneer Ranches

The Newman Ranch on the Niobrara, about 1886.— Photo by courtesy P. H. Waddill of Gordon, Nebraska

Wyoming’s Pioneer Ranches aims to capture the essence of the people who shaped the Laramie Plains. It portrays their courage and cowardice, faith and skepticism, vision and blindness, responsibility and recklessness, humility and pride, kindness and cruelty, fortune and misfortune, competence and ineptitude. If this narrative manages to convey these diverse human experiences, then it will have successfully used the authors’ inherent talents to chronicle the history of one of Wyoming’s and the West’s significant natural landscapes. The saying “Grass Makes Wyoming and Wyoming is the West” captures the essence of this unique region.

Biography of Edwin H. Wagner

Edwin H. Wagner was born on October 6, 1873, in Laramie City, Wyoming. He received a solid education and began his career in the auditing department of the Denver Rio Grande Railroad. Wagner later studied law and contributed to various companies before founding Edwin H. Wagner Company, certified public accountants, in 1919. A prominent figure in business, he also managed a Dallas branch and held directorships. He married Corinne Shevnin, and they had seven children. Wagner was active in community organizations and the Catholic Church.

Biography of Charles J. Price

Charles J. Price, a prominent mining engineer from Topeka, had an extraordinary career. Born in England in 1857, he migrated to the U.S. at an early age. After gaining practical experience in the Black Hills, he transitioned to mining engineering, later moving to South Africa where he managed major mines and served as captain during the Boer War. Returning to Topeka in 1908, Price continued his work as a mining consultant. He married Ella Cindel in 1881 and had four children.

Biography of George Little

Judge George Little is a respected figure in Canyon County, known for his commendable service as a soldier, official, and businessman. Born on July 15, 1839, in Kentucky, he actively supported the Union during the Civil War and held various significant positions, including probate judge and superintendent of public instruction. After moving to Caldwell in 1884, he contributed to the community through public service and business. A lifelong Republican and devoted Presbyterian, Little is recognized for his integrity, humanitarian efforts, and dedication to education.

Watson, Rex Jay – Obituary

Rex Jay Watson, 55, of La Grande, Oregon, passed away on December 13. Born on February 21, 1951, in Dayton, Ohio, he served in the U.S. Army’s 82nd Airborne during the Vietnam era. A graduate of Washington State University, he became a skilled artist known for oil painting and flint-knapping. Watson was dedicated to his family and community, volunteering at local festivals. He is survived by his wife, Sharon, and several children and relatives. A gathering will be held at the American Legion on Saturday.

Stevens, Gladys H. – Obituary

Gladys H. Stevens, 80, of La Grande, passed away on April 12 at a local care home. Born on August 25, 1926, in Hubbard, she married Richard L. Stevens in 1945. A former resident of Wyoming, she moved to Oregon in 1965. An outdoor enthusiast, she enjoyed skiing, hiking, and gardening, and cherished time with her family. She is survived by her daughter Vicky Bruce, sisters Bernice Craft and Marge Lanman, three grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A memorial service is set for Tuesday at Summerville Cemetery Chapel.

Jones, Mamie A. Carland – Obituary

Mamie A. Carland Jones, aged 107, passed away on January 14 in Pendleton. Born on August 28, 1900, in Broken Bow, Nebraska, she married LaVelle T. Jones in 1920 and moved to La Grande in 1932. Mamie worked at First National Bank from 1942 until her retirement and later enjoyed her time at the Pendleton Senior Center. She is survived by her daughter, Gere Zacharias, and granddaughter, Kaye Killgore. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Harrell, Herbert – Obituary

Herbert Harrell, age 39, passed away on September 14, 1938, in Laramie, Wyoming. Born on August 5, 1899, in Rogersville, Tennessee, he moved to the Kittitas Valley in 1909 and received his education locally. Harrell married Eula Mundy in 1917; they later lived in California before relocating to Wyoming in 1933. He is survived by his wife, three daughters, seven sisters, and four brothers. Funeral services took place at Honeycutt Chapel, with burial at IOOF Cemetery.

Jacoby, Albert “Jake” – Obituary

Albert “Jake” Jacoby, 77, of Ontario, passed away on August 7, 2003. Born July 28, 1926, in Windsor, Colorado, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1944 to 1946. He had a varied career, including work at a cement plant and owning a jukebox business. Married to Alda Clark Bradley since 1960, he valued family life and cherished his grandchildren. A graveside service will be held at Rosedale Memorial Gardens on August 11, with visitations at Haren-Wood Funeral Chapel the day prior.

McQuain, Elvera I. Sawyer Mrs. – Obituary

Elvera I. McQuain, 73, passed away on October 7, 2002, in La Grande, Oregon. Born on December 18, 1928, in Cody, Wyoming, she spent her early years in Baker City, where she graduated high school and attended the University of Wyoming. Elvera married Martie McQuain II in 1956, and they lived in various states before her return to Oregon in 1989. She is survived by her children, grandchildren, and sisters. Her funeral is scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday at Burns Mortuary in Hermiston.

Heward, Arthur L. – Obituary

Arthur L. Heward, 81, passed away on November 11, 2002, at the Idaho State Veterans Nursing Home. A veteran of World War II, he served as a U.S. Army captain. Heward graduated from the University of Wyoming and worked for Morrison Knudsen Co. and Oregon Portland Cement, retiring in 1985. He was active in his community, enjoying activities such as golfing and helping neighbors. Survived by his wife, Norma, and their daughter, he will be remembered by family and friends at a memorial service.