Governors of Wyoming

1890

Monday, November 24, 1890 - Monday, January 02, 1893

Term

Mini Biography

Amos W. Barber was born in Doylestown, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, April 26, 1861. Barber obtained an academic education from the literary and medical departments of the University of Pennsylvania. After graduating Dr. Barber worked as staff physician at the Pennsylvania Hospital from 1883 until he came to Wyoming in 1885 as surgeon in charge of the military hospital at Fort Fetterman. Promoted to acting surgeon in the United States Army, Barber accompanied General Crook's expedition to Arizona. Later he was assigned to duty at Fort D. A. Russell and after resigning from the service, opened up a medical practice in Cheyenne. After joining the Republican Party, Barber was elected Secretary of State in September 1890 and served until January of 1895. Secretary Barber's term was interrupted while he served as Acting Governor from November 24, 1890 until January 2, 1893. He was assistant surgeon in the United States Army during the Spanish American War in 1898 and returned to Cheyenne after that conflict. Amos W. Barber died May 19, 1915 and was buried in Cheyenne.

Collection

• Trans-Mississippi Commercial Congresses
  • Galveston
  • Denver
  • Omaha
  • New Orleans

• Correspondence
  • Hunting Requirements
  • Women's Suffrage
  • Hypnotism
  • Complaints for lumber poaching

• World's Fair/Columbia Exposition Commission
  • Wyoming's participation in the World's Fair

• Petitions for Pardons
  • 30 names

• Pardons Granted
  • 2/3 of requested

• Requests, affidavits, and warrants

• Requisitions and Extraditions
  • Horse Stealing
  • Forgery
  • Murder

• Indian and Military Affairs
  • Indian arms procurement
  • Buffalo
  • Militia borrowing tents

1951

Monday, January 01, 1951 - Friday, January 02, 1953

Term

Mini Biography

Collection

• Administrative Files
  • Subject Files
    • Budgets
    • Assistant Budget Officer
    • Charities & Reform [C&R]-General
    • C&R-Budget Analysis
    • C&R-Children's Home
    • C&R-Girl's School
    • C&R-Soldier's and Sailor's home
    • State Boards
    • Civil Defense
    • Mine Examiners
    • Cosmetology
    • Commissions and Examiners
    • Pardons made by Governor Barrett.
  • Expense
• Correspondence

Dates: 1901 - 1997
Vol.: 18 cubic feet
Arrangement: Chronological in six parts:

1. Frank A. Barrett - General
2. Frank A. Barrett - Certificates
3. Frank A. Barrett - Newspaper Clippings
4. Frank A. Barrett - Scrapbooks
5. Dr. Francis Barrett
6. James Barrett.

The collection also contains a few files on the political lives of Dr. Francis Barrett and James Barrett.

1886

Thursday, November 11, 1886 - Monday, December 20, 1886

Term

Mini Biography

George W. Baxter was born in North Carolina on January 7, 1855. Two years later his family moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, where he later attended the university. Baxter expanded his education by entering West Point Military Academy in 1873 and graduating in 1877. The new second lieutenant served three years in the Third United States Cavalry. After leaving military service Baxter traveled to Wyoming in 1881 and entered the cattle business. President Cleveland appointed him Territorial Governor in 1886. The new Governor took the oath of office November 11, 1886 and served until December 20, 1886. Returning to political life in 1889 Baxter was a delegate to the Wyoming Constitutional Convention and made an unsuccessful run for Governor of Wyoming in 1890. Baxter returned to Knoxville, Tennessee in 1892 entered the banking and cotton business. George W. Baxter died December 1929 in New York City.

Collection

• General Records
• Property Inventory
• Administrative Records
• General Correspondence
• Appointment Records
• Proclamations
• Petitions for Pardons

1905

Monday, January 02, 1905 - Monday, January 02, 1911

Term

Mini Biography

Bryant B. Brooks was born in Bernardston, Massachusetts on February 5, 1861. He was educated in public schools and finished his education at business college in Chicago. Brooks relocated to Big Muddy, Wyoming in 1880 and immediately began his business and a political career. Success at stock raising and activity in the Republican Party led to service in Wyoming's Second State Legislature. Brooks attended several Republican conventions as a delegate and was chosen to be a presidential elector in 1900. Elected to fill out the unexpired term of Governor DeForest Richards in 1904, Brooks was reelected to another term in 1907. He was also the first governor to live in the newly complete governor's mansion. Bryant B. Brooks died December 8, 1944 in Casper, Wyoming.

Collection

• Dry Farming
  • Trans-Missouri Dry Farming Congress
  • Correspondence
  • Bulletins
• General Correspondence
  • Correspondence
  • Conventions and Expeditions
  • Senator Francis E. Warren
  • Congressman Frank W. Mondell
  • Hanna Mine Disaster
• Reports
  • State Examiner
  • Mine Inspector
  • Geologist Report
  • Department Reports
• Pardons
  • Petitions
  • Board of Pardons
  • Lists of Pardons
  • Lists of Juvenile Delinquents at Golden, Colorado
• Legislative Affairs
  • Governor's Messages
  • Wyoming Laws on Coal Mines
  • Cattle Scab Laws Petition
  • Reapportionment

1869

Tuesday, April 15, 1869 - Monday, March 01, 1875

Term

Mini Biography

John A. Campbell, the first Governor of the Wyoming Territory, was born in Salem, Columbiana County, Ohio, October 8, 1835. Educated in a public school, Campbell later became a member of the Republican Party. Campbell joined the Union Army in 1861 serving as a publicity writer and later served as adjutant general on Major General John M. Schofield's staff. Brevetted as a Brigadier General in 1864, he continued to serve under Major General Schofield during the reconstruction period. While they were in Virginia they apportioned the state into senatorial and representative districts and prescribed the time and manner in which the elections should be held. President Grant appointed him Governor of the Wyoming Territory April 3, 1869. The newly appointed Governor took the oath of office on April 15, 1869 and served until March 1, 1875. He was then appointed Third Assistant Secretary of State on February 24, 1875. Now Secretary Campbell, he resigned as the Wyoming Governor on March 1, 1875 and served with the Secretary of State until he was appointed American Consul at Basel, Switzerland on December 3, 1877. John A. Campbell resigned on February 4, 1880 and died in Washington, D. C. on July 14, 1880.

Collection

A sampling of other official records generated by the governor’s office have survived. These include a few proclamations and appointment records. Also of note is the fact that the territorial governor served as the ex-officio Superintendent of Indian Affairs. Therefore, in addition to the above mentioned correspondence concerning Native Americans, records on personnel and a return of property record are available.

Issues facing the first territorial government are outlined in Governor Campbell’s message to the First Legislative Assembly. The Governor’s 1871 address on the topic of women’s suffrage is also available.

The records from Governor Campbell's term in office include:

• General Records
• Administrative Records
• General Correspondence
• Financial Records
• Expense Account Ledgers
• Miscellaneous Financial Records
• Design for Territorial Seal
• Appointment Records
• Proclamations
• Petitions for Pardons
• Requisitions and Extraditions
• Indian and Military Affairs
• Personnel - Indian Affairs
• Return of Property Record - Indian Services
• Legislative Affairs
• Messages to Legislatures
• Certificates of Election

1911

Monday, January 02, 1911 - Monday, January 04, 1915

Term

Mini Biography

Joseph M. Carey, was born in Milton, Delaware, January 19.,1845. His parents were well established farmers and able to provide him with an excellent education. After two years of college, Carey went to the University of Pennsylvania and obtained a law degree in 1867. Carey was an active political participant from his youth and enthusiastically worked for U.S. Grant's campaign for the presidency. President Grant rewarded the ambitious young Carey with the appointment of U.S. District Attorney for Wyoming. He worked hard and soon became the U.S. Associate Justice to the Supreme Court of Wyoming. Carey kept the title of judge for the rest of his life in spite of all the other positions he held throughout his lifetime. He tired of public life for a time in 1879 and began a successful ranching and business career with his brother. The success in business propelled him back into civic life and he was soon elected Mayor of Cheyenne. Carey's career included activity in various public and private interests including the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, the Stock Grower's National Bank of Cheyenne, and serving as the delegate to Congress for the Wyoming Territory. During his term in Congress Carey authored the bill to admit Wyoming to statehood. Carey was rewarded for his efforts by being elected the first U.S. Senator from Wyoming on November 12, 1890. He served as U.S. Senator from December 1, 1890 to March 3, 1895. He returned from Washington, D.C. in 1894 and in 1910 was elected Governor for the 1911-1915 term. Joseph M. Carey died February 5, 1924 in Cheyenne.

Collection

• General Records
  • Autograph Requests
  • Belgian Relief Fund
  • Campaign Statements
  • Circulars
  • Conference of Western Governors
  • Donations
  • Great Seal of Wyoming
  • Public Lands Convention
• Administrative Records
  • Correspondence
  • General Correspondence
  • Anonymous and Eccentric Letters
  • Big Horn Basin Development Company
  • Boysen Dam
  • Charities and Reform
  • Eden Valley
  • Oil and Gas
  • Railroads
  • Sheep Commissioners
  • University of Wyoming
  • Wyoming State Penitentiary
• Appointment Records
  • Proclamations
  • Pardons/Paroles
    • Petitions for Pardons
    • General Correspondence
    • List of Pardons
    • Home of the Good Shepherd
    • Colorado State Industrial School for Boys
• Appointment Records
• Requisitions and Extraditions
  • Correspondence
  • Rewards for Unsolved Crimes
  • Rewards for Criminals
• Military Affairs
  • Mexican Conflict
  • World War 1
  • National Guard
• Legislative Matters

1919

Monday, January 06, 1919 - Monday, January 01, 1923

Term

Mini Biography

Robert D. Carey was born in Cheyenne, Wyoming, August 12, 1878. His family was prominent in Cheyenne and he and his brother shared a comfortable childhood in the very large family home. Carey was educated in Cheyenne and then completed his education in the East, finishing at Yale. After his return, he became the manager of the family business (J.M. Carey and Brother) and helped it grow by using his education and willingness to experiment. Carey's experiments with irrigation and crop adaptability led others in their search for crops suited to the rugged central Wyoming climate. He was so successful that some of his crops won blue ribbon prizes at fairs in St. Louis and Sacramento. Business success led to political aspirations and Carey was the first Wyoming Governor to be elected by vox populi (the voting public). Carey served from January 6, 1919 to January 1, 1923. Governor Carey's term of office was marked by his establishment of sound financial footing for the state and an increase in state revenue. In spite of his accomplishments he was not reelected. He was, however, elected on November 4, 1930 to complete the remainder of the Senator Francis Warren's term. Robert D. Carey died January 17, 1937.

Collection

• General Records
  • Testimony, John Cordello Trial
  • Liberty Bond Sales Record
  • Investigation of Insurance Companies
  • Colorado River Compact
  • Organization of Teton County
  • Contracts
  • Newspaper Clippings
• Administrative Records
  • Correspondence
  • Financial Records
  • Expense Register
• Appointments
  • Proclamations
• Requisitions and Extraditions
• Legislative Affairs
  • A Bill for Public Health
  • Budget and Appropriations made by the Sixteenth State Legislature.

1903

Tuesday, April 28, 1903 - Monday, January 02, 1905

Term

Mini Biography

Fenimore Chatterton was born in Oswego County, New York on July 21, 1860. Chatterton was raised in Washington, D.C. where he attended public schools. After attending Columbian University (now George Washington University) Chatterton graduated from Millersville State Normal School in Lancaster, PA. He moved to Wyoming in 1878 and became a clerk in a general mercantile and banking concern. He later became very successful at business and sold out to run for political office. Elected treasurer and probate judge of Carbon County in 1888, Chatterton's public career included service in the first two State Legislatures (1890-91, 1893), and election to Wyoming's Secretary of State for two terms (1898-1907). While he was Secretary of State he became the acting Governor from April 28, 1903 to January 2, 1905 due to the death of Governor DeForest Richards. After his term in office Chatterton practiced law and served a number of boards and commissions until his retirement in 1932. Fenimore Chatterton died May 9, 1958 and is buried in Lakeview Cemetery in Cheyenne.

Collection

• General Records
  • Election Returns
  • Newsclipping, DeForest Richard's Death
  • Fish Hatcheries
  • President McKinley National Memorial Fund
  • Louisiana Purchase Exposition Commission
  • Exhibit/Visitor's Registers
• Administrative Records
  • Correspondence
    • General Correspondence
    • Outgoing Correspondence
    • Incoming Correspondence
    • Exposition Correspondence
  • Financial Records
  • Reports
  • Mine Inspector Report
• Appointment Records
• Proclamations
• Requisitions and Extraditions
• Military and Indian Affairs
  • Lightning Creek Raid
  • Spanish-American War Medal Recipients
  • Miscellaneous Items
• Legislative Affairs
• State of Wyoming vs. Tom Horn

1931

Wednesday, February 18, 1931 - Monday, January 02, 1933

Term

Mini Biography

Alonzo M. Clark, was born in Flint, Steuben County, Indiana on August 13, 1868. His family moved Nebraska where he was raised and educated. Clark graduated from the Peru State Normal school in 1909 and taught school for several years. He soon moved to Wyoming and taught school in Glenrock, Lusk, and Gillette. Clark served as county clerk and clerk of the district court in Campbell County and joined the Republican Party while in office. Clark was elected to the office Secretary of State in November of 1926 and served two terms. Clark took office as acting Governor to complete the first half of the late Governor Emerson's term. He served from February 18, 1931 until January 2, 1933. Alonzo M. Clark died October 12, 1952.

Collection

• Administrative Records
  • General Correspondence
  • Financial Records
  • State Examiners Reports
  • Expense Register
• Appointments
• Proclamations
• Requisitions and Extraditions

1949

Monday, January 03, 1949 - Monday, January 01, 1951

Term

Mini Biography

Arthur G. Crane, was born in Davenport Center, New York on September 1, 1877. He earned a BS degree from Carleton College and a MA degree from Columbia Teacher's College and finally a PHD Columbia University in 1920. Crane served in many positions and was the president of the University of Wyoming from 1922-1941. Elected Secretary of State in 1946, Crane became acting Governor in 1949 at the age of 72. After his term as Governor he wrote many articles on education and was active in many education organizations. Arthur G. Crane died August 11, 1955 in Cheyenne.

Collection

• General Records
  • Federal Inter-Agency River Basin Committees Publication
• Administrative Records
  • Reports
  • Liquor Commission Report
  • State Examiner's Report
  • Monthly Reports of Expenditures
  • Expense Register

1927

Saturday, January 01, 1927 - Thursday, January 01, 1931

Term

Mini Biography

Frank C. Emerson, was born in Saginaw, Michigan on May 26, 1882. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1904 from the University of Michigan. In the winter of 1904 Emerson moved to Cora, Wyoming where he ran a general store and was assistant post master. Emerson served in a variety of offices for several years all related to engineering. At one time this accomplished future Governor was working for four companies at the same time. He became the State Engineer June 30, 1919 and remained there until January 3, 1927 when he was elected Governor for two terms. Governor Emerson served one full term and until his death one month and two weeks into his second term. Frank C. Emerson died February 18, 1931 and was buried in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

Collection

• General Records
  • Corporations Failing to File Annual Report
  • State Canvassing Board Minutes
• Administrative Records
  • Correspondence
  • Financial Records
  • Minutes
• Appointments
  • Governor's confirmation List of Appointments as Submitted to the Auditor
  • Miscellaneous Employment Applications
  • Applications, Clerical Positions
  • Wyoming State Appointment Records
• Proclamations
• State Board of Pardons Records
• Requisitions and Extraditions
  • Requests
  • Rewards
• Legislative Affairs
  • House Bills, Senate Files
  • Budget Messages
  • Correspondence Regarding Legislation

2003

Monday, January 06, 2003 - Monday, January 03, 2011

Term

Mini Biography

Information Coming Soon

Collection

Information Coming Soon

1961

Monday, January 02, 1961 - Monday, January 07, 1963

Term

Mini Biography

Jack R. Gage, was born in Worland,Wyoming on January 13, 1899. He completed his education at the University of Wyoming and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1924. Gage was the first University of Wyoming graduate to hold any state elective office when he took over the Superintendent of Public Instruction for the 1934 to 1939 term. He was later postmaster in Sheridan until he successfully ran for Secretary of State in the 1958 election. Gage was serving as Secretary of State when Governor Hickey resigned to enter the U.S. Senate. He became acting Governor January 2, 1961 and served for the duration of Hickey's term. Governor Gage was a popular lecturer and author of several books including Ten Sleep and No Rest, Pack of Lies, and Afoot and Horseback. Jack Gage died March 14, 1970 in Cheyenne.

Collection

• Subject Files
• >
  • Adjutant General
  • Aeronautics
  • Agriculture
  • Attorney General
  • Auditor
  • Capitol Building Commission
  • Charities and Reform
  • Civil Defense Agency
  • Education
  • Engineer
  • Equalization
  • Game and Fish
  • Governor's Conference
  • Governor's Office
  • Highway Department
  • Historical Department
  • Judicial District
  • Labor
  • Land
  • Legislation
  • Library
  • Liquor
  • Livestock
  • Mine Inspector
  • Natural Resource Board
  • Oil and Gas
  • Parks Commission
  • Personnel Commission
  • Public Health
  • Public Service
  • Public Welfare
  • Reclamation
  • Retirement
  • Revenue
  • Secretary of State
  • Supplies
  • Travel
  • University of Wyoming
  • Wyoming Governor's Conference
  • Youth Council
• Extraditions & Requisitions
• Charities & Reform - Pardons
• University of Wyoming - Reports
• Appointments - Boards & Commissions

1995

Monday, January 02, 1995 - Monday, January 06, 2003

Term

Mini Biography

Jim Geringer was born in Wheatland, Wyoming on April 24, 1944. He was raised on the family farm and graduated from Wheatland High School. Jim earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Kansas State University in 1967. During the same year he married Sherri and was commissioned as an officer in the Air Force, assigned to space development programs in California. In 1977 Jim chose to give up a promising career in the Air Force to take up farming and raise his family in Wyoming. After a stint at the Missouri Basin Power Project's Laramie River Station from 1977 to 1979, he went into farming and cattle feeding full time. By 1984 the Geringers had purchased their own farm. Jim has participated in community service organizations such as the Farm Bureau, Farmer's Union, Rotary, Lions, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, National Federation of Independent Business, Chamber of Commerce, and the American Legion. He also continued his military service, receiving several reserve commission assignments. The Geringers are also active members of the Lutheran Church. Jim was first elected to the Wyoming Legislature in 1982, and served six years in each house before taking office as Governor of Wyoming in 1995. Governor Geringer was chairman of the Western Governors' Association and the Education Commission of the States. He also served on John Glenn's National Commission on Mathematics and Science Teaching for the 21st Century, the National Commission on Service-Learning, and on the Goals 2000 panel.

Collection

Info coming soon.

1882

Tuesday, August 22, 1882 - Tuesday, January 13, 1885

Term

Mini Biography

William Hale was born in London, Henry County, Iowa, on November 18,1837. His education started in the public schools and continued through his admission to the bar at 21 years of age when Hale immediately began to practice law. Hale joined the Republican Party and became a Presidential elector for Iowa in 1868. President Arthur appointed him Governor of Wyoming Territory July 18, 1882. Governor Hale took the oath of office August 3, 1882 and served until his death at Cheyenne, Wyoming, January 13, 1885.

Collection

The records from Governor Hoyt's term in office include:

• General Records
• Insanity Records
• Insanity committals
• Correspondence
• Administrative Records
• Correspondence
• General Correspondence
• Penitentiary Correspondence
• Financial Records
• Appointment Records
• Proclamations
• Petitions for Pardons
• Requisitions and Extraditions
• Indian and Military Affairs

1963

Monday, January 07, 1963 - Monday, January 02, 1967

Term

Mini Biography

Clifford P. Hansen, was born in Jackson Hole, Wyoming on October 16, 1912. His family were pioneers who homesteaded and settled in the Jackson Hole area. Hansen completed his education at the University of Wyoming and graduated in 1934. Politics and cattle ranching had active places in Hansen's life. Elected to the State Senate in 1937 he later became a member and president of the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees. After years of political activity and serving on many commissions he was elected Governor in 1963. Governor Hansen was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1967. Clifford P. Hansen ranches in the Jackson Hole area.

Collection

• Administration Records
  • Subject Files
  • Adjutant General
  • Advice
  • Aeronautics
  • Agriculture
  • Attorney General
  • Charities and Reform
  • Education
  • Employment
  • Equalization
  • Game & Fish
  • Governments
  • Governor
  • Grievances
  • Health
  • Highway
  • Labor
  • Lands
  • Legislation
  • Liquor
  • Livestock
  • Meetings
  • Natural Resource Board
  • Organizations
  • Personnel
  • Politics
  • Press and Publicity
  • Reports
  • Safety
  • Soil and Water
  • Travel
  • University of Wyoming
  • Water
  • Welfare
  • Youth Council
• Supplementary Publications
• Adjutant General
• Education
• Legislation
• Organizations
• Water
• General George O. Pearson Case
• Appointments
• Proclamations
• State Economic Opportunity Office

1967

Monday, January 02, 1967 - Monday, January 06, 1975

Term

Mini Biography

Stanley K. Hathaway, was born in Osceola, Nebraska on July 19, 1924 the son of Robert and Lily Knapp. He was adopted upon his mothers death by Franklin E. and Velma Hathaway. Hathaway graduated from Huntley High School and promptly entered the University of Wyoming. His education was interrupted by his Army Air Force service in World War II. After the war Hathaway continued his education and received both Bachelor's and Law degrees from the University of Nebraska. He then went to Torrington, Wyoming to start his law practice. Hathaway was elected to two terms as Governor in 1966 and 1970. Appointed Secretary of the Interior by President Ford in June 1975, Hathaway resigned the next month due to ill health. He continued to practice law in Cheyenne, where he died on October 4, 2005.

Collection

The records of Governor Hathaway's term in office include:

1975

Monday, January 06, 1975 - Wednesday, January 07, 1987

Term

Mini Biography

Ed Herschler, was born near Kemmerer, Wyoming on October 27, 1918. He was raised on a ranch and taught in public schools. He completed pre-law training at the University of Colorado. Herschler served with the United States Marine Corps in the South Pacific. After World War II he completed his education by graduating from the law school at the University of Wyoming. Herschler accepted the job of Kemmerer's town attorney after graduation. Active politically, Herschler served five terms in the house side of the State Legislature. Governor Herschler was elected to three terms as Governor and then returned to private law practice in Cheyenne. Ed Herschler died February 5, 1990 and is buried near Kemmerer, Wyoming.

Collection

FIRST TERM (1975-1978)

• Administrative Files
• Appointments
• Personnel Files
• Speeches
• State Planning Coordinator
  • Federal Files
  • State Files
  • Subject Files
  • Environmental Impact Statements
  • EIS Correspondence

• Administrative Files
• Speeches
• State Planning Coordinator
  • Federal Files
  • State Files
  • Subject Files
  • Environmental Impact Statements

• Administrative Files
• Appointments
• Speeches
• State Planning Coordinator
  • Federal Files
  • State Files
  • Subject Files
  • Environmental Impact Statements
• MEMORIAL/FUNERAL SERVICE RECORDS

1959

Tuesday, January 06, 1959 - Monday, January 02, 1961

Term

Mini Biography

Joseph J. Hickey, was born in Rawlins, Wyoming on August 22, 1911. His father died in 1914, so Hickey had to work to help support his family from a very young age. This resulted in Hickey holding a variety of jobs including newsboy, blacksmith apprentice, and theater usher. He continued his education while working and graduated from high school in 1929. Hickey attended the University of Wyoming and after graduating from the law school in 1934, immediately opened a law practice in Rawlins. The future Governor was soon deeply active in politics. He served as City Treasurer for five years and was elected County Attorney in 1938, resigning to join the army in 1942. After World War II, Hickey was again elected County Attorney. He was elected Governor and served two years before resigning in January 1961 to fill the U.S. Senate seat vacated by the death of Senator Elect Keith Thomson. Joseph J. Hickey died in September 1970.

Collection

• Subject Files
  • Adjutant General
  • Aeronautics
  • Agriculture
  • Archives & Museums
  • Attorney General
  • Budget Officer
  • Capitol Building Commission
  • Charities and Reform
  • Civil Defense
  • Education
  • Employment Security Commission
  • Engineer
  • Equalization
  • Examiner
  • Game and Fish
  • Geological Survey
  • Governor's Conference
  • Governor's Office
  • Highway Department
  • Indian Affairs
  • Insurance Office
  • Judicial
  • Labor
  • Land
  • Legislation
  • Library
  • Liquor
  • Livestock
  • Mine Inspector
  • Natural Resource Board
  • Oil and Gas
  • Public Health
  • Public Lands
  • Public Service Commission
  • Public Welfare
  • Reclamation
  • Retirement System
  • Revenue
  • Secretary of State
  • Supreme Court
  • Travel Commission
  • Treasurer
  • Uniform Laws Commission
  • University of Wyoming
  • Worker's Compensation
  • Wyoming Governor's Conference
  • Yellowstone National Park
  • Youth Council
• Extraditions & Requisitions
• Charities & Reform - Pardons
• Missouri River Basin Project - Publications
• Oil & Gas Conservation Commission - Maps
• Publications - Miscellaneous
• University of Wyoming - Reports
• Appointments - Boards & Commissions

1917

Monday, February 26, 1917 - Monday, January 06, 1919

Term

Mini Biography

Frank L. Houx was born near Lexington, Missouri, December 12, 1860. He was educated in common schools and attended business college. After working in various fields, including the cattle business, he moved to Cody, Wyoming in 1895. Houx ran for his first office in 1901 and became Mayor of Cody. He joined the Democratic Party and was elected Secretary of State in 1910. Reelected in to a second term, Houx became Acting Governor with the resignation of Governor Kendrick. Governor Houx served two full years of Kendrick's term from February 26, 1917 to January 6, 1919. Frank Houx died in Cody April 3, 1941 and was buried in Cody, Wyoming.

Collection

• General Records
  • Newspapers Published in Wyoming
  • U.S. Food Administration
  • Newspaper Clippings
• Administrative Records
  • Correspondence
    • General Correspondence
    • Invitations
    • State of Wyoming
    • U. S. Government
    • Anonymous - Morality in Kemmerer
  • Financial Records
    • Contingent Fund
    • Expense Register
• Appointments
• Proclamations
• Pardons and Paroles
  • Petitions
  • List of Parolees
• Requisitions and Extraditions
  • Requests
  • Rewards
• Military Affairs/World War I
  • Council for the National Defense
  • Wyoming Council for the National Defense
  • Financial Records
  • Women's Division
  • Women's War Work
  • Army Nurse Corps Information
  • Selective Service
  • American Red Cross
  • Conscription
  • Appointments and Commissions
• Legislative Affairs
  • Legislation
  • Certificates of Election

1878

Wednesday, May 29, 1878 - Tuesday, August 22, 1882

Term

Mini Biography

John W. Hoyt was born in Worthington, Ohio, on October 13, 1831. He graduated from the Ohio Wesleyan University in 1849 and went on to study at the Cincinnati Law School, Ohio Medical College and the Eclectic Medical Institute where he received his Doctor's degree in 1853. Hoyt was appointed Professor of Chemistry and Medical Jurisprudence at Cincinnati and later became Professor of Chemistry at Antioch College. From 1857-1867 he published and edited an agricultural journal in Wisconsin and was the secretary and manager of the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society. Hoyt served on the Wisconsin State Railway Commission from 1874 to 1876. Founding the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters, Hoyt became its first president. President Hayes appointed him Governor of Wyoming Territory on April 10, 1878. The new Republican Governor took the oath of office May 29, 1878 and served until August 22, 1882. While in Wyoming he founded the Wyoming Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters, and was its first president from 1881-1890. After his term as Governor of Wyoming Territory Hoyt was appointed as the first president of the University of Wyoming from 1887-1890, serving as a member of the Wyoming Constitutional Convention in 1889, publishing a bulletin on Wyoming Agricultural Resources in 1892, and served as special representative for Foreign Affairs at the World's Fair in Chicago in 1893. In 1897 Hoyt became the Commissioner Plenipotentiary of Korea to the Universal Postal Union. Emperor Francis Joseph knighted Hoyt after he served three terms as president of International Juries of Learning. John W. Hoyt died May 23, 1912 in Washington, D. C., his home since 1891.

Collection

Even though the territory was in its infancy a history of Wyoming was being planned, there is an explanation for the delay in writing that history is included in these records.

The records from Governor Hoyt's term in office include:

• General Records
• Insanity Records
• Insanity committals
• Correspondence
• Administrative Records
• Correspondence
• General Correspondence
• Penitentiary Correspondence
• Financial Records
• Appointment Records
• Proclamations
• Petitions for Pardons
• Requisitions and Extraditions
• Indian and Military Affairs

1943

Monday, January 04, 1943 - Monday, January 03, 1949

Term

Mini Biography

Lester C. Hunt, was born in Isabel, Illinois on July 8, 1892. His family soon moved to Atlanta, Illinois where he attended high school. Hunt worked his way through college as an employee of the Pennsylvania Railroad. Hunt graduated with a degree from the St. Louis University College of Dentistry in 1917 and moved to Cheyenne. He passed his exam and was promptly accepted into the Dental Reserve Corps of the United States Army. Only two months after starting a practice in Lander he was inducted into the U.S. Army Dental Corps as a First Lieutenant and served until 1919. He returned to his practice of dentistry and soon began to join in local politics. Hunt was elected to the House of the State Legislature in 1932, elected Secretary of State in 1934 and 1938, and elected Governor in 1942 where he served until 1949. He passed away in 1954.

Collection

• General Records
  • Western Governors' Conference
• Administrative Records
  • Reports
  • Financial Records

1915

Monday, January 04, 1915 - Monday, February 26, 1917

Term

Mini Biography

John B. Kendrick, was a cowboy who became one of Wyoming's governors. He came to Wyoming as a cowboy hired to drive a herd of cattle from the Matagorta area of Texas. Kendrick liked what he saw and stayed. After he arrived in Wyoming he married the seventeen year old daughter of his employer. Though Kendrick had little education or backing he made himself a wealthy cattleman. He educated himself, and, with the help of his wife, created a successful business and political life. Kendrick built upon his success in business by entering politics and was elected to the Wyoming State Senate. He continued to serve in politics and was elected governor in 1915. Governor Kendrick resigned after two years to take office as the U.S. Senator for Wyoming. Senator Kendrick served two and one half terms in the Senate and died in office November 3, 1933 and was buried in Sheridan, Wyoming.

Collection

• General Records
  • William F. Cody Memorial Proposal
  • Invitations
• Administrative Records
  • Correspondence
  • General Outgoing and Incoming Correspondence
  • Wyoming State Correspondence
  • U. S. Departmental Correspondence
  • Homestead Correspondence
  • Cokeville Morality Issue
  • Financial Records
  • Transcript of Expenditures
  • Expense Register
• Appointments
• Proclamations
• Pardons
  • Applications for Commutations
• Requisitions and Extraditions
  • Requests
  • Rewards
• Military and Indian Affairs
  • Indian arms procurement
  • Buffalo
  • Militia borrowing tents
• Legislative Affairs
  • Legislative Affairs - Federal
  • Boxing Bill Correspondence

1924

Thursday, October 02, 1924 - Monday, January 05, 1925

Term

Mini Biography

Frank E. Lucas, was born in Grant City, Missouri, August 4, 1876. He was educated in public schools and came to Wyoming in 1899 to live in Buffalo. Lucas joined the Republican Party and served in the Thirteenth and Fourteenth State Legislatures in the house and the Fifteenth and Sixteenth State Legislatures in the senate. He then ran for Secretary of State and served from January 1, 1923 until January 3, 1927. Lucas took over the Governor's office as acting Governor upon Governor Ross' death and filled that post until the election of 1925. After completing his term as Secretary of State, Lucas returned to Buffalo to take over as editor and publisher of the Buffalo Bulletin. Frank E. Lucas died November 26, 1948 in Buffalo, Wyoming.

Collection

• Administrative Records
  • Correspondence
  • General Correspondence
  • Wyoming State Correspondence
  • U.S. Departmental Correspondence
• Financial Records
  • Budget Estimates
  • Budget Surveys
  • Expense Register
• Requisitions and Extraditions

2011

Monday, January 03, 2011 - Saturday, January 03, 2015
Monday, January 03, 2015 - Saturday, January 03, 2019

Term

Mini Biography

Matthew H. Mead was elected Governor in November 2010. He was sworn in as Wyoming's 32nd governor on January 3, 2011. Born in Jackson, Wyoming, on March 11, 1962, Governor Mead was raised on the family ranch in Teton County. He received a bachelor's degree from Trinity University, San Antonio, Texas in 1984 and a law degree from the University of Wyoming, College of Law in 1987. After law school, Mead served as a county prosecutor for Campbell County in Gillette, a federal prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Cheyenne, a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Wyoming, and a Special Assistant United States Attorney. He also practiced law as a partner in a private firm in Cheyenne for about six years.

From October 2001 to June 2007, Governor Mead served as United States Attorney for Wyoming. He was recommended for that position by Senator Craig Thomas, chosen by President George W. Bush, and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Among his accomplishments as U.S. Attorney, Mead served on the U.S. Attorney General's Anti-Terrorism Task Force, chaired the Rocky Mountain HIDTA (a multi-state unit focused on illicit drug trafficking), and implemented a program to protect children from exploitation, called Project Safe Childhood, in Wyoming.Governor Mead is an avid outdoorsman, and he loves to hunt and fish. When he stepped down as U.S. Attorney in June 2007, Mead and his wife, First Lady Carol Mead, devoted themselves to operating their farming and ranching business located in Albany and Goshen Counties. Matt and Carol Mead have been married 19 years, with Cheyenne as their home. They have two children, Mary (13) and Pete (12), who attend Cheyenne public schools.

Collection

1933

Monday, January 02, 1933 - Monday, January 02, 1939

Term

Mini Biography

Leslie A. Miller, was born in Junction City, Kansas on January 29, 1886. His family moved to Laramie, Wyoming in 1892 where he attended public schools and the University of Wyoming. Miller went from school to business taking a job with the railroad companies and then the State Land Office. He moved to Casper and was a member of the Wyoming committee of the Fuel Administration Division. In July 1918 he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served until 1919. After World War I, Miller joined the Democratic Party and worked in business and politics serving in a variety of positions, including becoming the President of Chief Oil Company. After serving in the Wyoming State Legislature for the 11th, 17th, and 20th sessions, Miller was elected Governor in 1932 to serve the last two years of Governor Emerson's unexpired term. Reelected in 1935, Governor Miller served until 1939. After his terms as Governor he went on to work for the War Production Board and served another term in the state senate. Leslie A. Miller died in 1970.

Collection

• General Records
  • Address, Retaining Soil Fertility, W.E. Zipfel
  • National Emergency Council for Wyoming Report
• Expense Register
• Proclamations
• Requisitions and Extraditions
• Military Affairs
  • Military Training Schedules
• Legislative Affairs

1887

Monday, January 24, 1887 - Tuesday, April 09, 1889

Term

Mini Biography

Thomas Moonlight was born of Scottish farmer parentage, in Forfarshire, Scotland, November 10, 1833. He came to America when he was thirteen years old. After Moonlight turned twenty, he enlisted in the Fourth Artillery C. D., May 17, 1853. The fall of that year he was ordered to Texas and served there until the fall of 1856. Moonlight rose to the rank of orderly sergeant and then settled in Leavenworth County, Kansas in 1860. When the Civil War broke out in 1861 Moonlight raised a light battery and was mustered in as a captain of artillery. Promoted to lieutenant-colonel of the Eleventh Kansas Infantry, September 20,1862, Moonlight then made the rank of colonel, April 25, 1864.

Collection

The records from Governor Moonlight's term in office include:

• General Records
• Laramie Penitentiary Plans
• Circulars - Agriculture and Railroads
• Leasing of University Lands
• Natrona County Organization
• Office Inventories
• Administrative Records
• Correspondence
• General Correspondence
• Post Office Correspondence
• Hopkins Estate Correspondence
• Reports
• Appointment Records
• Proclamations
• Petitions And Affidavits
• Petitions for Pardons
• Petition for Respite
• Affidavit to Absence of A.H. Bright
• Petition for the Organization of Sheridan County
• Requisitions and Extraditions
• Request
• Rewards
• Indian and Military Affairs
• Disposition of Fort Sanders Land
• Legislative Affairs

1885

Tuesday, January 13, 1885 - Saturday, February 28, 1885
Monday, December 20, 1886 - Monday, January 24, 1887

Term

Mini Biography

Elliot S. N. Morgan was the only Acting Governor during the Territorial period, serving as Acting Governor upon the death of Governor Hale. Morgan's first term was from January 13, 1885 until February 28, 1885, a period of forty-six days. Morgan was again called to serve as Acting Governor from December 20, 1886 to January 24, 1887, a period of thirty-five days, when Governor Baxter resigned from office. These were the only two instances during the Territorial period when there was no official governor in office. Mr. Morgan was the Secretary of the Territory and assumed the official duties of the Governor until a new one was appointed.

Collection

The records from Governor Morgan's 1st term in office include:

• Correspondence

• Petitions for Pardons
• Requisitions and Extraditions
• Request
• Rewards

1893

Monday, January 02, 1893 - Monday, January 07, 1895

Term

Mini Biography

John Eugene Osborne was born in Westport, Essex County, New York on June 19, 1858. He attended the University of Vermont and graduated in 1880 with a degree in medicine. Hired as a surgeon by the Union Pacific Railroad, Osborne moved to Rawlins and became successful in the drug and livestock industries, eventually becoming known as the largest individual sheep owner in the Territory. He was elected to the House of the Territorial Assembly in 1883 but resigned upon leaving the Territory. After returning Osborne was appointed chairman of the Penitentiary Building Commission in 1888 and was elected mayor of Rawlins later that year. He was elected Governor and served from January 1893 to January 1895. Osborne was also a member of Congress from March 1897 to March 1899, the first assistant to the U.S. Secretary of State from April 1913 to December 1915, and the chairman of the board of the Rawlins National Bank. John Eugene Osborne died April 24, 1943.

Collection

• General Record
  • Office Inventory
• Administrative Records
  • Correspondence
  • General Correspondence
  • Land Correspondence
  • Immigration Correspondence
• Appointment Records
• Proclamations
• Petitions for Pardons
• Requisitions and Extraditions
• Request
• Rewards
• Indian and Military Affairs

1895

Monday, January 07, 1895 - Monday, January 02, 1899

Term

Mini Biography

William A. Richards was born in Hazel Green, Wisconsin on March 9, 1849 and attended public schools there and in Galena, Illinois. Richards came to Wyoming in 1873 and surveyed the southern and western boundaries of the Territory with his brother. He left Wyoming for several years but returned in 1884 and was elected county commissioner of Johnson County in 1886. President Harrison appointed Richards surveyor general of the Territory in 1889. He was elected governor and served from January 7, 1895 to January 2, 1899. Governor Richards also served as Commissioner of the United States General Land Office and as Commissioner of Taxation for Wyoming. William A. Richards died in Australia July 25, 1912.

Collection

• General Records
• Administrative Records
  • General Correspondence
  • Outgoing Correspondence
  • Incoming Correspondence
  • Jackson Hole Elk Scandal
  • Hot Springs Resort Cession
  • Financial Records
• Appointments
• Proclamations
• Petitions for Pardons
• Requisitions and Extraditions
• Military and Indian Affairs
• Legislative Affairs

1899

Monday, January 02, 1899 - Tuesday, April 28, 1903

Term

Mini Biography

DeForest Richards was born in Charleston, New Hampshire on August 6, 1846. After receiving his education, Richards actively participated in the Reconstruction period following the Civil War. Banking and merchandizing in Chadron, Nebraska followed and with the experienced gained there, Richards helped organize and later served as president to the First National Bank of Douglas, Wyoming. Success in the livestock and mercantile businesses followed and he turned to politics. Richards served in succession as mayor in Douglas, commanding officer of the Wyoming National Guard, member of the Constitutional Convention, and as Senator in the Wyoming State Legislature. Elected Governor of Wyoming in 1898, Governor Richards served until his death four months into his second term in 1903. DeForest Richards died on April 28, 1903 and was buried in Cheyenne.

Collection

• General Records
  • Inventories
  • St. Louis World's Fair/Louisiana Purchase Exposition
  • Monograph on the State Penitentiary
  • Justices of the Peace
  • Indemnity School Land Selections
  • Game and Fish Laws
  • Miscellaneous Newspaper Clippings
• Administrative Records
  • Arid Lands
  • Correspondence
  • Financial Records
  • Reports
• Appointment Records
• Proclamations
• Petitions for Pardons
• Requisitions and Extraditions
  • Requests
  • Rewards
• Military Affairs
  • Spanish-American War
  • Medals and Back Pay Correspondence
  • Medals for Wyoming Veterans
  • Receipts for Medals
  • Legislative Affairs
  • Bill Introduced by Senator F.E. Warren
  • Miscellaneous Items
• State of Wyoming VS. Tom Horn
  • Reward for Murderer of William Nichols
  • Checks on Bank Account of James E. Miller
  • Laramie County Vouchers
  • Affidavit to Tom Horn's Innocence

1953

Friday, January 02, 1953 - Monday, January 03, 1955

Term

Mini Biography

Clifford Joy "Doc" Rogers was born in Clarion, Ohio on December 20, 1897 and orphaned at the age of seven. Raised by an uncle who held degrees in both medicine and dentistry, Rogers was given his nickname "Little Doc" to distinguish him from his uncle. Rogers served in the military and then purchased a homestead in Campbell County. He taught high school and coached football before taking a job with the state Motor Vehicle Division. Eventually he became secretary to Governor Clark and was named Wyoming's deputy Secretary of State in 1950. Rogers served as Acting Governor from 1953-1955 and twice held the office of State Treasurer (1946-1950, 1958-1962). Clifford Joy Rogers died May 18, 1962.

Collection

• Administrative Records
  • Subject Files
  • General
    • Accountancy, Board of - General
    • Accountancy, Board of - Appointments
  • Budget
    • Budget - General
    • Budget - Charities & Reform - General
    • Budget - Charities & Reform - Construction
    • Budget - Legislative Ways & Means Committee
    • Budget - Probation & Parole
    • Budget - Supplies, Board of
  • Civil Defense
    • Civil Defense - General
    • Civil Defense - Advisory Board
    • Civil Defense - Advisory Committee For Women's Activities
    • Civil Defense - Executive
    • Civil Defense - Health Service Coordinators
    • Civil Defense - Planning Board
  • Coal Mine Inspectors
    • Coal Mine Inspectors - General
    • Coal Mine Inspectors - Appointments
  • Displaced Persons Commission
  • Examiner, State
  • Game & Fish Dept.
    • Game & Fish Dept. - General
    • Game & Fish Dept. - Appointments
    • Game & Fish Dept. - Investigation
    • Governor's Office Appointments
  • Highway Commission
  • Highway Patrol
  • Legislation
    • Legislation - Public Correspondence
    • Legislative Interim Committee
    • Legislature - Correspondence
    • Legislature - Enrolled Acts
  • Missouri River Basin
  • Missouri River States Committee
  • Public Lands
    • Public Lands - Dept. of - General
    • Public Lands - Dept. of - Appointments
  • University of Wyoming
    • University of Wyoming - Correspondence
    • University of Wyoming - Financial
    • University of Wyoming - President's Reports
    • University of Wyoming - Reports
    • University of Wyoming - Trustees - Appointments
    • University of Wyoming - Trustees - Correspondence
    • University of Wyoming - Trustees - Minutes
  • Western Governors' Conference
  • Western Governors' Mining Advisory Council
  • Expense Ledger

1925

Monday, January 05, 1925 - Saturday, January 01, 1927

Term

Mini Biography

Nellie Tayloe Ross was born November 29,1876 near St. Joseph, Missouri. She was a sickly child and unable to attend school on a regular basis. However, Ross attended when she could and when unable, her parents supplemented her education with private tutors in her home. She completed a two year kindergarten teaching program and taught school in Omaha, Nebraska, until her health failed. A few years later she married William B. Ross and came with him to Cheyenne for his new law practice. They had a good life together that culminated with William's election to Governor. Mrs. Ross was an avid ally of her husband and helped him in all of his political works. When William died in office, the Secretary of State as Acting Governor called for a special election. The Democratic party nominated Mrs. Ross to take over for her husband. Ross declined at first but upon reflection accepted the nomination to complete her husband's work. She also felt she was the best qualified to understand her husband's goals and work to realize them. The second Governor Ross won the election and became the first woman governor in the United States. Governor Ross survived several challenges to her authority, some of which started with her first days in office. She served from January 5, 1925 to January 3, 1927 and was defeated in a bid for reelection. FDR called her to serve as the director of the U.S. Mint. Governor Ross spoke out for women's rights for years after her retirement in 1952. Nellie Tayloe Ross died in Washington, D.C. on November 19, 1977 and was buried in Cheyenne.

Collection

• General Records
  • Petition for Removal of Arthur Gwynn from Office
  • Petition for Removal of Scott Hazen from Office
  • Board of Accountancy Charges and Hutchinson, CPA, Answers
  • Land - Argument on Conversion of Certificates
  • Land - Patents Issued
  • Land - Unappropriated and Unreserved Land
  • Guide License for I.N. Powell
  • Certifications, Bucyrus Lodge, Ohio
• Administrative Records
  • Correspondence
  • General Correspondence
  • Penitentiary Correspondence
  • Reports
  • Interstate Stream Commission Report
  • University of Wyoming Report
  • Mine Inspector Report
  • Expense Register
• Proclamations
• Pardon Records
• Petitions for Pardons
• Board of Pardons and Parole Quarterly Meeting, October 13, 1926

• Requisitions and Extraditions

• Requests
• Rewards

• Legislative Affairs

• Budget Proof Sheets
• A Bill to Create the State Reserve Bank
• Budget - General Fund - Tax Figures
• Petitions for Riverton Armory

1923

Monday, January 01, 1923 - Thursday, October 02, 1924

Term

Mini Biography

William B. Ross, was born in Dover, Tennessee on December 4, 1873 and was educated in the local schools and the Peabody Normal school in Nashville. After working in the office of the Chancellor J.N. Stout of the Sixth Tennessee Judicial Division Ross moved to Wyoming in 1901 to set up his law practice. Cheyenne had just passed through a time of being very rough and very rich as a result of the cattle empires of the 1890s. This atmosphere had gradually given way to a quieter but pleasant small town. It was this Cheyenne that attracted Ross and his new bride Nellie Tayloe Ross . The Ross' settled down to a life of practicing law and raising a family. Ross became active politically and worked his way from prosecuting attorney of Laramie County to the nomination for Governor on the Democratic Party's ticket. Governor Ross won the election and served from January 1923 to October 2, 1924. William D. Ross died October 2, 1924 and was buried in Cheyenne.

Collection

• General Records
  • Petition, Wiley and Wiley vs. Governor Ross
  • Railroad Car Blueprint
• Administrative Records
  • Correspondence
  • General Correspondence
  • Wyoming State Departmental Correspondence
  • U.S. Departmental Correspondence
  • Lake View Canal Project Correspondence
• Appointments
  • Correspondence
  • Bonds
• Requisitions and Extraditions
  • Requests
  • Rewards
• Legislative Affairs
  • Petition, Tax Exemption for Sugar Factories

1955

Monday, January 03, 1955 - Tuesday, January 06, 1959

Term

Mini Biography

Milward L. Simpson was born in Jackson, Wyoming on November 12, 1897 and reared on the Wind River Indian Reservation. His Wyoming heritage ran deep as both of Simpson's grandfathers were early settlers of Wyoming. Simpson attended the University of Wyoming and was the first graduate to become Governor of the state. He financed his way through Harvard Law School by working a variety of jobs and after graduation started a law practice in Cody. The new lawyer soon became active in politics and was elected to the Wyoming House of Representatives from Hot Springs County, completing one term from 1927 to 1929. Simpson also served on the University of Wyoming Board of Trustees from 1939 until 1954 when he was elected Governor. Governor Simpson's term was from January 1955 to January 1959. After completing his term as Governor, Simpson successfully ran for the U.S. Senate in 1962 and served one term. Milward L. Simpson died June 11, 1993.

Collection

• Subject Files
  • Adjutant General
  • Aeronautics
  • Agriculture
  • Attorney General
  • Charities and Reform
  • Civil Defense Agency
  • Education
  • Engineer
  • Equalization
  • Esther Morris
  • Game and Fish
  • Governor's Office
  • Highway Department
  • Judicial
  • Liquor
  • Livestock
  • Mine Inspector
  • Natural Resource Board
  • Oil and Gas
  • Public Health
  • Public Lands
  • Public Welfare
  • Secretary of State
  • University of Wyoming
  • Wyoming Governor's Conference
• Extraditions & Requisitions
• Charities & Reform - Pardons
• Missouri River Basin Project - Publications
• Oil & Gas Conservation Commission - Maps
• Publications - Miscellaneous
• University of Wyoming - Reports
• Appointments - Boards & Commissions

1939

Monday, January 02, 1939 - Monday, January 04, 1943

Term

Mini Biography

Nels H. Smith, was born in Gayville, South Dakota on August 27, 1884. He attended the regular public schools and the University of South Dakota. After his schooling Smith began ranching near Gettysburg, South Dakota until 1907 when he sold out and moved to Wyoming. Smith acquired properties in Crook and Weston Counties and joined the Republican Party. He was elected to the House of Representatives for the Fifteenth State Legislature. Smith was elected Governor in November 1938 and served until 1943. Defeated during his bid for reelection he and his wife returned to their Ranch A on Sand Creek and led active lives as host to guests from all over the world. In a few years they moved to a home they built near Sundance and were happily active with family and politics. Nels Smith died July 5, 1976.

Collection

• General Records
  • Visitor's Register - Golden Gate International Exposition
• Administrative Records
  • Executive Orders
  • Expense Register
• Proclamations
• Requisitions and Extraditions

1987

Monday, January 05, 1987 - Thursday, January 05, 1995

Term

Mini Biography

Mike Sullivan was born in Omaha, Nebraska on September 22, 1939. His father, J. B. Sullivan moved the family to Douglas, Wyoming and opened a law practice. Mike Sullivan attended school there, graduating from Converse County High School as the class salutatorian. He continued his education at the University of Wyoming by picking up a BS in Petroleum Engineering and a law degree. Sullivan practiced law with the firm of Brown, Drew, Apostolos, Massey, and Sullivan for twenty years and then ran for Governor in 1986. Governor Sullivan won the election and took office on January 7, 1987. He was reelected for a second term and served until January 7, 1995. The former Governor continues to be active in the Democratic Party and was recently appointed United States Ambassador to Ireland by President Clinton.

Collection

The records of Governor Sullivan's two terms are being processed by the staff of the Wyoming State Archives.

1875

Monday, March 01, 1875 - Wednesday, May 29, 1878

Term

Mini Biography

John M. Thayer was born in Bellingham, Norfolk County, Massachusetts on January 24, 1820. Mr. Thayer attended rural schools and later studied law at Brown University. Arriving in Nebraska in 1854, he quickly affiliated himself with the Republican Party and thereafter actively participated in politics. Thayer served as delegate to the Convention which organized the Republican Party in the Nebraska Territory and was elected to the Nebraska Territorial Legislature in 1860-61. Then the future governor resigned to become a colonel in the First Nebraska Infantry and was promoted to brigadier-general in 1862. After the Civil War he was elected as one of the first two United States senators from Nebraska and served in the Senate until 1871. President Grant appointed Thayer Governor of the Wyoming Territory in February 1875 and he took the oath of office March 1, 1875. His service ended on May 29, 1878 and he returned to Nebraska to resumed his law practice. Thayer also served two consecutive terms as Governor of Nebraska, January 6, 1887 to January 8, 1891 and in 1892 retired from public life to follow literary pursuits. John M. Thayer died March 19, 1906.

Collection

The records from Governor Thayer's term in office include:

• General Records
• Insanity Cases
• Crook County Organization
• Administrative Records
• General Correspondence
• Appointment Records
• Proclamations
• Petitions for Pardons
• Requisitions and Extraditions
• Extradition - Instructions for Applications
• Indian and Military Affairs
• Legislative Affairs
• Unsigned Bills and Resolutions
• Certificate of Election

1885

Saturday, February 28, 1885 - Thursday, November 11, 1886
Tuesday, April 09, 1889 - Thursday, September 11, 1890
Thursday, September 11, 1890 - Monday, November 24, 1890

Term

Mini Biography

Francis E. Warren was appointed Territorial Governor of Wyoming by President Chester A. Arthur. He served from February 28, 1885 to November 11, 1886 and served a second term when appointed by President Benjamin Harrison from April 9, 1889 to October 11, 1890. Warren was born in Hinsdale, Berkshire County, Massachusetts on June 20, 1844 and attended the common schools in his area and Hinsdale Academy. During the Civil War Warren enlisted and fought with the Company C, 49th Regiment, Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, eventually advancing to non-commissioned officer. His service was highlighted by the award of the Congressional Medal of Honor. Warren also served as a Captain in the Massachusetts Militia. The future Governor farmed and raised stock in Massachusetts and then went to Wyoming in 1868. There the new Wyoming citizen operated a variety of businesses from real estate to livestock and promoted the first lighting system in Cheyenne, where he also served on the city council and the Territorial Assembly, becoming its president. Warren continued his interest in politics as chairman of the Republican Territorial Central Committee, Territorial Treasurer, and Mayor of Cheyenne. During his second term as Territorial Governor, Wyoming was granted statehood on July 10, 1890. Territorial Governor Warren was then elected Wyoming's first State Governor September 11, 1890* and served until he resigned to become Wyoming's second United States Senator on November 24, 1890. Senator Warren was serving in the Senate when he died November 24, 1929.

Collection

Records also document an incident at Almy, where Chinese victims were robbed. Surviving documentation includes a report of the Chinese Consul at New York to the Chinese Minister, and a letter from a U.S. State Department official to the U.S. District Attorney for Wyoming regarding a complaint from the minister.Records from Governor Warren’s second term are somewhat more extensive. Correspondence deals with topics such as statehood, arid lands and irrigation, livestock, legislation, the territorial insane asylum, militia, game and fish, publicity for Wyoming, penitentiary, resignations, women’s suffrage, a fish hatchery, mining, Yellowstone Park, the education of deaf and blind students, and various requests and invitations.Appointment records and petitions for pardons make up a fairly significant portion of this collection. Indian and military affairs records deal with abandoned military reservation lands, relief for and complaints against Indians, rumored troubles, a bridge across the Wind River, Shoshone Reservation populations, and general reservations matters and conditions.Since Governor Warren only served about six weeks as Wyoming’s first state governor before moving on to the U.S. Senate, there are few records documenting this brief term. A small amount of correspondence deals with some of the topics mentioned above.