Charles B. Penrose papers, 1890-1936 (bulk 1913-1916)

Charles B. Penrose (1862-1925), a doctor from Philadelphia, came to Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1891 to try to recover his health. He was invited to accompany a group of stockgrowers in a raid on suspected cattle rustlers in Johnson County, Wyoming, in April 1892, which later became known as the Johnson County War. Penrose fell behind the main group and did not participate in the actual raid on the KC Ranch but was arrested near Douglas, Wyoming, for being a member of the party. He corresponded with his brother Senator Boies Penrose, Wyoming Supreme Court Clerk Richard H. Repath, U.S. Attorney Bob Ralston and writer Owen Wister in the days following his release, explaining the circumstances of his arrest.

After his release from jail, Penrose returned to private practice in Philadelphia. Around 1913, he wrote an account of the Johnson County Invasion and corresponded with others regarding the Johnson County War, including Owen Wister, historian Grace Hebard, doctor Amos W. Barber, who was also governor of Wyoming from 1890-1893, and William C. Irvine, a stockgrower and one of the leaders of the raid into Johnson County.