Double X Ranch records, 1800-1986

The Double X Ranch, founded by William R. Williams near Tie Siding, Wyoming, was one of the earliest homesteaded ranches in the area. Initially, the ranch supported Williams’ cattle operations alongside his oxen freight business. After Williams' death in 1902, the ranch was managed by his wife and children, continuing its legacy. In the 1930s, William’s son Chet purchased the ranch, and under his care, it became well-known for its Black Angus cattle. By the time of Chet's death in 1972, he was recognized as the oldest Black Angus breeder in Wyoming. Chet and his wife operated the ranch until 1967, after which it passed to their daughter Edith and her husband, Forrest Blunk. Following Edith's death in 1970, the ranch remained in the Williams family when Forrest married Mary Alice Williams, Edith’s cousin, ensuring the Double X Ranch's status as one of the oldest family-operated ranches in Wyoming.

William R. Williams was the founder of the Double X Ranch, located near Tie Siding, Wyoming, and a significant figure in ranching and freighting in Wyoming during the late 19th century. Born in Nova Scotia, he moved to the United States at the age of 26, initially working as a bullwhacker and later shifting to freighting cattle and providing lumber for the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad. In 1867, Williams partnered with W.H. Holliday to supervise the hauling of wood to and from Holliday’s three sawmills, which supplied materials for the railroad’s construction. One of the sawmills was on what would become Double X Ranch land. He established the Double X Ranch in 1882 after receiving his U.S. citizenship and homestead patent and is known for introducing Angus cattle to Wyoming. Williams married Maggie Keyes in 1872 and brought his family to settle in Wyoming. By 1879, he owned 400 head of cattle and operated one of the largest freighting companies in the region, covering South Dakota, Montana, and Colorado. In 1888, following the challenges of the Meeker Massacre and some harsh winters, Williams transitioned to ranching full time.

Mary Alice Blunk was the granddaughter of William R. Williams and played a significant role in preserving the legacy of the Double X Ranch and the Williams family. She conducted extensive research on the ranch's history, gathering a substantial collection of correspondence, financial records, and genealogical materials related to the family and the ranch. Mary Alice was also involved in efforts to preserve the Double X Ranch as a historic site. In 1971, she married Forrest S. Blunk, following the death of her cousin Edith, ensuring the Double X Ranch remained within the Williams family. Her husband, an attorney specializing in aircraft and automobile cases, also took part in managing the ranch.