Frank Wolcott facts for kids

Frank Wolcott (born in 1840, died in 1910) was an important person in American history. He was an officer in the Union Army during the Civil War, a law enforcement officer, and a rancher who owned a large farm for raising cattle.

Frank Wolcott's Life Story

Growing Up and Joining the Army

Frank Wolcott was born on December 13, 1840, in a town called Canandaigua, New York. When he was older, he joined the Union Army and fought in the American Civil War. He was a brave soldier and rose through the ranks to become a major. After the war ended in 1866, he left the army.

He tried working for the U.S. Land Office in Kentucky for a short time. However, he soon moved to Wyoming to become a U.S. Marshal. A U.S. Marshal is a federal law enforcement officer.

The Johnson County War

In Wyoming, Frank Wolcott bought a ranch near Deer Creek. He also joined a powerful group called the Wyoming Stock Growers Association (WSGA). This group was made up of large ranch owners.

Wolcott became involved in a conflict known as the Johnson County War. This was a fight between the big ranch owners, who were part of the WSGA, and smaller ranchers. The big ranchers wanted more control over the land and to stop cattle from roaming freely. They accused the smaller ranchers of stealing cattle.

Frank Wolcott led a group called the Regulators. This group tried to stop the smaller ranchers. After a man named Nate Champion was killed, the Sheriff of Johnson County went after the Regulators. They were found at The TA Ranch near Crazy Woman Creek.

The Governor of Wyoming asked the President of the United States, Benjamin Harrison, for help. With the help of the 6th Cavalry, the Regulators were forced to give up. They were taken to Fort McKinney. However, because the WSGA had a lot of influence, Frank Wolcott and his group were set free without being charged.

Later Years

Later in his life, Frank Wolcott became a Justice of the Peace on March 39, 1890. This meant he was a judge for local cases. He was known for being very strict in his decisions.

Four years later, he became an agent for the Omaha Stockyards, which is a place where livestock are bought and sold. Frank Wolcott passed away in 1910 in Denver, Colorado. The town of Walcott, Wyoming is named after him.