Harry Manning

Harry Manning

Funeral service was held in Douglas Nov. 3 for long-time Niobrara County area rancher, Harry Manning, who died at Michael Manor in Douglas, Oct. 31.

The Reverend Clyde Thompson of the First Baptist Church officiated at the service which was held at the Stark-Lapham Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m.

Bearing the remains to the Douglas Park Cemetery were Walt Kant, Phil Joss, Prosper Etchemendy, Rod Geisinger, Harry Johnston and Tom Strook. Honorary pallbearers were Bill Nuttall, Art Joss, Tom Bower, Ed Russell, Walt Dunbaugh, Harold Waddell, Frank Grooms, Pat Gibben, John Clemens, Cecil Coe, Joe Green, Bill Mason, Frank Pollock, Frank Cannady, Dr. Nolan Eidsmoe, Dr. Ed Jacobson and Dr. William Hinrichs.

Harry Manning was born in Maquoketa, Iowa, on Jan. 23, 1887 the son of William Manning and Martha J. Sloan Manning. In 1891 the family moved to Indiana by covered wagon. Beside his parents, this included brothers Ed, Fred, Carl and Aubrey who all eventually became ranchers in the Douglas area.

In 1907 he and Fred hopped a freight train to come to Wyoming. Harry's first job was on the LaPrele irrigation project at Bedtick. While at this job, he and Fred purchased land on Dogie and Deadwood Creeks. They also bought a couple of teams and wagons and began hauling freight and wood for various ranchers. In 1911 their "little spread" was sold, but they continued their freighting business, and were later hired by the government to work on a general land survey.

In 1915 Harry homesteaded 320 acres at Stinking Water. Another 320 acres were added at a later date and horses raised. Soon afterward he entered the army, serving with the 16th Veterinary Corps in France.

In 1928, the brothers sold the ranch on Stinking Water, and in 1930 purchased a ranch on 20 Mile in Converse and Niobrara counties. By this time, the price of horses had dropped and they increased their herd of Hereford cattle.

In 1934 when the grazing lands were destroyed by the grasshopper infestation they obtained grazing land over at Wounded Knee, S.D. In two cattle drives, they took 1500 head of cattle over there and stayed for 3 years before returning to 20 Mile.

Harry looked forward to his birthdays, when many of his friends and neighbors would come and spend the day, visiting and to play cards.

For the past several years, his health had kept him from actively running the ranch and he had turned the operation over to his nephew Bob Manning to manage. Mr. Manning had been living at the LaBonte Inn in Douglas for the past several years. He had never been married.

He is survived by his brother, Aubrey and several nieces and nephews. Three brothers preceded him in death, Fred in 1937, Ed in 1947 and Carl in 1958.

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