Jess Boner

40 Years Ago - July 19, 1945

Jess Boner, prominent rancher and stockman of Niobrara County, died Saturday night at the Spencer Hospital. Mr. Boner had been afflicted with a stomach and intestinal disorder for several years, but just recently went to the hospital, undergoing an operation Friday morning.

The Lusk Herald
July 26, 1945
Jess Boner, Prominent Rancher, Dies Sat.

Jess Boner, 63, prominent rancher and stockman of Niobrara County, died Saturday night at the Spencer Hospital. Mr. Boner had been afflicted with a stomach and intestinal disorder for several years, but just recently went to the hospital, undergoing an operation Friday morning.

Funeral services were held at the Peet chapel at 2:30 Wednesday afternoon. The place was a solid mass of flowers, which were sent by Mr. Boner's many friends and neighbors. The Reverend Lawrence Juell, pastor of the Congregational Church, officiated at the service.

Those who served as pall bearers were Henry Wasserburger, Claris David, J.W. Christian, Jim Hoblit, Hans Meng, Paul Miller, George Storrie and Len Christian. Mrs. Gerald Bardo was the pianist, playing "Lead, Kindly Light" and "God Be With You Till We Meet Again." O.P. Harnagel, Mrs. Wm. G. Watt, Phyllis Johns and Gerald Bardo sang.

Interment was made in the Lusk Cemetery.

Jess Boner was born near Stansbury, Missouri, September 25, 1882, and at the age of three moved with his parents by covered wagon to Nebraska, where he grew to young manhood in the vicinity of the present town of Chadron.

While still a young man he came to Wyoming and worked as a cow hand for various cattle outfits in the eastern part of the State.

In 1903 he homesteaded at the head of Black Tail Creek. Here he built up his present ranch, which has grown into one of the largest sheep ranches in Niobrara County.

May 2, 1925, he was married to Miss Izetta Renswold, who was then engaged in teaching one of the rural schools of the Hat Creek community. To this union were born three sons - Edgar Jess, now 18 years of age; James Duane, 16, and Robert Francis, 10.

Although Mr. Boner had not been well for some time, his death came as a distinct shock to both relatives and friends. He had been admitted to the Spencer Hospital the previous week and underwent a stomach operation on Friday, passing away Saturday night, July 21, 1945.

Besides his wife and three sons, he is survived by his father, Francis M. Boner of Hat Creek; four sisters, Mrs. Myrtle Hamilton of Edgemont, S.D.; Mrs. Ethel DeGering of Hat Creek; Mrs. Nellie Miller, LaCenter, Wash., and Nora Landes of Houston, Texas; six brothers, Frank and Harry of Hat Creek, Walter of Moorcroft, Wyo., Roy of Edgemont, S.D., Harvey of Guernsey, Wyo., and Jasper of Billings, Mont.

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