Meldrum, John W., 1843-1936.

John W. "Jack" Meldrum (1843-1936) was acting governor of Wyoming when the territory was admitted to statehood in 1890, and served as U.S. Commissioner of Yellowstone National Park for 41 years. He was born in Caledonia, New York, and served with the Fourteenth New York Heavy Artillery Regiment during the Civil War. With his brother Norman M. Meldrum, he raised stock at the present site of La Porte, Colorado before moving to Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1868 with his wife Emmaline "Lina" Warren Meldrum. In 1870, he settled in Laramie, Wyoming, where he became active in Republican Party politics and served two terms as Albany County Clerk, one term as chairman of the Albany County Board of County Commissioners and one term in the upper house of the Territorial Assembly. As Clerk he wrote the original sentencing draft for George Parrot, alias "Big Nose George." In 1889, Meldrum was appointed secretary of Wyoming Territory and became acting governor when Governor R.B. Warren was elected to the U.S. Senate. On July 10, 1890, Wyoming Territory was admitted to the Union with Meldrum serving as acting governor. He served as inspector general of the Wyoming National Guard in 1891 and a special disbursing agent for the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs. In 1894, he was appointed U.S. Circuit Court Commissioner (later Commissioner) of Yellowstone National Park, a position he held until his death in 1936.

From the description of John W. Meldrum papers, 1854-1938. (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 28082467

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