Penrose, Charles B. (Charles Bingham), 1862-1925

Charles B. Penrose, a doctor from Philadelphia, came to Cheyenne, Wyoming, in 1891 for his health. He was invited to accompany a group of stockgrowers in a raid on cattle rustlers in Johnson County, Wyoming, in April 1892 which later became known as the Johnson County War. Penrose fell behind the main group and did not participate in the actual raid on the KC Ranch but was arrested near Douglas, Wyoming, for being a member of the party. He corresponded with his brother Senator Boies Penrose, Wyoming Supreme Court Clerk Richard H. Repath, U.S. Attorney Bob Ralston and writer Owen Wister in the days following his release, explaining the circumstances of his arrest.

After his release from jail, Penrose returned to private practice in Philadelphia. Around 1913, he wrote an account of the Johnson County Invasion and corresponded with others regarding the Johnson County War. Correspondents included Owen Wister, historian Grace Raymond Hebard, Dr. Amos W. Barber, who was also governor of Wyoming from 1890-1893, and William C. Irvine, a stockgrower and one of the leaders of the raid into Johnson County.

...