Beck, George T. (George Thornton), 1856-1943

Dates:

Birth 1856-06-28

Death 1943-12-01

Biographical notes:

George Washington Thornton Beck (1856-1943) was born in Kentucky, the son of U.S. Senator James Burnie Beck. He came to Wyoming in 1879 and worked as a sheep rancher near Sheridan until 1889. In 1895 in partnership with William F. "Buffalo Bill" Cody, Beck formed the Shoshone Land and Irrigation Company, which undertook construction of the Cody Canal and the town of Cody, Wyoming. He also created the Shoshone Electric Light and Power Company. A Democrat, Beck served as president of the last Wyoming Territorial Council and in the Wyoming state legislature in 1913 and 1915. He was an unsuccessful candidate for the U.S. Congress in 1890 and the Wyoming governorship in 1902, but served as a six-time delegate to the Democratic National Convention. He was married to Daisy M. Sorenson in 1897 and they had three children: George T. Beck Jr., Jane Beck Johnson, and Betty Beck Roberson.

From the description of George T. Beck papers, 1869-1943. (University of Wyoming, American Heritage Center). WorldCat record id: 27590159

George Washington Thornton Beck was a Wyoming sheep rancher, oil land developer, businessman, and politician. Born 28 July 1856 near Lexington, Kentucky, Beck was the son of James Burnie Beck and a collateral descendant of George Washington. Beck studied civil engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in New York. In 1877 he headed west, eventually settling in northern Wyoming near present-day Sheridan. He owned a large sheep operation and was active as a mining engineer. In 1895 Beck laid out the city of Cody with his friend Colonel William F. (Buffalo Bill) Cody. Together they also formed the Shoshone Land and Irrigation Company. Later Beck built and operated the Shoshone Electric Light and Power Company and helped develop surrounding oil fields. Beck was the first member of the Wyoming territorial council from Johnson County and the president of the last territorial council. In 1902 he made an unsuccessful run for the governorship, but earned the nickname "Governor" nonetheless. He served as mayor of Cody in 1903 and was a member of the Wyoming State Senate from 1913-1917. He also served as a six time delegate to the Democratic National Convention. In 1897 Beck married Daisy M. Sorenson. Together they had three children : George T. Beck, Jr., Jane Beck Johnson, and Betty Beck Roberson. George Beck died 1 December 1943 in Cody.

From the guide to the George T. Beck Papers, 1869-1968, (University of Wyoming. American Heritage Center.)