Son of
John W. Gamel and Katherine Crosby Gamel
Brother of Arch Gamel
Grandson of William Gamel
and Katherine Tucker Gamel"
John Gamel was born in 1868. His father John William Gamel was born in 1845 in Georgia, and his mother Katherine was born in 1843 in Ireland. John William was a wealthy cattle rancher and civil war veteran who served in the thirty-third Regiment of the Texas Cavalry in 1862 and 1863. To quote his obituary:
"He made his fortune in the cattle business and was one of the influential men of his time. He was recalled by old timers in Dodge City, Kansas as a "flamboyant, forceful Texan" who celebrated at the end of cattle drives by lighting cigars with ten dollar bills, declaring he had "enough money to burn a wet dog." Meaning he was really, really rich.
Johnnie and his older brother Arch were sent away to school during the conflict of the Mason County War around 1875, when he was 12 and his brother was 14. (If you get the chance, read up on the Mason County War. It's fascinating, though a little bloody.)
When John was 25 he married a Katherine, just as his father and grandfather had (was it a family tradition?). They had three children: Clayton, Byna, and Henrie. In 1900, they are living in Upper Labante, Converse, Wyoming and his occupation is listed as farmer.
If you know who this may be, let us know in the comments!
When John was 25 he married a Katherine, just as his father and grandfather had (was it a family tradition?). They had three children: Clayton, Byna, and Henrie. In 1900, they are living in Upper Labante, Converse, Wyoming and his occupation is listed as farmer.
If you know who this may be, let us know in the comments!
