Joseph M. Carey was born in Milton, Delaware on January 19, 1845. Carey went to the University of Pennsylvania and obtained a law degree in 1867. He was a lawyer, a prominent Wyoming rancher, a judge, Mayor of Cheyenne, WY (1881-1885), served as a U.S. Senator (1890-1895), and his last political position was the Governor of Wyoming from 1911-1915. During his term as a U.S. Senator the Invasion of 1892 occurred. He worked vigorously to have the invaders protected with the assistance from U.S. President William H. Harrison. Like many of the invaders, Carey had major ranching interests, he had a successful ranching business with his brother under the name Carey Brothers. Carey also served as the president of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association protecting the cattle barons.
Affidavits of Charles H. Burritt, Horace R. Mann, Thomas J. Bouton, Charles Carter, William J. Thom, and James T. Craig, April and June 1892
Written under oath to inform the Governor of Wyoming, these affidavits addressed the current situation of the invaders and the reactions of the individuals close to the situation. The band of invaders appeared to have the sympathy of the sheriff, while rancher's property was stolen and no protections were provided by the sheriff and the deputies. Not only was property being stolen and damaged, some individuals felt that their lives were being threatened by the "rustlers", physical injury was often threatened to the law-abiding citizens. The Governor Amos W.
Letter to U.S. Attorney General from Frank B. Crosthwaite, Justice Department Examiner, November 2, 1892
Frank B. Crosthwaite was asked to investigate the US Marshal Rankin of Wyoming, questioning his courage, force, and fitness for the office during the time of the Johnson County War. Crosthwaite learned that herds of cattle in the county had lost large numbers by the theives. Judges were found to censure the juries, resulting the in the cattle owners not being able to get the redress they seeked in courts. This letter includes all of Costhwaites findings and conclusions from his investigation sanctioned by the Attorney General.
Letter to U.S. Attorney General from Frank B. Crosthwaite, Examiner, December 22, 1892
Crosthwaite expresses in this letter that he, after hearing from Senators Carey and Warren, had given his opionins prematurely regarding Marshal Rankin. These opinions were expressed in his letter dated from Novemeber 2, 1892. Corthwaite acknowledges that being fully informed encourages a well rounded opionion regarding the situation with the Johnson County War and Marshal Rankin. This letter was written to the Attorney General to inform and update him on the information provided in the previous letter written.