A series where we take a #lookback at the stories and history of our community, brought to you by Mick Pryor, Financial Advisor with Edward Jones.
Dr. Emory Lee Jewell
Dr. Emory Lee Jewell was born in Pine Island, Minnesota in 1875. After earning a medical degree from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Jewell made the journey west to Wyoming. He first settled in Casper, however, Dr. Jewell moved to Lost Cabin in 1904 at the request of J.B. Okie, the Sheep King of Central Wyoming.
In Lost Cabin, Dr. Jewell set up a temporary medical practice in a log cabin that also served as a hotel. While working in Lost Cabin, Dr. Jewell met Livia Willoughby. He and Liva were married by J.B. Okie in his home on March 28th, 1905.
After marrying Livia, Dr. Emory Jewell and his new wife moved to Shoshoni in September of 1905 where he set up the medical office he would work from for the rest of his career. The couple had one child in July of 1907 named Isabel Jewell who later became a Hollywood actress; acting in movies such as A Tale of Two Cities and Gone with the Wind.
From his office in Shoshoni, Dr. Jewell made house calls to residents of Shoshoni and the surrounding area. Being a country doctor came with many challenges.
One incident happened in May 1912 when Dr. Jewell was called to the home of Anna and D.E. Fuller to help with the delivery of their sixth child, Ruth. That spring, due to the rapid melting of snow, Badwater Creek had begun to flood. After reaching Majors Crossing, Dr. Jewell discovered that the water had already come over the bridge. Dr. Jewell decided to forge onwards thinking that the bridge was still intact under all of the water. He soon discovered that a part of the bridge had been washed away which caused him, his horses, and his buggy to plunge into the icy water. Luckily, Dr. Jewell was able to catch onto a willow clump and climb from the creek. Later, three railroad workers came to save the horses and the buggy from the water.
Dr. Jewell is also known for his efforts studying and treating Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever is a bacterial disease that leads to the development of a severe rash around the wrists and ankles. Due to his research, Dr. Jewell was appointed the Assistant Collaborating Epidemiologist of the U.S. Public Health Service.
In 1933, Dr. Jewell was forced into retirement due to sudden blindness. Despite his blindness, Dr. Jewell continued to be active in the community through the Kalif Shrine in Riverton and the Wind River Lodge No. 25 in Shoshoni. Dr. Jewell died in his home on October 21st, 1949 at age 74 and is now buried at the Shoshoni Lakeview Cemetery.
Next up for the Fremont County Museums
June 18th, 10am at the Dubois Museum, “Ramshorn Guest Ranch Tour”
Wind River Visitors Council Discovery Speakers Series
June 19th, 9am at the Dubois Museum, “Kids Corner”
Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series
June 26th, 9am at the Dubois Museum, “Kids Corner”
Bailey Tire/Pit Stop Children’s Exploration Series
June 27th, 7pm at the Dubois Museum, “Meadow Wildflowers with Frances Clark”
Wyoming Community Bank Discovery Speakers Series
June 28th, 8:30am at the Dubois Museum, “Meadow Wildflowers Adventure Trek”
Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series
June 29th, 9am at the Riverton Museum, “Shoshoni Cemetery Trek”
Wind River Visitors Council Adventure Trek Series
The Dubois Museum, the Pioneer Museum in Lander and the Riverton Museum need your financial support. In the current economic environment the museums are more reliant than ever on donations from the private sector to continue to provide the quality programs, collections management, exhibits and services that have become their hallmark over the last four years. Please make your tax deductible contribution to be used specifically for the benefit of the museum of your choosing by sending a check to Fremont County Museums 450 N 2nd Rm 320 or taking it directly to the museum you choose to support.
