William Thomas Early diary, 1886, circa 1975, undated

W.T. Early was born in England and spent many years traveling throughout North and South America. He eventually settled on a homestead near Fort Qu'Appelle, Saskatchewan, in 1883. In 1886, Early, along with two associates, began a journey that eventually led him to homestead a ranch at the base of Grey Rock, near Livermore, Colorado. When Early acquired the title to the land after homesteading for three years, he moved permanently to Fort Collins. He set up a carpentry shop and was known as a fine craftsman of homes and cabinetry.

Included is an original handwritten diary by Early of his travel from Fort Qu'Applle, Saskatchewan, Canada to Fort Collins, Colorado. The diary gives a detailed account of happenings to Early and his two companions on their 1,000 mile journey west. Also included is a typed transcript of a portion of the diary and two photographs. The diary was donated by Walter Early, W.T. Early's son, in 1975.