George Frazier Monroe (ca. 1844-1886)

Yosemite stagecoach driver George Frazier Monroe was born in Georgia possibly around 1844.  His father, Louis Augustus Monroe, arrived from Georgia in the Gold Rush and settled as a barber in Mariposa in 1854.  He was also locally known as a civil rights advocate because … Read MoreGeorge Frazier Monroe (ca. 1844-1886)

Thomas L. Purce (1946- )

Thomas “Les” Purce, politician, businessman, educator, university administrator, and grandson of pioneering black Idahoans, was born on November 13, 1946 to John and Idaho Purce in Pocatello, Idaho.  His grandfather, Tracey Thompson, was a well-known Idaho rodeo star.  As one of five siblings, he attended … Read MoreThomas L. Purce (1946- )