The Cranstons

Bess Melby

Charles Cranston Jett
1–2 minutes

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Bess Melby, born Elizabeth Lillian Campbell, was the daughter of Giles and Nellie Campbell. She came west to homestead in southwestern North Dakota, married Chris “Doc” Cranston, and raised four children: Marion, Helen, Bill, and Tip.

After that marriage ended, she married Ole Melby. Together they ranched in Harding County, South Dakota, and later ran the Battle Mountain Auto Camp in Hot Springs.

Photographs

Bess Campbell, 1908
Bess Campbell, 1908
Bess Melby going out to mow hay at the Shaw Place with Sam and Buster, 1926
Bess Melby going out to mow hay at the Shaw Place – 1926 – with Sam and Buster
Bess, Bill and Ole in the early 1940s
Bess, Bill, Ole in the early 40’s when Bill was in Canadian Air Force
Tip, Bessie, Bill, Wood Jett and Ole Melby
Tip, Bessie, Bill, Wood Jett, Ole Melby
Bess Melby at Battle Mountain Auto Camp, around 1951
Bess Melby at Battle Mountain Auto Camp – around 1951

Her Parents, Giles and Nellie Campbell

Giles Campbell
Giles Campbell
Nellie Campbell with Tip, Bill, Marion and Helen, 1918
Nellie Campbell with Tip, Bill, Marion and Helen 1918
Nellie Campbell cutting Bill's hair, 1920
Nellie Campbell cutting Bill’s hair 1920
Giles Campbell at Shaw Place, 1926
Giles Campbell at Shaw Place 1926
Charlie Jett at the gravesite of Giles and Nellie Campbell, Camp Crook, South Dakota
Charlie Jett at the gravesite of Giles and Nellie Campbell, Camp Crook, South Dakota

Stories About Bess

See also: Chris (Doc) Cranston and Ole Melby

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