Lew Johnson is one of the first two homesteaders in the valley. He is a dependable farmer and is originally from Iowa.

Henry Shipstead is one of the original homesteaders along with Lew Johnson. Like Johnson, he came to the Wyoming Territory from Iowa.

James Lewis is a middle-aged homesteader and former cowhand. He lacks drive, ambition, and courage.

Ed Howells is a homesteader as well as a former cowhand. Like Lewis, he has little perseverance and has not done very well in his new endeavors. It is Howells that witnesses Shane's attack on Chris and reports it to Joe.

Frank Torrey is one of the newer homesteaders. He is a nervous man with a difficult family life. He often contemplates moving to California.

Ernie Wright is a homesteader who is likable enough but prefers hunting to working. He has a short temper that gets him into trouble.

Lew Johnson is one of the first homesteaders.  He is a good farmer and a reliable man.

Henry Shipstead is described much like Lew Johnson.  He resides at the lot closest to town.

James Lewis is a farmer of questionable ability.  He, like Frank Torrey, lack the courage to stand up to Fletcher and, therefore, is more likely to walk away from his land than put up a fight.

Ed Howells isn't described in much detail, but he is similar to Lewis.

Frank Torrey is a newer homesteader who lives in fear of Fletcher and losing his land.  He also has family problems including a nagging wife and a lot of kids which also weighed heavily on him.

Ernie Wright is one of the newest homesteaders and is the weakest due to his inability to control his temper.  This weakness is exploited by Stark Wilson and results in Wilson lawfully killing Wright since Wright went for his gun first.