About the Ranch

Joseph Emile Gay Crosier arrived in Pleasant Valley in 1897 and purchased land from William F. Nichols, who had patented his homestead in 1892. In 1909, Emile patented his own homestead. In addition to cattle ranching Emile and his wife had other sources of income that kept their ranch going even in hard times, including running a boarding house. He passed the ranch on to his daughter Emma and her husband David Kuntz, who passed it on to their son Lloyd “Sonny” Kuntz. In the 2010s the main ranch was passed on to his grandson Neilan, who currently operates the ranch. Images of the historic Kuntz Ranch can be found at the Tread of Pioneers Museum. Additionally, an article on the Kuntz Ranch was published by the Steamboat Pilot.