The history of the S.L.W. Ranch dates back to 1888 when J. M. Studebaker and his associates purchased some 13,000 acres ten miles east of Greeley from Lord Ogilvy. By 1899, Studebaker's nephew, Harvey E. Witwer, Sr., was established as the partner- manager of a registered cattle operation under the name S.L.W. Ranch, named for the three partners, J. M. Studebaker, Lafayette Lamb, and Harvey Witwer, Sr. By 1913, with property at 9,000 acres, Witwer decided to buy out his partners and go it alone.