The father of the western novel, Zane Grey (1872 - 1939) was born in Zanesville, Ohio. He wrote 58 westerns, including Spirit of the Border, Wildfire, and Riders of the Purple Sage, as well as almost 30 other books. Over 130 films have been based on his work.

Helen Cody Wetmore was the sister of Colonial William "Buffalo Bill" Cody. For a short period of time, she travelled with the Wild West show. She also was the business manager for the Duluth Press, and advocated for women's suffrage. Wetmore died in 1911.