The Cattleman's Pages of History

The photograph used for the January 1917 cover was identified as “Shorthorns on the Oklahoma Ranch of H.C. Lookabaugh.”

In that issue, we read this amusing anecdote:

➤ A True Story of Trail Days
“In the late 70s [1870s], when herd after herd of Texas cattle were driven North over the old Chisholm Trail, Ike Pryor’s [past president, 1906-1909] herd was a few weeks ahead of the herd driven by Bill Jackman.

“It was the custom for the man following to pick up lost cattle and drive them on until the herd they were lost from was reached. Bill Jackman’s herd picked up a steer lost by Ike Pryor and was taking him along for Ike, with good intentions. Red River was crossed and Bill’s herd had now gone a few days drive into the Indian Nation. One afternoon a band of about forty Indian warriors including their squaws, rode up to Bill Jackman’s herd and the Chief handed him a letter, which read as follows:

“‘To all trail bosses: This man is a good Indian; I know him personally. Treat him well, give him a beef and you will have no trouble in driving through his country. (Signed) IKE T. PRYOR’

“After reading the letter, Bill rode into the herd, and cut out Ike’s steer for the Chief. They killed the steer then and there and had a big feast. Then Bill went on North with his herd, in peace, thanking Ike for his good advice.”

➤ The Cattleman Cover, painting by Chuck DeHaan

“This is stock show season in Texas and our cover this month depicts the dreams of thousands of FFA and 4-H Club youngsters who participate in steer shows from the local to the national level. It makes for both pleasant and profitable learning, and many of today’s cattlemen look back to similar activities in their youth with more than a little nostalgia.”

Cattle raisers looked ahead to a number of upcoming stock shows including Houston, Fort Worth, Amarillo, Mercedes, El Paso and San Antonio. Interestingly, The Cattleman listed Judging, Sales and Auctions, but there was no mention of rodeos at all.

➤ Special articles in the January 1967 issue included estate planning, the part rumen plays in digestion of food, checking for vibriosis, preventing losses from trichomoniasis, and information on agriculture credit that is still valid 50 years later.