Miller, Edna Clark 1972, 1978

Edna Clark Miller, early Borden County resident, discusses the history of Borden County and changes in the land, ranching operations and attitudes. She also discusses the origin and function of the Borden County Historical Committee and early days in Gail and Ranger, Texas.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Edna Clark Miller (Mrs. Frank)

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: September 16 and 27, 1972; March 10, 1978

Location: Fluvanna and Lubbock, Texas

Interviewer: Jeff Townsent, David Murrah, Bobby Weaver

Length: 2 hours 15 mintues

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Family background and early life reviewed, Recalls oil boom conditions and education in Ranger, Drought and blizzard of 1918 described, Discussion of Borden County development and land rush, Farmer/rancher conflict, Educated at Wesley College in Greenville, Texas, Married to Frank Miller in 1924, Miller Ranch operations examined, Efforts to raise sheep, Various ranch hands recalled, Agriculture on the ranch, Notes current screwworm problem and cattle diseases.

Tape 1, Side 2: Cites development of Gail, Texas, Demographic changes in Borden County explained, City-county government and society studied, Discussion of public usage of automobiles, telephones and mail delivery, Changes in ranching listed, Ecological changes occurred with settlement, Killing the prairie dog (1915-20), Eradication of mesquite trees, Cattle Association discussed, Problems named of ranching during the Depression, Notes fluctuation of cattle market during drought, Rain-making, past and present, Replacing fences on the ranch, Fluvanna, Texas described, Comparison of government-sponsored and local water supply methods, Wood as fuel and idea of community property, Cottonwood trees in Borden County.

Tape 2, Side 1: Reads from her article concerning the Mollie Bailey Circus, Reviews the origin of Borden County, Historical Committee, Discussion of the Borden County Newsletter, Its awards and character, James Lorenzo Dow recalled, State Survey Committee coordination and function, Borden County Museum and Archives described, Early Borden County history related, Experiences dealing with Texas fever, Ranching seasons and methods of marketing, Expresses attitude toward government regulation in the cattle industry, Notes practice of placing bounties on predators, Government enforcement of its regulations cited.

Tape 2, Side 2: Blank

Tape 3, Side 1: Discussion of Jumbo Cattle Company, Notes credibility of historical sources, Early rock corrals and claim jumping described, MK Ranch—Slaughter lawsuit discussed, Mentions available records and sources, [Note: This tape is a telephone conversation between David Murrah and Mrs. Miller].

Tape 3, Side 2: Blank

Tape 4, Side 1: Born in Gail, Texas, Grandfather, Father, Gail established (1891), Population, Ranger, Texas (1917), Early Ranger, Thurber, Texas, Coal mining, Borden County, Frank Miller, Born in Borden County (1901), Rancher, Married (1924), Livestock, Water supply, Wells, Droughts 1917 and 1950s), Decreasing water table, Sheep.

Tape 4, Side 2: Water supply, Churches in Gail, Cattle, Father Miller, Remarriage, Rafter Cross Ranch, Frank Miller, Died, 1968, Family history.

Range Dates: 1891-1968

Bulk Dates: 1917-1968

Access Information

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Recording Format Notes:

Transcript:

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