McNeill, J C 1980-03-13

J. C. McNeill talks about his family background and ranching from the 1920s to the present. The McNeill family’s SR Ranch is known today for its cowboy dinners and entertainment for tour groups.

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: J.C. McNeill

Additional Parties Recorded: None

Date: March 13, 1980

Location: Spur, Texas

Interviewer: Richard Mason

Length: 1 hour 45 minutes

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1: Born: Spur, Texas (1905), J. C. McNeill, Sr., grandfather, Land purchase (1882), Checkerboard arrangement, SR Brand, George Williamson, nephew, Ranch manager (1890s), J. C. McNeill, Jr., father, Ranch manger (1902), Indian raids, Land speculation, Kentucky Cattle Raising Company, Matador Land and Cattle Company, J. C. McNeill, Sr., Description, Family background, Civil War, Personality.

Tape 1, Side 2: Randolph Cox, maternal grandfather, Confederate Army, J. C. McNeill, Jr., Texas A & M (1896), Football team (first), Civil Engineering degree, Registered Hereford cattle, Range conservation, A. W. Hudson, lawyer, L7 Ranch, George Boles, Early cattle breeder, George Williamson, Railroad, Cattle shipping points, Prices, Merchandise, Services, Cattle drives, Length, Cowboys, Attire, Horses.

Tape 2, Side 1: Ranch life, Isolation, Christmas, Anecdote, Population, Ranch owners, Nesters, Zunalf family, Railroads, Cooley Brothers Livestock Company, Santa Fe, Quanah, Acme and Pacific, Julian Bassett, General Mercantile Store, John R. Ralls, Clifford B. Jones, C. A. Jones, father, Spur Ranch colonization, Freeport, Texas, Audrey Barber, wife, Personality, Cattle market, Slumps (1920s), World War I effects, Education, Rice University (1925-1929), Houston, Texas, Advertising agency.

Tape 2, Side 2: Great Depression, Cattle shoot, Cattle market, World War II effects, Price ceilings, Drought (1950s), Cattle industry, Government regulations, John Stribling, Cattle breeder, Cattle, Crossbreeding, Foundation breeds.

Range Dates: 1882-1980

Bulk Dates: 1920-1980

Access Information

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