Keith, Mary 1973-11-14
Mary Keith recalls the past history of her parents and their association with the Matador Ranch.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Mary Keith
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: November 14, 1973
Location: Matador, Texas
Interviewer: Jeff Townsend
Length: 25 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Discusses birth,
Born in half-dugout three and one half miles from Matador (1894),
Comments on parents’ history,
Father came from Tennessee (1880),
Settled in Jacksboro, Texas,
Later moved to Dickens County and drove cattle for uncle, Jones Keith,
For next six years worked on Spur Ranch,
Mother’s family migrated to Texas (1877),
Resided in Brazos River area,
Children attended school in Matador,
Reviews lives of brothers and sisters,
Recalls numerous trips to Confederate Soldiers’ Reunions,
Attended Matador school, which consisted of a small number of students,
Outlines changing social customs experienced as a child,
Account of George Cook’s murder given,
Talks about farmer and rancher feuds,
Mentions Matador War,
Comments about unique bedspread made from cowboy’s silk handkerchiefs,
Recalls prominent personalities of Matador Ranch,
Ranch liquidation remembered,
Recounts process of changing cattle from ranch to ranch,
Describes father’s ranching activities, both personal and for the Matador Ranch,
Portrays landscape as it was in earlier times,
States that it was 1908 before Matador had a gin,
Molly Bailey Circus traveled through Matador,
Matador’s railroad consisted of spur of the Quanah, Acme and Pacific,
Deaths of parents noted,
Parents lived in a stone house until their deaths.
Tape 1, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1880-1973
Bulk Dates: 1894-1973
Access Information
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Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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