McDuff, Joe Ed 1975
In Tape 1, Taylor County Commissioner Joe Ed McDuff speaks of his childhood and of his early years in farming. In Tape 2 he concentrates on government programs which aid the farmers and on innovations in the farm industry. He speaks of the changing lifestyle of the farmer in Tape 3, emphasizing innovations in equipment and methods of farming and the changing role of the farmer. In Tape 4, he describes his responsibilities as County Commissioner.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Joe Ed McDuff
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: October 24, November 4, 13-14, 1975
Location: Merkel, Texas
Interviewer: Richie Cravens
Length: 3 hours 20 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Personal history,
Education, Swan’s Chapel,
History of school,
High School, Stamford, Texas,
Memories of black laborer’s help,
Acquisition of family land (1884),
Area religion and early churches,
First tractors,
Effects of Depression,
Grandfather, Thomas Monroe Harve,
Building of family homes,
Family described,
Difficulties of raising families during Depression,
Food preservation,
Cash crops,
Bumper crop (1932),
Gin, Thunston, Texas,
Profits,
Horses,
Grandfather’s automobile,
Area barbers,
Anson, Texas—Jones County seat,
Sale of butter and milk in Stamford, Texas,
Stamford compared to Anson Use of profits from cash crops,
Marriage to Francis Nix (1948),
Uncle Hill Edmonds, Jones County Baptist preacher,
Purchase of farm,
Offer to sell land.
Tape 1, Side 2: Decision to become preacher,
Hardin-Simmons University,
Purchase of home,
Religious training,
Return to farming,
First crop (1950),
Death of wife and child,
Aid of Jess Roberts,
Farm near Kress, Texas,
Memories of Hoke Pope,
Work as bookkeeper, North Gin,
Tractor salesman for E. L. Horn (1950),
Rental of E. F. Shaw farm near Potosi, Texas (1950-58),
Purchase of Molene tractors,
Rented room from Mrs. Crawford,
Grandson, Worth Crawford,
Marriage to Patsy Clark (1953),
Daughter, Patrician Ann (Mrs. Jimmie) Hester,
Son-in-law’s background,
Worked farm for J. E. Smith and Jasper Allbright (1953-1960),
Crop (1954),
Drought (1950s),
Purchase of equipment and land in Shackleford County,
Nature of area land,
Crops (1951-54),
Multiple crop insurance (1952-53),
Rain (1954).
Tape 2, Side 1: Work with Abilene, Texas, Police Department (1956),
Anecdote about Chief Red McDonald,
Commentary on police work,
Overabundance of rain (1957),
Sale of land near Potosi, Texas,
Rented land from Mrs. John D. Porter, Merkel, Texas,
Condition of rental,
Leasing on "thirds" and "fourths",
Advantages,
Owner’s trust in renter,
Owner’s knowledge of farming,
Farm located,
Renovation of old house,
Purchase of land west of Porter farm,
Improvements,
Death of Mrs. Porter and son-in-law, Tom Pence,
Daughter, Audrey Pence,
Landlord participation in decision making,
Government deadlines for cotton planting.
Tape 2, Side 2: Government programs,
Subsidies,
Farmers’ acceptance,
Early programs,
Cattle shoot,
Purposes,
Parity price for cotton,
Compared to hourly wage,
Innovations in farming,
Tractors,
Combines,
Improvements in available equipment,
Usage of chemicals,
"Sweeping" cotton fields,
Maize’s lack of stability,
Increasing work for decreasing effort,
Decreasing number of small farms,
Acquisition of family land,
Anecdote about buying Porter land.
Tape 3, Side 1: Crop specialization,
Cow and calf operation,
Grazing lands,
Registered Herefords,
Cattle feed,
Mixed breed cattle,
Pasture lands,
Increased cattle raising, Taylor County, Texas,
Aid to farmers,
Marketing maize,
Feedlots,
Medication,
Advantages,
Farm labor, past and present,
Family,
Mexican immigrants,
Anecdote about Mexican-American neighbors,
Move to industry.
Tape 3, Side 2: Farm labor (continued),
Illegal immigrants,
Migrant labor decreasing,
Changing lifestyles of farmers,
Move to city,
Improvements in living conditions,
Decreasing number of country schools,
Effects of losing schools,
Improvements in living conditions,
Specialization of farmers,
Few gardens,
Acquisition of knowledge,
Observation,
"Big Ox" Chisel plow,
Advantages,
Elimination of root weeds,
Uses,
Honors and awards (1960-1969).
Tape 4, Side 1: Elected Taylor County Commissioner (1970) Decision to run,
Re-election (1974),
Accomplishments,
Effects on life,
Size of job,
Upkeep of roads,
Effects on farming,
Commissioner’s Court,
Politics.
Tape 4, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1884-1975
Bulk Dates: 1932-1975
Access Information
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Transcript:
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