Humphreys, George 1969-07-09
George Humphreys, longtime 6666 Ranch foreman and former King County Sheriff, discusses his family and experiences, Burk Burnett and his family and the ranch’s operations, horses and future. Bobby Thompson takes part in the interview on Tape 4.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: George Humphreys
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: July 9, 1969
Location: Guthrie, Texas (6666 Ranch)
Interviewer: Charles Townsend
Length: 2 hours
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Humphreys’ parents,
Anecdote about father’s nickname,
Father worked on ranches,
Burk Burnett,
6666 brand,
Ranch in Wichita County,
Buys 6666 Ranch,
Humphreys’ father quits working for Burnett,
Humphreys’ childhood and education,
Burk Burnett’s death,
Burnett’s family,
Anecdote about ranch families having daughters,
Size of 6666 Ranch,
Humphreys as Sheriff of King County (1928-1948),
Becomes foreman of 6666 (1932),
Anecdote about Burnett and cattle thief.
Tape 1, Side 2: Blank
Tape 2, Side 1: Story about Burk Burnett and cattle thief (continued),
Cattle and cattle selling,
Changes in selling calves,
Changes in ranching,
Ranch still takes the wagon out,
Fall and spring work,
Humphreys’ early work on the ranch,
Bronc riding,
Black bronc rider,
Changes in horses,
Early horses good,
Thoroughbred horses and horse breeding.
Tape 2, Side 2: Blank
Tape 3, Side 1: Anecdote about George Halsell and horse,
Horses on the 6666 Ranch,
Hancock horses,
John Wilkins,
Anecdote about Humphreys’ brother,
Hancock horses (again),
Anecdote about first time Humphreys saw Joe
Hancock,
Joe Tom,
Joe Hancock’s death,
Triangles and Dixon Creek ranches,
Anecdote about racing Hancock horses,
Hancock horses used by steer and calf ropers in rodeos.
Tape 3, Side 2: Blank
Tape 4, Side 1: Hancock horses,
Hancock horses used by steer and calf ropers,
Horses on the ranch today,
Horse racing,
Government cattle shoot in the 1930s recalled,
Anecdote about saving cattle,
Calves given to farmers,
Relationship with other ranches,
Swenson Ranch,
Herds watered on Swenson Ranch,
Cowboy Reunion,
Future of big ranches,
School—buildings and taxes,
Population of King County,
School (again),
Anecdote about no pay for first two days of work.
Tape 4, Side 2: Blank
Range Dates: 1928-1969
Bulk Dates: 1928-1969
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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