Sones, John 1993-03-10
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General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: John Sones
Additional Parties Recorded:
Date: March 10, 1993
Location:
Interviewer: David Murrah
Length: 00:29:13
Abstract
Mallet Ranch largest on South Plains, over 60,000 continuous acres in Hockley County. Original Mallet Ranch started in 1880's by New Englanders, near Colorado City, they went broke and sold the brand. The name of the ranch comes from the brand which is a gavel or hammer. Mr. David M DeVitt and Mr. Scarborough bought Mallet brand and moved it to Hockley County, it was a huge amount of land, 3X as large as now. Ranch now owned by group of 40 or so descendents of original owners. History of Mallet Ranch ownership VERY long, winding, and confusing- as bought, sold, incorporated many times. Mr. Sones was foreman from 1962-1983 and was the last foreman of the actual Mallet Ranch, land is now leased out. Sones worked directly for Ms. Christine DeVitt, who ran the ranch. Ms. Devitt was stern, very educated and her word was her bond. She never married. Mr. Sones had never met Ms. Devitt until he interviewed for the foreman position, she was in her 70's then. The hiring proces took 3 months. Ms. Devitt said she took so long to hire Sones because he was so young and inexperienced. Mr. Sones was 37 years old and had been a cowboy all his life, had cowboyed from Texas to Montana. Ms. Devitt took her time mking decisions, wanted to be sure she made the right decision. Devitt "really understood ranch talk" and dearly loved her ranch and her ranch people. She was VERY good to employees and to their families. Ms. Devitt only wanted Hereford cattle. Sones's wife, Iona (deceased), and Ms. Devitt were very good friends and had a very special relationship. Ms. Devitt and Mrs. Sones respected each other and worked closely together on Ranching Heritage Center projects
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