Humphreys, George 1969-07-09

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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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