Smith, Morton J II and Mrs Morton J Sr 1972-05
Tape 1: Morton Smith II, son of land promoter and rancher Morton Smith I, recalls his father’s career, especially his establishing of Morton, Texas. Tape 2: Mr. Smith’s mother joins him in discussing early Lubbock and the origin and development of Morton. Tape 3: Mrs. Smith, longtime Lubbock resident, recalls life in early Lubbock and Bailey counties and the life and career of her husband, Morton J. Smith, Sr.
General Interview Information
Interviewee Name: Morton J. Smith II and Mrs. Morton J. Sr.
Additional Parties Recorded: None
Date: May 10, 14, and 19, 1972
Location: Morton and Lubbock, Texas
Interviewer: David Murrah
Length: 1 hour 55 minutes
Abstract
Tape 1, Side 1: Morton J. Smith II,
Discussion of father’s career,
Origin of Morton, Texas, explained and promotion deals discussed,
Lawsuit with Slaughter family,
Lone Star Land Company mentioned,
Rivalries for schoolhouse, county seat and railroad described,
Morton J. Smith I characterized and discussed,
Mentions Smith family records,
Traveling to Morton in 1920s,
Moved to Morton in 1950,
Land promotion examined again.
Tape 1, Side 2: Blank
Tape 2, Side 1: Mrs. Morton J. Smith, Sr., and Morton Smith II: Living in the early Lubbock hotel,
Early Lubbock recalled,
Traces route to Morton from Lubbock,
Ranch families mentioned,
Discussion of Slaughter headquarters,
Texas Tech Museum ranch dugout described,
Explains Smith-Slaughter conflict,
Slaughter brothers characterized,
Smith formerly had office in Morton,
Anecdote about Mrs. Smith’s spinal injury,
Extent of Smith holdings and subsequent land promotion examined,
Explanation of rivalry over courthouse and railroad,
Highway to Morton described.
Tape 2, Side 2: David Murrah’s additional comments concerning the interview.
Tape 3, Side 1: Mrs. Morton J. Smith, Sr.: Early Lubbock, Texas,
Dr. M. C. Overton,
Dr. J. T. Krueger,
Entertainment,
Molly Bailey Circus,
Dances in the Nicolett Hotel,
Opposition from churches,
Music,
Dances at the Slaughter Ranch,
Trips to Kentucky and California,
Transportation,
Early Lubbock residents,
Frank Wheelock family,
John Jarrett,
George Wolffarth,
W. A. "Uncle Gus" Carlisle,
Monroe Abernathy,
Barrett Penny, Slaughter Ranch cowboy,
Back injury.
Tape 3, Side 2: Visits to the ranch,
Stayed at nearby hotel,
Ranch operations,
Cattle,
Mr. Smith sold Minnie Slaughter Veal’s land,
Lived in Morton, Texas,
Shipman Hotel,
Lem Shipman,
Conflict with Hiley Boyd,
Courthouse,
Experiences during the Great Depression (1930s),
Mr. Smith sold land in Morton,
Lived in Lubbock Hilton Hotel after house burned.
Range Dates: 1900-1930s
Bulk Dates: 1900-1930s
Access Information
Original Recording Format:
Recording Format Notes:
Transcript:
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