King County Texas Sheriff George Humphreys:
Cowboy & Lawman
Limited Edition
#212 of 500!
George Humphreys: Cowboy and Lawman by Peggy Walker. Nortex Press / Eakin Publications: Burnet, Texas (1978). Hardcover in gilt-stamped boards with pictorial dust jacket, 66 pages. Illustrated with black & white photographs. From a limited numbered edition of only 500 copies printed - this is number 212! SIGNED by the wife of the late King County, Texas Sheriff George Humphreys! Quite scarce thus!
From the dust jacket flap:
When the author's husband was hired as a cowboy for the 6666 Ranch, she became acquainted with George Humphreys, who not only served as foreman for the historic King County ranch but as county Sheriff.
She came to admire and respect him and became aware she was a friend to a legend — a legend of a cowboy, a peace officer, a judge of horse flesh - but most of all a legend of a man.
Her story is an informal account of the life and times of this son of the old West, whose lifetime spanned the closing of the frontier and the beginning of modern ranching.
In his preface to the book, Dr. Travis White, President-Emeritus of Midwestern University, Wichita Falls, Texas, describes his life-long friend:
"Howdy ole Hoss, how are you and the family?" How many times I have heard those welcome words from a great ole cowman - one of the few left in this great cow country of West Texas!
His ruddy face and happy spirit has graced many a yarn spinning session at the chuck wagon as they sipped coffee from a tin cup and rested a bit.
He was loved by his men, respected by his friends. He was equally at home with the banker, the parson, the educator, or the Texas lawyer.
Born November 15, 1899 in a half dugout just north of Aspermont, Texas, he seemed destined from his youth to spend his years in the cattle industry.
He was just a youngster when the late Burk Burnett saw his potential and started him as a “bronc stomper" - breaking young horses for the cowboys.
From this tough and menial task in 1932 he was given responsibility as foreman of the 6666 Ranch — one of Texas' greatest. He held this position until retirement in 1970.
For twenty years he was sheriff along with his ranch duties. His efforts merited for him the signal honor "honorary Texas Ranger" bestowed by the Department of Public Safety.
His ability as a horseman and trainer became nation-wide acknowledged. His riding and training of the famed cutting horse Hollywood Gold brought crowds to their feet at major championship shows. Hollywood Gold's get dominated the cutting horse world for a generation.
George Humphreys is an intrinsically interesting man, the epitome of the true Westerner. It never occured to his unquenchable spirit to be subdued by circumstance or events which befell him through the years.
He had a great trust thrust upon him and he handled it and the tasks, grievance or gay, with courage and faith. A man of the open country, a solid American, a great Texas, he is beloved, admired and respected by all who knew him.
Because of his outstanding service he was honored in 1971 by Midwestern State University in Wichita Falls, Texas, with its highest award, that of
"Distinguished Service Award" for his contribution of the great rural area of which he was such a vital part.
The late J. O. Jones of Lubbock - now long deceased, said of him, "There is a man with lots of bottom." No greater compliment could be made by a great rancher of his fellow rancher!
Book very good condition, a nice clean copy. Dust jacket very good with some rubbing to both front & rear.
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