Attractions
Indians, Outlaws, Trail Drives and Cattle Cars
By Jessica Crabtree
When mentioning the name Waggoner, the first thing that comes to mind is the famous Waggoner Ranch. Truth be told, the Waggoner history runs generations deep in Texas, cattle and ranching which spread in North Texas from Wise to Wichita County.
The Waggoner saga originated from Lincoln County, Tennessee. Solomon Waggoner was a farmer there as well as cattleman and horse trader. Together with his wife, Elizabeth, they moved their family to Hopkins County, Texas around 1848. Sadly the successful cattleman and horse trader died the next year in 1849. Solomon and Martha Elizabeth (McGaugh) had seven children, one of whom was the renowned rancher and businessman, Daniel “Dan” Waggoner, originator of the Waggoner Ranch. After his father’s death and after marrying and having a son, Daniel lost his wife. History supports that after the loss, Daniel with his new son, mother, sisters and brothers, moved to a small farm of 160 acres located on Catlett Creek in Cooke County (now in Wise County). Thereafter, he went on to purchase land and Longhorn cattle, creating the empire in history still talked about today.
Another son to Solomon and Elizabeth was John Thomas. John Thomas married Sarah Ann (Moore) who bore six children. This tale is about their eldest son, Thomas Jefferson Waggoner, also known as Jeff. Jeff was born May 22, 1861, in a cabin three miles east of present day Decatur. On Feb. 23, 1888, at the age of 27, Jeff married Mary Francis Gose at her home in Wise County. The two families were neighbors in north rural Decatur. Mary Francis was a teacher by trade. At the time of their marriage, Jeff was caring for 17,000 acres of land for Dan Waggoner & Son on Gilbert Creek, moving his bride 12 miles northeast of Wichita Falls. Not long after, Jeff purchased a section of land from the Waggoner father-son duo, Dan and W.T. “Tom,” wagering 100 cows and calves in exchange for the land. Together Jeff and Mary had seven children, losing two at infancy.
In December of 1974, a piece was printed in the Wichita Falls Times titled “Footsteps in Our History,” directed on the life and times of Jeff Waggoner with information the early-day cowboy shared for family history. From it we learn in 1879 Jeff began cowboying for his uncle Dan, at this time known as Dan Waggoner & Son, in the Wichita and Clay County area. From it a story was derived. Spending an evening with Allen Parmer east of the ranch headquarters, just downstream the Wichita River, Jeff shared that night two men came in late, ate with them and were gone the next morning before he waked. The two gave a name, but nothing of concern. Years later, while at John Fore’s livery stable in Wichita Falls, Jeff spoke with Frank James who mentioned an evening spent out at Allen Parmer’s, relating it was he and his brother Jesse James who were their dinner guests. As it went, Allen Parmer’s wife was Frank and Jesse James’ sister.
To read more pick up a copy of the October 2018 NTFR issue. To subscribe call 940-872-5922.
On The Road With Dave Alexander
Rarely will you find an event center that includes a music venue, a steakhouse and a wildlife refuge all rolled into one.
Oak Meadow Ranch has been welcoming guests for over two decades with one thing in mind, your complete happy experience.
The Chef Dinner and Exotic Animal Experience includes a four-course meal followed by a hands-on experience with exotic animals.
You can catch up with Dave at the Birthplace of Western Swing Festival in Fort Worth, Texas on November 7, or at the Irving Symphony Orchestra in Irving, Texas on November 9. To read more about his experience at Oak Meadow Ranch, pick up a copy of the October edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print.
To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Lindsey Monk
On Aug. 22, 2024 at 11:40 p.m., the Remington fire jumped the line in Wyoming to burn towards Montana at a high rate of speed. The fire burned 194,459 acres and over 41 miles from one end to the other in a span of two days. Livestock producers will be feeling the effects for years to come.
Pick up a copy of the October edition of North Texas Farm & Ranch magazine, available digitally and in print. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
By: Hannah Claxton | Editor
The GO TEXAN program is a Texas Department of Agriculture initiative dedicated to showcasing and supporting Texas based busi- nesses. During the State Fair of Texas, held in Dallas each year, the program puts together the GO TEXAN pavilion. Within the pavilion, presented by Southwest Dairy Farmers, visitors have the opportunity to sample and shop Texas-based products, learn more about agriculture and participate in family-friendly activities.
In 2023, more than $1 million in revenue was generated across nearly 67,000 products sold. Businesses with products produced or processed in Texas are invited to apply to join the program, and can visit http:// www.gotexan.org/JOIN to apply.
When visiting the State Fair of Texas, make sure to visit the GO TEXAN pavilion to support businesses driving agricultural commerce and explore Texas agricultural commodities outside of North Texas.
The State Fair of Texas is held each year in the fall, and is considered to be the first of the “majors” shows for many students involved in showing livestock. Cattle, hogs, sheep, goats, rabbits, chickens, and even llamas all have a class to enter at the fair.
For those not showing livestock, over a hundred creative arts classes are available to enter. Canned goods, photography, quilts, paintings, and butter sculptures are all displayed throughout the fair’s duration. Another contest judges a variety of antique collections and keeps them on display throughout the duration of the fair.
It’s not the State Fair of Texas without world-renowned food. The Big Tex Choice Awards contest has solidified the State Fair of Texas as the top Fair for great food creations. Each year, State Fair concessionaires fry up tasty and unique foods for a chance to become a finalist in the annual Big Tex Choice Awards competition.
The 2024 Finalists in the Savory category are: Dominican Fritura Dog (by Justin Martinez), The Drowning Taquitos (by Tony & Terry Bednar), Hippie Chips (by Rose and Tom Deschenes), Hot Chick-In- Pancake Poppers (by Palmer and Amanda Fortune), Texas Fried Burnt End Bombs (by Nick and Vera Burt).
In the Sweet category, the 2024 Finalists are: Nevins Nutty Bar- Laska (by Tami Nevins Mayes & Josie Mayes), Rousso’s Cotton Candy Bacon On A Stick (by Isaac Rousso), Strawberry Pop-Tarts Beignettfle (by Justin Martinez), Texas Sugar Rush Pickles (by Heather Perkins), and Tropical Two-Step Punch (by Binh Tran).
Livestock & contests schedule of events is available in the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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