|
| |
Roswell History
CHAVES COUNTY HISTORICAL
INFORMATION
Provided by Elvis E. Fleming, Chaves County
Historical Society of Roswell, NM
For further information, the Chaves
County Historical Encyclopedia is available AT
Historical Museum of Southeast New Mexico
200 North Lea Avenue, Roswell, NM 88201, (505) 622-8333
Historical Figures of Roswell
John Simpson "Uncle
John" Chisum John Simpson "Uncle
John" Chisum (1824-1884). His name became associated with development of the
Pecos area and the SW. He drove first herd from Texas to New Mexico. He established ranch
in NM in 1868. Land extended 150 miles from Texas to Fort Sumner, NM. He used to earmark
cattle, resulting in herd being called "Jingle Bob." First band was
"Rail" (long bar down side of cattle). Changed to "U" on left
shoulder. At one time, herd estimated at 60,000 to 100,000 head of cattle. He was possibly
the biggest cattle baron in the world. He moved his headquarters to South Spring in 1875,
6 miles south east of Roswell. He became interested in springs and other water sources. He
was described as a plain, kind, jovial man and held in high esteem by cattlemen. He never
strapped a gun but kept a weapon. He entered the Lincoln County War to detect who was
rustling his herd for wholesale. Some felt he was too tolerant of criminals, such as Billy
the Kid. He died of cancer in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Robert (Bob) Crosby
(1897-1947) Rancher, rodeo performer and businessman. He owned Cross-B Ranch at Kenna, NM.
He won the title of "World’s Champion Cowboy" 3 times and the Roosevelt
Trophy, that is awarded only to three-time winners. He competed in rodeos for nearly 30
years. Business ventures included a chain of sherbet ice cream parlors in Arizona and the
Green Lantern Saloon in Roswell, among others. In 1947 on the way to Cross-B Ranch from
his home in Roswell, his jeep missed the bridge at Acme Draw and he was killed. Acme Draw
was renamed the "Bob Crosby Draw" in his honor. His trophies and awards are on
display in the Cowboy Hall of Fame, Oklahoma City.
Patrick F. Garrett (1850-1908) New Mexico politician, rancher
and lawman. Served as Sheriff of Lincoln and Dona Ana Counties. Best known as the man
‘who killed’ the notorious outlaw "Billy the Kid." Had a blind
daughter, Elizabeth, who wrote "O, Fair New Mexico," the official state song. He
ran for sheriff of Chaves County and lost. He helped to organize Pecos Irrigation and
Development Company.
Peter Hurd (1904 - ) Born in Roswell. Attended New Mexico
Military Institute in Roswell and appointed to West Point in 1925. He later dropped out to
pursue a career in art. In 1929 he married Henriette Wyeth. Hurd is known throughout the
world for his Southwestern art, producing such works as "The Gate & Beyond"
and controversial 1969 portrait of Lyndon B. Johnson. Hurd resides at his Sentinel Ranch
at San Patricio in the Hondo Valley. Hurd remains one of the area’s most influential
citizens through his support of community projects. His works are displayed at the Roswell
Museum & Art Center as well as the Hurd-La Riconada Gallery in San Patricio.
|