An idea conceived by Rancher J.Y. Crum, supported by
manufacturer Roger Williams and promptly endorsed
by eleven other ranchers and businessmen of Parker County brought
into being the birth of the Parker County Sheriff's Posse,
an organization typically Texan that could, would, and has to this
day preserved the southern flavored Western traditions of 140 year
old Parker County.
These thirteen men who comprised the
original membership of the newly organized Posse were as follows:
J.Y. Crum, Fletcher Dalton, Marsh
Farmer, Walker Good, Aaron Hays,
Forest Lindsay, Dave Hudson, Frank
McEntire, Cullen Robinson, Loyd
Smith, Tom B. Saunders, Roger Williams,
and L.T. Wood.
On January 13, 1947, their first official
meeting held in the office of Roger Williams Manufacturing Co., Weatherford,
twelve attended with one absentee proxy. From this group the officers
were chosen, namely: Aaron Hays, Captain; J.Y.
Crum, Lieut.; Roger Williams, Sec.-Treas.;
Fletcher Dalton, Corral Boss; and Walker
Good, Wrangler. The High Sheriff, John F. Young,
automatically became Honorary Leader of the Posse. January 20th this
group "13 strong" met and agreed to a maximum membership
of 20 in order to apply for a state charter. The following seven men
accepted next into the Posse during this Historic Period of organization
were: Jack Borden, Walter Caraway,
Barney Phillips, Ferd Slocum, Ray
Smyth, H.K. Whaley, and S. A. Wheeler.
During the following week a third meeting
was held. The Charter was applied for by the Posse's attorney Jack
Borden, and Tom Saunders was appointed to
draft the Constitution and By-Laws. Meeting dates were set to be the
first Monday of each month and the place of meeting to be the basement
room of Williams Manufacturing company. The membership quota was raised
to 40 and the Posse's purpose as set forth in its charter was to be
as follows:
"To
foster interest among its members in keeping alive the true traditions
of the Old West, a sacred heritage of all Texans; to promote good
fellowship, good sportsmanship and a greater interest, both social
and civic, in their community; to assist the High Sheriff, upon his
request, to quell a riot, a disturbance or any emergency deemed necessary
by the Sheriff in calling upon this Posse to assist in the protection
of his jurisdiction. The policies of this Sheriff's Posse shall at
all times be in harmony with the policies of other towns' and counties'
Sheriff's Posses, Riding Clubs and Horse Breeders Associations in
the mutual promotion of good horsemanship and good Texas Horses."
Interest
and activities were growing by leaps and bounds, larger quarters were
required for their meetings and dinners. Headquarters of the Posse
were moved to the American Legion building, but after operating there
for months, paying rent, it was decided to purchase land and eventually
construct their own headquarters. The membership was again raised
to 60, comprising 50 active and 10 honorary members. In order to accomplish
this, the following additional members were admitted into the Posse
during its first year of organization: J.B. Banks,
Herman Carr, Jack Sisco, Buck
Caraway, H. Calhoun, Dan Durrett,
Holley Caraway, Herb Dobb, Wayne
Ellis, Douglas Fain, George Glascock,
Bert Herrin, C.R. Hull, , Volney
Hildreth, Jess hall Jr, W.B. Kaiser, Charles Merritt, Marshal Nash,
Roger Prater, Bob Rothel, Ted Rea, George Shaw, G.T. Shaw Jr, Morris
Sands, Jeff Slocum, Acme Shaw, F.A. Smith, Willard Thomas, Robert Wood,
Henry Wittmer, Jr., Floyd Tinsley, Jr.,
M.C. Tinsley. The 1947 Honorary Members: E.B.
Cartwright, George Fant, E.A. Grogan,
Robert Galbreaith, Dr. B.W. Korges,
Fred Smith, A.W. Slocum, E.A.
Thomas, Sr., and O.C. Whitaker.
The first Sweethearts to represent
the Posse were Dorothy Wheeler and Sammie
Good Walker. The first parade participated in by the Parker
County Sheriff's Posse was the March 1947, Fort Worth Fat
Stock Show Opening Day Parade. The first barbecue attended as a group
was on the Crum-Farmer Ranch and their first rodeo participated in
as contestants was the Saunders Ranch Rodeo. Other activities that
first year of organization were to sponsor a matched Roping between
members of the Posse and outsiders. Posse members won. The Posse also
participated in the Mineral Wells, Weatherford Lions club and Ranger
Rodeos. The year 1947 ended with the purchase of the present site
of 37 acres for permanent headquarters. The area at the time of purchase
was a post oak and mesquite infested abandoned peach orchard - which
was cleared mostly by horseback members with stout lariat ropes.
The
Accomplishments of Parker County Sheriff's Posse continue as follows:
Tom
Saunders, Capt., Ferd Slocum, Lieut., Walter
Caraway, Sec.-Treas., Walker Good, Corral
Boss, Satchel, Wrangler, and Margaret Jenkins,
Sweetheart. The club house was built. Parker County
Frontier Days Celebration and Rodeo was created and held
for the first time in Red Wood's arena. The Posse reached
national fame through magazine and press publicity. Family and stag
nights were originated, the Parker County Sheriff's Posse
became the first Posse in history to receive a special introduction
at the Fort Worth Fat Stock Show Rodeo. The
membership was increased to 75 and the following active and honorary
members were accepted in 1948: Andy Bowden, T.B. Knox, D.G.
Talbot, Dr. Carl Whalen, Jim Whitsett, Charles D. Branson, C.R. Byers,
Clifford W. Dobbs, Pat Eddleman, Weldon Jordan, Bill McDavid, L.A. McKenney,
Ralph D. Martin, John Miles, Robert S. Muir, S.W. Nash, Jack Pickard,
Sam Saunderson, E.A. Thomas, Jr., and Carl Yeary. In addition
to participating in the 1948 Fort Worth Stock Show Parade, the Posse
rode in the Weatherford and Mineral Wells Pioneer Day parades. The Posse
also attended the Saunders Ranch Rodeo, Milling, Cowtown, B & P
W, Corsicana, and Cleburne rodeos and the Movie Premier of Red
River.
1949
Ferd
Slocum, Capt., H. Calhoun, Lieut.,
Willard Thomas, Sec.-Treas., Herman Carr, Corral
Boss, Bob Rothel, Wrangler, and
Jane Venita Saunders, Sweetheart. The
Posse became affiliated with the National Cutting Horse Association
and invited to Madison Square Garden, New York for the Lions Club
International convention. Arena construction began. New members accepted
into the Posse during the years 1949-1950 and the first half of 1951
were as follows: Couts Holland, E. Lee Patterson, Paul W.
Bloss, J.C. Britton, L.C. Byrd, C.T. Duncan, Wild Bill Elliott, T.R.
Frost, Jess Hall, Sr., Loyd Jinkens, T.C. Jenkins, M.O. Killion, Jr.,
J.C. Minyard, Don H. Parker, Boley Pearson, Louis A. Peoples, Louis
Powers, James G. Staples, Sid Lanier and Voyt Williams.
Walter
Caraway, Capt., H.K. Whaley, Lieut.,
Couts Holland, Sec.-Treas., J.Y. Crum, Corral
Boss, Frank McEntire, Wrangler, and
Sammie Good, Sweetheart. Completion
of all steel arena, at a cost of $10,000.00. Rustic horse stalls constructed
and the third annual Frontier Days Rodeo held in
arena.
H.K.
Whaley, Capt., Morris
Sands, Lieut., Bob Galbreaith, Sec-Treas.,
J.C. Britton, Corral Boss, Bob S. Muir,
Wrangler, and Shirley Sanders, Sweetheart. Louis
A. Peoples, the second Sheriff to become an honorary officer.
Posse member Bob Rothel won Pony Express Sweepstakes
during premier of movie "Fort Worth". Posse attended Santa
Rosa Roundup as a group. Loaned grounds to F.F.A. for Livestock Show.
Welcomed General MacArthur to West Texas. The following
new members joined in late 1951 -early 1952: Lester Bailey,
C.D. Bodiford, Cleo Bodiford, James
Bodiford, Leonard Dixon, Rupert
Kindel, Urban Morris, Eugene Polser,
Alf Teneyck, D.E. Upton and L.S.
Young.
Morris
Sands, Capt., C.T. Duncan, Lieut., Boley
Pearson, Sec-Treas., Wayne Ellis, Corral
Boss, L.A. McKenney, Wrangler, and Sharon
Hildreth, Sweetheart. More members' stalls constructed,
clubhouse painted and the grounds landscaped. Membership limit was
raised to 100 members. Members that joined in late 1952 and early
1953: Earl Barber, Jack Brannum,
Loyd Hinkle, L.D. Murray, Doyce
Nash, Ray Pafford, George Read,
O.B. Stephens and Jim C. Wright, Jr.
H.
Calhoun, Capt., Jack Pickard, Lieut., Charles
Branson, Sec.-Treas., Charles Merritt, Corral
Boss, Barney Phillips, Wrangler, and Linda
Slocum, Sweetheart. Built rustic western fence in front of
clubhouse; created cowboys Christmas Ball and started permanent arena
grandstands. Members that joined in late 1953 and early 1954: H.E.
Copeland, O.T. Davis, J.B. Golden,
Paul Huffman, C.K.S. Russum.
Loyd
Hinkle, Capt., Weldon Jordan, Lieut., Eugene
Polser, Sec.-Treas., Bob Rothel, Corral
Boss, C.R. Hull, Wrangler, and Peggy Pafford,
Sweetheart. Completed grandstands, built first Livestock barn and
the Palmetto Polo team was formed. Members that joined in late 1954
and early 1955: Alvah Allen, Kenneth Daley,
Charles Johnson.
Ray
Pafford, Capt.; Charles Merritt, Lieut.;
L.D. Murray, Sec./Treas.; Floyd Tinsley,
Jr., Corral Boss; L.S. Young, Wrangler; Sheriff John
F. Young, Honorary Officer; and Gail Bowden,
Sweetheart. Very active year, Constitution and By-Laws revised, successful
Frontier Days, additional Livestock barn built to enlarge Livestock
Show. Members who joined in late 1955 and early 1956: Pete
Kelly, Luke Massingale, Malcolm Maupin, Curby Mirike, W.D. Newberry,
Jr., W.R. Riddle, Jr., D. Rockwell, Charles Sullivan, Hoot Walker.
Ray
Smyth, Capt.; Bill Murray, Lieut.; Bill
Newberry, Jr., Sec./Treas.; Couts Holland,
Corral Boss; J.G. Golden, Wrangler; and Linda
Hildreth, Sweetheart. Frontier Days Centennial Celebration.
Additional arena pens built. State and National attention again focused
on Parker County Sheriff's Posse on "Wide
Wide World" television show. New members who joined in late1956
and early 1957: Walter Carter, Elmer D. Hall, Harry Hopkins,
D. Hutcheson, R.J. Muir, Sam Skiles.
Couts
Holland, Capt.; Floyd Tinsley, Jr., Lieut.;
Loyd Young, Sec./Treas.; Barney Phillips,
Corral Boss; Walter Carter, Wrangler; and Saundra
Copeland, Sweetheart. Saw the inauguration of a Calf Scramble
for FFA Youths of Parker County; holding of the first FFA Junior Rodeo
in area; drilling of water well for Livestock Show Barns. New members
who joined in late 1957 and early 1958: Elwood Hamilton, Jack
Knox, Tommy Mirike, W.N. Smith, Billie Joe Smith.
Floyd
Tinsley, Jr., Capt.; L.S. Young, Lieut.;
S.E. Skiles, Sec./Treas.; W.R. Riddle, Jr.,
Corral Boss; Ferd Slocum, Wrangler; and Dorisan
Carr, Sweetheart. Saw the construction of a new concession
stand on Posse Grounds, erecting of all-steel sign at Posse entrance.
New members who joined in late1958 and early 1959: J.T. McLaughlin,
Jack Vincent.
Acme
Shaw, Capt.; Boley Pearson, Lieut.; Charles
Johnson, Sec./Treas.; Doyle Hutcheson, Corral
Boss; Luke Massingale, Wrangler; and Kay
Bodiford, Sweetheart. Completion of covered judging arena
for Livestock Show and a most successful Frontier Days Rodeo. New
members who joined in late 1959 and early 1960: J.P. Binion,
J.T. Brackeen, Jr., Dr. Noel A. Bryan, Edgar Bowden, Coy Carter, R.H.
Cartledge, Jr., J.W. Ford, Norman Gibson, Herman Stroud, Bill McDavid,
Jr., J.B. Rankin.
L.D.
Bill Murray, Capt.; Wayne Ellis, Lieut.; J.W.
Ford, Sec./Treas.; Tommy Mirike, Corral Boss;
Weldon Jordan, Wrangler; and Juda Bodiford,
Sweetheart. Built an additional concession stand, and enlarged ticket
office. Purchase of additional acreage to facilitate parking. Addition
to Livestock Show barn for additional show stalls. New members who joined
in late 1960 and early 1961: Dr.Thomas Abney, R.J. Kelly, Jr.,
J.W. Sallee, B.M. Taylor.
Boley
Pearson, Capt.; Jack Vincent, Lieut.; John
Brackeen, Sec./Treas.; J.P. Binion, Corral
Boss; Norman Gibson, Wrangler; and Barbara
Binion, Sweetheart. Sheriff Coy Carter,
Honorary Officer. A new building to house the Parker County
Livestock Show was constructed. Rodeo Ticket Office
was enlarged. Trail Ride to Mineral Wells
was inaugurated as an annual event for the Posse. New members who
joined in late 1961 and early 1962: Henry Maddux, Wade Moore.
Charles
F. Merritt, Capt.; Eugene Polser, Lieut.;
Ernest J. Williams, Sec./Treas.; Sam Skiles,
Corral Boss; Dr. Noel Bryan, Wrangler; and Patricia
Bowden, Sweetheart. Roping and cutting calves were purchased
for members use. Breast harnesses of blue with P.C.S.P.
inscribed in white were purchased for members and sweethearts. A runway
was constructed entering arena. Floors in club were refinished. New
members who joined in late 1962 and early 1963: Kennie Ray
Clark, Roy Glen Densmore, Bill Jordan, Jack Matthews, Richard Sharpe,
Jack Standley.
Weldon
Jordan, Capt.; J.W. Ford, Lieut.; Richard
Sharpe, Sec./Treas.; Ed Bowden, Corral Boss;
Bob J. Muir, Wrangler; and Helen Pickard,
Sweetheart. Roads on Posse grounds were paved. The clubhouse was remodeled
and repainted inside. A preservative was applied to arena bleachers.
Trophy case was built in clubhouse. New members who joined in late
1963 and early 1964: Jim Calhoun, James A. Carter, J.D. Garner,
Jim L. Hemphill, Don Howard, Bob Lasater, David McDavid, Dr. Robert
E. Phillips, Ben E. Taylor, W.G. Vincent, Herman Woodard, Dr. Bob
Yeary.
Eugene
R. Polser, Capt.; Dr. Noel Bryan, Lieut.;
Jack Standley, Sec./Treas.; Urban Morris,
Corral Boss; J.B. Golden, Wrangler; and Marcia
Merritt, Sweetheart. Entire arena facilities were repaired
and painted. Additional arena lights were installed and power poles
were relocated to improve entire lighting system. Membership limit
was raised to 125. New members who joined in late 1964 and early 1965:
Rex Bryant, Melvin Mosley, E.A. Patterson, Jr., Forrest G.
Reid, Mike Sands, Ferd T. Slocum, Lonnie Wallis, L.R. Sullivan.
Edgar
Bowden, Capt.; Jack Standley, Lieut.; Dr.
Robert E. Phillips, Sec./Treas.; Richard Sharpe,
Corral Boss; J.D. Garner, Wrangler; and Janie
Duncan, Sweetheart. Many parades attended. Annual Trail Ride
to Mineral Wells attended by 200 horseback riders making 18 mile trip.
Posse welcomed home town girl Mary Martin to Texas
for "Hello Dolly". Received National recognition
on T.V. Sponsored Parker County Night at Texas State Fair Music Hall
for "Hello Dolly" opening. Very successful Rodeo. New members
who joined in late 1965 and early 1966: John Henry Dean, III,
Homer Dowd, Chuck Durant, Buddy Newsome, A.D.White, Walter Worthington.
Henry
Maddux, Capt.; Bill Jordan, Lieut.; Mike
Sands, Sec./Treas.; Woody Reid, Corral Boss;
Roy Glen Densmore, Wrangler; and Linda Pearson,
Sweetheart. Arena improved, ground roads graveled. 18th Annual Special
Event introduction during Posse's Traditional Last Sunday Weatherford
and Parker County Day of the Fort Worth Stock Show. Another successful
Frontier Days. First time to participate in San Antonio's Battle of
Flowers, San Jacinto Day Parade. New members who joined in late 1966
and early 1967: Charles Durham, Ronnie Liming, Doyle Lindley,
Bobby Smith, M.C. Thomas, Jim L. Waugh.
Forrest
G. Reid, Capt.; Mike Sands, Lieut.; Homer
M. Dowd, Sec./Treas.; Lonnie Wallis, Corral
Boss, Buddy Sullivan, Wrangler; and Pat Matthews,
Sweetheart. Metal Fence constructed around Livestock Show area. Celebrated
20th Anniversary with Open House. New members joining in late 1967
and early 1968: James T. Barnett, Hardin Moore, R.D. Todd,
Sammy Nash.
Sammie
Skiles, Capt.; Lonnie Wallis, Lieut.; James
Barnett, Sec./Treas.; Melvin Mosely, Corral
Boss; A.D. White, Wrangler; and Diane Binion,
Sweetheart. Activities for the year were: remodeled caretakers house,
repaired well and well house, poured concrete slabs for all gateways.
Built outside steps leading up to announcer's stand. Covered announcer's
stand. Participated in Battle of Flowers Parade in San Antonio and
the Lions International Convention parade in Dallas. Host to Miss
Dominion of Canada, Miss Nancy Wilson, for the Frontier
Days Celebration and Rodeo. Had largest attendance and gate for rodeo
in history of the PCSP. Had largest livestock show and sale ever.
Assisted in planning and staging the first Weatherford Junior College
"All College" rodeo. Revised and adopted a new constitution
and by-laws for the Parker County Sheriff's Posse.
Dr.
John T. Brackeen, Jr., Capt.; James Wilson Carter,
Lieut.; Hardin Moore, Sec./Treas.; Roy Glen
Densmore, Corral Boss; Buddy Newsome, Wrangler;
and Pam Pearson, Sweetheart. Projects accomplished
in 1969 were: an additional five acres were graveled for parking area,
and addition was built for main Lions' Club concession stand, new
lights were installed to light new parking area and to provide better
lighting for existing parking area, a covered walk way was built under
North and South stands. New members accepted into Posse in 1969 were:
D.C. (Dude) Woodruff, Herbert Fowler, Bill Ward.
L.S.
Young, Capt., Jimmy Hemphill, Lieut., Buddy
Newsome, Sec.-Treas., Bob Rothel, Corral
Boss, Coy Carter, Wrangler, and Janis Binion,
Sweetheart. Activities and improvements for the year included replacing
Flag Pole. R.L. Dugan, Kenneth Hamilton, and Frank Thompson
were inducted as new members.
Walter
Worthington, Capt., Coy Carter, Lieut.,
Ben Grogan, Sec., Ray Todd, Corral
Boss, R.L. Dugan, Wrangler, L.S. Young,
Immediate Past Capt., Andra Riddle, Sweetheart. Improvements
for the year included a new rodeo secretary's office building at the
back of arena. We also participated in a weekend trip to San Antonio
for the Battle of the Flowers Parade. Weatherford College had another
successful rodeo. New members for this year were: Dr. Edgar
E. Moore, Martin R. Brown, Evan Moore, III, Gillis Brown, J.T. Jones,
Calvin Berry, Mel Mallory, David Rockwell, Robert W. Wilson, Bill
Morton, J.G. "Buck" Thomas, and Ben Grogan.
Jimmy
Hemphill, Capt., J.P. Binion, Lieut.,
Ben Grogan, Sec.-Treas., Hardin Moore,
Corral Boss, Marvin Thomas, Wrangler, Eugene
Polser, Director, L.R. Sullivan, Director,
J.W. Carter, Director, J.W. Ford,
Director, Wade Moore, Director, Bobby Pearson,
Director, Jack Pickard, Director, Cheryl
Woodruff, Sweetheart. Activities for the year: major repair
of club house, (which included rewiring, installation of tile flooring,
replaced roofing, plumbing in club house and on grounds replaced),
secured addition to livestock barn and started reconstruction of
barn destroyed by wind storm. Posse attended Battle
of Flowers parade,
made an extended trip to Albuquerque, New Mexico, for the first
time. New members were Don Woodruff, Vaughn Mader, and J.W.
Pickard.
W.R.
Riddle, Jr., Capt., J.D. Garner, Lieut.,
Ben Grogan, Sec.-Treas., Bob Perkins,
Corral Boss, D.C. Woodruff, Wrangler, Bob
Austin, Director, Charles Moncrief, Director,
Wade Moore, Director, Eugene Polser,
Director, L.R. Sullivan, Director, L.S.
Young, Director, and Sheron Vincent and Debbie
Vincent, Sweethearts. Bought caretaker house and moved
it in, built new show barn for livestock show. Activities for the
year included participation by invitation of Governor Dolph
Briscoe to ride in the Governor's Inaugural Parade,
Battle of Flower Parade in San Antonio, Texas, and riding in
the Parade for the State Fair of New Mexico in Albuquerque.
New members Douglas Finch, Charles Moncrief, David Nash,
R.G. (Bob) Perkins, Jerry Thomas, Mike Thomas, Claud Tschoepe, Bennet
Piester.
Bill
Jordan, Capt., Charles Moncrief, Lieut.,
Wilson Pickard, Sec.-Treas., Mel Mallory,
Corral Boss, J.G. Thomas, Wrangler, and Nancy
Carter, Sweetheart. Activities for the year 1974 included
the completion of major repairs and reconditioning of the recently
purchased caretaker's house and the letting of a contract of a new
livestock show arena and barn. Financial assistance on this was
received from the Weatherford Lions' Club. One
of the more successful years was climaxed by the annual Livestock
Show and Rodeo under Captain Bill Jordan,
the son of a former captain, Weldon Jordan (1963).
This is the first father and son to have led the Posse. The Posse
suffered the tragic loss of one of its outstanding members, Mr.
Tom B. Saunders, III, one of Parker County's longtime ranchers
and Posse boosters. Mr. Saunders initiated and drafted the original
constitution and by-laws for the Posse, with the legal assistance
of Jack Borden. He is credited with initiating
the idea of a general souvenir program of the Parker County
Frontier Days Celebration, which he edited for many years with
much research and originality. He served as Captain of the Posse
in 1948. New members for this year were Jerry Durant, Wayland
Wright, Perry Mader, Monty Wiggins, Bob Elder, Kenneth Danly, William
Stanford Heatly, Tom B. Saunders, IV, Tom Riddle, Holton Riddle,
and Tony Lavite.
Dude
Woodruff, Capt., Bill Morton, Lieut.,
Wilson Pickard, Sec.-Treas., Vaughn Mader,
Corral Boss, Holton Riddle, Wrangler, and Jeannie
McWhorter, Sweetheart. The year 1975 saw the successful
completion of a spacious and much needed new show barn and the repairing
and remodeling of others. A fencing project was started from the
highway up to and around the Headquarters Building. The hog parlor
started earlier was finished and approval received from the Board
of Directors for new restrooms to be built. The Posse suffered a
great loss at the death of one of its outstanding members, Mr.
Acme Shaw, a longtime rancher in the South part of Parker
County. He served faithfully for many years on a number of committees
and served as Posse Captain in 1959. New members for the year: Gary
Grote, M.E. (Buck) Middleton. Charles E. (Chuck) Wetherell, Rasie
Ward, and Bill Worden. The Posse participated in parades
at San Angelo, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico, as well as many
others closer to home.
Marvin
Thomas, Capt., Don Woodruff, Lieut., Wilson
Pickard, Sec.-Treas., Thomas Riddle, Corral
Boss, Herbert Fowler, Wrangler, Sheri Riddle,
Sweetheart. The Posse Grounds were improved with new restrooms for
both the men and women. New overnight steel holding pens for bucking
stock were built. The ladies' restroom in the clubhouse was also
remodeled. The Posse lost a long-time sheriff and friend, John
Young, who praised the Posse in every way and having been
sheriff 14 years out of the 30 the Posse has been organized. New
members for the year: Mike Cosgrove, LeRoy Schoonover, Don
Gill, Rick Merritt, Bob Danits, Francis Nichols, Fred Thomas, James
R. Michaels, Randy Anderson, Billy R. Cain, Nick Hays, Bennie Peacock,
Maurice Curfman, and Robert Hall, Honorary Member. The
Posse traveled to San Angelo, Texas, and Albuquerque, New Mexico,
as well as many other places closer to home.
Don
Woodruff, Capt., Martin Brown, Lieut.,
Wilson Pickard, Sec.-Treas., R.L. Dugan,
Corral Boss, Douglas Finch, Wrangler, Sindy
Densmore, Sweetheart. The Posse Grounds were improved by
building pens and installing scales for livestock on the west end
of the Livestock Show Barns. The Posse suffered a great loss at
the death of one of its outstanding members, Ferd Slocum,
a lifetime rancher of Cresson, Texas. New members for the year:
Jay Brown and Wm. A. Veselka. The Posse traveled
to San Angelo, Texas, Dallas State Fair Rodeo, as well as many other
places closer to home.
Martin
Brown, Capt., Wayland Wright, Lieut.,
Wilson Pickard, Sec.-Treas., Maurice Curfman,
Corral Boss, Francis Nichols, Wrangler, and Darla
Finch, Sweetheart. Fencing projects and arena improvements
were completed with the addition of a seating area for wheel chairs.
The Winston Scoreboard was obtained for the rodeo and the
water system was expanded. A gas well was drilled on the posse grounds.
The Posse participated in the Battle of Flowers Parade in San
Antonio, the Texas State Fair in Dallas, the Louisiana State Fair
in Shreveport, and in several other local parades. New members
for the year were Bob Lambert, Mack Young, Lewis Wayne Ellis,
Pat Hamilton, Phil Livingston.
Thomas
Riddle, Capt., Perry Mader, Lieut., Wilson
Pickard, Sec.-Treas., Buck Thomas, Corral
Boss, Leroy Schoonover, Wrangler, Kenna
Hamilton, Sweetheart. Accomplishments for 1979: painted
arena seats for the first time and built shed to cover scales for
FFA barn. New members for 1979: Clarence Bevers, Harold
Swain, Troy Sessums, Ernie Rutledge, Larry Peck, Larry Nash, James
Mathison, and Jim Duncan.
Coy
Carter, Capt.; Ken Hamilton, Lieut.; Wilson
Pickard, Sec./Treas.; Benny Peacock, Corral Boss; Bob
Lambert, Wrangler; and Becky Newsome, Sweetheart. Accomplishments in 1980 were: drilled water well for FFA barns, paved walkway under the bleachers and walkway to clubhouse, replaced some light poles and lights at the arena and began enlarging clubhouse. Participated in several parades and won new trophies for posse. New members for 1980: Henry
Gremminger, Bill Todd, Richard
Williamson, Chuck Bradford, Kelly
Joe Barnett, Joe Johnson, Jack
Alexander, Bob Magee, Max Massengale, and Darrel
Young.
Holton
Riddle, Capt.; Francis Nichols, Lieut.; Pat
Hamilton, Sec./Treas.;
Bill Veselka, Corral Boss; Larry Nash, Wrangler; Beverly
Nichols,
Sweetheart. Built new Captain's box at Rodeo Arena; began work
on an equipment shed; laid new carpet in caretaker's home; continued
work on remodeling and enlarging clubhouse. New members elected:
Dale Ballard, Robert Hardin, Joe
Dunn.
Kenneth Hamilton, Capt.; Leroy Schoonover, Lieut.; Pat Hamilton,
Sec./Treas.; Larry Peck, Corral Boss; Ernie
B. Rutledge, Wrangler; Lisa Nash, Sweetheart.
Hired a new caretaker, Mr. James
McCann;
completed construction of Director's meeting room; completed construction
of new equipment shed; constructed new restrooms at Rodeo Arena;
constructed a cover over the bandstand at the Rodeo Arena; installed
air conditioners in clubhouse and caretaker's house; painted all
buildings on Posse grounds and repainted all signs; and started
construction of dance slab at Rodeo Arena. New members elected: Terry Johnson, Joe Bailey, Aaron Cox, John Westhoff, Jimmy
Freeman, Craig Peacock, and Chuck Hamilton.
Perry
Mader, Capt.; Jerry Durant, Lieut.; Pat
Hamilton, Sec./Treas.;
David Elders, Corral Boss; Mike
Thomas, Wrangler; Laurie Elders,
Sweetheart. Fencing improvements and arena projects were completed
including the addition of the caretaker's box seats and a grand
entry lane. A large concrete slab was built and the street dance
was moved from College Park Shopping Center to the Posse Grounds.
The Posse participated in several parades including the inaugural
parade for Governor Mark White. New members for 1983: Wayne
Bryant,
Joe Ernst, Mac Smith, Melvin
Dale.
Jerry
Durant, Capt.; R.L. Dugan, Lieut.; Pat
Hamilton, Sec./Treas.; Max Massengale, Corral Boss; David
Nash, Wrangler; Rick Merritt, Rodeo Committee Chairman, Rissa
Thomas, Sweetheart. Increased size of Livestock Show Barns, built lake and installed irrigation for arena. New members elected: Curtis
Guess, Bill Pedigo, Kirk
Martin, Blaine Peacock, Melvin
Dale, Thomas Lackie, Monty
Kemp, and also, Sam Nash and Walter
Worthington re-joined.
Mike
Thomas, Capt.; Larry Peck, Lieut.; Pat
Hamilton, Sec./Treas.; Ernie Rutledge, Corral Boss; Terry
Johnson, Wrangler; Brenda Gill, Sweetheart. Began replacement of old wooden bleachers with aluminum seats; built new fence on west side of Posse grounds; purchased longhorn steers and held weekly team ropings; began Ray
Smyth Memorial Cutting with members donating cattle, held in place of Quarter
Horse Show. Don Edwards entertained at the street dance and two nights after the rodeo; largest attendance and gate to date for rodeo. New members elected: Joe
Ross, Avery "Butch" Morris, Earl D. Fletcher, Bill Piatnitza, Tommy
Thomas, and Cleatus Wright.
Leroy
Schoonover, Capt.; Dale Ballard, Lieut.; Pat
Hamilton, Sec./Treas.; Jerry Thomas, Corral Boss; Fred
Thomas, Wrangler; Michelle Woodruff, Sweetheart. Installed new lighting system. Built restrooms at dance slab. Rebuilt new fence on southwest side of bull pen. Built new walkway on west end of bleachers at contestant area. The Posse participated in several Sesquicentennial
Parades. Led the Texas Wagon Train into Fort Worth and the Lone
Star Wagon Train out of Weatherford. The Posse suffered a great loss at the death of three of its outstanding members, Andy
Bowden, Ray Smyth, charter member of the Posse, a lifetime rancher of Aledo, Texas, and first president of NCHA, and D.E.
Upton, owner and operator of Dorsey
Grains. New members accepted into Posse in 1986 were Phillip
Schutts, James Young, Earl Pope, and Jerry Wilhelm.
Rick
Merritt, Capt.; Ernie B. Rutledge, Lieut.; Terry
Johnson, Sec./Treas.; Harold Swain, Corral Boss; Melvin
Dale, Wrangler; and Devonna Ballard, Sweetheart. In 1987, we rebuilt the ticket office to include a shed for our Stage Coach. We also finished the north side bleachers with aluminum and bought the aluminum for the south side. New members were Mark
Binion, Bill Cooper, Tommy Newberry, Mike Paschal, Tim Riddle, and Earl
Pope. A reunion of the past sweethearts was held with a number of the past sweethearts and Captains there. Many thanks to Donice
Nichols, Beverly Nichols, Andra Riddle, and Devonna
Ballard along with many others who helped with this.
Noel
Bryan, Capt.; Herbert Fowler, Lieut.; Martin
Brown, Sec./Treas.; Butch Morris, Corral Boss; Don
Gill, Wrangler; Cindy Thomas, Sweetheart. In 1988, a water truck was purchased, painted, and lettered. An Inaugural
Cutting Horse Show, a Barrel Racing
Contest, and two Team Pennings were initiated and produced solely by the Posse. The ticket office was renovated and paneled, and new signs were painted. A project was introduced to sell signs for advertisement that lined the arena and chute gates. The seven events of the rodeo were sold to advertisers. The posse ground pens and stalls were painted, and the stagecoach was repainted and lettered. The south side bleacher's aluminum seats were installed, and the old porch on the clubhouse was replaced with a new concrete porch. The first team of Belgian horses were purchased. The Charter members of the Posse were introduced at the Rodeo and recognized with plaques. There were some new pre-Rodeo attractions such as "Cloggers" and drill teams. The Posse attended the International
Realtors Convention at Northside, and parades at San Angelo and Abilene and several surrounding towns. The
Parker County Livestock Association built a new restroom facility. The Posse was saddened by the loss of several members - Edgar
Bowden, J.T. Jones, Jack Pickard, and Bonna
M. Taylor. New members were George
Slaughter IV, R.D. Meyers III, Steve Rogers, Billy Cain, Bob
Muir, Jim Calhoun Jr., and Brookes
Worthington.
Herbert
Fowler, Capt.; Butch Morris, Lieut.; Martin
Brown, Sec./Treas.; Earl Fletcher, Corral Boss; Cleatus
Wright, Wrangler; Jennifer Morris, Posse Sweetheart. In 1989 the major projects that were initiated and completed were the major expansion of the parking lots, the replacing of the large water trough at the rear of the bucking chutes, repairing the dirt tank dam spillway, clearing land and sprigging coastal grass near the dirt tank. The second team of Belgian horses were purchased. Much time and effort was given to the repair and replacement of individual stalls, and Posse facilities damaged during a spring storm. For the first time the Posse participated in the Fiesta
Flambeau Parade in San Antonio, Texas and received a 3rd place plaque out of over 200 entries. The Posse was again saddened by the loss of members Wayne
Ellis, E.A. Patterson and L.S. Young. The new members installed were Jim
Calhoun Jr., Robert D. Muir, Judd Jordan, Rodney McAnear, Arlie Ashley, and Jamie
French.
Herman Woodard, Capt.; Don
Gill, Lieut.; Martin Brown, Sec.; Tim
Riddle,
Corral Boss; Tommy Newberry, Wrangler; Kenneth
Danley, Rodeo Chairman; and Amy Peacock,
Sweetheart. The accidental death of 4-year old Tana Danley,
granddaughter of Kenneth Danley and Buddy
Newsome, just before the rodeo, brought grief to the Sheriff's
Posse and dampened the rodeo spirit of Parker County throughout
the entire show. Major maintenance and improvement projects included
a new roof for the Posse building and the caretaker's house and
a renovation of the Posse building. The meeting room was air conditioned
and the east wall paneled. Extensive improvements were made in
the kitchen and in both rest rooms. Plans were made to print a Parker
County Sheriff's Posse history book. Phil Livingston was
appointed editor and publisher of the book to be released in 1991.
The two surviving charter members, Forest Lindsay and Jack
Borden, were honored with a special barbecue and team
penning celebration. Distant trips to parades were made to Abilene,
San Angelo, and San Antonio. New members installed were Jerry
Blaisdell, Dennis Hooks, Jack
Parker, Jesse Stigall, Eric Wood,
and Gene Wood.
Bob Elder, Capt.; Tommy
Newberry, Lieut.; Martin Brown, Sec.;
Mark Binion, Corral Boss; Jud
Jordan, Wrangler; Mike Thomas, Rodeo
Chairman; and Amy Saunders, Sweetheart. The first ever "tie" in
voting for Captain. At the September meeting, new officers for
1991 were elected. All went well except for Captain. When the votes
were counted there was a tie between C.A.
Guess and Bob Elder.
Another vote was taken in October and Bob
Elder was elected Captain.
Another first for 1991 was using members pictures on the cover
of the Rodeo Program, featuring the Posse Stage and four horse
hitch. Photo was by T.R. Miller. Three members were presented plaques
for 105 years of membership in the Posse: Eugene
Polser,
40 yrs., James Bodiford, 40 yrs., and Marvin
Thomas, 25 yrs. The
Posse rode in parades in San Antonio, Fort Worth, Abilene, San
Angelo, two Weatherford parades and several other local parades.
The annual "Trail Ride" to Mineral Wells in May was a
success with approximately 500 riders making the trip. Some major
improvements were made in 1991. The old concession stand was torn
down and a large, new, modern concession stand was built. A new
entrance gate and new flooring for the wheel chair patrons area.
The show barns received a much needed re-wiring of the electrical
system. The Rodeo Committee, under the leadership of Mike
Thomas,
spent several months searching for a new Rodeo Stock Contractor,
and from all reports from fans and members, did a good job in using
Harper Rodeo Company of Louisiana. James Harper brought a lot of
color and produced an outstanding rodeo. The Livestock Show Committee
put together another outstanding Livestock Show for 1991. Another
first, Pari-Mutual Betting Horse Racing comes to Parker County
and the Sheriff's Posse handled the parking for the Grand Opening
for Trinity Meadows Race Track.
Harold Swain , Capt.; Bill
Veselka, Lieut.; R.D. Myers III, Sec.; Jamie
French,
Corral Boss; Arlie Ashley, Wrangler; Ben
Whiteman, Sheriff; Cleatus Wright, Rodeo
Chairman; Tonya Riddle, Posse Sweetheart. The road from the front gate to the
Clubhouse and around the arena was repaved, new storm windows were installed
in the caretaker's house. The History of the Parker County
Sheriff's Posse was
finally published and distributed. The trail ride to Mineral Wells was another
successful event. The Posse participated in what must have been the shortest
(31 minutes) Forth Worth Stock Show parade on record because of the bitter cold
and sleet. Appearances were also made in other parades such as San Antonio, Pioneer
Days and Chisolm Trail Days in the historic North Fort Worth Stockyards, in Abilene,
San Angelo, Mineral Wells, Bowie, Jacksboro, and others. James
Barnett and Ray
Todd received 25 year membership plaques and L.D.
Murray received a 40 year membership
plaque. The Posse helped needy families for Christmas with food, clothes, and
toys. New members elected were Dr. Rick Ford and Bill
Tibbit.
Bill Veselka, Capt.; Earl
Fletcher, Lieut.; Terry
Johnson, Sec.; Fred Thomas, Corral Boss; Craig
Peacock, Wrangler;
Ben Whiteman, Sheriff; Harold
Swain, Rodeo Chairman; Paige Westhoff,
Posse Sweetheart. Posse held the First Annual
Spring Gatherin' Ranch Rodeo and Western Heritage Art and Crafts
Show. Posse members
served as an honor guard for Gov. Ann Richards at "Texas Day" at
Trinity Meadows Race Track. The Posse was named All
Around Champions at the 5th Annual All Sheriff's Posse Invitational
Competition held in Dallas. Parade participation included Fort
Worth Fat Stock Show, Fiesta Flambeau in San Antonio, Pioneer Days
and Chisolm Trail at the Fort Worth Stockyards, San Angelo, Bowie, Jacksboro,
Mineral Wells, and others. The Posse building, concession stand,
and ticket office were painted, and a new well was drilled and
a new pump and booster pump were installed. Street lights were
installed at the entryway, and security lights were placed in the
parking lot and rear of the Posse building. Plans were prepared
to construct new grandstands, including doubling of the number
of box seats. The Posse donated funds to several worthwhile community
projects, including Christmas in April and the Parker
County Committee on Child Abuse. Another successful rodeo was held, and the trail
ride to Mineral Wells was one of the largest ever. New members
elected were Calvin Allen and Kevin
Hamilton. 40-year membership
plaque was presented to J.B. Golden.
Earl Fletcher, Capt.; Jamie
French, Lieut.; Terry Johnson, Sec.; Bill
Parkey,
Corral Boss; Jerry Thomas, Wrangler; Larry
Peck, Rodeo Chairman; Joni Peacock,
Posse Sweetheart; Ben Whiteman, Sheriff. To kick off the Chisolm
Trail Roundup,
Posse members participated in relay races at Trinity Meadows. The Posse participated
in the All Sheriff's Posse Invitational Competition held in Dallas.
As always the Mineral Wells Trail Ride was a success. For the enjoyment of the
July rodeo, the Posse performed a special skit about the Bass Gang. Parades attended
included the Ft. Worth Stock Show, Chisolm Trail, Pioneer Days, San
Angelo, Jacksboro, Springtown, Abilene, Mineral Wells, Decatur, and others. The
Posse held the second annual Spring Gatherin' Ranch Rodeo, and Western
Heritage Craft Show in April.
In April of 1994 demolition of the old wooden grandstands started. The construction
was done by Southern Bleacher Company, and the money for the grandstands
was funded by a Posse loan through Weatherford National Bank. Once finished
the new bleachers were made of aluminum and the arena doubled in box seating
to add enjoyment for the spectators and members. Renovations to the property
included new restrooms on the South side of the arena as well as renovations
to the others. Around the dance slab, a pipe fence was provided to maintain a
perimeter for vehicles. The old water lines were discarded and all water lines
around the arena and to the stalls were installed. The old metal concession stand
was replaced with another building. The Posse donated funds to community projects
including Christmas
in April and the Parker County Committee on Child Abuse. The 1994
Rodeo was again a success. The Livestock Show was outstanding thanks to the Livestock
Committee.
Mrs. Sue Merritt became Family Night Secretary after Mrs.
James Bodiford's resignation.
The Posse suffered a great loss with the death of 5 outstanding members: Jim
Calhoun, J.B. Golden, Ben Grogan, Charlie
Merritt, and C.A. Tschoepe. A forty
year membership plaque was presented to Charlie Johnson. Twenty-five year plaques
were received by Herb Fowler and D.C. Woodruff. New members elected were Michael
Body and Lewis Henderson.
Ben Whiteman, Sheriff; Mack
Young, Capt.; Judd Jordan, Lieut.;
Kirk Martin, Sec./Treas.; Rick
Ford, Corral Boss; Jack Parker,
Wrangler; Earl Fletcher, Rodeo Chairman. The posse was honored
to have Zane Myers as Sweetheart. New members received into the
Posse were Roland McWhorter, Jim
Addison, Jerry Johnson, David
Rogers, Dwayne Bailey, Mark
Riebe, Jack Pickard, Tommy
French,
Bob Glenn, Fred Davies, Kerry
Kelley, Josh Ashley, and Travis
Faulkner.
The Posse greatly regrets the passing of long time Posse members
Vaughn Mader and Bob Rothel. 1995 was a good year for the Posse,
the year started with the normal out of town parades recognizing
the Fort Worth Fat Stock Show, San Angelo, Mineral
Wells Trail Ride, as well as the various parades held in Weatherford as the
outstanding events. The Posse held its annual Spring
Gatherin' Ranch Rodeo / Western Heritage Craft Show in April and in July
donated the Posse Arena to the Parker County
Heritage Society for the Willie Nelson Concert Fund Raiser. The 1995 Sheriff's
Posse Rodeo and The Livestock Show were a great success with special
appreciation for the new Grand Stands and Box seats. The strength
of the Parker County Sheriff's Posse is backed up with members
like 40 year member W.R. "Dub" Riddle Jr. and 25 year
members Mel Mallory, J.G. "Buck" Thomas, R.L.
Dugan,
and Kenneth Hamilton. The Posse awarded membership plaques to these
members for a job well done.
Avery (Butch) Morris, Capt.; Mark
Binion, Lieut.;
Pat Hamilton, Sec./Treas.; Robert
D. Muir, Corral Boss; Derrell
Young, Wrangler, Arlie Ashley, Rodeo Chairman, Denea
Bryant, Posse
Sweetheart. The posse participated in the following activities:
Weatherford Christmas Parade, Martin
Luther King Parade, Fort Worth
Stock Show Parade and Grand Entry on Weatherford Day, Mineral
Wells Trail Ride, Parade, and Rodeo Grand Entry, Jack
County Parade and
Rodeo Grand Entry, 20th Annual Chisholm
Trail Round-Up, San Angelo
Parade, and the Abilene Parade. The 4th
Annual Spring Gatherin' and Western Heritage Craft Show was a huge success with 14 ranches
entering. Accomplishments for this year's posse were a much needed
repair on the floor of the clubhouse, a new well was drilled to
relieve the stress on the existing well, especially during the
livestock show, the first Parker County Sheriff's
Posse Scholarship
to Weatherford College was awarded to Ben
Kemp, and a donation
of $2,100 was made to the County fire departments. The Posse won
trophies at Mineral Wells and Jacksboro. The 1996
Parker County Frontier Days Rodeo and Livestock Show started off great. Ticket
prices were lowered and big crowds attended Wednesday, Thursday,
and Friday night performances. For only the second time in the
history of the rodeo, the Saturday night performance was canceled
because of rain. The make-up performance was held Sunday afternoon.
Sadly, two of our members passed away during the year, L.D.
Murray and Jerry Johnson. Three new members were elected Bill
Pedigo,
David Rothrock, and Jimmy V.
Sharp.
Fred Thomas, Capt.; Jack
Parker, Lieut.; Bob Glenn,
Sec./Treas.; Kirk Martin, Corral Boss; Wayne
Bryant, Wrangler;
Phil Livingston, Rodeo Chairman; McKenzie
Bailey, Posse Sweetheart.
The Parker County Sheriff's Posse celebrated its 50th anniversary.
And what a historic year it was! The annual Frontier
Days Rodeo was changed from the traditional July days to the last full week
of June. Mack Altizer of the Bad
Company Rodeo was chosen as Rodeo
contractor for the first time ever! Gist Silversmiths,
Inc. was
appointed to design a 50th anniversary belt buckle as a limited
edition for members and past sweethearts. A 50th anniversary membership
pictorial board was assembled and placed in the Posse clubhouse
on permanent display. 50th anniversary membership plaques were
made available through the Awards Center. The 50th anniversary
Frontier Days rodeo was a huge success being labeled as one of
the top 15 rodeos in the State of Texas. The PRCA presented an
award to the Posse in appreciation of 50 years of Pro Rodeo participation.
A sweetheart reunion was held on the Saturday of the Rodeo and
all past captains were introduced on the final night of the rodeo.
New chute gates were installed, a new roping box was built and
a "Sheriff's Box" was added to the grandstands. A Professional
Bull Riding event was held for the first time on August 22 and
23. The Posse received 1st place trophies from parades in San Angelo,
Mineral Wells, Jacksboro, and Bridgeport. Other activities included
the Weatherford Chamber of Commerce Christmas
parade, the Fort
Worth Stock Show parade and Rodeo Grand Entry, the Martin
Luther King Day parade, the Pioneer Days
parade in Fort Worth, the Peach
Festival opening ceremonies, and the Springtown parade. Don
Woodruff received a 25 year membership award. The Posse mourned the loss
of members: James Bodiford, Billy
Tibbit, and Jesse Stigall, Jr. New members added in 1997 included Louis
Sneed, Cody Todd, Billy
Blue, William E. Riddle, and Bob
Tallman (Honorary).
Jack Parker, Capt.; Wayne
Bryant, Lieut.; Bob Glenn,
Sec./Treas.; Duane Bailey, Corral Boss; Tommy
French, Wrangler;
Jerry Thomas, Rodeo Chairman; Courtney
Ford, Posse Sweetheart.
The 51st year of the Parker County Sheriff's
Posse started out
on a somber note with the passing of charter member Forest
M. Lindsay and fifty year veteran member E.A.
Thomas, Jr. The rodeo contract
was renewed with Bad Company Rodeo of Del
Rio, Texas for a two
year period. Members of the rodeo committee attended a conference
at the Texas Circuit Finals in Waco. The restrooms in the rodeo
areas were upgraded and painted. Chute gates and livestock holding
pens were renovated. Parades and events attended included the Weatherford
Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, the Martin
Luther King Day Parade, the Forth Worth
Rodeo and Stock Show Parade and Special Introduction Grand Entry, the San
Angelo Parade, the Mineral Wells
Rodeo Parade and Trail Ride, the 4th
of July Parade in Granbury,
the Jacksboro Rodeo Parade, the Dedication
of the Rails to Trails between Weatherford and Mineral Wells, the Abilene
Rodeo Parade,
the Springtown Chamber of Commerce Wild West
Days Parade, the Pioneer
Days Parade of Fort Worth, and the Weatherford
High School Homecoming Parade. First place trophies were earned in San Angelo, Mineral
Wells, and Abilene. Twenty-five year awards were presented to David
Nash, Jerry Thomas, Mike
Thomas, Bennett Piester, R.G.
(Bob) Perkins,
and Charles Beggs Moncrief by the 1973 Captain W.R.(Dub)
Riddle.
New members for 1998 included Justin Shifflett and Jim
Bradford.
The 1998 Rodeo had a record 566 contestants and the Parker
County Livestock Improvement Assn. Show had 1,285 entries. The Rodeo entertainment
was highlighted by a "game" of Cowboy
Poker played by
Fred Thomas, Jerry Thomas, Bob
Glenn, and Jack Parker. The
Mexican Fighting Bull won by a landslide with the arena being cleared in
record time! The 2nd Annual Professional Bull
Riders Event was
held in August. It was a dry and hot year in Parker County with
record heat and drought conditions.
Wayne Bryant, Capt.; Duane
Bailey, Lieut.; Bob
Glenn, Sec./Treas.; Tommy Newberry, Corral
Boss; Kerry
Kelley,
Wrangler; Fred Thomas, Rodeo Chairman; Jenny
Rogers, Posse Sweetheart.
The 52nd year of the Parker County Sheriff's
Posse was indeed a
busy one! Early in the year we were saddened by the loss of former
captain and longtime member, Eugene (Gene)
Polser. Then, again,
in the later part of the year we bid farewell to a good member
and friend, Elmer Hall. Bad
Company Rodeo of Del Rio, Texas was
once again our rodeo producer which resulted in record entries
of 619 by PRCA cowboys as well as record entries in the PCLTA
Junior Livestock and Crop Show totaling 1,035, both new records.
Projects completed during the year included the construction of
new modern air-conditioned restrooms on the north side of the rodeo
arena, an addition and renovation of the rodeo ticket office, holding
pen and roping chute renovations, western cedar staves added to
rodeo ground entrance, and the purchase of a new tractor for ground
maintenance. The Posse participated in the Greenwood
Farm Horse Trials, the Southwestern Cattle
Raisers Horse Branding Seminar and provided a
$1,000.00 to the Weatherford
College Agriculture Department. Parades participated in included
the Weatherford
Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, Fort
Worth Stock Show Rodeo Parade (won second place,
which was the first time ever win), Martin
Luther King Day Parade, Fort Worth Stock
Show Grand Entry and Special Introduction, San
Angelo Rodeo Parade (second place), Mineral
Wells Rodeo Parade (first place),
Mineral Wells Trail Ride, and Jacksboro
Rodeo Parade (second place).
A new rodeo format was introduced in 1999 with a new sponsorship
program with street banners. Cowboy Camp was a feature
of sponsors and cowboys alike and all past captains received special
recognition at the Captain's Dinner. Members honored for
fifty years of service were Jack Borden, Weldon
Jordan, Boley Pearson,
and Willard Thomas. Also honored for twenty-five
years of service were Holton Riddle, Tom
Riddle, Bob
Elders, Jerry Durant, Perry
Mader, Tom B. Saunders
IV, Tony Lavite,
and Monty Wiggins. New members installed in 1999 included Ron
Mayberryand Bobby Sandlin. The drought continued in Parker County throughout
the year, but the 1999 Rodeo on June 16-19th proved to be one of
the most enjoyable with cooler than normal temperatures. There
was a 9.2% increase in ticket sales over 1998.
2000 <<Top
of Page::::Next Decade>>
Duane Bailey, Capt.; Kerry
Kelley, Lieut.; Bob Glenn, Sec./Treas.;
Tommy French, Corral Boss; Jimmy
Sharp, Wrangler; Bill Parkey,
Rodeo Chairman; and Aimee Parkey, Posse Sweetheart. The 53rd
year of the Parker County Sheriff's Posse was most successful
with numerous events and physical improvements. The Posse participated
in a special and unique monument ceremony on Veteran's
Day in Mineral Wells. The Posse participated in parades
in Abilene, Springtown, San Angelo, Weatherford Chamber of
Commerce Christmas Parade, Fort Worth Stock Show Parade, Martin
Luther King Day Parade, Mineral Wells, and Jacksboro. First place trophies
were won at both the Mineral Wells and Jacksboro parades. Bad
Company Rodeo of Del Rio, Texas was the producer of the 2000
rodeo with outstanding results. Projects completed during the
year included a new structure for Cowboy Camp, purchase of
a new diesel mower, and approving expenditures for the remodeling
of the caretaker's living quarters. The By-Laws were amended
to require a five year probation period for all new members.
Members honored for forty years of service were J.P.
Binion, Dr. Noel Bryan, Coy
Carter, J.W. Ford, Herman
Stroud, and Bill
McDavid, Jr. Those receiving twenty-five year awards included
Dr. Gary Grote, Charles
Wetherell, and Rasie Ward. New members
installed in 2000 included Stoney Ray
Johnson, Roddie Lowrie,
Jeffery Ford, John Robinson, and Larry
Sullivan. Life membership
status was granted to Boley Pearson and Weldon
Jordan. The
Posse mourned the death of James Wilson
Carter, a member for
38 years. Although rain occurred during the 2000 rodeo, Parker
county was about to experience over 100 days without moisture
and an extremely hot summer.
Arlie Ashley, Capt.; Mark
Riebe, Lieut.; Justin Shifflett, Sec./Treas.;
Blaine Peacock, Corral Boss; Bill
Riddle, Wrangler; Bob Elder,
Rodeo Chairman; and Lacy Bailey, Posse Sweetheart. The Posse attended
a record number of events in its 54th year of representing Weatherford
and Parker County. Parades attended included Abilene,
Springtown, Del Rio, Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, Fort
Worth Stock Yards Christmas Parade, San Angelo, Mineral Wells,
Bowie, Jacksboro, and Llano. Other events included a Ride-A-Thon for crippled children,
the annual Fort Worth Stock Show Grand Entry
Recognition on Weatherford Day, and the annual Trail
Ride to Mineral Wells. Bad Company Rodeo
of Del Rio, Texas once again served as stock contractor for the
rodeo, and once again we endured a rodeo rainstorm at Thursday
night's performance. Despite a muddy arena, the show went on! Henry
Maddux was honored for forty years of service, and twenty-five
year veterans included Maurice Curfman, Don
Gill, Rick Merritt,
Francis Nichols, Benny Peacock, Leroy
Schoonover, and Fred Thomas.
New members for the year included Justin High, Shane
Harris, Jimmy
Maddux, Tim French, Randy
O'Neal, Clay Cowdrey, Jim
Zacharias,
Ronnie Ashley, and Robbie
Ballard. While we welcomed a fine number
of new members, we were also saddened by a record number of deaths
among our membership. Members passing away in the year were Earl
Fletcher, Joe Bailey, Monty
Wiggins, Jerry Thomas, Bob
Magee, and
J.D. Garner. The 54th year was filled with activity, awards, new
faces, as well as farewells.
Mark Riebe, Capt.; Bill
Riddle, Lieut.; Justin Shifflett, Sec./Treas.;
Jim Bradford, Corral Boss; Jeff
Ford, Wrangler; Butch Morris, Rodeo
Chairman. The Posse was honored to have Keely
Binion as Sweetheart.
The 55th year of the Posse was full of fun and hard work. The Posse
participated in many events during the year including the West
Texas Fair & Rodeo Parade in Abilene, Springtown Parade, Veteran's
Day Parade in Weatherford, Weatherford Chamber of Commerce Christmas
Parade, Fort Worth Stock Show Parade, Martin Luther King Day Parade,
San Angelo Parade, Mineral Wells Parade, Llano Parade, Jacksboro
Parade, Bowie Parade, Graham Parade, and Fredericksburg Parade.
Other special events for the Posse included recognition at the
annual Fort Worth Stock Show Grand Entry,
the annual Trail Ride to Mineral Wells, and the first Posse Play-day. Classic
Pro Rodeo,
owned by Scotty Lovelace, served as stock contractor for the Frontier
Days Rodeo with many positive comments from spectators and Posse
members. The Rodeo was highlighted by performances of the Weatherford
Cowgirl Chicks and a memorable tribute to those lost in the 9-11
tragedy. Glen Densmore and Bill
Jordan were recognized for 40 years
of service to the Posse. Jay Brown and Bill
Veselka were recognized
for 25 years of service to the Posse. Members of the Posse attended
numerous workdays during the year in order to complete the new
Rodeo Secretary's office and Justin Sports
Healer's building. The
Posse welcomed seven new members including Guy
Carter, Jamie Jennings,
Bill Vanhoosier, Tom B. Mills, Roy
Sutherland, Stephen Schult,
and Jeff Mauldin. The Posse paid tribute to the memory of Bill
Todd, James Mathison, and Earl
Pope who will all be deeply missed.
The 55th year of the Posse proved to be filled with many activities,
excellent participation by the membership, and a continued desire
to remember the western heritage our community was founded on.
Judd Jordan, Capt.; Jim
Bradford, Lieut.; Justin Shifflett, Sec./Treas.;
David Rogers, Corral Boss; Bobby
Sandlin, Wrangler; Bill Veselka,
Rodeo Chairman; and Callie Rogers, Sweetheart. The Posse participated
in the usual parades with good turn-out including Abilene,
San Angelo, Springtown, Weatherford's Veteran's Day, Christmas,
and Martin Luther King Day, Fort Worth's Stock Show Parade and
Performance Recognition, Mineral Wells Trail Ride and Parade, Bowie,
and Fredricksburg.
Member's families also had fun participating in the Posse
Play-Day.
The 2003 Rodeo had many new attractions - professional entertainers
were hired and sponsored to boost attendance. The traditional street
dance was changed to a Saturday night benefit concert starring
David Ball and benefiting Campbell
Health Foundation. Wednesday
night was designated Youth Night, and Thursday was highlighted
with a wild cow milking contest. Friday and Saturday were completed
with concerts from the Bellemy Brothers and Dan
Roberts. Scotty
Lovelace and Classic Pro Rodeo provided first class service and
entertainment. Special thanks to Larry Barnett for all his financial
support and expertise in the entertainment area of our rodeo. The
Posse was saddened by the loss of members Bennett
Piester, Sam
Skiles, and Doyle Hutcheson; however, we welcomed new members David
Millhollon, Jay Hall, Jason
Bradley, Eric Wood, and Steven
Finch,
and honored current members for years of service as follows: For
40 years: Jimmy Hemphill, David
McDavid, Robert E. Phillips, and
Herman Woodard. For 25 years: Bob
Lambert, Mack Young, Lewis
Wayne Ellis, Pat Hamilton, and Phil
Livingston. General maintenance and
clean-up to the Posse grounds and facilities was achieved and a
new patio barn was erected. Hard work from members and non-members
alike resulted in a successful rodeo and good memories.
2004
Benny Peacock, capt.; Larry Peck,
Lieut.; Justin Shifflett, Sec/Treas.; Shane Harris,
Corral Boss; Robbie Ballard, Wrangler; Jamie French,
Rodeo Chairman; Georgia Carter, Sweetheart. The posse
participated in all the usual parades including: Abilene Parade,
Weatherford Veteran's Day Parade, Weatherford Christmas Parade, Fort
Worth Chisholm Trail Parade, Fort Worth Stock Show Parade,
Weatherford Martin Luther King Day Parade, Graham Rodeo Parade,
Trail Ride, Mineral Wells Parade, Olney Parade, Jacksboro Parade,
Bowie Parade, Veteran's Memorial Parade Mineral Wells, and
Fredericksburg Parade. Charlie Johnson was honored for 50
years of service. L. R. Sullivan was honored for 40 years of
service. Clarence Beavers, Jim Duncan, Larry Peck, Ernie
Rutledge, and Harold Swain were honored for 25 years of
service. The posse was saddened by the loss of J. W. Ford, Joe W.
Ross, and Willard Thomas. The posse added a performance
stage with the help of Moritz Chevrolet and everyone enjoyed a
successful rodeo. A rodeo that was reorganized as "The Best Small
Rodeo Of The Year" by the Professional Rodeo Cowboys
Association.
2005
Larry Peck, Capt.; Jamie French,
Lieut.; Justin Shefflett, Sec/Treas.; Dale Ballard,
Corral Boss; Travis Faulkner, Wrangler; Duane Bailey,
Rodeo Chairman, Bailey Binion, Sweetheart. The posse
participated in all the usual parades including: Abilene,
Weatherford Veteran's Day, Weatherford Christmas Parade, Fort Worth
Stock Show Parade, Weatherford Martin Luther King Parade, Fort Worth
Stock Show Grand Entry, San Angelo Parade, Trail Ride, Mineral Wells
Parade, Jacksboro Parade, Bowie Parade, Mason County Parade, and
Fredericksburg Parade. W. R. "Dub" Riddle was honored for
50 years of service. Buddy Newsom was honored for 40
years of service. Joe Dean Johnson, Jack Alexander, and
Darrell Young were honored for 25 years of service. The posse
was saddened by the loss of Tony Lavite and D. C. "Dude"
Woodruff. New members of the year included: J. C. Moore, Chad
Magee, Wayne Jones, Joe Harris, Lee Durant, and Jamie
McClain.
2006
Craig Peacock-Captain;
David Rogers-Lieutenant;
Dale Ballard-Secretary/Treasure;
Steve Finch-Corral
Boss; Bud Stone-Wrangler;
Bill Riddle-Rodeo
Chairman; Cassie French-Sweetheart.
The Posse participated in parades at Abilene, Weatherford
Veteran's Day parade, Weatherford Christmas parade, Fort Worth Stock
Show parade, Weatherford Martin Luther King parade, Fort Worth Stock
Show Grand Entry, San Angelo parade, Jacksboro parade, Bowie parade,
Mineral Wells Trail ride and parade and Fredericksburg parade.
The Posse held its 1st annual Ranch Rodeo under the direction of
Chairman Blaine Peacock.
The Ranch Rodeo was a huge success and will be held each year. After
many years of fine service, Posse members tore down the old bucking
chutes and announcers stand. The Posse purchased new Priefert
bucking chutes. Posse members installed the new chutes and rebuilt
the working pens and gates. Under the leadership of
Captain Peacock a
beautiful new announcers stand was built and all work completed
before the June Rodeo. The 59th edition of the Frontier Days Rodeo,
under the directions of Chairman Bill Riddle,
was another huge success setting numerous records. The Posse
contracted with Joe Bielinski to bring top entertainers to perform
at each performance of the Rodeo. Marvin Thomas
was honored for 40 years of service and Dale
Ballard was honored for 25
years of service. The Posse was saddened by the passing of 23 year
member Joe Ernst.
Bill Ward
was a new member elected in 2006. The summer of 2006 was again very
dry and a shortage of hay persisted.
2007
Craig Peacock,
Captain; Bill Riddle,
Lieutenant; Dale Ballard,
Secretary/Treasure; Travis Faulkner,
Corral Boss; Jay Hall
Wrangler; Maurice Curfman,
Rodeo Chairman; Kelsi Ford,
Sweetheart. The Posse participated in many parades during the year
including, Fort Worth, Mineral Wells, Jacksboro, Abilene, San
Angelo, Fredericksburg and Bowie. This was the 60th anniversary of
the Posse and every event during the year set new records. The
annual Frontier Days Rodeo, Steer Roping and County Team Roping were
huge successes. The 60th anniversary was a time for another
Sweetheart reunion. The Sweethearts and Past Captains were honored
at a luncheon on Saturday preceding the rodeo. Work was completed on
all the holding pens and a new cattle return alley was built under
the bleachers. At the April business meeting the members voted
to build a new headquarters building. In August, after 60 years of
service, the old headquarters building was torn down. On September
17 the slab was poured for the building and the construction was
started. Jack Borden
was honored for 60 years of loyal service to the Posse,
James T Barnett
and R. D. Todd
for 40 years and Terry Johnson,
John Westhoff
and Craig Peacock
for 25 years. New members elected during the year include,
Randall Haydon, Cliff Clark, Woody Bailey, Billy Selmon,
Justin Thomas, Charles Lambert, David Stanley, and Ted Moore.
2008
Bill Riddle,
Captain; Justin Shifflett,
Lieutenant; Dale Ballard,
Secretary-Treasure; J C Moore,
Corral Boss; Calvin Allen,
Wrangler; Kylie Mills,
Sweetheart; Monty Kemp, Travis Faulkner, Blaine
Peacock, Rodeo Committee.
The Posse attended all the usual parades. Construction of the new
Posse Headquarters kept the Posse very busy during the winter and
spring. On October 8, 2007 Captain Bill Riddle held the first Board
Meeting in the unfinished building. The Posse was very blessed to
have many fin members who contributed to the effort of getting the
New Headquarters built. The 2008 Rodeo Program listed two pages of
those dedicated members. On Monday night April 7, 2008 Captain Bill
Riddle chaired the first General Business Meeting in the New
Headquarters. Ninety eight (98) members answered roll call and with
guests a total of 350 attended the grand opening. Our 1984 Captain,
Jerry Durant, spoke to the huge crowd and complimented the Posse on
the New Headquarters. The 2008 PRCA Rodeo was a huge success.
Wednesday, Friday and Saturday night crowds set all time attendance
records and total attendance was by far the largest in our history.
Weldon Jordan, Captain 1963m was honored for 60 years of loyal
service to the Posse and Melvin Dale was honored for 25 years of
loyal service. The Posse was saddened by the loss of Buddy Newsome,
Marvin Thomas, Rick Williamson, Tommy Lackey and Curtis Guess. New
Members elected for the year include, Jason Ranspot, Shane Williams,
Wesley Jennings, Rick Ringstaff, Matt Milligan, David Carter, Hoyt
Lindsey and Herb Stone.
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