Delta Dirt Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 18 hours ago, Old Binder Guy said: ?----- to all of the "horse/mule power" pictured Professor. I will show the above picture to Wrangler and see if the critter pictured might be some great uncle of his??? Hard to tell if this is a mule or horse--------but he definitely has a great personality?????? ***** What will Mike do with the hay?? DD 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Binder Guy Posted July 17, 2021 Author Share Posted July 17, 2021 4 hours ago, Delta Dirt said: ?----- to all of the "horse/mule power" pictured Professor. I will show the above picture to Wrangler and see if the critter pictured might be some great uncle of his??? Hard to tell if this is a mule or horse--------but he definitely has a great personality?????? ***** What will Mike do with the hay?? DD Anson, Heather is a "goat rancher" with two of the critters. Mike uses them to eat bad weeds down near Silver Creek's banks. Lucy is black and white. Ricky is the brown and white goat. Last years hay crop is on pallets, surrounded by pallets and covered with a tarp. Gary? 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sledgehammer Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 My Great Grandfather raised and sold mules song with having Shorthorn beef cattle. I need to see if I can find some pics of him with them. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twostepn2001 Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 Al them there mule pics that OBG posted reminded me of Muleshoe, Texas. (also known as "Jenny slipper) lt's about 75 miles or so NW of Lubbock. One of my many cotton growing friends was born and raised there. Her Dad owned and operated a cotton gin just outside of Muleshoe. Maybe Anson has known some, but this gal is the first and only woman ginner l've ever known. Said her first job was sweeping the floor in her Dad's gin when she was 8 years old. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delta Dirt Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 Wrangler sez the "critter" pictured is of his great, great Uncle Sleepy. Sleepy wuz one of Frank James main steeds. Sleepy wuz fast enuff-------but what Frank really liked about him was his uncanny ability to go from a full gallop to full rest in just a matter of minutes------leaving the impression that he wuz just an old nag out along the way. Frank and Jesse would be hiding out in a nearby cave------with Sleepy standing by grazing. And the Pinkerton boys would ride right on by ol' Sleepy without paying any attention to him. When they talked about the James Gang--------it included men and horses. Everybody had an alias. Everybody had a special niche in the plans. Sure looks like ol' Sleepy had his act together-------who would have ever thought that he had just participated in a train robbery???????? DD 2 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delta Dirt Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 Muleshoe, Texas--- Never have known a woman ginner-------but used to keep up with a husband and wife who were gifted travelling musicians from Muleshoe. Can't remember their names-----but first saw them in Jackson, Mississippi in a small bar. My old crop dusting buddy Rod Wells and I stopped by the bar and there were no tables available. A couple occupying one table said you boys are welcome to pull up a chair with us. Turned out they were parents of the the girl singer and from Muleshoe, Texas. I made him pull his drivers license out to prove their was such a place as Muleshoe, Texas. The daughter was stomp down good looking and could sing like a mocking bird!!!!!! Real nice people. So-----folks there is really a Muleshoe, Texas!!!!? DD 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sledgehammer Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 Re: Frank James... Years ago I purchased an 1892 Winchester rifle from an old trader in town. It was all original and a little crusty but in working order. I have no proof but the old trader told me it had belonged to Frank James. After Frank quit the outlaw gig he was known to announce harness horse races. He was also known to call those races in this area since we have a lot of harness racing history around here. The rifle was built within Frank James’ lifetime and it is possible, however I always felt it was more of a story than a fact. Gun value doesn’t go up without proof. A buddy of mine bought it a while later. Cool story even if that is all it was. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sledgehammer Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 I haven’t made it down to Booger Creek yet. I purchased a low boy and have been hauling some equipment for “Hammer and Son” farms. First one is an STX 530. The latest load was a 5488 and 1456 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Binder Guy Posted July 17, 2021 Author Share Posted July 17, 2021 This Massey Ferguson 760 combine I used to have came to Montana from Muleshoe, Texas! Gary? 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twostepn2001 Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 1 hour ago, Delta Dirt said: The daughter was stomp down good looking and could sing like a mocking bird!!!!!! Real nice people. Was it Carmen Espinoza-Rodriquez? She was from Muleshoe, known more for singing jazz but l've heard her sing country too. A friend told me long time that Carmen's dad played in Bob Will's band, l think a stand up bass....? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delta Dirt Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 Name doesn't ring a bell TwoStep. This couple toured some playing front for some of the big names------and then we lost count of them. Mama and daddy were proud of their daughter-----------and proud to be from Muleshoe, Texas. (he got a kick outta me asking for his license). Apparently-------you don't just say you are from Muleshoe; but from Muleshoe, Texas!!!! ******* We are getting a good slow rain today-------much needed across the Delta area. (2+" -----so far) DD 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delta Dirt Posted July 17, 2021 Share Posted July 17, 2021 2 hours ago, Old Binder Guy said: This Massey Ferguson 760 combine I used to have came to Montana from Muleshoe, Texas! Gary? Those old 760s had alot of capacity for their day. It was a little heavy in the mud-----the 750 was a more popular combine down this way-----especially with the auxiliary Mud Hog drive. We custom cut soybeans with two 750s w/Mud Hogs when the rest went to the house. Seems like my memories are more of cutting in the mud than dryland------but I know that's not so. Just the pain and hurt that sticks in the front of your mind.? I tilted the cutter bar upward slightly so to make header ride flatter to the ground. Installed a set of J.D. helper springs on the header lift cylinders and adjusted the springs with an air wrench so the conventional header would just barely bounce as it skimmed the ground. No cutter bar digging in mud as we cut at 45°angles to the row. Cut much cleaner than any of the flex headers at the time. What an old Marine won't do when they tell him it can't be done. When the going gits tuff------the tuff git going!!!!!! Wasn't pretty-----but we did it----------in the middle of 16---18% interest!!!!!! There is a huge difference in paying 18% interest-------than being paid 18%!!!!!!!?? Drought, mud, embargos along with 18% interest will turn many a good farmer into farmland real estate agents.? Damm--------that's an off course "rabbit trail" in itself. And--------don't forget. As we all used to say: "M-F don't stand for Massey Ferguson"-------even though they were extremely popular combines in this area.? I probably still have a M-F cap stashed away somewhere here. DD 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delta Dirt Posted July 18, 2021 Share Posted July 18, 2021 7 hours ago, Sledgehammer said: Re: Frank James... Years ago I purchased an 1892 Winchester rifle from an old trader in town. It was all original and a little crusty but in working order. I have no proof but the old trader told me it had belonged to Frank James. After Frank quit the outlaw gig he was known to announce harness horse races. He was also known to call those races in this area since we have a lot of harness racing history around here. The rifle was built within Frank James’ lifetime and it is possible, however I always felt it was more of a story than a fact. Gun value doesn’t go up without proof. A buddy of mine bought it a while later. Cool story even if that is all it was. Hammer------ Sometimes things are unverifiable. Just like these stories I hear from the famous horse Wrangler. I have sometimes doubted the full truth being told-----but then again I have never caught him lieing to me. So-----I just take him at his word.?? ******* I do have two friends (brothers) who are wildlife specialists here locally. They were originally from Adair, Iowa-------home of the first known train robbery (thought to have been carried out by the James gang). Their great grandaddy had ridden with Quantrill during the Civil War with Frank and Jesse. He was always suspected of being part of the James gang and the train robbery at Adair, Iowa------but never was arrested. (neither were Frank or Jesse) We hit it off immediately------I told them any friend of Quantrill would always be a friend of mine. (I call them the Quantrill brothers) Supposedly Jesse and Frank would hide out here locally with some cousins who owned a large tract of land here back in those days------including our family farm. Therefore-----my interest in the James boys (and their horses due to Wrangler's family ties). DD 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Binder Guy Posted July 18, 2021 Author Share Posted July 18, 2021 Anson, I sure envy your two inches of rain today. This map is of the wildfires in Montana as of this morning, compiled by the Montana DNRC. (Department of Natural Resources & Conservation) I've not seen a drought quite like this one in Montana in the past 70+ years. If I may, I'd like to bust a few of my buttons about my nephew Randy Yaeger. Mike's cousin and Reeves engine partner is posing with their engine at left. The old guy at right is posing with his 15 hp Case. Randy, Mike & Me. Randy spent 27 years in the Montana Army National Guard, flying Huey and OH-58 observation helicopters. My brother Bill (R) was visiting his son Randy at Fort Rucker Alabama when Randy was in flight school, a bunch of years ago. Bill got a cameraman to take this photo that went into the ARMY TIMES magazine. Bill was a Master Aviator in the Montana Army National Guard and became Assistant Adjutant General of the Montana ARNG before retiring with 27 years. After Mike's 3 year hitch in the US Army as a Huey and OH-58 (observation helicopter) Crew Chief at Fort Rucker, AL and Fort Ord, CA, He went to the University of Montana and went through the ROTC program. Colonel Uncle Bill (L) swore Mike in as a Second Lieutenant somewhere around 1989, Randy was a Captain. Between these three gentlemen, they have a combined service of 112 years. Mike is still in the MTARNG. At the same time, Randy worked his way up as "Bear in the Air" for the Montana Highway Patrol. Likely, Randy's proudest ticket was given to his younger brother Ralph on I-90 one day. Randy eventually became Chief or Colonel of the MHP. After Randy's retirement from the MTARNG and MHP, he hired on as a "Super Huey" pilot for the Montana DNRC. I think he did that for over 10 years before retiring from there. He still gets his annual physical and check rides so he can fill in for current pilots wanting or needing to take time off. This photo shows the ropes to the bucket, at a Helena area fire about 8 years ago. Notice the "head bubble" in the side window used for spotting the swinging bucket onto the flames. 'nuff bragging on my nephew. But Anson, send some rain OUR WAY.? Please... Gary? 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sledgehammer Posted July 18, 2021 Share Posted July 18, 2021 32 minutes ago, Delta Dirt said: Hammer------ Sometimes things are unverifiable. Just like these stories I hear from the famous horse Wrangler. I have sometimes doubted the full truth being told-----but then again I have never caught him lieing to me. So-----I just take him at his word.?? ******* I do have two friends (brothers) who are wildlife specialists here locally. They were originally from Adair, Iowa-------home of the first known train robbery (thought to have been carried out by the James gang). Their great grandaddy had ridden with Quantrill during the Civil War with Frank and Jesse. He was always suspected of being part of the James gang and the train robbery at Adair, Iowa------but never was arrested. (neither were Frank or Jesse) We hit it off immediately------I told them any friend of Quantrill would always be a friend of mine. (I call them the Quantrill brothers) Supposedly Jesse and Frank would hide out here locally with some cousins who owned a large tract of land here back in those days------including our family farm. Therefore-----my interest in the James boys (and their horses due to Wrangler's family ties). DD I think you should take Wrangler at his word. After all, it did come “straight from the horse’s mouth”. I’ve studied the history of those fellas some. All the history from that time period is interesting no matter which side a person’s ancestors were on. My Mother has a letter written from a relative of hers back home during the civil war. It was from the aftermath of the battle of Shiloh, Corinth Mississippi. Illinois was a Northern state as we all know but there were slaves at that time in far southern Illinois. There is a period house down there called “the old slave house” that used to be open for tours years ago. It closed several years ago. I may ask Mother about that letter of I think of it and see about scanning it. Rain: I’ve dumped 4” out of the gauge in the last 48hrs. Sure hope some of you in the MT region can get a little relief. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray54 Posted July 18, 2021 Share Posted July 18, 2021 The James boys where rumored to have hidden out here in California for better than a year in the middle of there robbing career. The only solid fact is their uncle Jury James was the cofounder of El Paso De Robles ( Pass of the Oaks), or today known as Paso Robles Calif. The uncle was a pardoner in several Spanish Land grant ranches and they could of easily fit in as another ranch hand. But no evidence that's says they where here for sure. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sledgehammer Posted July 18, 2021 Share Posted July 18, 2021 Here is the letter. My Mother typed it out to match the original writing some years ago. I have no idea how the author was related to me exactly. I did a google search only to find that almost everyone wants money to give you any information. I found service records for two different George Douins (one was “George W”) One served with a MN cavalry outfit and the other with a Mississippi cavalry outfit. Both were Union which I find strange for a Mississippi regiment to be on the Union side. 4 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sledgehammer Posted July 18, 2021 Share Posted July 18, 2021 46 minutes ago, ray54 said: The James boys where rumored to have hidden out here in California for better than a year in the middle of there robbing career. The only solid fact is their uncle Jury James was the cofounder of El Paso De Robles ( Pass of the Oaks), or today known as Paso Robles Calif. The uncle was a pardoner in several Spanish Land grant ranches and they could of easily fit in as another ranch hand. But no evidence that's says they where here for sure. Ranch speculating would have been an excellent way to spend a wad of newly earned cash wouldn’t you think? ? 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delta Dirt Posted July 18, 2021 Share Posted July 18, 2021 Lots of service time with those boys Gary-----that is something to be proud of.??? Weatherman says we may get another couple of inches of rain today-----maybe I can get Roger to throw a tank on the back of the AutoWagon and head your way with a load of water. ***** Never have been able to find any evidence that Jesse and Frank spent any time here in Washington County, Mississippi. But I would not think they walked around broadcasting who they were. They definitely stayed on the move. ******* I never considered myself to be an outlaw------but near the end of my illustrious farming career; I stopped by the bank to borrow a little more $$$ @ 18%+ interest. My banker said come on in-----what can I do for you. I told him I thought I needed to rob his bank----but didn't figure he had enuff in the vault to do me any good. He laughed and commented: Hel!----I was just thinking you might have already robbed my bank!!!! Luckily------he was able to fill my needs. AND--------even more lucky was that I finally got him paid back. So-------may be that I have more in common with Jesse and Frank than thought????? DD 1 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Binder Guy Posted July 18, 2021 Author Share Posted July 18, 2021 2 hours ago, Delta Dirt said: Lots of service time with those boys Gary-----that is something to be proud of.??? Weatherman says we may get another couple of inches of rain today-----maybe I can get Roger to throw a tank on the back of the AutoWagon and head your way with a load of water. ***** Never have been able to find any evidence that Jesse and Frank spent any time here in Washington County, Mississippi. But I would not think they walked around broadcasting who they were. They definitely stayed on the move. ******* I never considered myself to be an outlaw------but near the end of my illustrious farming career; I stopped by the bank to borrow a little more $$$ @ 18%+ interest. My banker said come on in-----what can I do for you. I told him I thought I needed to rob his bank----but didn't figure he had enuff in the vault to do me any good. He laughed and commented: Hel!----I was just thinking you might have already robbed my bank!!!! Luckily------he was able to fill my needs. AND--------even more lucky was that I finally got him paid back. So-------may be that I have more in common with Jesse and Frank than thought????? DD Done there, Been that, Anson! But mine got to 19.5% at the end, I think. Only I thought Jesse and Frank were my bankers. I paid them back too. Gary? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ray54 Posted July 18, 2021 Share Posted July 18, 2021 20 hours ago, Sledgehammer said: Ranch speculating would have been an excellent way to spend a wad of newly earned cash wouldn’t you think? ? Having free money would really making farming in this "next year will be better" country a lot easier. Had the uncles name wrong it is Drury James. But he came to California in 1849 with the Blackburn brothers Daniel and James. I believe they had all the properties before the Civil War ended. But was not coming up with info as easy as I wished so stopped hunting. But did find winter of 1868 - 69 was when Frank and Jesse where rumored to be here. 3 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Byrne Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 We had our local thrashing show this last weekend. It was a pretty good weather with no rain and reasonable (for July) temperatures. It was the first time the Acme truck was exhibited and below are a couple photos of it. Troy Vetsch was also there doing a LOT of thrashing with his 15-30 McCormick Deering and running a steam engine part of the time, on the saw mill. He also displayed a few other pieces from his collection. Maybe he'll post some photos? 7 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delta Dirt Posted July 19, 2021 Share Posted July 19, 2021 ?------the Acme truck always looks to be a class act Roger. Shame to expose it to the dust, etc. Fill us in again. What yr----what kind of power, etc. I don't remember-----does the Acme belong to you?? DD 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roger Byrne Posted July 20, 2021 Share Posted July 20, 2021 Yes Anson, it's my truck and also the last truck restoration project I'll tackle. I talked about it a while back and here is a link to the page with a posting at the top and also another in the middle of the page (I think it may work?). https://www.redpowermagazine.com/forums/topic/22765-ih-tractors-on-montana-farm/?do=findComment&comment=1493467 Acme trucks use Continental Red Seal engines, Bork & Deck clutches, Cotta transmissions, Ross steering gears, Timken worm drive differentials, Hayes wheels with Timken bearings and many other high grade standard parts. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Delta Dirt Posted July 20, 2021 Share Posted July 20, 2021 I was thinking the Acme was your truck. That looks to be a heavy duty old truck for its day. No matter--------I am still going to "take" the AutoWagon as my personal choice!!!! Gary really don't need the AutoWagon-------What with his "model Tee-Tee Ford" to pi$$ around in!!!!??? ****** I sure am glad Montana is along ways from Mississippi-------that ol' codger might want to "correct" me for bad mouthing his model TT. ****** Cotta transmission-----I have a Cotta oilfield type transmission and clutch unit in my homemade self propelled ditcher tractor. Drives a heavy duty PTO with a belt pulley drive for the hydrostat. Seems like I found Cotta in Tulsa, Oklahoma back in the early 1980's??? (good product) Had it powered with a 453 Detroit------hydrastat and drive axle from M-F 750 combine. DD 2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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