Heritage Hall of Honor

James E. “Pete” Laney

1943 -

James E. “Pete” Laney grew up on a cotton farm in Hale Center, Texas. He attended Texas Tech University where he received a degree in agriculture economics. Upon graduating from Texas Tech, he returned to the family farm following three generations on the family farm. Pete still operates that family farm to this day. In addition to farming, Pete also devoted his life to public service. He served in the Texas House of Representatives for 34 years and was elected by House members to five terms as Speaker of the House (1993-2003) and retired from the Legislature in 2007. He was married to Nelda Laney for 53 years, until her passing in 2016.

In his first term as Speaker in 1993, Pete led the House to adopt wide-ranging reforms that have reshaped the legislative process to this day making it more open and transparent for legislators and the public. A true testament to his upbringing and rural roots, at the conclusion of the 1993 Regular Session of the Legislature, Texas Monthly wrote that he “ran the fairest, cleanest, most open, most democratic House in memory.” During his tenure as Speaker, the legislature enacted the most comprehensive water plan in Texas history, invested the state’s record budget surplus in public education, children’s health care, and tax cuts, passed legislation providing health care coverage for Texas public school teachers and created the Office of Rural Community Affairs to address the needs of rural Texans. He has also been a staunch supporter for the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, and throughout his years of service passed legislation to protect the State’s most precious resources.

He was widely praised for demonstrating integrity and character in his leadership that fostered a bipartisan atmosphere for legislators to work together with mutual respect and place public needs ahead of personal interests and partisan politics. Mr. Laney did this all while making his living as a fulltime farmer northwest of Hale Center, Texas.

During the time her husband served as Speaker of the House, Nelda Laney initiated a plan to create Texas Capitol collectible ornaments to help fund preservation and education projects at the statehouse. She managed all phases of the process through its first seven years and raised millions of dollars as the commemorative pieces became a popular tradition. Her dedication and hard work are on full display at our state capitol every day.

Widely acclaimed for his public service, among numerous accolades Pete has been honored by the Texas Legislative Conference, John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute, Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Texas Game Warden Association, and Child Welfare League of America, as well as by the Headliners Club and the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association. Progressive Farmer magazine has recognized him as Man of the Year in Service to Texas Agriculture. Texas Tech University has named him a Distinguished Alumnus, and Wayland Baptist University has conferred on him an honorary doctorate. Mr. Laney continues to be a voice for agriculture in the State of Texas. He is often called upon by public servants and others to provide insight and wisdom in helping shape agriculture policy in the State of Texas. He also continues to dedicate his time to others and is very proud to serve on the Board of the Scottish Rite Children’s Hospital.

Mr. Laney has three children, KaLyn Laney of Austin, Jamey Laney Phillips and her husband Ronald of Lubbock, and J Pete and Melonie Laney of Austin. He also has 6 grandchildren, Austin, Grant, Gavin, and Holden Phillips, and Clayton and Kendall Laney.

Jim Prewitt

1940 - 2021

Jim Prewitt was born and raised on a family farm near the east Texas community of Kirbyville, where the value of hard work and an appreciation for agriculture were impressed upon him at a young age. As an aspiring agriculturist, Prewitt proudly served as a Texas State FFA President and later as a National FFA Vice President, two roles that have shaped his lifelong commitment to youth leadership and development, public service, and agricultural policy.

While attending Sam Houston, where he studied agriculture, Jim was granted the opportunity to work as a congressional intern in Washington D.C. That formative experience reinforced his lifelong interest in state and national policy and politics and compelled him to offer similar opportunities for students at Texas Tech and Texas A&M, where he has sponsored their Congressional Intern Programs.
After attending Sam Houston State University, Jim founded Landmark Nurseries, Inc. As President and CEO of Landmark, he transitioned the company from providing purely residential and commercial landscaping services to opening the first of his wholesale nurseries in Garland, Texas. Jim built Landmark Nurseries, Inc. into one of the largest, wholesale grower/distributors in Texas, with six distribution centers located in Dallas, Coppell, Ft. Worth, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio.

As a result of Jim’s entrepreneurial spirit, the company operates various plant growing facilities across Texas, including sites in Austin, Kirbyville, Grand Saline and Edgewood. In 2002, Jim acquired and launched a nascent biological products company called CX International (CXI). As a manufacturer and distributor of high-quality microbial products, CXI offers biologically based solutions relating to soil fertility, waste management, and bio-remediation. CXI’s products are sold nationally and globally through a network of distributors and provide diverse applications for a wide continuum of customers, ranging from row crop farmers and hog producers across the Midwest to almond and walnut growers in California to oil companies in the Permian Basin.

Jim’s professional life has been enriched through his active philanthropic commitments and service on numerous organizational boards relating to education and agriculture. He previously served as the President of the Texas Agricultural Lifetime Leadership Foundation, Chairman of the Texas Nursery and Landscape Association Political Action Committee and Chairman of the Texas Agriculture Lifetime Leadership Board. He was a founding member of the Floriculture Chair Advisory Board at Texas A&M and a member of Texas A&M College of Agriculture Development Council, Texas Tech College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources Advisory Board, and the State Fair of Texas Advisory Board. His past board service includes Texas 4H Board of Trustees, Texas Nursery and Landscape Association, Texas FFA Foundation Board and the National FFA Sponsors Board. Jim was also a proud supporter of Happy Hill Farm, Fort Worth Livestock Show and Rodeo, State Fair of Texas, and Dallas Summer Musicals.

As far as family goes, Jim was certainly blessed with his. He shared 58 years of marriage with the love of his life, Paula. Together they raised three beautiful daughters and were later blessed with a bevy of bright and talented grandchildren.

Perry L. Adkisson

1929 - 1990

of College Station is Chancellor Emeritus of Texas A&M University. For his work in sustaining crop productivity in an environmentally friendly way in countries around the world, he was the co-recipient of the 1997 Wolf Food Prize, which is the Nobel Prize equivalent in the field of agricultural science. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1998

L.D. "Don" Anderson

1923 - 2001

of Lubbock organized and found funding for the High Plains Diapause Boll Weevil Control Program, which prevented the boll weevil from establishing itself on the High Plains, thus saving millions of dollars by eliminating costs for control and preventing losses in yield. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1996

Anne Armstrong

1927 - 2008

of Kenedy County served her community, state and nation as a team with her husband, Tobin Armstrong. Anne was highly respected and served as a counselor to Presidents Nixon and Ford. She was the first woman to serve as U.S. Ambassador to Great Britain and served as a Regent of the Texas A & M University System. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2010

John B. Armstrong

1919 - 2003

of Kingsville served King Ranch, Inc. in various capacities including corporate president and CEO prior to retirement in 1988. He provided strong leadership for the Texas & Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, Santa Gertrudis Breeders Association and National Cattleman’s Association. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1994

Tobin Armstrong

1923 - 2005

of Kennedy County served his community, state and nation as a team with his wife, Anne Armstrong. They owned and operated the Armstrong Ranch in Kennedy County – a ranch recognized for its production of beef cattle, breeding stock and wildlife. Tobin served the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association for 48 years. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2010

Henry M. Beachell

1906 - 2006

of Pearland created and introduced nine rice varieties. At one time, his work accounted for more than 90% of U.S. long-grain production. Beachell’s work with high-yielding, short-statured rice varieties helped alleviate human hunger and suffering throughout the world. He received the 1996 World Food Prize – often considered the Nobel Prize in food and agriculture. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2012

Lloyd Millard Bentsen, Sr.

1893 - 1989

of Mission oversaw the back-breaking work involved to clear away tenacious weeds and turned thousands of acres of Rio Grande Valley brush land into lush citrus orchards. He subdivided the vast holdings into parcels to attract investors, and with money came the development of the Texas citrus industry. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1992

Othal E. Brand, Sr.

1919 - 2009

of McAllen provided Texas with a competitive edge in becoming one of the nation’s largest vegetable producers, processors and shippers. Brand flourished at the helm of Griffin & Brand, whose Valley headquarters became a major refrigeration, packing and distribution center. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2004

Dolph Briscoe, Jr.

1923 - 2010

of Uvalde served two terms as Governor of Texas. Earlier in his career, as a member of the Texas legislature, he helped secure financing and supervised the eradication of screw worms, which threatened the health of the state’s cattle herds. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1992

Eugene Butler

1894 - 1995

of Dallas made his mark as the longtime crusading editor of The Progressive Farmer. He served as an articulate advocate and catalyst for agricultural change during a magazine career that spanned 78 years. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2000

Ogbourne Duke "O.D." Butler, Jr.

1918 - 1998

of College Station spent 50 years at Texas A&M University during an unprecedented era of growth and accomplishments. In addition to his academic work as head of the department of animal science, he was a successful rancher and served as president of the American Charolais Association. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2008

Fred Campbell

1927 - 2017

of Paint Rock is recognized as a visionary in the development of better techniques for growing, preparing and marketing wool and mohair. From 1978-1984, he served as executive director of the Mohair Council of America where he was instrumental in developing international markets. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2006

Hoover Carden

1930-1998

Of Fairfield is recognized as an administrator, educator, and community visionary whose legacy includes nearly 40 years with the Texas A&M University Cooperative Extension Program. Specialized in reaching limited-resource families and small farm operators. Credited with stemming the tide of declining land ownership by African Americans. Revamped the system that enabled Black land-grant colleges to develop more meaningful educational programs. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2014

John S. Cargile

1925 - 2011

of San Angelo served as president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association and the American Sheep Industry Association. He was a strong advocate for the Texas A&M Research and Extension Center now known as Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center. On the civic front, he served as president of the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2012

Ben H. Carpenter, Sr.

1924 - 2006

of Dallas personified the image of the American West — North Texas-style. He made a name for himself in ranching, real estate and life insurance and promoted Brahman cattle raising programs domestically and abroad. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2002

John W. Carpenter, Sr.

1881 - 1959

of Dallas became president of Texas Power and Light in 1927. He understood that farmers and ranchers had to have electrical power in the modern world, and he provided the necessary blueprints and experienced engineers to achieve this goal. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1992

Edward Cline

1935-2014

Of Houston, played an important role in efforts to reduce property loss by Black landowners. President, Landowners Association of Texas – sponsor of Annual Black Farmers Conference and supporter of student agricultural projects. Past Chairman of Harris County Appraisal Board Panel, Monitor for Texas Education Agency, and former Assistant Superintendent of Houston ISD. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2014

Susan Combs

1945 -

of San Antonio was the first woman elected to the position of Texas Agriculture Commissioner in 1998. Combs reduced the Texas Department of Agriculture’s budget by 18 percent while igniting economic growth, promoting Texas products, and launching one of the strongest school nutrition policies in the nation. She has a ranching operation in Brewster County on the same ranch owned by her great-grandfather more than a century ago. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2010

FRANCES RICHMOND COOPER

1920 - 2009

Of Mercedes, began her career in December 1954 as the secretary to the manager of Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show (RGVLS). In 1959, she became manager of the Show and remained in that position until she retired in 1986. Frances was a key factor in the rise of the RGVLS, becoming one of 10 largest livestock shows in Texas. She received many awards and recognitions from local, state, and national organizations for her work in connection with the Fair and livestock show industries. Some of her most prized awards include: 4-H Club Leader, the International Association of Fairs & Expositions Heritage Award, and the Texas Association of Fairs & Events Lifetime Achievement Award.

Frances Cooper was born in Jamesport, Missouri on July 20, 1920 to Forest Garvey and Libbie Hess Richmond.  As a small child the family moved to a farm north of Mercedes, Texas. She graduated from Mercedes High School in 1937.

During World War II, she lived in Alexandria, Virginia for five years, where she managed a large apartment complex and worked for the Ration Board. After the war, she lived in Vancouver, Washington for one year. She returned to the Rio Grande Valley, where she spent the remaining years of her life living in Mercedes, La Feria, and Santa Rosa.

Frances went to work for the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show in December of 1954 as secretary to the manager, and in 1954, became the first show manager. She remained in that position until she retired in 1986.

Frances was a key factor in the rise of the RGVLS Show to its position of being one of 10 largest livestock shows in Texas. She was the heart and soul of the RGVLS. She was loved and respected by everyone that knew her, not only in the Rio Grande Valley, but throughout the state of Texas.

Upon retirement as manager, she was elected to the RGVLS Board of Directors, where she served until the time of her death. Frances received many awards and recognitions from local, state and national organizations for her work in connection with fair and livestock industries. Her most prized awards were those given by the Texas Future Farmers of America, and those received in recognition of her service as 4-H Club Leader.

In 2004, the International Association of Fairs and Expositions at their annual convention in Las Vegas presented her with the prestigious Heritage Award for her efforts as a volunteer, promoting not only the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show, but also fairs and livestock shows across the United States. The Texas Association of Fairs and Events, where she served 13 years as executive secretary, awarded her with its Lifetime Achievement Award in 2002.

RGVLS President Emeritus D. V. Guerra once said, “Frances’s love of children and passion for her work were her defining attributes. She was a fantastic woman and a jack of all trades. She loved youth and she loved agriculture. She did so much for our youth of the Rio Grande Valley. She was an icon here in the Valley and will truly be missed not only by the RGVLS but by her family, her friends and the people that knew her throughout her life.”

Frances Richmond Cooper passed away on October 4, 2009.

Roy B. Davis

1900 - 1975

of Lubbock envisioned the Southern Plains as the cotton capital of the world. Beginning with his years as a county agent and cooperative banker to his nearly 30-year role as CEO of the world’s largest cotton oil mill, Davis advocated farm laws, farm credit and rural youth programs. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2002

Eligio "Kika" De La Garza

1927 - 2017

of McAllen served as the U.S. Representative from Texas’ 15th District from 1964 until his retirement in 1998. He chaired the House Committee on Agriculture from 1981-1994. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2002

Isaac Leonard Ellwood

1833 - 1910

of Colorado City and Lubbock worked on barbed wire patents with Joseph F. Glidden and established Superior Barbed Wire Co. in DeKalb, Illinois, in 1881. He later moved to Texas, where he developed the Renderbrook Ranch near Colorado City and the Spade Ranch northwest of Lubbock. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1994

Dr. Edward B. Evans, Sr.

1894 - 1976

of Prairie View was the first licensed black veterinarian in Texas, and after a distinguished career in agricultural education, he served as president of Prairie View A & M College from 1946 to 1967. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1992

Harold M. Freeman

1889-1985

Harold M. Freeman was an American success story, born to immigrant parents in 1889, and raised in Seguin with his two brothers, Joe and Clarence. “Mr. Harry” was a driving force in Texas business and agriculture for much of the 20th Century, and his legacy of philanthropy continues to this day.

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Charles Goodnight

1836 - 1929

of Clarendon is best known today for his legendary cattle drive that provided the model for Larry McMurtry’s best-seller, “Lonesome Dove.” He established the JA Ranch in the Texas Panhandle, which by 1888, covered 600,000 acres and ran 63,000 head of cattle. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1992

J. Evetts Haley

1901 - 1995

of Midland called on his personal experience as a cowboy, ranch manager and ranch owner to write books about the cattle industry including The XIT Ranch of Texas and Charles Goodnight: Cowman and Plainsman. He collected thousands of books and articles about ranching. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1994

J. Walter Hammond

1887 - 1967

was known as the “Father of the Texas Farm Bureau” serving as president for 18 years. He invented and performed the first scientific terracing of land in Taylor County and is credited with revolutionizing the method of building stock tanks to alleviate siltation. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2008

Cornelius Taylor Herring

1849 -1931

of Amarillo was a native Texan and pioneer cattleman. He was actively involved in the first gas well in the Texas panhandle. Herring was the first president of the Tri-State Fair and West Texas Chamber of Commerce and built Amarillo’s Herring Hotel. He was an active member of the Texas Southwest Cattle Raisers Association, Inc. for 40 years. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2012

William S. Ikard

1847 - 1934

of Henrietta trailed his herds north, and on one of these drives he passed through the Wichita Falls area where he would eventually build his range to 187,000 acres. Ikard is credited with bringing the first Hereford to Texas in 1876. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2004

Morgan Jones

1839 -1926

left his home in Wales and sought his fortune in railroad construction. He sailed to the United States in 1866 and was hired by the Union Pacific Railroad as foreman of a construction crew. His expertise in rapid construction became legendary. Jones is considered a local hero in Fort Worth for completing the Texas and Pacific line to the city of 1,600 residents. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2010

John S. Justin, Jr.

1917 - 2001

of Fort Worth served as president of the Justin Boot Company from 1952-1968, during which time he instituted major changes in policies, product line and marketing to build the company founded by his grandfather into a national firm. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1994

Elmer Kelton

1926 - 2009

of San Angelo is an acclaimed and prolific writer of western fiction. He chronicled the great West Texas Drought of the 1950s as a reporter and later wrote The Time It Never Rained, described as one of the best western novels of all time. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2000

John H. Kirby

1860 - 1940

of Houston was known as the “Prince of the Pines.” He founded the Kirby Lumber Company in 1901 and served as president of what became one of the largest manufacturers of southern pine in the United States. Kirby served two terms in the Texas legislature. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2008

Robert Justice Kleberg Jr.

1896 - 1974

of Kingsville took over the management of the massive King Ranch in 1932. During his 56 years at the helm, the King Ranch expanded globally creating a cattle empire that encompassed 13,000,000 acres. He developed the first truly American breed of beef cattle, the Santa Gertrudis. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1992

T.A. Kincaid, Jr.

1906-1998

Of Ozona, Texas was a rancher, leader, and instrumental in the start-up of Screw-Worm Eradication Program; considered one of the most important developments in Texas agriculture in the 20^th century. Following in his father’s footsteps, he led the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association for two terms as president.

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Herbert L. Kokernot, Sr.

1867 - 1949

of Fort Davis took over his father’s holdings in the Davis Mountain country of far West Texas in 1897 and invested in land until the O6 Ranch sprawled over 300,000 acres. Kokernot was a staunch supporter of Sul Ross State University in Alpine. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1996

Herbert L. Kokernot, Jr.

1900 - 1987

of Fort Davis managed the 06 Ranch, long recognized as one of the finest and most unique operations in the country, for 50 years. Cattle on the 06 are worked in the traditional way on an open range. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1996

LAURENCE M. LASATER

1941 -

Of San Angelo, introduced Beefmaster cattle breed in Mexico. Recipient of 2000 Beefmaster Breeders United (BBU) “Breeder of the Year” award. Past Chairman of Isa Cattle Company and has promoted Beefmasters around the world since 1964. Isa Cattle Company sells genetics worldwide, being instrumental in dissemination of the Beefmaster breed in South America and South Africa as well.

Laurence M. Lasater was born October 21, 1941 in San Antonio, Texas.  He is the oldest son of Tom and Mary Lasater, who were the founders of the Beefmaster Breed.

In 1947, Tom bought a ranch in Matheson, Colorado, east of Colorado Springs. The family moved there permanently two years later in 1949. Laurie attended grade school in Matheson, followed by Fountain Valley School in Colorado Springs, and graduated from Lawrenceville High School in 1959, and Princeton University in 1963.

After military service, Laurie married Annette Nixon in 1964, and moved to Coahuila, Mexico with 35 Beefmaster cows, received as a wedding gift from his parents. These cows, and others acquired later, became the foundation herd of the breed in Mexico. In 1967, with backing from a group of investors in Midland, the Lasaters purchased the Santa Cruz Ranch in Coahuila, which consisted of 31,500 acres. Their two children were born in Mexico – Laurence M. Lasater, Jr. in 1968, and Annette Isabel Lasater in 1971.

The ranch was sold in 1974, and the Lasaters moved to San Angelo, Texas, where they established another Beefmaster herd and founded Isa Cattle Co., known for its annual bull sale and international sale of Beefmaster semen and embryos.

In addition to living in Mexico for ten years, Laurie has traveled extensively to Panama, Costa Rica, Brazil, and South Africa, promoting the Beefmaster breed. He also is the author of The Lasater Philosophy of Cattle Raising, which was first published by the University of Texas at El Paso in 1971 and is now in its 16^th edition. It has been translated into different languages, including Spanish and Russian.

Laurie has served as an elder of the First Presbyterian Church.  He was elected President of the Foundation Beefmaster Association and Director of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers.  In 2019, he was inducted into the Beefmaster Hall of Fame.

Annette and Laurie have two married children, five grandchildren and one great grandson.  Their children, Lorenzo and Isabel and their spouses, have since acquired the family business and continue their family’s heritage today.

Tom Lasater

1911 - 2001

of Falfurrias developed the Beefmaster breed of cattle, a cross of superior Shorthorn, Hereford and Brahman bloodlines. He advocated a practical approach to cattle selection and beef production and was widely recognized for his ecologically sound range and wildlife management practices. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2004

George Washington Littlefield

1842 - 1920

of Austin was a successful frontier merchant, planter, banker, pioneer cattleman and philanthropist. His extensive West Texas holdings included the LIT in Oldham Co. and LFD (Yellowhouse) in Lamb Co. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1994

Watkins Reynolds Matthews

1899 - 1997

of Albany was a widely recognized conservationist of land, wildlife, historic structures and western values. He devoted his life to caring for Lambshead, his ranch in West Texas, and preserving the cowboy’s way of life. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1992

John Louis Merrill

1932 -

of Crowley is a fourth-generation Texas rancher who served more than 30 years as the director of the ranch management program and also held the Burnett Ranches professorship at Texas Christian University. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1998

Robert Lee "Bob" Miers

1872 - 1972

of Del Rio devoted 90 years of his life to the Texas sheep industry. He was one of first ranchers in Val Verde County to depend totally on sheep and was instrumental in developing the Del Rio Wool and Mohair Company. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1994

Thomas Volney Munson

1843 - 1913

of Denison was one of the greatest viticulturists the world has ever known. A successful commercial nurseryman and the acknowledged authority on native wild grapes, he was awarded membership in the French Legion of Honor for producing resistant stocks to restore the infested vineyards of France. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor –1996

Wade Lewis Pennington

1923 - 2010

of Grapeland began a 70 year career in farming and ranching after serving in the U.S. Army. He is legendary in East Texas for growing a small watermelon patch into a nationwide business. He was an award winning peanut farmer and cattle rancher. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2010

Jim L Peterson

1928-2013

Of Corpus Christi, former President and CEO of Whataburger, Inc. – one of the largest beef users and producers in the U.S. and the only fully integrated foodservice company raising and contracting beef cattle from calf through meat processing. Innovator who integrated the entire agriculture linkage from fields and pastures to consumer’s mouths. Past President of the National Restaurant Association. Raised cattle and quarter horses. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2014

Abel Head "Shanghai" Pierce

1834 - 1900

of Wharton County was a pioneer cattleman who determined that ticks were the cause of Texas Fever. He imported tick-resistant Indian Brahman cattle to Texas, which furnished the base stock for today’s Brahman and Brahman Cross herds. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2000

Lonnie A. "Bo" Pilgrim

1929 - 2017

of Pittsburg is co-founder and chairman of the board of Pilgrim’s Pride Corp, the second-largest poultry producer in the United States, the largest in Puerto Rico and the second-largest in Mexico. The company processes approximately six billion pounds of poultry and 40 million dozen table eggs each year. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2006

Dr. Alfred Nelson Poindexter

1921 - 2006

of Prairie View was a professor of veterinary medicine at the Prairie View A&M University in a teaching career that spanned six decades. In 1992, the Texas Commissioner of Agriculture named him one of four Outstanding Black Agriculturalists in the state. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1996

Charles William Post

1854-1914

Of Post City, established Postum Cereal Company in 1894. Experimented with various farming methods and invented machinery that included the plow blade, cultivator, harrow, hay stacker, and seed planter. He was crucial in the formation of Double U Ranch in Garza County (1906-07), introduced Aberdeen Angus Cattle, and created Post City as a self-sufficient agricultural town. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2014

James L. Powell

1930 -

of Ft. McKavett is a rancher and banker. He is a former president of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, the Texas Sheep & Goat Raisers Association and the National Wool Growers Association. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2008

Foy Proctor

1896 - 1988

of Midland formed a cattle-buying partnership that led to purchasing 10,000-15,000 head of cattle annually for shipment to Nebraska following WWI. He later bought ranches in Arizona and New Mexico and a large part of the famed XIT Ranch in the Texas Panhandle. He was an early Brangus breeder. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2006

B.J. Pryor

1914 - 2005

of Tyler worked as an East Texas country extension agent for more than 40 years assisting agricultural producers, especially limited resource farmers and ranchers. His innovative fisheries programs include catfish stocking techniques which are now used in farm ponds throughout the southern United States. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2000

Col. Ike T. Pryor

1852 - 1937

of San Antonio drove thousands of head of cattle up the Chisholm Trail, and with the money earned from these drives invested in the cattle business. He developed 100,000 acres into the famed 77 Ranch on the Nueces River in Zavala County. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2006

J. Roy Quinby

1902 - 1988

of Chillicothe was affectionately known as “Mr. Sorghum.” He developed a system to produce hybrid sorghum seed, and the results were pivotal: U.S. yield tripled, Texas emerged as a major feed grain-producing state and a commercial seed industry evolved. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2004

Clarence Scharbauer, Sr.

1879 - 1942

was manager of the Scharbauer Cattle Company at the age of 22. He was the founder and director of the First National Bank of Midland and served as president of the local and West Texas Chambers of Commerce. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2002

Charles Armand Schreiner

1838 - 1927

of Kerrville was a rancher, Texas Ranger, merchant, banker, civic leader and philanthropist. Schreiner was known as the “Father of the Hill Country,” and he helped establish the agricultural loan process through his bank. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1998

Charles G. Scruggs

1923 - 2001

of Dallas joined the staff of The Progressive Farmer in 1947. He went on to become editor-in-chief. During his long tenure with the popular publication, he authored more than 500 articles and used his vast knowledge of agricultural production, policy and leadership to educate his readers. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2006

William M. (Bill) Sims

1932 - 2016

from Paint Rock was chosen to receive the Texas A&M Distinguished Texan in Agriculture Award. Through his association with the Texas Sheep and Goat Raisers Association, he has had great influence on the Texas and US sheep, goat and ranching industries. He served as a Texas Senator for 14 years and successfully secured a grant to bring animal fiber research capabilities from California to Texas. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2012

Christopher Columbus Slaughter

1837 - 1919

of Dallas, known as the “Cattle King of Texas,” at one time controlled over 1,000,000 acres of ranch land and held more than 40,000 head of cattle. He founded the Texas & Southwest Cattle Raisers Association and co-founded Baylor Hospital. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1994

John B. Slaughter

1848 - 1928

of Sabine County started out with 30 or 40 head given to him by his father and spent a lifetime becoming one of the best known and respected cattleman in the state. He moved his brand, the “U Lazy S,” to Garza County in 1901 and, in 1907, sold 50,000 acres to C.W. Post, cereal magnate and town developer for the town of Post to be built. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2010

Bob Stallman

Of Columbus, was the first Texan to be elected president of the American Farm Bureau Federation. Holds numerous recognitions including the Texas Farm Bureau’s highest honor – the Distinguished Service Award, Texas A&M University’s 2008 Distinguished Texas Agriculture, and the 2009 Texas A&M “Friend of Agriculture” award. Instrumental in shaping the current farm bill, holding off implementation of cap and trade legislation, and opposed increased regulations on the agricultural industry. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2014

Wenzel Louis Stangel

1889 - 1978

helped establish an agricultural school at Lubbock’s newly-chartered Texas Technological College in the early 1920s. He headed the animal husbandry department, and from 1945-1958, served as dean of the school of agriculture. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2004

Charles W. Stenholm

1938 -

of Abilene was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for 13 consecutive terms (1979-2005) where he was a ranking member of the House Agriculture Committee. He served in leadership roles with the Texas Farm Bureau, American Farm Bureau Federation, Plains Cotton Growers and national Cotton Council. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2008

Hallie Crawford Stillwell

1897 - 1997

of Alpine was a rancher, writer and West Texas legend. Mrs. Stillwell managed to hang onto the family ranch through tragedies and hard times by working as a journalist, justice of the peace, storekeeper and operator of an RV park. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1998

Svante Magnus (S.M.) Swenson

1816 - 1896

from Sweden immigrated to the US in 1836. In 1854, he purchased large land tracts in the rolling plains of West Texas. He later leased the southern lands to his sons to begin a ranching operation. Swenson Bros. partnership was formed in 1882. The Swenson family efforts through the years spurred economic development in the once unsettled territory and resulted in the establishment of the town of Stamford in 1900. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2012

Ann Burnett Tandy

1906 - 1980

of Fort Worth was the granddaughter of Samuel Burk Burnett, founder of the famed 6666 Ranch. After her father died, she ran four huge ranches in Texas and Oklahoma and began a new program of breeding quarter horses for racing. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1992

Dr. T.D. Tanksley, Jr.

1925-2011

Dr. T.D. Tanksley, Jr. received his B.S. in Agriculture Education, and graduated as Valedictorian of his class in 1947 from Texas A&M College. He served Llano County influencing the lives of Llano county producers and students for the next ten years, first as Vocational Agricultural teacher, then in 1954 as County Agricultural Agent. His efforts in Llano County earned him recognition as one of the Five Outstanding Young Texans in 1956 by the Texas Junior Chamber of Commerce. In December, 1956 he joined the staff of the Texas A & M College of Animal Science Department as Extension Swine Specialist while working towards his doctorate. In 1968, he received his Ph D degree in Biochemistry and Nutrition from Texas A&M University. He then assumed leadership of the Department of Animal Science swine research and teaching program at Texas A & M University in addition to part-time Texas Agricultural Extension Service responsibilities. That same year he was promoted to Associate Professor, then to professor in 1973.

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T.L.L. "Tom" Temple

1859 - 1936

of Diboll purchased 7,000 acres of virgin timber in 1893 and organized the Southern Pine Lumber Company, the forerunner of Temple Industries. The pioneer lumberman’s goal was to establish a permanent operation that depended on a sustained yield forest policy. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1998

S.M. True, Jr.

1923 - 2012

of Plainview was elected president of the Texas Farm Bureau for ten consecutive terms. He served on committees tackling issues ranging from cotton, the beef industry, farmworkers’ insurance, immigration and agricultural development and the U.S.-Mexico Free Trade Agreement. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 2002

Daniel Waggoner

1828 - 1902

of Vernon established near Decatur what eventually would become one of the greatest cattle ranches and the greatest oil fields in Texas. At the time of his death in 1902, “D. Waggoner and Son” owned 80,000 cattle and 525,000 acres. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1992

W.T. "Tom" Waggoner

1852 - 1934

of Vernon grew up in the world of cattle ranching. In 1923, he formed what is now the W.T. Waggoner Estate, still owned and operated today by family members. He pushed for the legalization of paramutual racing and built Arlington Downs Race Track in 1934. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1992

W.R. "Billy Bob" Watt

1900 - 1977

of Fort Worth was named to the board of the Fort Worth Stock Show (now the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show) in 1945. He was elected president the following year and added the role of manager in 1950, presiding over an era of unparalleled growth in programming and facilities. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1996

W.R. "Bob" Watt, Jr.

1934 -

of Fort Worth assumed the title of president of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show upon his father’s death in 1977. During his tenure, show entries increased to more than 18,000 head, and the rodeo became one of the premier stops on the circuit. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1996

Mary Nan West

1925 - 2001

of San Antonio was the first woman to serve as president and chairman of the board of the San Antonio Livestock Exposition. She was instrumental in creating the Exposition Scholarship Fund for students pursuing agricultural education. Texas Heritage Hall of Honor – 1992

Clayton Wheat Williams, Sr.

1895-1983

Clayton Wheat Williams, engineer, military officer, geologist, oilman, rancher, civic leader, historian, and philanthropist. The fourth child of Sallie (Wheat) and Oscar Waldo Williams, was born in an officers’ building of the abandoned Fort Stockton in the town of Fort Stockton, Texas, on April 15, 1895. He attended Fort Stockton public school and Texas A&M, where he obtained a degree in electrical engineering in 1915. During the next two years he worked as an electrician for a mining company in New Mexico.

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Roy C. Coffee, Jr.

Roy C. Coffee, Jr. graduated from the University of Texas in 1959 with a degree in Business Administration. In 1961, he received a law degree from the University of Texas School of Law.

Coffee was a practicing attorney with the firm of Coffee & Coffee in Dallas for 57 years and was licensed to practice law by the Supreme Court of Texas, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas, the U.S. 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, and by the U.S. Supreme Court.

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