Since the time J.B. (Bud) Morrison homesteaded 198.7 acres of land at Red Mud, Kent County, Texas, the Morrison Ranch has seen many improvements and much growth in acreage. J.B. Jr., now runs 450 mother cows on 12,600 acres of land in Kent County. During the late 1950´s and early 1960´s, Bud and J.B. Jr., were innovators in developing a crossbreeding program designed for hybrid vigor. After Bud´s death in 1963, J.B. continued his crossbreeding program. he, using a Limousin and Brangus cross for breeding, has now developed a herd widely recognized for its beef production quality. J.B. also has a thousand acre farm in operation and raises wheat for cattle feed. Since the early 1950´s, J.B. has done much soil conservation work on his land including brush control, construction of tanks, 65,000 feet of water lines, cross fencing and reseeding. J.B. was born October 17, 1921, in his parent´s home on the ranch he now owns and operates, to J.B. (Bud) Morrison and the former Maude Garner. He grew up on the ranch and was educated at the rural Morrison School located on the ranch and at Spur High School. J.B.married Doris Neaves on January 4, 1941 at Spur, Texas. After their marriage they raised chickens and milk cows and sold eggs and milk to make ends meet. They bought a combine and a truck and did harvesting in the area saving their money to buy a tractor. By such means they kept building and improving their land into the fine modern operation it is today. In 1943 a daughter, Linda Beth was born to J.B. and Doris. Linda is married to Eric Swenson of Spur, Texas. She and Eric have two sons and one daughter; John Eric III, J. Ermery, and Kristen. J.B. and Doris are active members of the First Baptist Church in Spur. Doris is a member of the Eastern Star. J.B. has been past master of the Spur Masonic Blue Lodge. He has served in all chairs of the lodge. He has been a director of the Duck Creek Soil Conservation Board for thirty two years and was named Man of the Year in Conservation in 1968. J.B. has served on the CapRock Telephone Board for thirty six years; was chairman of screwworm eradication for Kent County; was on the nominating committee of REA; was chairman of the stock show committee at Spur and is president of the Margaret Elliott Museum at Spur. He is a member of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association and the American National Cattlemen's Association. J.B. and Doris have always been and continue to be interested in the young people of their community. J.B. has seen and participated in many changes in farming and ranching along with development in the community. He is known as a man who is always ready to help when needed and is greatly respected both for his ability and for his concern for his community and fellowman.
-----------written by--Doris MorrisonSource: Dickens County History...its Land and People © Dickens Historical Commission; Printer: Craftsman Inc. Lubbock, Texas 1986
Bud´s middle name was Blakemore after his mother´s father, John Blakemore Pinkston.
Funeral services for an early day cowboy and rancher, J.B. Morrison (Bud) were held Saturday at 2:30 p.m. in the Spur Church of Christ.
"Uncle Bud", as he was known by many, passed away February 28 while visiting at the home of a son, Dr.J. L. Morrison, Post.
Charles M. Adams, minister officiated. He was assisted by Vernon Williams, a former minister here and Rev. W. L. Kite, pastor of the First Baptist Church.
Interment was under the direction of Campbell Funeral Home, in the Spur cemetery.
Bud Morrison was born in Mills County, April 14, 1881. He came to Dickens County in 1897 where he went to work for the Spur Ranch. In 1902 he filed a claim in Kent County and has made his home since that time on his present ranch located in the Red Mud community.
Survivors include his wife, Maude, four sons, J.B. Jr., Robert, San Antonio; Dr. Luther Morrison, Post; and Jesse of Spur.
Four step-daughters; Beth Anderson and Addie Jo Dismukes, both of Dallas; Florine Morgan, Amarillo, and Velma Spradling, Houston; five sisters, Mrs. Minnie Moorman and Mittie Shcweikhard, both of San Diego, CA. Mrs. Rube Anderson and Mrs. Eva Anderson, both of Portales, NM, and Mrs. Kate Black, Boyce City, OK. Ten grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren also survive.
Pallbearers were Marion Jordan, Fike Godfrey, C.D. Foreman, Frederick Dalby, Norton Barrett, James Wright, Rob Simmons and L.D. Ratliff.
©The Texas Spur, March 7, 1963
Mrs. Maude Morrison, 94, wife of the late J.B. Morrison, Sr., pioneer rancher, died of natural causes in Kaufman on October 8. Funeral services were held Wednesday at 3 p.m. in the First Baptist Church, Spur, with Rev. Norris Taylor, officiating. He was assisted by Rev. John Nay, associate pastor of the First United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Morrison had been living in the home of her daughter, Mrs. Wiley Dismukes, Kemp. She was born near Jacksboro in 1884, where her parents, H.T. and Sophfronia Garner settled after moving from Tennessee. Her early childhood was spent in Dickens. After moving to Spur, she was active in the First Christian Church and was a lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Star. During World War I, she served in Red Cross Rooms. She resided on her ranch south of Spur for over 50 years.
Survivors include four daughters, Mrs. Velma Spradling, Houston; Mrs. Beth Sleuth, Mesa, AZ; Mrs. Florine Morgan, Amarillo and Mrs. Addie Jo Dismukes, Kemp; two sons, J.B. Morrison, Jr., of Spur and Jesse Morrison, Abernathy; two stepsons, Robert Morrison and Dr. Lester Morrison, both of San Antonio. Also surviving, are eight grandchildren; 28 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Burial was in Spur Cemetery.
©The Texas Spur, October 12, 1978
© Dickens County Historical Commission 1997-2022
This site may be freely linked to but not duplicated in any fashion without consent. |
