Texas is a state filled with history and lore
Texas is a state that is filled with history and lore. And this is often apparent when we find ourselves out and about doing research for my writing or just enjoying the beauty of our great state.
When my young bride, Stella, and I traveled to Alpine, Texas, to be a part of The Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering, we plan our stay in Alpine at a classic hotel. Not only is it a great location, but some of Texas and the hinter lands best people stay there!
This hotel also allows me to entertain their guests in the lobby once the western sun sinks behind the magnificent bluffs that abound throughout this part of Texas real estate. The lobby walls are covered with murals that depict the history of this area.
One wall is a picture of a historic event that occurred on Jan. 28, 1891. It sets the scene for a winter gather or round-up of steers to be shipped to market. The incident was near Leoncita Springs in Brewster County and was the site where a rep named Fine Gilliland for the Dubois and Wentworth firm disputed the ownership of an unbranded brindle steer that was claimed by Fort Davis rancher, Henry Harrison Powe.
Powe believed this brindle yearling belonged to a cow with his HHP brand. The dispute resulted in gun fire and Gilliland killed Powe, then fled the scene on horseback, but was later killed in a shootout with Texas Rangers.
The cowboys pulled the steer to the branding fire and branded one side with the date “JAN 28 91” and on the other side branded “MURDER.” The steer was turned loose to wander the desert hills and legend claims that the “Murder Steer” will always be seen when a foul deed happens. My Ol’ Daddy was known to say, “When a feller does mischief, he sees things in the dark!”
The Murder Steer
Texas is a land of mystery an’ lore,
of campfire tales with danger, heroes, an’ fear.
Compounded by wild cowboys, Indians, and war,
while swirlin’ mist shows danger is near.
Kept alive thru eons of braggart an’ fact,
evolvin’ an’ growin’ with murky detail.
The orator swears truth is intact,
his integrity will stand without fail.
Now, such is the manner of country histories,
whether wrought by man or beast, knaves or kings.
An’ Brewster County brings its own mysteries,
a sordid tale was wove near Leoncita Springs.
The winter of ninety-one set the scene,
in the desert hills of this borderland.
It was safe to say, that it was unforeseen,
tho a legend of tragedy would make a stand.
On a midwinter drive to gather some beeves,
cowboys held the herd as they sorted the steers.
While ranchers, an’ reps, an’ probably some thieves,
watched for the unbranded that always appears.
As a brindle steer is drug to the brandin’ fire,
a dispute of ownership breaks the mornin’ calm.
Unrest an’ foul play was soon to transpire;
the shot of the pistol was loud as a bomb.
The cattleman Powe, fell to the ground dead.
The rep for Wentworth an’ Dubois spurred away,
ridin’ for his life toward the WD spread,
knowin’ that murder fouled his hand that day.
But his fate would be in the hand of rangers,
who would bring justice in a violent end.
These fabled lawmen that lived with dangers,
a shootout would end the life of Gilliland.
The steer’s fate became legend afore the sun set,
his right side was branded “Jan 28, ‘91”
The left side branded “Murder”, his epithet.
Set free to roam the desert, a legend was spun.
An’ the old folks say this phantom murder steer
would silhouette against the milky sky,
when dastardly deeds of foul play came near,
in the chill of the night, with the moon ridin’ high.
Yes, Texas is a land of mystery an’ lore,
of campfire tales with danger, heroes an’ fear.
Stirred by wild cowboys, Indians, and war,
in shadow an’ mist, when danger is near.
© Ol’ Jim Cathey
Join us at First Baptist Marlin, for “Trunk or Treat” Nov. 30 And Worship service Sunday.
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God Bless you and God Bless America!