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Sheriff’s research finds 1905 election approved stock law and closed range

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By BARBARA GREEN
editor@bowienewsonline.com
Open range vs. closed range. It is a concept that has been fought over and debated since the early days of trail drives and cattle barons in the 1800s.
Texas is an open-range state, which means just that, livestock owners are not required to fence in their livestock to prevent them from roaming at large. However, there are two exceptions: The passage of local, county-based stock laws and the development of U.S. and State Highways, which have changed large portions of the state from open range to closed range.
Earlier this year an informational meeting on fencing laws raised questions about Montague County’s status as open or closed range. County AgriLife Agent Justin Hansard said they had about 50 people attend a May 10 webinar on fencing laws and those present, including himself, thought Montague County was open-range.
With the answer still not clear, Sheriff Marshall Thomas began researching the issue digging through county records to finally discover a 1905 election that approved a stock law in the county making it closed range, contrary to previous perception it was open.
Landowners in closed-range areas have a duty to prevent their livestock from running at large, usually by maintaining a fence to keep their livestock on their property. In an open-range area it is up to other landowners to put up a fence to keep animals out of their property.
Thomas said while he does not want to put additional hardship on those who have cattle, horses or other livestock, his officers deal with an average of 700 stray cattle calls a year. Time they could be on the street handling calls from citizens.
“My job is to keep people safe and use the money this office is given the most efficient way possible. My guys carry fence repair stuff and we will do it, but that is not our job. However, we also don’t want the animals on the road. I have seen too many get hurt,” said the sheriff.
The commissioner’s court minutes from Aug. 16, 1905 show a petition was presented by M. Webb and 190 others as “freeholders” (landowners) throughout Montague County. The petition asked for an election to determine whether horses, mules, Jacks, Jennets and cattle shall be permitted to run at large in the county.

Read the full story in the mid-week News.

A Cowdex sign posted on a sign indicates the landowner’s registration in the county sheriff’s electronic database of livestock owners. (Courtesy photo)

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NEWS

Montague County lifts burn ban

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Montague County Judge Kevin Benton has signed an order lifting the outdoor burn ban effective Oct. 7.

Persons are still urged to be cautious when they are out working in the countryside to avoid any spark that could cause a wildfire.

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Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival schedule, downtown map

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Oct 2
5-8 p.m. – Fall Sip & Stroll With Me, throughout downtown Bowie. Purchase the required armbands and wineglass at 101 E. Pecan or at a participating merchant for $15. Fiddlers will be jamming and horse-drawn carriage rides
Oct. 3
8 a.m. – Pickleball Tournament at The Blade in Pelham Park.
9-10 a.m. – Fiddler registration, Bowie Fire Hall, 203 Walnut
10 a.m. – Championship fiddler’s contest begins.
10 a.m. – 4 p.m. – Piston Heads Auto Club Antique and Classic Car Show, Tarrant Street between Mason and Smythe. Registration 9-11 a.m., awards at 3 p.m. Mason and Smythe for entrance
10 a.m.- 4 p.m. – Heritage Market with food vendors, crafts, gifts, home decor and more. Set up on the plaza area on Smythe Street. Kid’s Coop inflatables and pedal cars on the bank parking lot. Horse-drawn carriage rides will be offered.
10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Montague County Creative Arts exhibit and contest at the Bowie Library, 301 Walnut.
11:30 a.m.- Pumpkin sweep contest, egg toss and egg race games in front of the main stage on Smythe Street.
2 p.m. – Art exhibit awards reception at the library.
3 p.m. – Drawing for a bass guitar at fiddler stage in the fire hall,
3 p.m. – Piston Heads Auto Club Show awards, show registration table on Tarrant Street.

Live performances – Main Street stage on Smythe
10 a.m. – Bowie Youth Cheerleaders: Pee-Wee third and fourth graders.
10:30 a.m. – Bowie Intermediate students (third-fifth grade).
11 a.m. – Bowie youth cheerleaders: Juniors fifth and sixth graders.
11:15 a.m. – Ava Layne Bryan, 13-year-old singer from Alvord.
Noon – Bowie youth cheerleaders: Midgets first and second graders.
12:15 p.m. – Rising Stars Performing Arts Center.

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NEWS

Hymns for the Hungry to support God’s Table

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Hymns for the Hungry is an event organized by Bowie First Methodist Church to benefit God’s Table, the food ministry operated out of First Freewill Baptist Church of Bowie six nights a week.
This event allows surrounding churches or organizations to share their gift of music to benefit God’s Table. This year’s Hymns for the Hungry will be 5 to 8 p.m. on Oct. 25 at the Bowie Community Center, 413 Pelham.
Admission fee is $1.00. Last year, this event raised more than $15,000 thanks to local sponsors and community’s participation. God’s Table depends on this fundraiser which is operated by volunteers from across the community.
Help by attending this event and supporting God’s Table. “Meal deals” of a hot dog, chips, and drink will be served for $5. Dessert is by donation.
Cakes will be auctioned off intermittently throughout the event, and anyone is welcome to bring one to donate. Drawings for gift cards to local establishments also will take place. All proceeds will go directly to God’s Table, which is now feeding approximately 100 people each night.
If you would like to participate or need more information call or text Jarae Scruggs @ 940-841-1212, or you may call the Bowie First Methodist Church office directly at 940-872-3384.

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