Henry Clay McGonagill was born on September 24, 1879 to George M. McGonagill (1841 - 1921) and Narcissa Josephine "Grandma" Haynes McGonagill (1839 - 1935) in Sweet Home, Texas. His family were ranchers and he grew up in West Texas and Southeastern New Mexico as they finally settled in Lea County. It was there that … Continue reading Clay McGonagill
rodeo
Dale “Tuffy” Cooper
Tuffy Cooper was born November 7, 1925 in Lovington, New Mexico to Alaska J. Cooper (1894-1959) and Tommie Lou Bingham Cooper (1904-1990). His grandparents were James Wesley Cooper (1858-1941) and Iolia M. Weir Cooper (1868-1940) and Thomas Swindell Bingham (1872-1944) and Louella Mae Simcoe Bingham (1874-1950). Tuffy’s fraternal grandparents came to New Mexico in 1906, … Continue reading Dale “Tuffy” Cooper
Fern Sawyer
“She died in the saddle, surrounded by friends.” said Peter Holt, as quoted in the October 21, 1993 issue of the Lincoln County News, Carrizozo, New Mexico. Most recently Ms. Sawyer had resided in Nogal, Lincoln County, New Mexico. Fern Sawyer was born at Buchanan, De Baca County, New Mexico, on May 17, 1917 to … Continue reading Fern Sawyer
Jake McClure
Sources include 60th Anniversary commemorative program for the Lea County Fair and Rodeo in 1995, newspaper articles and traditional genealogical sites: The Jake McClure Arena was constructed under the management of the Lea County Sheriff’s Posse and is dedicated to Jake McClure. Roy Leonard "Jake" McClure was born November 26, 1902 in Amarillo, Potter County, … Continue reading Jake McClure
Old Baldy
The unique funeral of a prominent Lovington personality was held in the quiet of the day here Monday. Not many people witnessed the burial. There was no singing, preaching, or flowers, but this personality will be missed by most all of Lovington. Old Baldy, 28-year-old roping horse owned by Troy Fort, has been laid to … Continue reading Old Baldy
Lea County Fair and Rodeo
[Transcribed from the 60th Anniversary Collector’s Edition of the Lea County Fair and Rodeo program for the event held August 5-12, 1995] The History of the Lea County Fair and Rodeo In 1935, the editor of the Lovington Daily Leader, Luke Roberts, led an effort to boost farming in this area and a meeting of … Continue reading Lea County Fair and Rodeo
Old Lea County, N.M. 