Early Maturing - Market Toppers

S.M.S. Ranch - Swenson Bros

Publication: Lechtman Printing Co, 1916, Kansas City

First edition. 6" x 9" in colorful pictorial wrappers showing an illustration of a group of "S.M.S. Standard Calves, Finished in the Corn Belt," on the front wrapper and an illustration of cattle grazing and with three men on horseback in the foreground. Seven pages of "Comments on Illustrations" by Frank S. Hastings, Manager of the S.M.S. Ranch, followed by 67 pages of captioned photo illustrations. The pages of photos are followed by 39 pages of text offering information on the sale of cattle; breeding; general observations about the ranch; glimpses into ranch life; and information on Spur Ranch lands. The S.M.S. Ranch was founded by Swen Magnus Swenson, a Swedish immigrant who moved to Texas in 1838. He was first involved in mercantile enterprises in Columbia, LaGrange, and Austin. He is best known in Texas as the founder of the S.M.S. Ranches near Stamford, Throckmorton, Tongue River, and Flattop, according to his brief biography in the Handbook of Texas (Austin, TX:1986, vol. 2, pp.697-8). The ranches stretched over a vast section of Texas, occupying parts of twelve counties in West Texas. Wrappers lightly worn, especially to edges and spine. Very good.