The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-06-07

But Sambo. knowing the charsctsrasties
of his master, didn't kill the chickens. He
corralled them and built light inciosure
for them and the mint crop was saved.
Colonel Williams Is lover Of horse
flesh. That was one Of his reasons for
coming to St Louis last week. He wanted
to see the races. He Is not plunRsr. hut
he lays a few bets on the horses Just to
make the races interesting
Being unable to see all the racing that
his heart desired. he laid out a portion Of
his land on the Lamar County ranch and
built race track The race track fronts
the gallery Of his home. 1t isn't everyone
that can have his own race track, but he
has his.
During certain seasons OF the year racs
meets are held on the farm. and some Of
the best horses In Northern Texas are seen
there Admission Is by invitation only.
Colonel Williams doesn't look like an
old man. but he has been here a good while.
When one asks his age he gets this answer:
"F1fty-three summers: I'm not saying
anything about the winters"
But Colonel Williams doesn't appear to
be over 50 years old. and he may not be.
But he has had an interesting career for q
man who has just turned the half-century
mark.
He has spent the greater part Of his life
In Texas He laid the foundation for his
immense fortune when he secured posses
sion Of lands in Lamar County, which
later yielded rich returns. Pine lumber
proved to be the great source Of revenues
from these lands.
VERY COURAGEOUS
He served as United States Marshal for
Northern Texas during the last administra-
ton OF President Cleveland. and gained q
reputation for bravery. He Is fearless, save
in few instances. He II morally afraid Of
a bear rattlesnake or a graveyard. He Is
not afraid of anything else.
Many time a six-shooter has been
ho!sted before his face. but 1t has never
been recorded that he ever WINGED and the
respect that the people Of Northern Texas
have for the man would seem to prove the
statement
He was instrumental in running down the
Dalton gang. and other noted criminals Of
me Territory owe the shortening OF their
career to him.
But the Colonel has friends amonr All
classes. Every one swears by him, and
there Is many a man In Texas who would
lay down his life for the richest man in
Lamar County.
On the Lamar ranch there are plenty Of
types TO interest visitors. but guest in
the Williams home Is always afforded
something in the way OF unusual enter
talnment.
One OF the novelties is barn dance.
Ihess dances are the society events of
Lamar County. and when invitations 70
out to one Of these functions only serious
sickness or death will prevent an &C.
ceptance.
For miles and miles. In all directions, the
invited travel to the Williams barn dances.
and the events Of the night furnish food
Tor Lamar County society gossip for weeks
thereafter.
To the public there Il always lemonade.
cake and other coed things In evidence, and
hidden away. safe from the observance Of
me ladies' can be found some Of the elixir
Tor which Kentucky Is famous, and for
which Colonel Williams Is particular has
gained name in hospitable Lamar County.
disturbances never mar the dances at the
Williams home. The cowboy no matter how
'ough he may be. knows that he Ia in the
home of gentleman Of the plains: knows
hat the ladies' with whom he IL asaociatfng
Ire as good as any women on earth. and
lie knows. furthermore. that Shep Williams
tands for no foolishness when ths peace Of
he ladies are to be considered, and he who
starts something will suffer.
Those who have attended festivities at the
williams home say that they are affairs of
'piendor and q Joy forever.
Since his retirement as United States Mar.
nal he has never taken an active part In
Texas politics. although his support 10
ought by those who need votes. senatcr
lose friends and 1t Is said by the Coloners
rfends-not BY the Coionel-that he can get
lmost anything that he wants, politically.
But he doesn't want Office. At his home In
-amar County he has everything that man
esires. Happiness on the Williams ranch
; distributed In large orders and he sits on
is front verapda Of an evening. looks at
he expanse OF land which Is his, looks at
is herds OF shorthorns and Hcrefords,
ooks at his Texas steers. his hogr ana his
heep. looks at the little homes Of those
rho work xealousIy for him twelve months
n the year; looks at his crops long planted
nd almost ready for harvest; looks at his
ace track. at fine home, the pride OF
he Texas plains. and last but far from
east. he looks at the acre bed Of trans-
lanted Kentucky mint. and rests content,
eciding after his moments soliioquy tina.
e wouldn't trade places with any mar in
he world.
Come to the great. the grand and tbs
lorious St1te of Texas" Is the adyica az
Coloner' Shep Williams