December 18, 1941 (Alamogordo Weekly News)-
OLIVER M. LEE, 76, TAKEN BY DEATH
The death of Oliver Milton Lee occured at his home here at 9:30 p.m. Monday, after his having relapsed into a coma more than a week before, when he had been seized by a paralytic stroke. Mr. Lee had suffered a heart attack several months ago, and had not been active since.
Death thus ended a long and active career in the Southwest, and the life of one of the most prominent, respected and picturesque characters.
Mr. Lee was born in Buffalo Gap, Bernie County, Texas, on November 8, 1865. His father, also Oliver Milton Lee, who died when the younger Oliver was only 12 years of age, had a career in California, beginning with the gold rush of 1849, and later remained to operate the first extensive wheat farm in that state.
Young Oliver Lee came to New Mexico at the age of 19, accompanied by a half-brother, Perry Altman, and two negro boys of 16 years. The group brought with them several hundred head of horses. In the entire trek from Buffalo Gap to this valley, they did not lose a single horse, Mr. Lee told his children. The negro boys who accompanied him here were known as "Nigger Ed" and "Efe", and remained with Mr. Lee in his ranching operations until their deaths.
Enroute here from Texas, the group arrived at Mescalero, where they met Cherokee Bill noted frontier character. Cherokee Bill advised them that in this valley there were two canyons which, with a little fencing, would each hold a thousand head of cattle. Accompanying the Texans, Cherokee Bill led them to Dog and Escondido Canyons, south of here.
On the delta at the mouth of Dog Canyon, Mr. Lee established his home ranch, and the old ranch house yet stands as a land mark, although now abandoned. (Now a state park.)
He used the Circle Cross brand which still exists. By the time he sold his first ranch to the Circle Cross Cattle Company, his holdings had reached a million acres. He was active in the Circle Cross Cattle Co., and until the time of his death, he held and operated extensive ranching interests in the southern part of Otero County.
In San Antonio, Texas, Mr. Lee was married to Winnie P. Rhodes (sic.) of Dona Ana County, N.M. To this union were born nine children, seven of whom survive, along with Mrs. Lee. Children surviving are: Oliver M., Jr., Curtis, Don, Vincent, and Mrs. Robert Stevens, all of Alamogordo; Mrs. Henry Kennison, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and Jack Lee, of the Army Air Corps, Phoenix, Arizona. Mary and Robert sucumbed several years ago. Also surviving are seven grand children.
Mr. Lee had, for many years, been prominent in Republican county and state politics. He served as Republican county chairman for many years.
In 1918, he was elected to state legislature as representative from the 30th district. In 1920, he was elected state senator from the 18th district. In 1922, he was elected state representative from the 17th district. In 1924, he was elected as state representative from the 30th district. In 1926, he was elected to the state senate from the 15th district. In 1928, he was elected state senator from the 15th district. His first political defeat was in the vast Democratic landslide of 1932 when he ran for state land commissioner.
In the early 1930's Mr. Lee was chosen as director of the Wichita Federal Land Bank, which post he held for several years. Mr. Lee was active in the organization of the N. M. Cattlemen's Association, and had represented that organization on many occasions. He was regarded as one of the best informed cattlemen of the state.
Funeral services were conducted from the Geren and Leadinghan Chapel at 3:00 p. m. Wednesday, with a host of friends present from many parts of the state, to pay last tribute. Pallbearers were nephews of the deceased: A. B., Hal and Jim Cox, of Las Cruces; Earl and Neal Graham of Engle; and William McNew of Oro Grande.
All children and grandchildren were present for the funeral. Other relatives here included Mrs. Dugan Sowell, a niece, of Engle, and Mrs. Ema Altman, a sister-in-law, of El Paso. The funeral was conducted by "Preacher" Lewis, picturesque and widely known Episcopal rector of Mesilla Park.
OLIVER M. LEE, 76, TAKEN BY DEATH
The death of Oliver Milton Lee occured at his home here at 9:30 p.m. Monday, after his having relapsed into a coma more than a week before, when he had been seized by a paralytic stroke. Mr. Lee had suffered a heart attack several months ago, and had not been active since.
Death thus ended a long and active career in the Southwest, and the life of one of the most prominent, respected and picturesque characters.
Mr. Lee was born in Buffalo Gap, Bernie County, Texas, on November 8, 1865. His father, also Oliver Milton Lee, who died when the younger Oliver was only 12 years of age, had a career in California, beginning with the gold rush of 1849, and later remained to operate the first extensive wheat farm in that state.
Young Oliver Lee came to New Mexico at the age of 19, accompanied by a half-brother, Perry Altman, and two negro boys of 16 years. The group brought with them several hundred head of horses. In the entire trek from Buffalo Gap to this valley, they did not lose a single horse, Mr. Lee told his children. The negro boys who accompanied him here were known as "Nigger Ed" and "Efe", and remained with Mr. Lee in his ranching operations until their deaths.
Enroute here from Texas, the group arrived at Mescalero, where they met Cherokee Bill noted frontier character. Cherokee Bill advised them that in this valley there were two canyons which, with a little fencing, would each hold a thousand head of cattle. Accompanying the Texans, Cherokee Bill led them to Dog and Escondido Canyons, south of here.
On the delta at the mouth of Dog Canyon, Mr. Lee established his home ranch, and the old ranch house yet stands as a land mark, although now abandoned. (Now a state park.)
He used the Circle Cross brand which still exists. By the time he sold his first ranch to the Circle Cross Cattle Company, his holdings had reached a million acres. He was active in the Circle Cross Cattle Co., and until the time of his death, he held and operated extensive ranching interests in the southern part of Otero County.
In San Antonio, Texas, Mr. Lee was married to Winnie P. Rhodes (sic.) of Dona Ana County, N.M. To this union were born nine children, seven of whom survive, along with Mrs. Lee. Children surviving are: Oliver M., Jr., Curtis, Don, Vincent, and Mrs. Robert Stevens, all of Alamogordo; Mrs. Henry Kennison, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and Jack Lee, of the Army Air Corps, Phoenix, Arizona. Mary and Robert sucumbed several years ago. Also surviving are seven grand children.
Mr. Lee had, for many years, been prominent in Republican county and state politics. He served as Republican county chairman for many years.
In 1918, he was elected to state legislature as representative from the 30th district. In 1920, he was elected state senator from the 18th district. In 1922, he was elected state representative from the 17th district. In 1924, he was elected as state representative from the 30th district. In 1926, he was elected to the state senate from the 15th district. In 1928, he was elected state senator from the 15th district. His first political defeat was in the vast Democratic landslide of 1932 when he ran for state land commissioner.
In the early 1930's Mr. Lee was chosen as director of the Wichita Federal Land Bank, which post he held for several years. Mr. Lee was active in the organization of the N. M. Cattlemen's Association, and had represented that organization on many occasions. He was regarded as one of the best informed cattlemen of the state.
Funeral services were conducted from the Geren and Leadinghan Chapel at 3:00 p. m. Wednesday, with a host of friends present from many parts of the state, to pay last tribute. Pallbearers were nephews of the deceased: A. B., Hal and Jim Cox, of Las Cruces; Earl and Neal Graham of Engle; and William McNew of Oro Grande.
All children and grandchildren were present for the funeral. Other relatives here included Mrs. Dugan Sowell, a niece, of Engle, and Mrs. Ema Altman, a sister-in-law, of El Paso. The funeral was conducted by "Preacher" Lewis, picturesque and widely known Episcopal rector of Mesilla Park.
December 18, 1941 (Alamogordo Weekly News)-
OLIVER M. LEE, 76, TAKEN BY DEATH
The death of Oliver Milton Lee occured at his home here at 9:30 p.m. Monday, after his having relapsed into a coma more than a week before, when he had been seized by a paralytic stroke. Mr. Lee had suffered a heart attack several months ago, and had not been active since.
Death thus ended a long and active career in the Southwest, and the life of one of the most prominent, respected and picturesque characters.
Mr. Lee was born in Buffalo Gap, Bernie County, Texas, on November 8, 1865. His father, also Oliver Milton Lee, who died when the younger Oliver was only 12 years of age, had a career in California, beginning with the gold rush of 1849, and later remained to operate the first extensive wheat farm in that state.
Young Oliver Lee came to New Mexico at the age of 19, accompanied by a half-brother, Perry Altman, and two negro boys of 16 years. The group brought with them several hundred head of horses. In the entire trek from Buffalo Gap to this valley, they did not lose a single horse, Mr. Lee told his children. The negro boys who accompanied him here were known as "Nigger Ed" and "Efe", and remained with Mr. Lee in his ranching operations until their deaths.
Enroute here from Texas, the group arrived at Mescalero, where they met Cherokee Bill noted frontier character. Cherokee Bill advised them that in this valley there were two canyons which, with a little fencing, would each hold a thousand head of cattle. Accompanying the Texans, Cherokee Bill led them to Dog and Escondido Canyons, south of here.
On the delta at the mouth of Dog Canyon, Mr. Lee established his home ranch, and the old ranch house yet stands as a land mark, although now abandoned. (Now a state park.)
He used the Circle Cross brand which still exists. By the time he sold his first ranch to the Circle Cross Cattle Company, his holdings had reached a million acres. He was active in the Circle Cross Cattle Co., and until the time of his death, he held and operated extensive ranching interests in the southern part of Otero County.
In San Antonio, Texas, Mr. Lee was married to Winnie P. Rhodes (sic.) of Dona Ana County, N.M. To this union were born nine children, seven of whom survive, along with Mrs. Lee. Children surviving are: Oliver M., Jr., Curtis, Don, Vincent, and Mrs. Robert Stevens, all of Alamogordo; Mrs. Henry Kennison, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and Jack Lee, of the Army Air Corps, Phoenix, Arizona. Mary and Robert sucumbed several years ago. Also surviving are seven grand children.
Mr. Lee had, for many years, been prominent in Republican county and state politics. He served as Republican county chairman for many years.
In 1918, he was elected to state legislature as representative from the 30th district. In 1920, he was elected state senator from the 18th district. In 1922, he was elected state representative from the 17th district. In 1924, he was elected as state representative from the 30th district. In 1926, he was elected to the state senate from the 15th district. In 1928, he was elected state senator from the 15th district. His first political defeat was in the vast Democratic landslide of 1932 when he ran for state land commissioner.
In the early 1930's Mr. Lee was chosen as director of the Wichita Federal Land Bank, which post he held for several years. Mr. Lee was active in the organization of the N. M. Cattlemen's Association, and had represented that organization on many occasions. He was regarded as one of the best informed cattlemen of the state.
Funeral services were conducted from the Geren and Leadinghan Chapel at 3:00 p. m. Wednesday, with a host of friends present from many parts of the state, to pay last tribute. Pallbearers were nephews of the deceased: A. B., Hal and Jim Cox, of Las Cruces; Earl and Neal Graham of Engle; and William McNew of Oro Grande.
All children and grandchildren were present for the funeral. Other relatives here included Mrs. Dugan Sowell, a niece, of Engle, and Mrs. Ema Altman, a sister-in-law, of El Paso. The funeral was conducted by "Preacher" Lewis, picturesque and widely known Episcopal rector of Mesilla Park.
OLIVER M. LEE, 76, TAKEN BY DEATH
The death of Oliver Milton Lee occured at his home here at 9:30 p.m. Monday, after his having relapsed into a coma more than a week before, when he had been seized by a paralytic stroke. Mr. Lee had suffered a heart attack several months ago, and had not been active since.
Death thus ended a long and active career in the Southwest, and the life of one of the most prominent, respected and picturesque characters.
Mr. Lee was born in Buffalo Gap, Bernie County, Texas, on November 8, 1865. His father, also Oliver Milton Lee, who died when the younger Oliver was only 12 years of age, had a career in California, beginning with the gold rush of 1849, and later remained to operate the first extensive wheat farm in that state.
Young Oliver Lee came to New Mexico at the age of 19, accompanied by a half-brother, Perry Altman, and two negro boys of 16 years. The group brought with them several hundred head of horses. In the entire trek from Buffalo Gap to this valley, they did not lose a single horse, Mr. Lee told his children. The negro boys who accompanied him here were known as "Nigger Ed" and "Efe", and remained with Mr. Lee in his ranching operations until their deaths.
Enroute here from Texas, the group arrived at Mescalero, where they met Cherokee Bill noted frontier character. Cherokee Bill advised them that in this valley there were two canyons which, with a little fencing, would each hold a thousand head of cattle. Accompanying the Texans, Cherokee Bill led them to Dog and Escondido Canyons, south of here.
On the delta at the mouth of Dog Canyon, Mr. Lee established his home ranch, and the old ranch house yet stands as a land mark, although now abandoned. (Now a state park.)
He used the Circle Cross brand which still exists. By the time he sold his first ranch to the Circle Cross Cattle Company, his holdings had reached a million acres. He was active in the Circle Cross Cattle Co., and until the time of his death, he held and operated extensive ranching interests in the southern part of Otero County.
In San Antonio, Texas, Mr. Lee was married to Winnie P. Rhodes (sic.) of Dona Ana County, N.M. To this union were born nine children, seven of whom survive, along with Mrs. Lee. Children surviving are: Oliver M., Jr., Curtis, Don, Vincent, and Mrs. Robert Stevens, all of Alamogordo; Mrs. Henry Kennison, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas; and Jack Lee, of the Army Air Corps, Phoenix, Arizona. Mary and Robert sucumbed several years ago. Also surviving are seven grand children.
Mr. Lee had, for many years, been prominent in Republican county and state politics. He served as Republican county chairman for many years.
In 1918, he was elected to state legislature as representative from the 30th district. In 1920, he was elected state senator from the 18th district. In 1922, he was elected state representative from the 17th district. In 1924, he was elected as state representative from the 30th district. In 1926, he was elected to the state senate from the 15th district. In 1928, he was elected state senator from the 15th district. His first political defeat was in the vast Democratic landslide of 1932 when he ran for state land commissioner.
In the early 1930's Mr. Lee was chosen as director of the Wichita Federal Land Bank, which post he held for several years. Mr. Lee was active in the organization of the N. M. Cattlemen's Association, and had represented that organization on many occasions. He was regarded as one of the best informed cattlemen of the state.
Funeral services were conducted from the Geren and Leadinghan Chapel at 3:00 p. m. Wednesday, with a host of friends present from many parts of the state, to pay last tribute. Pallbearers were nephews of the deceased: A. B., Hal and Jim Cox, of Las Cruces; Earl and Neal Graham of Engle; and William McNew of Oro Grande.
All children and grandchildren were present for the funeral. Other relatives here included Mrs. Dugan Sowell, a niece, of Engle, and Mrs. Ema Altman, a sister-in-law, of El Paso. The funeral was conducted by "Preacher" Lewis, picturesque and widely known Episcopal rector of Mesilla Park.
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