Way back up there someone asked if sheepmen could be considered ranchers, too.

I was speaking with my dad this AM and asked him if they used to call those who raised sheep "ranchers." His reply was no, they always called them "sonabitches!"

John, I think it is a small distinction, too, just wanted to make it clear that owners could also be cowboys. IN the earlier days, also, I am not so sure that non-owning wouldn't have been welcome. There was a good deal of respect and leeway given to those who'd been out on the range for along time, etc. when they came to town, plus on my gret-granddad's ranch, at least, the hired hands spent mealtimes and evening times with the family at the main house, no division according to any kind of class thing. FWIW

Sad to say I've just heard my dad's cousin, still ranching my other ancestor's original homestead, up before dawn to feed, etc., died of a heart attack this past Sunday. We will be going up on Saturday for the services at the ranch where he will be buried on a hill. He was a tall lanky sort, typical in blue jeans and snap button shirts. He came to my mom's service with red bailing twine in his back pocket from feeding cattle that morning. RIP, "Uncle" Barton.

Thanks,

kat