Walter Cochran Moved To Jal Ranch In 1883
The article recounts Walter Colquitt Cochran and his role among early Texas ranchers. Cochran moved cattle from the JAL ranch in spring 1885, naming his outfit Muleshoe. He later relocated his family to Midland in 1891 and restricted ranching to the Texas side after selling in 1893. L. A. Gillett visited Jal on Friday.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Walter Cochran
Jal Ranch
Walter Colquitt Cochran
Cochran
White Sands
Qeckberry Grove
Jal Growth Tied to New Rail Line and Highways
The 1930 Texas and New Mexico Railway link from Mona to Lovington spurred Jal’s celebration as Route 18 paving connected Lovington to Hobbs and the state line while Texas Highway 82 to Monahans opened a key outlet. Wanda Owen joined the secretarial staff of the New Mexico Electrical Service Company.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Texas and New Mexico Railway
T-P
Monahans
Lovington
Jal
Hobbs
State Line
Wanda Owen
The Teacher Had to Show What Rain Was
Jim Bryant recalls a rural teaching moment when a teacher demonstrated rain from a rooftop bucket and dipper to illustrate geography. The scene, told by an old-timer, captures rustic humor and a practical classroom tactic.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jim Bryant
Jim
Barbecue Feast Promised as Beef Donation Grows
A rustling committee led by Walter Pendleton and Ralph Baird says several whole beeves are ready for slaughter and barbecuing. Beef donated by Jat ranchers ensures plenty for all, with extra fat cattle spotted west of town if shortages arise.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Walter Pendleton
Ralph Baird
Mr. Pendleton
Ralph
C W Cowden Leaves Jal For Air School
C W Cowden plans aviation mechanics training leaving the JAL ranch west of Jal. He faces choice of Dallas or California for school while his cattle operation is sold to Malcolm Madera. Mrs Cowden and children look forward to their move as the grandfather’s frontier era is recalled.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Lea County
C. W. Cowden
Jal
C. W
J.A.L. Ranch
Dallas
California
Madera
Knight
Malcolm Madera
Cowden
Jal oil boom sparks steady growth and long life
The Jal oil field, first yielding in 1927, rebounded after a ghost town period to support sustained business since 1936. Roy Stovall Culberson and Irwin drilled the East side discovery, yielding 1600 barrels then a 3000 barrel offset. The West and East fields differ by lime and sand formations, with 15 drilling strings active by 1930s end and prospects seen across West and East lands.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jal
Drouth
Roy Stovall
Cul‘berson
Irwin
Wayne Production Company
East Side
Stovall
George Davis
Permian Basin
J M. Whitworth
Acme Lumber Company
Ochoa
Post Office History and Key Figures in Jal
The article recalls a 1928 townsite fight that moved the post office to the building now housing McAllister's Bar. After Stuart's death Miss Bish became postmaster and remains in that role. Justis died at 90 last year. he and his two Jal-born sons Hugo and Webb carried mail early on. The post office was moved to its current location after Stuart died.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
McAllister’s
Jal
Hugo
Webb
Stuart
Loca
Also Mentioned on This Page
New Mexico
Palo Pinto County
Georgia
Texas
Mr. Cochran
Ers
L. A. Gillett
Scottish Rite
Santa Fe
Mexico
Electrical Service
Compa
Roberts & Roberts
Vijal
Atourbar
Strateway
Jimmie Satterwhite
Virg Carnahan
Air School
Hackberries
Hubbs
Justis
C. W. Cowden, Sr
Monument Draw
Abilene
Pyote
Heal Ranches
Wink
North
Whitworth
Sunray
Amerada
Gulf
Phillips
Italy
Anderson and Pritchard
Northshore
Schermerhorn
Plains Production
Continental
Post Office
Miss Bish
the Post
Ing. Justis
Tion
Featuring
Robinson
Jal Food Store
This is just the beginning! Our collection holds over 300 years of history, including rare newspapers, obituaries, marriage records, birth records, and so much more—most of which you won’t find anywhere else!