Historical Marker
"The Poet Ranchman" Larry Chittenden
Historical marker location:
Stamford, Texas
( grounds of Cowboy Reunion Headquarters, 0.75 mile west of Stamford town square, on US 277/92)
Marker installed: 1970
(March 23, 1862 - Sept. 24, 1934)
Author of "Cowboys' Christmas Ball" - cited for literary merit by National Folklore Society. Born in New Jersey, Chittenden first came to Texas as a sales agent. In 1884 he visited S. M. Swenson at this site; in 1887 began developing 10,000 acres of family-owned land 16 miles southwest of here. Through rough ranch life he caught spirit of the land. With publication of his "Ranch Verses" in 1893, fame was assured. He lived in Jones County for many years; gave his own library and an endowment to Anson High School. His burial place is in New Jersey.
(1970).