| Notes |
- Mr. Curt Lee's father was the Cowboy/Outlaw Oliver Lee.
Oliver Lee was the manager of the Circle "C" Ranch of N.Mex.
The Prather Ranches surrounded the Circle "C" Ranch and the Prathers
often worked at their neighbors ranch. Owen Prather was on the "Last Round-up"
of the Circle "C" (Cross) Ranch. The Prathers Ranches were also very large.
Walt Disney made a movie about John Prather, the owener of one Ranch. The
name of the movie was"Scandelist John". Some of the Prather family had "bit"
parts in the movie.
All the families in the area around this area were related in son way.
Oliver Lee was accused of killing Colonel Faintain but was exonerated.
Sheriff Pat Garrett (of Billy the Kid fame) once tried to kill Oliver but was
not successful .(this was known as the battle of"Wildy Well".
Pat Garrett had the reputation of being an alcoholic and extorsinist among the
ranchers in that area. The Ranchers were tired of having to "loan" Garrett
money to loose at El Paso gambling tables. There was no end to his extorsion,
sometimes gambling away their money at the rate of $5,000 a night. There was
no love for Pat Garrett by the Prather family of the others Ranchers.
Mr.G.W. Lewis ordered a "hit" on Pat Garrett. His killer was brought to trial
but was found NOT guilty by the court. Most people thought Pat Garrett
deserved to die. (Mr. G.W.Lewis was related to the Prather family)
Sheriff Pat Garrett was consealing information about the "questionable"
business practices of the ranchers in the area.
John Prather later lost his ranch when the government took it to enlarge the
Mcgregor Missel Range (28,000 acres).
Owen Prather,Johns brother,later sold his ranch to the General Elect. Co. out
of fear of the government possibly taking it from him.(41,000 acres).
The Prather Ranches remain in dispute between government and family claims
today.
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