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Colonel WM. Edgar Hughes Of The Mill Iron Born 1840. Came from Illinois to Texas, 1859. During Civil War rose from private, 1st Texas Artillery, to Colonel in 16th Cavalry. Was in bloody battles of Shiloh, Chickamauga, Nashville, Richmond. After war, when “didn’t have 2 pair of pants”, taught school and read law in Weatherford. As lawyer, took many land cases. In 7 years became organized and president, City Bank of Dallas (now 1st National, Dallas). Later an officer in Exchange Bank, Dallas, Union Trust Co., St. Louis, Continental Trust Col, Denver. In 1880 bought half interest in Mill Iron Ranch. Purchased small holdings from peace to Red River—Bridle Bits, DV’s, Diamond D’s and others. Range lay in Childress, Cottle, Hall, Montly counties. In 1885 added windmills, wells, to run large herds—up to 50,000 in early years used dugouts, chuck wagons for headquarters. First small ranch house was built at Windmill 62, near Estelline. Bought out Rocking Chair Ranch, Collingsorth County, 1896. Until 1898 ran only longhorns. Was said to have had the largest men, most practical jokers, longest cattle drives, biggest horses in Texas. He sold off the last Mill Iron herd in 1918 – year of his death. (1965) |
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 Childress County Formed from Young and Bexar Territories Created August 21, 1876 Organized April 11, 1887 Named in honor of George Campbell Childress (1804-1840) A member of the Convention in 1836 Co-author of the Texas Declaration of Independence Childress, the county Seat |
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