CottonCulturePreface

By Manford Eugene Jones
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History.
University of New Mexico, 1939

Texas A&M University History Professor Dale Baum purchased a copy of this thesis from the university's library and contributed it to this site. It is used with permission of Manford Allen Jones, son of the author Manford Eugene Jones. These electronic pages may not be reproduced in any format by other organizations or individuals. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material must obtain the written consent of Manford Allen Jones or contact Jane Keppler, Robertson County TXGenWeb coordinator.

PREFACE

The purpose of this thesis is to give a comprehensive but not too detailed account of the history of cotton production in the middle Brazos valley, in Texas. Very little printed source material could be found which dealt with this particular region. Most of the material, therefore, came from interviews with members of pioneer families whose ancestors were among the earliest settlers in this part of Texas.

The gathering of the material proved to be very interesting, as first hand accounts of the earliest history of the state are fast disappearing. It must be remembered that seventy-five years ago, most of central Texas was still a wilderness.

Another thing that added interest to the subject was the fact that the life of the writer has been spent within twenty miles of the Brazos. It is hoped that some of the flavor, atmosphere, and traditions of the place will permeate the following pages.

The author wishes to express his appreciation to several people who have been of help to him in the preparation of this thesis. Dr. Marion Dargan, Professor of History, University of New Mexico, was a source of inspiration in connection with several courses of history. Dr. Vernon G. Sorrell, Professor of Economics and head of the Department of of Economics and Business Administration, University of New Mexico, and Dr. Louis K. Koontz, Associate Professor of History, University of California at Los Angeles were both very helpful with constructive criticism. Mary Lee, English teacher in Rosebud High School, Rosebud, Texas, rendered valuable assistance in the matter of organization and correct form for the thesis. There are many others who helped unselfishly, the most important ones being listed in the bibliography.

Especially does the author wish to acknowledge his gratitude to Lansing B. Bloom, Associate Professor of History, University of New Mexico, for his wise counsel and his patience in connection with the writing of this thesis.