In early granger days, and while the sand hills were passing to title under the section homestead act, we heard stories of feudal despots known as "cattle barons." But always these bold, bad buccaneers were "over the hill," somewhere. They were elusive, and no one ever quite "met up" with one.

A few half insane bachelors like John Krause, added a touch of realism to the stories told. But the real ranchers of the sand hills were fellows like Charles Tulleys, Festus Carothers, Everett Eldred, Ed Meyers, John Batchelor, Avery Brothers, L. E. Ballinger, George Richardson, Smith Brothers and scores of others that could be named.

A number of the younger ranchmen obtained their start from such men as Festus Carothers. Some very successful young men have been "put upon their feet" by this enterprising and splendid old man of the Hills, more than once, before they succeeded in getting a grip upon themselves.

Some of the Sand Hill ranches are landed empires.

Eldred's ranch in northern Garden county contains about four townships. He runs vast herds -- probably more than 10,000 cattle and 1000 horses. In the big storm of March, 1913, fifteen hundred cattle were lost by their drifting into Swan lake.

The Avery ranches are also large. Charles has a ranch covering two townships, and well stocked. Sam also has a fine ranch. Fine hay meadows, and a hunting lodge on one of the Avery lakes, built for the accommodation of friends and visitors, is the way Avery Brothers do things.