Trying to Beat the System A Northeast Nevada Rancher During the
Great Depression, circa 1920s-1930s  He had a cattle kingdom,
but a small one as bovine empires go. Nevertheless, the rancher
still had a feeling of power that comes from owning cows and
land. Every time he rode out to his herd, each burned with his
brand, a feeling of ownership and pride engulfed his whole body.
Dang, but it felt good! He was king of all he could see from his
leather throne.  About the only burrs under his saddle were the
county commissioners and cattle prices. They made a crown of
thorns for him to wear. Why couldn't the commissioners and sales
money go his way, at least occasionally? He was doing his best
to make a decent living.  One of his biggest gripes was the
condition of the county road running by his ranch. Bone jarring
potholes, back wrenching ruts, and mud and more mud raised his
blood pressure to dangerous limits. After asking, begging, and
demanding that the county keep the road in reasonable driving
condition, he c