John Chisum

Born: August 15, 1824, Hardeman County, Tennessee
Died: December 20, 1884 (age 59), Eureka Springs, Arkansas

John Simpson Chisum was a wealthy cattle baron in the American West in the mid-to-late 1880s. The Chisum's family moved to Texas in 1837, with Chisum finding work as a building contractor. He also served as county clerk in Lamar County.

1. He obtained land along the Pecos River by right of occupancy and eventually became the owner of a large ranch in the Bosque Grande, about forty miles south of , with over 100,000 head of cattle. Where is forty miles north of the Bosque Grande?

• Fort Sumner, New Mexico
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Silver City, New Mexico

2. In 1866-67, Chisum formed a partnership with cattlemen Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving to assemble and drive herds of cattle for sale to the Army in Fort Sumner and Santa Fe, New Mexico, to provide cattle to miners in Colorado as well as provide cattle to the Bell Ranch.

• Fact or Myth?

3. While living in Bolivar, Texas, he lived with a young slave girl named Jensie and had two daughters with her. The relationship is described in the book, "Three Ranches West."

• Fact or Myth?

4. John had an extended family living with him at the South Springs ranch in Roswell, and this family, along with hired help, often numbered two dozen at the main ranch headquarters. Chisum's niece Sallie Chisum, the daughter of his brother James, became a beloved figure in the area where she lived until 1934.

• Fact or Myth?

5. Chisum was a business associate of a principal figure in the Lincoln County War. With money, advice, and influence behind the scenes, he played a role in the dispute between the opposing factions of cattle farmers and business owners. Who was the business associate?

• Alexander McSween
• John Mix
• George Allen

6. Billy the Kid escaped from custody and went to see Chisum. Billy believed he was owed money, but Chisum refused to pay, claiming that he had given Billy horses, supplies, and protection over the years in lieu of payment. Billy the Kid responded by promising to steal enough cattle to make up this sum.

• $50
• $500
• $5,000

7. In 1880, who did Chisum help getting elected as sheriff of Lincoln County?

• Charles Goodnight
• Bill Cody
• Pat Garrett

8. The historic Chisum Trail began from the little town, across the desert of Texas then north to the Pecos Valley in southeastern New Mexico. Where did the trail begin?

• Paris, Texas
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• El Paso, Texas

9. After the Lincoln County War ended in 1881, what illness did Chisum contract and survive?

• TB
• Small Pox
• Polio

10. Where is John Chisum buried?

• Texas State Cemetery, Austin, Texas
• Old Fort Sumner Cemetery, Fort Sumner, New Mexico
• Private Cemetery, Paris, Texas

John Chisum Answers

1. Fort Sumner, New Mexico
2. Fact
3. Fact
4. Fact
5. Alexander McSween
6. $500
7. Pat Garrett
8. Paris, Texas
9. Small Pox
10. Private Cemetery, Paris, Texas

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