Sierra County
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Ruben Philander PANKEY, born 6 Dec 1864 in Texas (parents born in Kentucky), married W. Amma (CAVITT), born 29 May 1870 in Texas, daughter of William Armstrong CAVITT (her parents born in Mississippi). She died 29 Nov 1951. He died 14 Jul 1950. Ruben and Amma had at least four children:
1. Joe Luther PANKEY, male born 01 Aug 1892 in New Mexico; died 12 Feb 1980 in T or C, Sierra County, NM, buried in Vista Memory Gardens; married about 1916 to Edith (ARMER), born 6 Aug 1896 in New Mexico, daughter of Leven Edward and Margaret (McEVOY) ARMER (parents born in California, or father born in Ohio). She died 14 Jul 1993. Joe and Edith had at least two children:1-1. Ruben Edward PANKEY, male born 22 Sep 1918or9 in Hot Springs, New Mexico; died 28 Oct 2003 in Santa Fe, Santa Fe, New Mexico
1-2. Josephine Edith PANKEY, female born 24 Oct 1925 in Hot Springs, New Mexico2. Hugh Alexander PANKEY, male born 4 Nov 1894 in New Mexico, married in 1925 to Malissa Jane EVANS (1902-1991), died 25 Jul 1959 in Riverside County, California, buried in Santa Maria Cemetery, Santa Barbara County, California
3. Lee Riley PANKEY, male born 8 May 1898 in New Mexico, died 18 Dec 1979, buried in Dudley Township Cemetery, Satanta, Haskell County, Kansas, WWI Army Veteran
4. Willie W. PANKEY, male born 12 Aug 1901 in New Mexico, died 19 Sep 1969
R. P. PANKEY
W. Amma (CAVITT) PANKEY
Joseph Luther PANKEY
Reuben Philander Pankey, one of the best known ranchers of New Mexico,
has spent a life time in the cattle business and now owns one of the largest
spreads in Sierra County, known as the Morine Ranch situated some twenty-seven
miles north of Hot Springs. Mr. Pankey owns outright a total of ten thousand
acres and controls the grazing rights on sixty-seven thousand acres of land. He
owns a basic herd of five hundred high grade cattle and a large number of
registered Hereford bulls.
Reuben Philander Pankey was born in Burnett
County, Texas, on the sixth of December, 1864, a son of Philander Pankey,
pioneer Texas rancher and cattleman, native of Kentucky and a veteran of the War
with Mexico, and Mrs. Margaret (Crow) Pankey, also a native of Kentucky. Mr.
Pankey spent his early life in Burnett County where he was born and obtained his
education in such schools as were available during that period. In 1879 he went
up the old Chisholm Trail driving a herd of cattle to Dodge City, Kansas, and
Hugo, Colorado, returned to Ft. Worth, Texas, and worked there for a few months
as a water boy for the Texas and Pacific Railway Company, and then drove a team
between Cisco and Concho, Texas, until the spring of 1880 when he attended a
cattlemen's convention at Baird and from there went to the HXW Ranch near
Sweetwater where he worked as a cowboy until March, 1881.
In the spring
of 1882 Mr. Pankey drove a milk wagon in El Paso for a few months and then went
to the Republic of Mexico where he was employed for eighteen months as a cowboy
on the Carrellatos Ranch. He returned to El Paso and from there went on to
Roswell, New Mexico and worked for C. A. Bar on a ranch in Lincoln County for
two years. From 1887 until 1889 he was with the M. F. Ranch in the Davis
Mountains of Texas and in the fall of 1889 drove a herd of horses to Muscle
Shell River, Montana. He then went back to the Republic of Mexico and drove a
herd of horses to the Star Ranch at Fort Davis and was employed breaking wild
horses until the spring of 1890. After Mr. Nations bought the Circle Bar Ranch
in the Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico, Mr. Pankey was employed on this ranch
for three years and in the spring of 1891 drove a herd of steers to Clayton, New
Mexico and in the fall of that year superintended driving a herd of horses to
the Panhandle of Texas, remained there until 1893 and then drove a herd of
steers to Engle, New Mexico. Mr. Pankey worked as foreman for the A Bar M
Ranch in the San Andres Mountains for a year and also foreman of the Double
Circle outfit in the Organ Mountains near Las Cruces. In 1898 he started in
business for himself and bought a ranch south of Hillsboro and while operating
that ranch was also employed as foreman on the S. L. C. Ranch for two years. He
then bought horses for shipment to Cuba for a year, went to Seco Creek and took
up a homestead claim and moved his cattle there, bought more cattle, many of
which were brought in from the southern Republic and in 1920 sold out for
$187,000.00. Removing to Hot Springs Mr. Pankey installed the first water works
system there and also put in a wholesale gasoline business and built a hotel and
garage. He later sold out his oil business and bought several ranches and later
purchased the Morine Ranch where he now lives.
On the first of October,
1891, Mr. Pankey was married to Miss Amma Willie Cavitt, daughter of Bill
Cavitt, a rancher and oil trail driver of Bee County, Texas, and Mrs. Lizzie
(Powell) Cavitt. The four children of Mr. and Mrs. Pankey are Joseph Luther, a
rancher of Sierra County, married and the father of two children, Reuben and
Josephine Pankey; Hugh Pankey, foreman of a welding shop for a mining company,
married and the father of two children, Evelyn, a bookkeeper at Morenci,
Arizona, and Ruth Pankey; Lee Pankey, foreman for the Tillerson Cattle Company
of Florida, and William Pankey, serving as foreman on his father's ranch.
Mr. Pankey is a charter member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association
and also a member of the executive committee of the association and has a large
circle of friends among the cattlemen of New Mexico.
Joseph Luther Pankey, who is a member of a pioneer and widely known ranching
family of New Mexico, is one of the most successful cattlemen of Sierra County
and owns and operates a very large ranch property located some twenty-seven
miles northwest of the Socorro Highway. The Pankey ranch comprises a total of
one hundred and ten sections of land lying in the rugged and picturesque section
of Sierra County, and is stocked with exceptionally high grade Hereford cattle.
Mr. Pankey has owned this place since 1921.
Joseph Luther Pankey was born
in Dona Ana County, New Mexico, on the first of August, 1892, and is the eldest
son of Reuben Philander Pankey, who has been ranching in New Mexico since long
before the days of statehood, and Mrs. Amma (Cavitt) Pankey. Mr. Pankey attended
Hillsboro Public Schools in Hermosa, New Mexico. From his early youth Mr. Pankey
owned his own cattle which he ran on his father's ranch and when he became of
age he built up a herd of his own and acquired a ranch in his own name. In 1921
he sold this ranch and purchased the ranch where he now lives and has remained
there ever since. During his youth and early manhood Mr. Pankey participated in
a great many rodeos and other exhibitions as a professional bronc rider. He
retired from the show ring several years ago with a large number of trophies and
prizes to his credit.
On the fifth of July, 1916, Mr. Pankey was married
to Miss Edith Armer, a native of Kingston, New Mexico, and daughter of Mrs.
Margaret Armer. Mr. and Mrs. Pankey are the parents of two children, Reuben
Edward Pankey, a graduate of the College of Commerce of Notre Dame University,
now a cattle buyer for the Wilson Packing Company and stationed in Sao Paula,
Brazil, and Miss Josephine Edith Pankey, a student in Loretto Academy of Las
Cruces, an institution more than seventy years old. Miss Pankey is the third
generation of her family who has attended this famous educational institution.
Apart from his extensive cattle business, Mr. Pankey raises quarter horses
as a hobby. He is a member of the Sheriff's Posse and a charter member of the
New Mexico Cattle Growers Association. Religious affiliation is with the
Catholic faith.
Biographies and portraits contributed 2025 Aug 27 by Margaret Reynolds, extracted from The Historical Encyclopedia of New Mexico published in 1947 by New Mexico Historical Association, Albuquerque, New Mexico, pages 1064-1069, 1178.
Roy K. Stovall, Vice President of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association
and one of the outstanding livestock producers of New Mexico, owns and operates
the Alaman Ranch at Cutter, in Sierra County. This is one of the foremost
long-established properties in one of New Mexico's leading livestock producing
counties, located on the Santa Fe Railway and comprising one hundred ninety-two
sections of good grazing land well stocked with high grade Hereford cattle.
Roy K. Stovall was born in Stevens County, Texas, April 17, 1891, the son of
John ...
Contributed 2025 Aug 27 by Margaret Reynolds, extracted from The Historical Encyclopedia of New Mexico published in 1947 by New Mexico Historical Association, Albuquerque, New Mexico, bottom of page 1069.
Jose Ramon TEYES, born about 1830 in New Mexico,
married 28 Nov 1852 in Socorro, New Mexico, Maria Lina SILVA, born about 1835 in New Mexico.
Ramon and Lina had at least four children:
1. Juana TEYES, female, born about 1851 in New Mexico
2. Marcelo TEYES, male, born about 1853 in New Mexico
3. Soledad TEYES, female, born about 1857 in New Mexico
4. Serafin TEYES, born about 1858 in New Mexico, married 12 Feb 1886 in Cañada Alamosa, at San Ignacio Mission, Monticello, Sierra County NM, to Ysabel BACA, daughter of Franzisco and Altagracia (ATENICA) BACA.
1860 Census Fra Cristobal, New Mexico, NM
1870 Census Contadero, New Mexico, NM
One of these old queries may hold a clue for your family history project.
04 Apr 2001
I am looking for information on my grandfather Joe "Jodie"
Henry WALCH. d. Jan 13, 1982 in T or C, N.M: b. Joe Henry Yalch April 14, 1911
in Strawn, Palo Pinto County, Texas His name was changed from Yalch prior to
moving from Texas to NM. He may also be listed as J H Yalch or J H WALCH.
Possibly buried in T or C. Thank you so much, Robby Gilbert.
RGilbert@austin.rr.com
13 Feb 2001
I am looking for my great uncle who
was raised on or around the Brazos River in Texas. Then as a young man, left for
Truth or Consequences, N.M., to only be heard of again on the day he died. His
name was John FIELDING. He would have been born around 1890-1905. I am building
my family tree and cannot find anything on him. If you know of any family it
would be greatly appreciated (I do know he is buried in the town of T or C,
N.M). e-mail me at mneenaj@aol.com
25 Oct 2000
Ewart William ALSTON b
1886 TX d 1954 Portales, NM married twice: 1st to Belle ____ and 2nd to Gertude
_____. Ewart was a sheep and cattle rancher with land in several counties in New
Mexico, Eddy, Lea and some in Texas. His main ranch was near Hillsboro. I would
like to locate that ranch or any relatives still living in the area (none that I
am aware of). Any information on his wives would get greatly appreciated,
surnames would help. Ewart had two brothers in the sheep and cattle ranching in
Eddy and Lea Counties. Seth ALSTON ran for a public office in New Mexico, Lt.
Governor, I think, year unknown. Thanks. Contact Don Lindley at dlindley@pe.net
or donlindley@earthlink.net
26 Aug 2000
I am searching for information
on Raymond Vernon JEWETT. He was born 1895 East Montpelier, VT and died 1982
Truth or Consequences, Sierra County, NM. He had also lived in Alaska. Would
like to know if he was married and had any children. Thanks, Reg Orvis.
oldreq@aol.com
12 Jul 2000
Hello, I am looking for information on
Andres MONTOYA, who married a woman named Maria around 1890. He was born in June
1869 she was born in May 1874 their children are Francisco, Bernardo, Adela and
Jose. They were in Sierra County in 1900. Thanks, Tina tinagillispie@hotmail.com
14 Apr 2000
I am looking for a lady by the name of Rosetta GIBSON. I am
from Waterloo, Iowa, and in the process of straightening out a abstract of a
house I own. The last addresses I have of Rosetta are in Truth or Consequence,
NM. From what I'm told her husband's name was Bill, whom I think is deceased.
Her daughter's name is Lavonda LEMKE and may live in the same city. If I could
find anyway to contact them I would deeply appreciate it. My name is David
Schake and my e-mail is cindyd@dunkerton.net. Thank you and may the Lord bless
you.
29 Mar 2000
BARNES, Ray Estele. Looking for any information on
this man. He lived in or around Truth or Consequences, NM in 1968. He was born
5/11/04 or 05. He was married to Verna Emma BARNES at one time. They produced
two children, Douglas Ray and Verna Sharon. Any information would be
appreciated. Thanks, Contact T. Baker. at uccc@cleelum.com.
15 Feb 2000
I am looking for information on Christian Sehussen FRIIS (FRIES) died in 1919.
He was a doctor. He had a daughter Ellinor who was a teacher and a son Walter.
On the 1920 census the daughter and son were in Hot Springs. Thank you, Harlean
Fries hlfries@pacbell.net
18 Jan 2000
Looking for Petra SAIS and Cosme
GURULE. They were married 5 May 1884, San Ignacio Mission, Monticello, Sierra
County, NM. Also looking for any information on the GRIJALVA family from around
Arrey, NM. Thanks, Wlkwcougar@aol.com
04 Nov 1999
Looking for the
parents of Kenneth Eugene WHITE, born 30 Jan 1930, Portales, NM, died Oct 1978,
Truth or Consequences, NM. SS Index shows his SS # as 525 52 5219. He was
married to Helen Darlene ABSTON. Thanks, Jo-Anne Wood. woodjo@uvsc.edu
23
Sep 1999
I am searching for any information regarding the death of Charles
CLAUSER who I have listed as dying in the town of Grafton, Sierra County, NM,
March 24, 1895. I don't know much about the area or if he was buried there. I
know this is listed as a ghost town but is there still a cemetery located there?
Supposedly he was an engineer for the railroads. Any help would be most
appreciated. Ken Brodbeck, 290 S Brookside, Wichita, KS, 67218. email-
Shocker76@aol.com
09 Sep 1999
PENDERGRAS, Clyde Henry, b. 26 Sept
1904; d 16 June 1969 , Truth or Consequences. Married to Lucille Pendergrass b.
Sierra Co. NM in 1945. One son Jack. Also searching for: PENDERGRASS William
Albert and Fannie Lee Pendergrass. He was b. 6 Sept 1878 Eastland Co. Tx d 10
Feb 1958 Sierra Co. NM Wife: b. 21 Jan 1877, Erath, Tx d 18 Nov. 1964, Sierra
Co. NM. Where are they buried and if possible any other info available. Obit ?
They had daughter Vera Nettie Pendergrass b. 23 July 1902 and d 27 Feb. 1977,
Sierra Co NM. Burial location and obit? Any info on this family appreciated.
Email me: Amronlee@aol.com Thank you, Norma Lee Mayben , 7 Hilliard Circle,
Abilene, Tx 79601-3920.
20 Jun 1999
Lost ancestors, Light Townsend and
wife Kitty MOORE b. 1876, in Kimble County, Texas, moved to Sierra County, New
Mexico in the 1890's. Any information, on decedents, family and etc. is
appreciated. Bobby Hicks blhicks@sat.net
22 May 1999
I wish to contact
descendents of Jose Juan NEPOMUCENO DURAN and Juana FRANCO. They were married on
September 10, 1889 in Hillsboro, New Mexico. I am a descendent of Juan
Nepomuceno's brother Marcelino Duran. Thank you, Dorothy Chavez Wiskup 5327
Pineridge Drive, La Crescenta, CA 91214. e-mail: WISKUP@AOL.COM
26 Mar
1999
SHARP/HUNT. Seeking information on Henrietta (Hettie) Jane HUNT (nee
SHARP), b. 28 Aug 1840, Milam Co., TX; d. 9 Feb 1910, Las Palomes, Sierra Co.,
NM. She married Gabriel Hubbard HUNT in Kimble Co., TX, and had three children
by him: (1) Brannick Blanche HUNT, m. Walter GEORGE; (2) Andrew J. HUNT, m.
Annie CHATFIELD; and (3) Ponesa HUNT, m. ROSS. The family moved from Kimble Co.,
TX, to Reeves Co., TX, and on to NM in the 1890's and lived around Hillsboro,
Butcher Knife, and Hatch. Rance Baker rbaker@accd.edu
23 Mar 1999
I am
hoping to find information on Jack THOMAS who was born either in Hillsboro or
TorC (Hot Springs) in about 1938. After learning of his father's death he has
not kept in touch. I hope to learn anything about him such as birthdate, etc.
Thanks to one and all for noting this request. Paula Currey e-mail:
GTCM90C@prodigy.com
28 Feb 1999
Murder of a Postal or Payroll Officer
in Hillsboro. I am looking for any information regarding the hold up and murder
of a Payroll or Postal officer in Hillsboro between 1911 and 1935. I am
particularly interested in the men who were convicted in the murder. Any
information would be appreciated. Thank you. Walt Brandstoettner wbrand@gj.net
25 Nov. 1998
Surnames WRIGHT and BURGESS. Seeking information on Mrs. A.
(Burgess Wright) b. 1885-1915 Edmond, Oklahoma. She married and moved to Truth
or Consequences, New Mexico. She is the dau. of Joseph Calvin and Dora Burgess.
Any information will be appreciated. Please contact me, Jim Layton, at
surfgoodies@hotmail.com
31 Oct 1998
Mollie (Mary E.) FRAZIER is listed
in Sierra County, Hillsboro, N. Mex. on 1900 census, 40 years old, a "sole
femme". Would appreciate hearing from anyone who knows about her or of other
Sierra FRAZIERs or who would research Mollie FRAZIER for a fee. In 1880's and
1890's she had lived in Texas in Pecos and Reeves Counties, Ft. Stockton and
Toyah where she had removed about 1879-80, following the death of her mother,
Mary E. BROWN FRAZIER, in Harris County, Texas. She lived near her uncle, Judge
George FRAZIER, his son, Sheriff "Bud" FRAZIER, and George Frazier's daughter,
Annie RIGGS. I have much information on the FRAZIERS and the Annie Riggs Museum
in Ft. Stockton but have not been able to trace Mollie FRAZIER (also seen as
FRASER or FRAYER). Please contact: Shirley Stephens Martin, Air Force Village II
- 128, 5100 John D. Ryan Blvd., San Antonio, Texas 78245; e-mail:
ssmartin@prodigy.net
02 Aug 1998
Hi, I am looking for
information/family of Ira D. CORE age 20, married in Truth or Consequences, then
Hot Springs, New Mexico in 1915 to Stella Daisy SAWYER age 17. His father was
John Calvin Core and her Father was Samuel Charles Sawyer. My mother was born 7
Feb 1919, at Duran, De Baca County, New Mexico on a ranch. There is no record of
her birth; however she has a delayed birth cert. marked before her mother's
death. Thank you posting this for me. Ann Waite CRTEPE@email.msn.com
23
Jul 1998
Looking for information of John T. Clark family. Daughter Lillie
Clark married Charles Johnson in Sierra County in 1903. Carol Johnson
okiecuz@yahoo.com or King Johnson king@intellex.com
08 Apr 1998
Any
information on WEISSINGER, Joe A. deceased 8/27/1962 in or around Truth or
Consequences/Roswell area? Also information on his son, Jackie Joe WEISSINGER
born 5/6/1928, deceased 11/7/1992(?). Thanks. I have database of PRIDEMORE
family researched back to 1666 if anyone needs info. Also some information on
SPICKELMIER again back to same rough time. Pridemore family currently residing
in San Juan County, Sandoval County. David Pridemore n0raf@juno.com
26
Mar 1998
SEVIER and MEDRANO families of NM. Searching for Ralph SEVIER
(1913?-1972?) (USAF-1940s) m. to Stella; daughters: Betty (Joan) b 1941, Helen
b. 1942, Alice b. 1943. Sister Edith SEVIER MEDRANO SMITH. There was a SEVIER
family in Truth or Consequences. Any help is appreciated. Bob Wheeler
wildventures@adweb.net
24 Mar 1998
George DALY. My wife's great-uncle
was George Daly, yes the George Daly who owned the Bridal Chamber Mine. The town
of Daly was named after him (now is Lake Valley). We are looking for any
information about George. We know that he was killed by Apaches the day the
great Silver find was discovered. Also there is some writing that he was a NM
Ranger, but don't think this was true. He probably was on a posse chasing what
was left of the Apaches. Any information on George that anybody has would be
appreciated. George should have been one of Sierra Co.'s more famous people, if
not the richest. Too, bad he didn't live to see any of the money. Cliff &
Marilyn Soderback cliffs@gte.net
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This page was last updated
08/27/2025