John K. Finegan
This book describes the life of a West Texas family, begining with accounts of a country boy's early childhood and meeting the love of his life on Devils River as had his Grandfather. It describes the couples marriage and documents the trials and tribulations of ranching and raising a family during the worst drought recorded in Texas. Participating in 4-H, Boy Scouts,Brownies,and Girl Scouts along with all the adventures and misadventures they encountered. This narrative also describes the family's development of one of the first successful hunting organizations in Texas, encompassing the family's love of this area's flora and fauna, along with the challenges of entertaining guests from all parts of the world. Laugh with them at the many escapades encountered as different folks hunted and played together in a strange environment; cry with them as you read about the trying experience of having to sell what generations had struggled for a century to save.
John K. Finegan was born in Del Rio, Texas on July 19, 1928 to Brancie Fawcett Finegan and O.D. Finegan. He developed at an early age a love of the ranch, its creatures, and the land. Finegan spent as much time as possible on the ranch and always wanting more.
He went to school in Del Rio, graduating from High School in 1945. Started his college education at Texas A.& M University and attending for two years. Transferring to Sul Ross college in Alpine, Texas in 1947. He continued his education in agriculture for an additional two years before returning to the family ranch.
While attending Sul Ross he was instrumental in the forming of the National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association. He also competed on the Livestock Judging team for Sul Ross.
Upon leaving college, he took over the operation of the family ranch. He was soon building a home for his bride to be completed by their wedding date set for June 7, 1950.
He served as a speaker for each of the Rancher's Roundups held by the Texas A.& M Exstension Service at Del Rio, Texas in 1981, San Angelo, Texas in 1983, and in Kerrville, Texas in 1986.
Among his accomplishments were serving two terms on the Vestry of St. James Episcopal Church, Scoutmaster of Troop 202 for eight years, Chairman of Del Rio Chamber of Commerce, Natural Resources Committee,
Assistant coach for Val Verde Rifle team for many years, and President of Amistad Bass Club two years. Among his cherished memories will be the publishing of “A Texas Ranching Family: The Story of E.K. Fawcett.”
The Dallas and Houston Safari Clubs held an Outdoor Leadership School at Dolan Creek Ranch. Among the many classes taught these young people was a class on rappelling. Our story starts as we are in the process of selecting a sheer rock face to descend.
Now Dolan Creek Ranch has multitudes of bluffs, so after selecting one, all was in readiness as our students began to arrive. The counselor had checked the ropes and was in the process of explaining all safety precautions and procedures to the boys and girls. I could see a bit of uncertainness in a few of the fairer sex, I for one could certainly understand their apprehension. All students would participate without exception. Now this “feller” had never even seen rappelling done and above all did not plan on participating.
A couple of the “Macho Boys” were vying to be the first one over the edge in order to show their stuff. Before long the more adventuresome girls were going down the sheer rock face. I noticed after most had made their descent a couple of those girls along with a couple of “big ol’ boys” were edging over my way with a gleam in their eyes that I sure did not like at all! You know those little “ol’ gals” just kinda drifted up to me along with those big “ol’ strapping boys” and
said “ Mr. Finegan, don’t you want to enjoy rappelling down that bluff like we did? “ Now what could I say? I was quick to tell them that I hadn’t intended to infringe on their fun. They quickly told me that I certainly would not be infringing on their fun in the least and they really wanted me to ENJOY this great adventure! You know it sure would look bad if the host let those little “snips of girls” show him up.
Besides those “big ol’ boys” did look rather convincing themselves. I somehow managed to walk up to the edge and put that rig on and heard the last minute instructions. I sure did hope that they weren’t my “Last Rites” as it sure was a long ways to the bottom! It was hard for this old cowboy to lean back off that bluff and start down, even if those “little ol’gals” made it look so easy!
