| From Start To Finish An Illustrated History of Cattle Feeding in Alberta Written and researched by Kris Nielson and John Prociuk Graphic Design and Production by Kris Nielson Published by Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association, Copyright © 1998 Print run: 1000 Q, 9" x 12" hard cover with 4 colour dust jacket 216 pages, 6 8pg signatures 4/4 colour process, 21 8pg signatures 2/2 duotone Pg 34: One of the most notable personalities during the golden era of Alberta ranching was the legendary John Ware. While living in Idaho he was hired on as a night herder by the Northwest Cattle Company’s Tom Lynch in preparation for the Bar U’s inaugural cattle drive in 1882. Believing Ware to be an inexperienced cowboy, Lynch gave him an old nag of a horse and a seemingly befitting saddle. Soon into the drive, Ware asked Lynch for “a little better saddle and a little worse horse.” Always looking for a good laugh, the cowboys sifted through the horses and saddled up the wildest bronc of the bunch. With the poise and confidence of a seasoned veteran, Ware swung up on the unsettled steed and rode him into submission gaining immediate respect and admiration. Ware’s integrity and unmatched work ethic eventually earned him the position of top cowhand for the Quorn Ranch before he bought his own spread on the north fork of Sheep Creek near Millarville. He started off with only nine head of cattle which carried the unusual brand of “9999”, on account that nine was his lucky number. |