Bob M honored at Tri-State Oldtime Cowboys breakfast

[Soapweed]

Every year, the Tri-State Cowgirls, in conjunction with the Tri-State Oldtime Cowboys, recognize someone for their "hall of fame" award. This year the honor was bestowed upon Bob M, also a bull session contributor. Here is the little write-up that Mrs. Soapweed and I came up with for Sybil Berndt to read at this years' breakfast. I am proud that "Bob M" is my dad.

This rancher’s Sandhills roots began in 1885 when his grandfather walked to this area from Valentine, which was then the end of the railroad. His first wild horseback ride was before he was born, when his mother wore out a saddle horse while warning the neighborhood of a fast-moving prairie fire. He was born February 21, 1923. When it came time for formal education, it entailed a five-mile one way ride from his parents’ farm to school in Tuthill, South Dakota, and then back home the five miles every evening. Later the family leased a ranch at the head of LaCreek, south of Martin, South Dakota. There he and his younger brother attended a country school where there were fourteen boys and a man teacher.

In 1930, the family purchased a ranch just south of Merriman, Nebraska. The boys then attended school in town, where our subject graduated from high school in 1941. Then he went on to a one year post graduate course at the Curtis, Nebraska school of agriculture. The following fall he attended one semester at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

He worked for area ranchers Fred Tuchenhagen and Clyde Weber before he and his father purchased the headquarters part of the Bar T Ranch northeast of Merriman. There he and his brother ranched and batched for two years before his brother got married in September of 1949. Our subject met his bride-to-be at his brother’s wedding. She was the sister of an army buddy from Minnesota.

They were married on October 15, 1950. For the next couple years, both couples lived in adjoining houses on the ranch and shared a common “modern” bathroom. The parents of the brothers moved into town, and the younger brother and his family took over operation of the home place south of Merriman. Our rancher and his family continued to operate the old Bar T, which had been renamed the “Green Valley Hereford Ranch”. Four children were born to the couple, and the only son and his family continue operation of the ranch today.

Our subject has contributed to the community and the ranching way of life in many ways. He is a member of the Masonic Pioneer Lodge 219 in Martin, South Dakota; the Merriman Methodist Church; the Sandhills Cattle Association; the Nebraska Cattlemen; Sandpainters Art Guild; Tri-State Old Time Cowboys; and a local writer’s guild. He has written his autobiography entitled SANDHILLS SATISFACTION, and writes a column for area newspapers under the heading “Friends and Fancies”. Now that he is retired from ranching, he enjoys helping others in compiling their lifetime remembrances in written form. He also enjoys traveling and visiting with family, friends and neighbors.

We tip our hat to Bob Moreland from Merriman, Nebraska.

[Faster horses]

CONGRATULATIONS, Bob M. on that prestigous award and a most fulfilling life. You are a fine contributor to mankind in many ways.
You are very articulate and have written about things that might not have been recorded otherwise. You have a real talent with a pen and that is rare in most ranch folks. I am proud to know you and look foreward to meeting you in Deadwood.

Again, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

[EJ]

Hats off to Bob Moreland. Really liked the book of newspaper columns. It really is fitting for him to be so honored.

[nr]

BoBM, Ditto to all above. We've found your historical accounts and your book very interesting reading and are glad you passed that fine art on to Soapweed.

It didn't occur to me to advertise that a published author is coming to Deadwood. Perhaps you should bring some copies along for a signing:!:

So glad we'll be meeting you finally.

[Rowdy Ranch]

Really great contrubution and a well deserved one at that! Hope the ranch way of life will continue for another generation! Congratulations!

[Saddletramp]

Bob Moreland has been a great friend and a mentor to me for alot of years. I can tell you first hand that his book is great reading if you like the history and culture of the northern Sandhills. Anyone who is interested in ranching in any area should read it. Bob purchased the Green Valley ranch in'49'. He had to borrow a truck to move out here as he owned a ranch before he owned a vehicle. He is one of those men who are a living wealth of history and talent.

Also I am his closest neighbor.

[Sandhusker]

And might I add just an over-all good guy, too.

[Bob M]

Thankyou,all, for the BobM buildup. I hope those who haven't met me won't be disappointed when you do. I'm not guaranteeing that you won't!

BobM

[reader (the Second)]

It looks like your book is not available. I was thinking of buying it for the man I'm dating who is fascinated with history and avid about the history of various U.S. states and locales.

[the real jake]

I think you must be very deserving of your award Bob M. I really enjoyed your book, and I am a great fan of anyone who will put these rural histories to paper. I am grateful of those in this area who have, and wish it was done more. Storytelling (if that is the word for it) won't be a lost art with you or Soapweed around. You both are very talented that way.

Maybe you two and Saddletramp should sit down this winter and work on an interesting piece of fiction (or non-fiction), with your knowledges of the ranching world.

I bet settling on a subject would be the hardest part.

[Jinglebob]

Congrats, Bob!

I just got to tell you folks that I'm a step up from some of you as I got to meet Bob when I was in Soap and Saddle's country. Nice gentleman.

Bet Bob could give a story or two when we get together!

[Bob M]

Thankyou for the congrats, Jingle Bob, but he stories from this particiular outfit will have to come from Soapweed and Saddletramp. I have never been a public speaker, and, of late, my voice has deteriorated with old age to the point that it's anything but attractive! So don't nominate me to tell any stories! It was good to meet you the other day. Looking forward to seeing you next Monday!

Bob M