Stetson, Pipe and Boots - Colorado's Cattleman Governor

About the Book

The book is a biography about Dan Thornton, a highly successful and well known purebred beef cattle producer (1937-1953) and an effective, flamboyant but controversial Colorado Governor (1951-1955). From humble beginnings as the son of sharecroppers in West Texas, to president of the Texas 4-H Clubs at age 16, to the sale of two Hereford bulls for a world record price ($50,000 each) at the 1945 National Western Stock Show in Denver, CO, to a record Hereford sale in 1947, to winning the Governorship of Colorado as a last minute replacement candidate at 39 years of age, to being largely responsible for the location of the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado, Dan Thornton's story is an interesting and exciting adventure. He was a friend with unknowns and celebrities alike, including Dwight Eisenhower, Bob Hope, Randolph Scott, Lauritz Melchior and Ben Hogan. He campaigned early for Eisenhower for U.S. President. He was Colorado's super salesman from cherries, beef, uranium, and coal to interstate highways and tourism. His grave marker in Gunnison, CO is inscribed with the tribute, "A Man Who Matched Our Mountains."

About the Author

Dr. Preston has worked as a University Professor for almost 50 years, conducting research and teaching in Animal Nutrition and Beef Cattle Science. Most recently he held the Thornton Endowed Chair, was named Horn Distinguished Professor and is now Emeritus Professor of Animal Science at Texas Tech University. He is author on over 100 peer-reviewed publications, several book chapters and popular articles on beef cattle nutrition and production. He has advised 21 M.S. and 17 Ph.D. students and has worked and lectured in several foreign countries. He now resides in Pagosa Springs, CO.