Johnson, Ben, 1896-1952
Dates
- Existence: 1896-02-19 - 1952-09-15
biographical statement
Ben Johnson (Sr.) was born in Harrison, Arkansas. His family soon moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. Growing up, he developed an interest in cowboys and at age 14 (1910-11) he left home to work for the 101 Ranch. By 1913-14 he was breaking horses for the British and the French, leading up to WWI. In 1923, 24, 25, he was a world record holding Rodeo rider. In 1927 he was a world champion for roping 3 steers in 18s. About 1928, he became foreman of the Chapman-Barnard Ranch, a position he held until his death in 1952. In 1961 he was inducted into the Rodeo Hall of Fame.
Citation:
Various sources.Found in 6 Collections and/or Records:
Ben Johnson, Ike Rudd, Homer May, Undated
Three men, from right to left: Ben Johnson, Ike Rudd, Homer May. Title written on back in pencil. "47" written in pencil on back. Accompanied by a note labeled "Bens dad"
Chapman, Barnard & Johnson at Ranch, approximately 1940s
A photograph of James A. Chapman, Ben Johnson Sr., Horace G. Barnard at the Chapman-Barnard Ranch, during a cattle shipment to the Blackland railroad stop on the Midland Valley Railway. These photographs were taken for a Life Magazine article that was never written. It is believed that more cattle were shipped from Blackland during World War II than anywhere else in the country.
Chapman, Barnard & Johnson at Ranch, approximately 1940s
A photograph of James A. Chapman, R. B. Kelley the “railway agent”, Horace G. Barnard, Ben Johnson Sr., at the Chapman-Barnard Ranch, during a cattle shipment to the Blackland railroad stop on the Midland Valley Railway. These photographs were taken for a Life Magazine article that was never written. It is believed that more cattle were shipped from Blackland during World War II than anywhere else in the country.
Chapman, Barnard & Johnson at Ranch, approximately 1940s
A photograph of James A. Chapman, Ben Johnson Sr, Horace G. Barnard, at the Chapman-Barnard Ranch, during a cattle shipment to the Blackland railroad stop on the Midland Valley Railway. These photographs were taken for a Life Magazine article that was never written. It is believed that more cattle were shipped from Blackland during World War II than anywhere else in the country.
Johnson and Man, approximately 1940s
A photograph of Ben Johnson Sr. and an unidentified man during a cattle shipment to the Blackland railroad stop on the Midland Valley Railway. Johnson was a rodeo champion and foreman of the Chapman-Barnard Ranch. These photographs were taken for a Life Magazine article that was never written. It is believed that more cattle were shipped from Blackland during World War II than anywhere else in the country.
Leta McFarlin Chapman papers, 1918-1967
Collection of family photographs, memorabilia, and two scrapbooks of newspaper clippings from daughter of Robert W. and Ida McFarlin and wife of James A. Chapman. One scrapbook records the philanthropy of Robert McFarlin; the other deals solely with the death of Ida (Mrs. Robert W.) McFarlin.