10th Annual Junior Cypress Rodeo and Cattle Drive

Jimmy Smith is Honorary Trail Boss

By Judy Weeks

BIG CYPRESS — March 25 turned out to be a perfect day for the 10th Annual Junior Cypress Rodeo and Cattle Drive. It was a crisp, cool morning that turned into a sunny, breezy day with temperatures remaining in the low 70s. With this type of weather the 12 mile route was relatively easy on the cattle and horses and very pleasant for the riders.

By 7 a.m. participants for this year’s event began to arrive at the Billie Swamp Safari. They were greeted by Linda Tommie and Mindy Fish, who assisted them with registration and signing of release forms. Everyone received their attractive red bandana which displayed the Council and Board logos for the Seminole Tribe of Florida, as well as the brands used by the Seminole cattlemen.

Next the riders consumed a delicious breakfast from the generous buffet at Billie Swamp Safari. There was an air of anticipation in the room which was filled with more than l50 prospective cowboys and cowgirls. The laughter and conversation were loud as the veterans of previous years instructed the newcomers on what to expect and entertained them with stories from the past.

With full stomachs they headed for the point of beginning at the end of West Boundary Road where approximately 100 head of cattle waited in the holding pens. At 10 a.m. sharp Big Cypress Board Representative Paul Bowers mounted the refreshment wagon and welcomed the riders.

Stretching out his arms he said, “God has given us a magnificent day to be outside and share the wonders of his world. Our ancestors would have been very grateful for such an opportunity when they rounded up their livestock and followed this same route over sixty years ago. Today we commemorate those hard working men and women who established the cattle industry in the Seminole Tribe. They spent over a week gathering up the herd from the woods and then driving them down the trail that you will follow today.”

Chairman Mitchell Cypress addressed the group from horseback.

“Moses Jumper, Paul and Richard Bowers were the originators of the Junior Cypress Trail Drives,” he said. “Setting around a campfire during a cattle roundup, they talked about the need to recognize their elders and keep the tradition alive for future generations. When many people think of the Seminole Tribe, they think of casinos and gambling. We are so much more.”

Continuing Cypress said: “Today represents a lot of history. Each year we select one of our elders as Honorary Trail Boss. For our Tenth Annual Drive, we recognize Jimmie Smith. His father, Morgan Smith, participated in the arrival of the first cattle herd to Big Cypress.

“In an effort to establish industry on the newly formed reservation, the U.S. government brought cattle from the Mescalaro Apache to the railhead at Batson, north of Okeechobee. Morgan Smith was one of the men who drove the cattle south through the woods and swamps to Big Cypress in the late 1930s.

“Jimmie Smith follows in his family’s footsteps and has been a part of the cattle production at Big Cypress during his entire life. From that small beginning, the Seminole Tribe has developed into one of the major beef producers in the state of Florida.”

In conclusion Cypress said: “At this time, I would like to recognize Benny Hernandez. He has worked for the Seminole Tribe for many years and has brought the livestock out here for each one of the ten cattle drives. He may not be tall, but he is the man who makes things happen and we appreciate his effort. The Seminole Tribe is very happy to invite all of you here today and hope that you will want to come back next year. Put us on your calendar.”

Moses Jumper then added some comments.

“Each year, I see more and more new faces in the crowd,” said Jumper. “Cattle were the first industry for the Seminole Tribe and have a great history. I am happy to be a part of this Tenth Annual Trail Drive commemorating that history and our forefathers. My only regret is the fact that due to a knee injury, I will not be able to ride with you.”

Pointing to a large swamp buggy, he said: “I will being following you every step of the way from my big wheel chair, because I wouldn’t want to miss this for the world. I hope we don’t have too many wrecks or buck-offs this year. I know that’s all part of the fun, but no dog and pony shows. We don’t want anyone to get hurt.”

Jumper concluded by introducing Bruce Pratt, the pastor of the Hollywood Chickee Church.

“I am a Pawnee Indian, originally from Nebraska, but most recently Oklahoma,” he said. “I now make my home in Hollywood, Florida, and look forward to joining you for today’s event.”

Laughing, Pratt said, “I think I should warn you, the Pawnee were known as great horse thieves. I see a lot of fine animals here today and you might want to keep an eye on them. Seriously, every good thing comes from God and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him and ask his blessing for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and their friends, the beauty of the day, the sunshine and its warmth. God bless us all.”

Charles Hiers-Billie, mounted on his beautiful customized Harley Davidson, carrying the flag for the Seminole Tribe, led off down the trail as the cattle were turned out of the pens and the riders fell into place.

It was an impressive sight with more than 150 riders on some of the most beautiful horses imaginable. Muscular quarterhorses born to work cattle, tall energetic thoroughbreds racing back and forth among the riders, the never tiring Arabians, and the Pasofinos dancing down the trail, made for a horse lovers paradise.

Immokalee Seminole Youth and Livestock Ranch provided mounts for a number of the dignitaries and followed the herd with a pick up trailer for the weary. The procession included two horse drawn wagons, swamp buggies, a chuck wagon and the red wagon with a multitude of refreshments.

Beginning at the end of the West Boundary Road, the Cattle Drive follows the trail of the original Seminole cattlemen for 12 miles before arriving at the Junior Cypress Rodeo Arena. Along the way, participants had an opportunity to see the beautiful countryside, which the Seminole Tribe has developed from scrub and swamp into woodlands, pasture land, water management areas, citrus groves and produce farms.

While cattle was the first Tribal industry, the Seminoles have expanded in many directions while preserving their independence and prospering in the highly competitive world of the 21st Century.

A relay camp had been set up at the halfway point to rest the livestock and riders. Mary Jene Koenes had graciously allowed the use of a portion her cattle pasture for this purpose. Wearing her nail apron and with hammer in hand she stopped her fence work long enough to greet the cowboys and cowgirls.

A rare sight was the picket line with more than 100 horses tied in a row while their riders rested and refreshed themselves in a Red, White, Black and Yellow tent provided for their comfort.

Richard Bowers took control of the rest area and began by thanking County Commissioner Bill Maddox and his wife for their sponsorship of refreshments. He then acknowledged the Seminole Police Department, Fire and Rescue, Ambulance Service and Seminole Broadcasting for their fine efforts. Next came a brief history of the cattle drive, Junior Cypress for whom it is named and the past honorary trail bosses. Bowers then introduced this year’s trail boss, Jimmie Smith.

Jimmie Smith was born in the woods somewhere between Ft. Pierce and Okeechobee, Fla. 73 years ago. His father was the legendary Morgan Smith who drove the Mescalaro Apache cattle from Batson to Big Cypress and started the cattle industry for the Seminoles. His mother Julia Billie eventually had her own herd carrying the Bar5 brand. He climbed in the saddle at a very early age and learned ranching from the bottom up.

By the time Smith was 14 years old, he was on his own and seeking jobs to support himself. Like so many of the Seminoles of his era, he was a day worker on the major South Florida ranches–Collier’s Immokalee Ranch, Alico, Lykes Brothers and Davis, to name a few.

It would be modest to say that he is a self-made man. Despite his 73 years, he still owns approximately 75 head of cattle with the JS brand and shares a pasture with his nephew Mike Smith, and sisters, Jean Garcia and Alice Nunez.

Smith told the gathering: “I haven’t been on a horse in three years, but I still help with the vaccinating, worming and working of my cows. My sisters are riding the horses today but I am riding in the chuck wagon. I think a lot about the time I was nearly run down and killed by a cow in my young days.”

Sitting beside his wife, Rosie, he talked about the alcohol and drugs which have become a major setback on the reservations. He wished to tell our young people that he has been in recovery for ten years and they have been the best years of his life. It is never too late to become sober and turn your life around.

Chairman Cypress thanked Smith for his words of wisdom and recalled the brave elders who had built the Seminole Tribe into what it is today.

“Last year was a scorcher, but we have had a great ride on the first half and the promise of a wonderful second leg of our journey,” he said.

Richard Bowers then introduced Vivian “The Texas Tornado” Villarreall. Villarreall is the sixth-ranked women’s pool player in the world. The Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Seminole Sports Management sponsors her.

Villarreall said: “I have proved today that I am not a cowgirl, but I have had a wonderful time. Since my last visit, I have filmed two shows and contracted for several more. I played the Black Widow last night and defeated her 7-6 on the pool table.”

She then told a humorous story about Chairman Cypress and “the Black Widow’s web,” before thanking the Seminole Tribe for their sponsorship and inviting everyone to see the competitions being held at the Hard Rock in Hollywood.

Benny Motlow reminisced about the old days when you worked for $10–15 per day and were happy to have the money. Finally, it went up to $25 per day and we thought we had it all. Times were hard, but we had families to feed and our pride and self-reliance kept us going.

Richard Bowers introduced Iris Wall of the Cracker Horse Association of Florida. Born 76 years ago on her family’s ranch near Indiantown, she remembered the Seminole day workers and her old friend, Betty Mae Jumper. Not too long ago, she had a fish fry and the highlight of the day was sitting around identifying the old timers in a photo from one of the old cattle drives more than 50 years ago.

She ended by saying: “I am a cowgirl. When my husband died, I turned the lumber business over to the family and I began to run our ranching operations. Cattle runs in the blood of my family. I would like to say how proud I was of the Seminole Tribe when I attended their recent Veterans’ Day Celebration. Their patriotism is something to be honored.”

Moses Jumper confided, “I was sitting around the campfire with Paul and Richard Bowers one night many years ago and we talked about wanting to preserve the wonderful feeling and memories that the cattle drives gave to us. In that setting, the Junior Cypress Cattle Drive was born.

“Every year it has gotten bigger and better. It is a pleasure to welcome everyone here and impossible to thank all the fine people who have made it possible. I would however like to mention Benny Hernandez. He cares for the livestock and makes them available for our use and then attends to them at the end of the trail. He has been with us since the first drive and I hope will help us with many more to come.”

Moses Jumper is not only a storyteller but has published three books of poems. For everyone’s delight, he then recited “Indian Cowboy Dreams,” which received a round of applause. Jumper talked about his mother, the history of horses among the Seminoles and his great pride in the warriors who have fought in the armed forces to preserve our freedom.

“Today is a tradition,” he said. “The original round ups were done by mosquitoes and horseflies around the waterholes. We were beat up from all day in the brush and weary around the campfire at night, but none of us would trade our memories.”

Old Florida Cracker Storyteller Butch Harrison entertained the audience with his tales of old Florida and told a humorous account about an alligator sharing the bed of an obnoxious young man. Being a Florida native, he grew up on the East coast and has spent his lifetime as a fishing guide, photographer, wildlife conservationist and storyteller.

Benny Motlow recalled growing up around Paul Bowers, who is one of his idols.

“When I was a young man, I sure could get into trouble,” he said. “Paul would shake my hand when I was good, and straighten me out when I was bad.”

Pointing at Bowers, he said: “When I think of Paul, I don’t see the man you are looking at now. I remember him in his ’72 Thunderbird pulling a trailer with his cowboy hat tipped down over his eyes and his crooked grin. He had the attitude and self assurance of Steve McQueen’s Junior Bonner. I can’t thank Paul enough for everything he has meant to me.”

Like all good things that have to come to an end, the rest stop was over and it was time to head’um up and move’um out! The second leg of the journey brought the riders into the Big Cypress community where the roadside was lined with appreciative spectators. At the journey’s end was the Junior Cypress Rodeo Arena where a fantastic barbeque had been prepared for the riders delight.

Numerous vendors were on hand with souvenirs of the day ranging from horse tack, clothing, western furniture, pictures, jewelry, hats, toys, blankets and various memorabilia. While gathered beneath the food tent, the participants offered a continual chorus of thank you’s to the Seminole Tribe and were making plans for next year.

Before partaking of the delicious meal, Joe Osceola offered a blessing. Osceola is one of the Tribal elders, who have been very active in the cattle industry for many years and have made it a family tradition.

His daughter Janice, not only grew up helping with his ranching efforts, but filmed the cattle drive for Seminole Broadcasting. She was accompanied all day long by his great-granddaughter, Ragan Osceola, whose grandfather is cattleman Jonah Cypress and she is also the great-granddaughter of Junior Cypress for whom the Cattle Drive is named.

At the end of a long day on the trail the Tenth Annual Cattle Drive participants were treated to a performance of the Eastern Indian Rodeo Association (EIRA).

Arena announcer Wendell Cooper of Okeechobee, Fla. was assisted during the evening’s production by Council Delegate for the Crow Nation Dale Oldham. Oldham has a distinctive, deep, clear voice which has placed him in popular demand as an announcer since 1969. In the past he has spent 50 of the 52 weekends in a single year announcing rodeos, pow-wows, horse races and boxing events.

Oldham’s accomplishments don’t end here. He has been a college professor since 1971 teaching Native American studies. Retiring in 2005, he took the position of Crow Tribal historical preservation officer and reduced his public appearances to approximately 20 events per year.

The Junior Eastern Indian Rodeo got underway at 6 p.m. with a generous crowd in the bleaches. The clown offered his encouragement to the youngsters by making wagers with them on the results.

Sarah Descheene got a good grip on her sheep and made it all the way down the area before being dislodged after her mount went airborne. As always the mutton bustin’ was a favorite with the following results: 1.Ahnee Jumper, 2.Sarah Descheene, 3.Danny Rodriguez, 4.Kirkland Boney.

The wild pony and bareback competition found the youngsters on some very nasty critters. J.J. Johns’ white pony was full of the devil and was not satisfied with bucking him off, but kicked him after he hit the ground. Pony riding results are: 1.Josh Johns, 2.Austin Holmes; Junior bareback: 1. Ethan Arnold.

There were an abundance of entries in calf riding and some very energetic rough stock. Michael Garcia didn’t just get bucked off, but did a double somersault as he hit the ground. Kelton Smedley had an excellent ride with a 3.16 score, followed by Jobe Johns and Blevins Jumper.

There were several tense moments in the steer riding when Cody Motlow got hung up and dragged into the fence, but you can’t keep a good man down and he eventually walked away unharmed and sporting a first place position.

Josh Johns took second and Andrew Holmes was third. Andre Jumpers steer bucked so hard it tore his chaps off. Zane Ducheneaux had a fantastic ride and ended by throwing his hat in the air. Unfortunately, Ducheneaux’s hand had touched the bull half way down the arena and caused a disqualification, but it still will be a ride to remember.

The junior bulls gave Ethan Gopher, Justin Aldridge and Seth Randolph a run for their money. One bull went to bucking in the chute and another wouldn’t react for a good ride resulting in a second shot for the contestant. Seth Randolph took first and Ethan Gopher was second.

Four to eight year old barrels finished with the following scores: 1.Kalgary Johns, 2.Jobe Johns, 3.Ahnee Jumper, 4.Cyrus Smedley.

There were a number of beginners on lead line with their moms and siblings running the patterns for them. Rayvan King, son of Ray and Jody King, did his debut appearance by himself on a white pony. Although the animal refused to cooperate, King stuck with him and not only rode the length of the arena, but stayed on board when the pony raced out of the arena. That pony didn’t know what kind of a tough hombre he was messing with.

Nine to 12 year old barrels had one buck off and two broken patterns, but four riders came home with the money. Results: 1.Nauthkee Henry, 2.Acealyn Youngblood, 3. Adrianne Cypress, 4.Regan Tigertail.

There was a big surprise in the 13 to 18 year old barrels when Rebecca Osceola blew everyone’s doors off with an 18.215 and took first place. Osceola has been practicing a lot and entered a few barrel races, but would have to be considered a novice. However, her March 25 ride was spectacular and made her want to practice all the more. She had very stiff competition from Janae Braswell and Taylor Johns who were hot on her heels.

It was a rough night in the junior breakaway with the animals winning in many cases. With six entries, the only perfect catch was Dalton Berry with a 50.2 score.

The legends breakaway brought three elders success: 1.Amos Tiger, 2.Parker Jones and 3.Norman Johns.

The special attraction for the evening was Sid McFarland and his son Trent. Hailing from Montgomery, Ala., Sid has 36 years of rodeo under his belt, while Trent has been clowning professionally for 13 years.

During Sid’s career, he has appeared in rodeos from Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y. to the Cow Palace in San Francisco, Calif. From north to south, he has played Canada to Nicaragua. Moving for a time to Cody, Wyoming, to be more centrally located on the rodeo circuit, he eventually returned home to Alabama.

Sid McFarland wasn’t always a clown. He has competed in bareback, bulls and steer wrestling and can boast of a combined time in casts of over two-and-a-half years. A firefighter by trade he has one more year to retirement and then plans not to let a day job get in the way of his rodeo clowning. His son Trent is a registered nurse and looks forward to a long career in the medical field before he can make rodeo a full time proposition.

The sanctioned evening performance included bareback, saddle bronc, and bulls with favorites Shawn Best, Freddie Warbonnet and Greg Louis taking top honors. Greg Louis walked off with the money in the steer wrestling while Alfonzo Tigertail, Cort Herrera and Hilliard Gopher excelled in the calf roping.

In the women’s events the results were as follows: Breakaway: 1. Mindy Fish, 2. Clarissa Bowers, 3. Leanna Billie; Barrels: 1. Boogie Jumper, 2. Sheyanna Osceola, 3. Clarissa Bowers, 4. Perrie Whidden, 5. Lisa Osceola.

Indian Cowboy Dreams

A tribute to Morgan Smith, one of the Seminole Tribes First Indian Cowboys

As a young boy I stood in awe, as I watched these rugged men of old

They were dark with their jet black hair, topped with “ole Stetson hats,” and faces that were bold!

Their jeans were worn as were the faded long sleeve shirts they wore with pride…

The boots, the spurs, they had it all, even to the horses they would ride…

I knew these men before I’d heard of Gene, Roy, and Wayne,

I didn’t know these movie cowboys stood for a way of life that would cause our people so much pain!

The Indian Cowboys I knew were for real! And something told me, that’s what I needed to be,

Big Morgan Smith cracking the whip, and riding along with old Samson Dixie…

Those were the days of the big roundups, the family feast and the long cattle run,

There were no one day shows or being late, and you stayed til the work was done!

I would spend the nights at the Morgan’s Camp lying under the ole tin roof while having my

Indian Cowboy Dreams,

Awakening to the sounds of the squeaky old army saddles and feeling the coolness of the morning fog as the men would have that important coffee and cream…

I loved it all and for a boy of nine, it was all I wanted to be,

The wet season, the hanging moss, the Big Cypress Swamp it was a place where a young boy could really be free!

The names are etched in my mind of these Indian Cowboys of yesteryear:

Charlie Micco, Naha Tiger, Josiah Johns, true cattlemen who knew no fear!

Braided bull whips, Mexican spurs, and high in the deep seated saddle they sat,

These wee “real men” from the tip of their boot to the top of their “Tom Mix Hat”…

I would play in the “Ole Red Barn”, and wait as the bullets in my toy gun I would load,

I would listen and from far off I could hear the horse’s hooves, as they walked on the shell rock road…

These men stood for a way of life that I’m sure once again, we would all like to see,

Good Cow Dogs, Cracker Cattle, a good horse and the glades where a man could really be free…

These men were my Heroes, and their names you won’t hear on TV,

But to those of us who remember, their names will always be a part of our history…

And as long as there is a horse to ride, a steer to rope, and a bunch of good dogs that work as a team,

I’ll remember back to those days when as a boy, I slept under the “Ole Tin Roof,” as these men rode tall in my Indian Cowboy Dreams...

—Moses Jumper Jr.