Joseph Marion Mangum

JOSEPH MARION MANGUM.
The present age is undoubtedly the one of the greatest progress in every way, and every year witnesses new triumphs in the world of racing horses. Mr. Mangum, who is one of the stirring, substantial and prosperous farmers and stock-raisers of Rancho, Gonzales County, Texas, is deeply interested in the raising of fine horses, and is the owner of the noted racing stallion "Cold Deck," of the "Steel Dust" strain. From his ranche have gone out such fine animals as "Billie," who makes his quarter of a mile in twenty-two and a half seconds; "Little Joe," time twenty-one and three-fourths seconds, and sold for $2,000 in the City of Mexico, where he is at the present time; "Blue Eyes," time twenty-two seconds. This horse ran at Dallas, Texas, fair in 1893, and beat the Texas record for four and a half furlongs. "Yellow Wolf" made the time in twenty-two seconds. Mr. Mangum has made his way from modest beginnings to his present substantial condition, and it is all owing to his industry and good management. He is now the owner of about 2,200 acres of land, and has every reason to be proud of the result of his industry. He was born in Talapoosa County, Ala., January 31, 1839, son of William R. and Leacy (Dennis) Mangum, the father a native of North Carolina, and the mother of Georgia. William R. Mangum was a successful planter, and emigrated to Texas as early as 1840, settling in Matagorda County, where he bought land and engaged in farming and stock-raising. There he passed the remainder of his days. He was a Democrat in politics. The mother passed away in 1876. Joseph Marion Mangum received the rudiments of an education in Matagorda County, and finished in Gonzales County, Texas, where his mother moved when he was fourteen years of age. In 1862 he enlisted in Terry's Rangers, cavalry, and was discharged on account of sickness the same year. After that he served in Duff's Regiment, on the border, until the end of the war. When he returned home he had very little means to start with, but by industry and perseverance he has become one of the prosperous men of his section. He was married in 1876 to Miss Mattie Gillespie, daughter of James C. and Nancy (Yeary) Gillespie, and seven children were born to this union, six of whom are living: Edna, Joseph D., Mattie Lee, Maud, Eugene, Mamie, and Brown, who died in infancy.