High Hopes Ranch - Longhorn Cattle, Swans, & Horses

Leslie & Loretta Dahl

RR 1 , Site 4 , Box 9
Sexsmith Alberta
T0H 3C0

Ph. (780) 567-2641
Fax (780) 567-2060

Email: High Hopes Ranch

Shortly after we married in 1954 we filed on homesteads to follow the lifestyles both of us were acquainted with. Clearing land and establishing ourselves with a few cows and horses. We were fortunate to have good seasonal employment to balance our books. Some years I worked full time and my wife looked after the stock and kids. We never suffered from lack of work or food on the table. Life has been very good .

My interest in the Texas Longhorn Cattle started when I was young , listening to the stories told by my grandparents about the qualities of their longhorns. My grand parents moved from Kansas in 1900 to Alberta. It was a long trip although they rented boxcars and came by train. Animals and family shared space in the cars. Two of their children aged two and five died from diphtheria on the way and were placed in a mass grave in Strathcona Ab. on their arrival. They filed on homesteads and settled in Vegreville Ab. Once settled the longhorns were used for pulling farm implements often hitched with horses, and of course beef.

It was in Kansas that the large longhorn drives took place and my ancestors became involved in efforts to free slavery. They were on the Abraham Lincoln campaign team and many articles are recorded about their involvement. Abilene Kansas was a shipping point and centre of action for the longhorn drives from Texas and Mexico. One of my great uncles was Deputy to “Wild Bill Hickock “ who was called in to enforce laws in Abilene Kansas. Great uncle Sammy never wore a gun. It is recorded that he was a fast talker. He became a friend to “Geronimo” who was labeled a most vicious Apache leader, but in reality was only defending his people.

We have a heritage to be proud of but to long to mention here.

Our interest in buying longhorn cattle came after considering the great worth they were to our ancestors who spoke of their endurance, health, and habits.

The value today is greater still and the pleasure we get from them is pleasing.