The Wind Inherits

Oil on Barnwood
40 ” x 23.5″
$1300
Contact to Purchase

Alfred Matson Ranch
Emil and Alfred Matson were brothers who decided to buy neighboring ranches and for tax purposes, later traded properties. When times got a little tight financially they both went to work at their own saw mill. There, the brotherly philos ended when they got into a fight and an accident occurred; Emil was running the saw when Alfred’s face was split open by a flying piece of wood. Not having extra cash for doctors, he somehow made it home, and there he lay until it healed, scarring him horribly. After this catastrophe the brothers never talked, never were in the same room, never helped each other. Lois Beckman Dietz remembers that it was difficult to have them visit over the holidays. They could have one for Christmas dinner, the other for New Year’s. Alfred became almost a hermit, fearful to be around people, but he was known as a kind, gentle man. Neither brother made it big as a rancher though both worked hard enough. Alfred could never afford a decent bull, so, when he needed one to enlarge his herd, he would lurk behind trees until the coast was clear, then appropriate a neighbor’s for a day or two until the job was completed. The locals didn’t mind, for helping each other was part of ranching.