I first learned of this book from my friend Bob Fussell who is the grandson of the author and editor of his grandfather’s memoir. Unbridled Cowboy is a book chronicling Joe Fussell’s life in the West from 1879 to 1957.
As a child I grew up with cowboy movies and TV shows depicting the Wild West. I wondered how true these stories were. In reading this book, I came to see that much of the Western and Cowboy lore was fairly accurate in portraying life in the Old West.
As Bob Fussell’s friend, I was curious to know Joe Fussell through his memoir about one chapter in the Fussell family history. I was curious to read a personal account of the times I knew only from my fantasies. I came to know Joe Fussell through his memoir and found that it enriched my understanding of one part of American Culture.
When I started the book I had no idea what kind of character to expect. I wondered how eloquent he would be with a very limited formal education. Bob, as editor, gave me a sense of what to expect but I was pleasantly surprised at Joe’s insight and clear perception of himself, those with whome he interacted and the culture in which he lived.
Joe realized that he was not a very easy child to have as a son or a pupil although he saw his parents and teachers as doing their best to prepare him for life. He managed to survive in both environments until age fourteen when he hopped a freight train in search of adventure.
For years, he never stayed long in any one place, laying the blame on his “itchy feet.” If there existed a label of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, I am quite sure he would have worn it. During his life he worked on ranches with horses and cattle, as an undercover agent for the Texas Rangers and in most aspects of the railroad business. He only slowed later due to considerations about his health problems and the needs of his wife and children.
A great variety of people happened into his life and became part of his adventures His interaction with those he met along the way and his itchy feet led him to experiences most people can only imagine. He was always intrigued by new adventures. He worked hard to be good at what he did, but never had ambitions to be wealthy, important or in charge of others although his wealth of experience made him appreciated for his work and awareness of what was need no matter where worked. He took the side of workers over management and was careful to advance the interest of coworkers whenever possible. When he was promoted to supervisory positions, he never lost sight of the needs of even the lowest worker.
I read this book hoping to understand part of our national heritage and was not disappointed. I was also glad to gain a better understanding of rugged individualism which I think of as the cowboy mentality. This pattern of life, to my mind, set the stage for the individualism and suspicion of government as infringing on freedom now becoming even more prominent in our culture. This pattern seems to be a major part of the current tension in our country.
Others who have read this book seem to agree with me about its value. I hope you will also find time to read about and understand this aspect of American culture. I should also mention that this book won the Will Rogers Award.