Henry Slack

Youngest Contestant in the World’s First Rodeo
1868-1944

Henry Clay Slack was born December 19, 1868, in Cotton Valley, Louisiana.  After his father died, the family moved from Louisiana to Goldthwaite; it was from there that Slack left home and headed west to make his own life.

          Before he came to be known affectionately and respectfully to Reeves County residents as "Uncle Henry". In 1883 Henry was the youngest contestant at the West of the Pecos Rodeo, the World's First Rodeo, and he founded a pioneer family that still has its roots in Pecos.  Henry was just a youngster, at 15, making his way into the world as a cowboy.

          In 1883, not long after young Henry went to work for the "W" Ranch, area cowboys decided to have some "cowboy contests" on the Fourth of July, in downtown Pecos.  It would be a way to have fun and settle the friendly rivalry between the ranch hands.  At 14, Henry was the youngest cowboy to take part in the event held near the old county courthouse.  The contests were so successful that it was decided to make them an annual event.

          Henry married Linda Maxey.  After his marriage, he opened a butcher shop. Then, with a partner, he opened two saloons.  Slack became a Southwestern Cattlemen's Association Inspector until his retirement.

          Uncle Henry’s “unofficial office” in his final years was the lobby of the Brandon Hotel where he would show up in immaculate western attire, highly polished boots, and a Stetson hat.  Several years before his death, he rode at the head of the parade opening the annual July event.  In 1940 the West of the Pecos Rodeo was dedicated to him.  

          He and Linney had three children: Henry Clay, Jr., Travis, and Evelyn, a grandson, Richard Clay (Dick) Slack, who lived in Pecos with his wife Charlotte until his death, three great-grandchildren, and seven great, great-grandchildren.  Henry passed away on February 29, 1944, at the age of 76 and was posthumously inducted into the Texas Rodeo Hall of Fame.