Ozona Stockman

In 1892 Claude B. Hudspeth (1877-1941) began publication of a weekly newspaper called the "Ozona Kicker." Following his three-year ownership, Hudspeth entered politics, serving first in the Texas Legislature and later as representative from the Sixteenth Texas District to the United States Congress. The newspaper was published by later owners as the "Enterprise," "Courier," and "Optimist." When County Judge Charles E. Davidson purchased the operation in 1913, he changed the name to "Ozona Stockman" to reflect the important role of cattlemen and the ranching industry in the development of Crockett County and the surrounding area. W. Evart White took over as publisher and editor in 1926. A native of Tom Green County, he had served on newspaper staffs in Austin, San Angelo, San Antonio, and Cuero before purchasing the "Stockman." Under his leadership the content and format of the paper were changed to match the style of leading daily publications. In 1941 White directed the work on an 88-page special edition. Printed in honor of Crockett County's 50th anniversary, it was considered a major achievement for the staff of a weekly paper. White retired in 1972 after 46 years with the "Stockman."

Ozona Stockman is a historical marker in Ozona, Crockett County, dedicated in 1980. It is one of 29 historical markers documented in Crockett County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 36 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.7116, -101.2017 near Ozona. The nearest cataloged historic site is Ozona National Bank (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Ozona Hotel, Old, Ozona's First Water Well, and Crockett County Courthouse.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5105005393. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.