In the rolling foothills of Eastern Madera County, where the legacy of Edward E. Campbell, Sr. intertwines with the land, the spirit of The Lazy E Ranch—now known as The Lonesome E Cattle Company—continues to thrive. This past weekend, I had the distinct honor of capturing a living tapestry of this legacy: a Black cowboy round-up that was as much about community as it was about cattle—a gathering that welcomed all, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
Rooted in History: The Journey from Texas to California
The Campbell family's story is deeply woven into the broader narrative of African American Black Cowboys who helped settle the Western frontier. The lineage of the Campbell family traces back to Clem Campbell Sr., born in 1868. A rancher in Cuero, Texas, he and his father, Jack Campbell, played a part in the tales of the Old West, aiding outlaws Frank & Jessie James. In exchange for shelter under the floorboards of their modest shacks, the James brothers would rustle cattle to feed the residents of a newly freed slave community. This spirit of resourcefulness and resilience has echoed through generations and brought the family to the present-day Lonesome E Ranch, nestled in the heart of Raymond, California.
A Heritage Reclaimed and Revered
The Lonesome E Cattle Company is more than a place; it's a living testament to the Campbell family's dedication and dreams. Led by Edward E. Campbell, Jr., affectionately known as Beau, and his wife Pamela, the family upholds a legacy that extends far beyond the ranching operations started by his father. It's a testament to the enduring power of a vision, passed down through generations like a cherished Stetson hat, fitting each new wearer just as it did the last.
The Round-Up: A Testament to Tradition
The round-up I witnessed was a vibrant tapestry of camaraderie, tradition, and familial pride. Cowboys and cowgirls gathered not driven by financial gain but by a deep love for their heritage and each other. The scene echoed the historic gatherings of Edward Sr.'s time, filled with the aroma of barbecue, the clatter of dominoes, and the thud of horseshoes—timeless summer traditions now rekindled by the current generation.
In the Dust and Dawn: Moments Made Immortal
As the morning light spilled over the hills, the present-day cowboys, with ropes and reins in hand, honored their heritage with every calf roped and every brand sizzled into the hide. The physicality of the round-up was undeniable—a dance of grit and grace, a choreography perfected by the calloused hands of experience and the eager grips of youth learning the ropes.
Under the Same Skies: A Family's Heartbeat
Through my viewfinder, the heartbeat of the Campbell family was unmistakable. The ranch resonated with the sounds of joy, the shared respect for the livestock, and the collective remembrance of a family's journey from the pastures of Texas to the rolling hills of California.
Conclusion: The Future Framed by the Past
As I ready to share this collection of images, I'm reminded that The Lonesome E Cattle Company is more than a ranch; it is a sanctuary where past, present, and future are indelibly inked into the landscape. This round-up was a celebration of a way of life, a family heritage that Beau and Pamela Campbell intend to preserve and share through annual round-ups and trail rides—inviting everyone to partake in the celebration of heritage and local history.
"West of Yellowstone, South of Yosemite," the Lonesome E Ranch stands as a beacon of history, where redwoods dedicated to the memory of family members guard the stories and spirits that will continue to roam these lands. Join us as we honor the past and embrace the future, preserving and cherishing the legacy of The Lonesome E Cattle Company for generations to come.
Stay tuned for the visual chronicle of this remarkable day not just the enduring legacy of The Lonesome E Cattle Company but also the unbreakable bonds of the family it continues to foster.
For those interested in the technical side of round-up photography, my trusty Nikon Z9 was at the heart of it all, paired with two versatile lenses: the 24-70mm for wider scenes and rapid movements and the 70-200mm for those tight, close-up shots of the action. To ensure the cowboys and cowgirls were lit perfectly, I utilized the reliable Godox AD600 Pro strobe with a Phottix 7-inch dish that provided just the right amount of fill light. All of this was supported, quite literally, by the robust Benro Mammoth TMTH34C Carbon Fiber Tripod, topped with a Benro GX25 Lowprofile Ballhead for smooth adjustments and stability. This gear setup was instrumental in capturing the dynamic essence of the rodeo, freezing each moment with clarity and precision.