Tex Austin

John Van "Tex" Austin
Austin in 1924
Born
Clarence Van Nostrand

(1885-08-26)August 26, 1885
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
DiedOctober 26, 1938(1938-10-26) (aged 53)
Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.
Other namesKing of the Rodeo
Daddy of the Rodeo
OccupationRodeo promoter
Years active1918–1938
SpouseMary Lou McGuire

John Van "Tex" Austin (August 26, 1885 – 26 October 1938) was an American rodeo promoter, known as the "King of the Rodeo"[1][2] or "Daddy of the Rodeo" because of his efforts to popularize the rodeo outside of its core American West demographic.[1]

He owned the Forked Lightning Ranch in New Mexico. From 1925 to 1929, he was promoter, manager, and director of the Chicago Roundup.

  1. ^ a b U.P.I. (26 October 1938) "Death Cancels Plans King of Rodeo Shows" Kokomo Tribune p. 2, col. 8
  2. ^ Staff (29 December 1928) ""King of the Rodeo" Now showing at Gem" The Salt Lake Tribune p. 15, col. 2