VM Chambers

 Sylvester “V.M.” Chambers

 

Born:  February 10, 1868

Birthplace:  McKinney, TX

Parents:  Jasper Newton and Sarah Eleanor Chambers

Spouse:  Mattie Posern

Children:  Mattie Field and Daisy Clayton

Died:  December 31, 1957

 

Sylvester Chambers, also known as “V.M.”, “Vester”, and “Fessor”; grew up in Texas during the time of the Open Range Days.  He worked breaking horses in the “Indian Territory” and as a cowboy on numerous trail drives and for the C Ranch on the Canadian River.  At the age of 22, V.M. decided to further his 2^nd grade education, eventually earning a college degree.  Making his way “out west” to the Llano Estacado, V.M used his education and ranch hand abilities to cowboy or teach at the various locations he stopped.

 

V.M. arrived at what is now Lea County in 1897.  He filed on several claims and taught school at Murphy’s Chapel, Midway, and Plainview.  He was affectionately called “Fessor” by his pupils and friends.  V.M. married Mattie Posern in 1913 and took three trips back and forth to Texas before moving his family to Lea County.  In 1920 he bought two sections of land, three miles north of Plainview.  Within a few years he bought more land and stopped teaching, stocking his land with sheep and cattle.  V.M. had great pride in continuing to develop better strains of sheep and cattle.  He often expressed himself on what he believed to be the wonderful future of Lea County, and the many opportunities which could be available for future generations.  He loved New Mexico and often remarked, “if we take care of the land, the land will take care of us.”  He was a member of the New Mexico Cattle Growers Association and the New Mexico Wool Growers Association.

 

Although he spent most of his time ranching, he kept a life-long interest in promoting better educational opportunities for the youth of Lea County.  He was a promoter of the early day school bus for country children and encouraged and helped many students further their education.  V.M often said, “Opportunity may knock but once, and it is important to recognize when it’s knocking and respond.”

 

V.M. believed in the dignity of an individual and was always willing to lend a hand.  He was quick to perceive change in the social and economic environments and was able to adapt and succeed.  As he grew older, the hardships of his early life became humorous conversation for young listeners, told with his special sense of humor.  The latter part of his life were years of contentment.  The trip “out west” had been worthwhile and he had done his part to make it that way.