Eva and Dick Jimenez

Dick, Eva, and Mercy Jimenez, 1943

Richard (Dick) Jimenez was born in Harshaw, Arizona in 1913. Eva Ferra Jimenez (1917-2003) was born in Pantano, Arizona. Dick worked as a cowboy on the Empire Ranch from 1933 until 1945 when he moved to the Crown C Ranch in Sonoita. He notes that the Boice’s usually had about twelve steady cowboys; during a roundup they had about thirty. The primary subject of this interview is Eva Jimenez.

Eva Ferra was raised on the Empire Ranch by her grandparents. Her grandfather, Mariano Ferra first worked in the Rosemont area of the Empire, and in 1927 was assigned to work at the ranch headquarters. They lived in a small two-room adobe house near the headquarters, now know as the Hired Man’s House. Eva’s father and grandfather worked for the Vails. When the Boice’s purchased the Empire in 1929 they allowed Eva’s grandparents to remain in the adobe house.

At the age of 13, Eva began to help Mary Boice with her children, Bob and Pancho. She recalls that Bob Boice didn’t really like school; his goal in life was to be a roundup cook. Eva also recalls the beautiful gardens Mary Boice maintained.

As a girl Eva rode her horse, accompanied by her dog, Valente, to the Empire School located on Greaterville Road. The ride would take about 2 hours each way. She recalls that their teachers did not allow the students to speak Spanish, and she gave her drinking water to the dog. Dick and Eva had one daughter, Mercy. Mercy lived on the Empire for several years and attended the Empire School for one year.

Full transcript available upon request:

Date of Interview: April 13, 2002
Interviewer: Lea Ward and Jane Woods

Eva Jimenez lived at the Empire Ranch from 1927 to 1945. Dick Jimenez worked as a cowhand for Frank Boice from 1933 to 1945. This interview documents both Eva and Dick’s experiences living and working on the Empire Ranch including the sale of parts of the ranching properties.

Date of Interview: October 26, 2000
Interviewer: Dick Schorr

Eva Jimenez lived at the Empire Ranch from 1927 to 1945. Dick Jimenez worked as a cowhand for Frank Boice from 1933 to 1945. This interview focuses on room and building uses at ranch headquarters.

Date of Interview: October 27, 1991
Interviewer: Laura Soulliere Harrison