Ranching and Farming in the Flint Hills

A story of economic survival: The Pattons & Johnsons

The Patton and Johnson families came to southern Chase County shortly after the Civil War. The Pattons settled west of Matfield Green and the Johnsons settled east of Matfield Green. Both families farmed the fertile soil along the creeks and ranched in the rich upland native tallgrass prairie pastures. Six generations later, some Patton/Johnson ancestors still live and work in the Flint Hills.

This Prairie Talk focused on how farming and ranching were equally important to the economic survival of pioneer Flint Hills families. The symbiotic relationship between farming and ranching still exists in 2023.

Recorded at Pioneer Bluffs, Aug. 2023

Video by Dave Leiker