Family shares 6 generations of history

Dick, Chuck and Jarrett McLinden will talk about their family history, and the evolution of the farm industry, at 2:30 p.m. Sept. 14 at Pioneer Bluffs near Matfield Green.

The McLindens have lived in Marion County and the Flint Hills since their ancestors came from Ireland six generations ago.

Dick’s grandfather pushed through the Great Depression by working as a land auctioneer as far south as Central Texas.

Today, Dick’s son Chuck carries on the family cattle business on the original McLinden family land. Chuck’s son, Jarret, is studying Ranch Management at Hutchinson Community College.

Singer, and one-time Flint Hills resident, Steve Cormier will precede the McLindens. Cormier started as a cowboy in the area before moving to New Mexico and becoming an actor, appearing in shows like “Gunsmoke” and “Breaking Bad.”

Donations will fund prairie heritage programs at Pioneer Bluffs in the future. Those interested can contact executive director Lynn Smith at (620) 753-3484 for reservations or further details.