it was far cheaper to improve an existing herd by replacing the bulls then by creating a whole new herd. The survival rate of these Hereford/Longhorn crosses was ascribed to the superior qualities of the Hereford, however hybrid vigor may have played a role. Following the winter of 1889–1890, Tinnin could no longer make his mortgage payments to Jasper Harrell, and Harrell took over his shares. Sparks-Tinnin was renamed Sparks-Harrell. Between his expenditures on the Alamo Ranch, and losses in mining speculation, Sparks also ran into financial trouble, and sold his half of Sparks-Harrell back to Jasper Harrell in 1901. Political career After an unsuccessful Senate run, Sparks was elected Governor of Nevada in 1902, and re-elected in 1906. During this administration a state railroad commission was formed; the Nevada State Police was organized; an eight-hour work day bill for miners was passed; and a state engineering office was created. In 1904, the town of Harriman, Nevada in Washoe County was renamed Sparks after the governor. Sparks died while still in his second term in office on May 22, 1908. At the time of his death he was reportedly broke, and the Alamo Ranch was immediately sold to settle his debts. Memorium The Alamo Ranchhouse, a portion of Sparks' Alamo Ranch, survives and is listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. References Cattle in the Cold Desert by James A. Young and B. Abbott Sparks, University of Nevada Press, 1985, reprinted and expanded 2002 External links Biography Information on Sparks 1843 births 1908 deaths Democratic Party governors of Nevada Members of the Texas Ranger Division Silver Party state governors of the United States Sheep Wars Nevada Silverites Flag designers