Bill Budd

William Henry Budd was born in Salt Lake City on May 27, 1908, to Henry and Leata Budd who were both from early Big Piney pioneer families. Bill rode as a child for the Big Piney Roundup Association when it was under the direction of George Hereford. He was so little they didn’t think they could pay him so George made him a braided, rawhide rope for his pay, that a grandson still has. He graduated from Big Piney High School in 1926 and married Thelma Vickrey on September 16, 1929. Most of their lives were at home on the family ranch with their three children: William, Robert, and Sally. Bill spent a dozen years as roundup foreman for the Big Piney Roundup Association during the 1940s and 50s. The Association consisted of seven ranches, extending from the Green River westward to the mountains of the Wyoming Range. Bill had the reputation of spending very long hours in the saddle and expected the same from his crew, earning him the nickname “IA” or “Iron Ass.” He always rode the outside circle. Community service was a large part of Bill’s character. He served as justice of the peace and was the announcer for the 4th of July Big Piney Chuck Wagon Days rodeo well into the 1960s. Due to his excellent knowledge of cattle and horses, he was employed as a brand inspector for many years.