Swapping Dirt tells the compelling story of the Middleton family’s pioneering journey to West Texas, their instrumental role in founding Lubbock, and the first ranch sale of 1920.
In this memoir, Sam Middleton shares his experiences working alongside legends like Boone Pickens and Ann Marion, while reflecting on his own involvement in the sale of some of the most iconic ranches in the country. Sam Middleton, owner and supervising broker at Chas. S. Middleton and Son, LLC, is a lifelong resident of Lubbock, Texas. Reluctantly following in his father’s footsteps, he joined Chas. S. Middleton in 1971, eventually earning his real estate broker’s license in five states and becoming a certified appraiser in three states.
The book traces Sam's family history, from his grandfather’s westward migration to West Texas, to his father’s hard-earned lessons during the Great Depression, and finally to Sam’s own rise in the ranch real estate business. Along the way, he recounts his work with legendary ranches, including the Matador, Mesa Vista, UU Bar, Four Sixes, and W.T. Waggoner Estate Ranches.
"Swapping Dirt" is available now at the Ranching Heritage Center or by contacting our office at (806) 763-5331. You can also visit us at 5016 122nd Street, Lubbock, Texas to pick up a copy. Each book is available for $50, and all proceeds benefit the Ranching Heritage Association at Texas Tech University.
REVIEWS
Dear Mr. Middleton:
A friend, Carl Lane Johnson, gave me a copy of your book. It’s a handsome book and I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it.
I know you don’t consider yourself a writer but you do the things good writers are supposed to do. You have stories to tell and you tell them in a simple manner, without any kind of literary strutting.
You have a keen eye for details and character traits.
You either have an excellent memory or you keep good notes.
You have a sly sense of humor, the kind that Elmer Kelton practiced with such success.
There’s an honesty in your descriptions and appraisals of people. You seem to be fair, even when you didn’t like them.
Damned good work. Congratulations!
John R. Erickson
Sam, I got the books Friday, I expected it to be really good, but it exceeded that. Your book should be in every high school library and mandatory reading for every senior and absolutely a requirement for every new agent before they get their license with emphasis on what makes your book great and your life's story:
1: Obedience to your parents
2: Loyalty to your family and clients
3: Hard work to get the job done
4: Putting your clients first
5: Always honesty and integrity
I was proud to get to do 3 or 4 deals with you, after reading your book I feel very honored also, thanks again, Jim Kollman
Sam, Thanks so much for the book. Basically read it nonstop. You did a great job, you have a great memory and really good records. It brought back memories, names, and stories. Just the other day there was a picture of the Theis Ranch in Ranch magazine. I went up there two years & delivered yearlings, not long before it sold.
My earliest memories are of Big Sam and James Sedberry. I went to work for Mr. French in 1968, through 2016. Mr. French thought a lot of you. Congratulations on the book, your career and accomplishments, still Full Speed Ahead! Hope to visit with you one of these days. Royce Fort
Sam, I just want to thank you for the "Swapping Dirt" book. I have read a lot of books about ranches, and Ranch histories, but yours is the most fun book that I have ever read!!! So many of the people you mention in the book, are either friends, clients, or people I know/knew or have heard of most of my life. This is THE BOOK that I can go back & re-read and still be fun, over & over again. Again, Thank you for your generosity!!! Respectfully, Dan Gary (April, 2025)
Sam, I certainly have enjoyed reading your book- "Swapping Dirt"... I don't believe I've ever enjoyed any book as much as yours! The details in your stories are absolutely great! Your accomplishments are also Great! Your Book has Motivated me, I appreciate receiving the book, Larry Preuit. (January 2025)
Sam, Thank you so much for your book - We're Proud to own it & look forward to ready it. Our Hat's off to you & Family for all the miles - work & knowledge you've used & gained - and congrats on your success in "Swapping Dirt". Thank you, Curtis & Carol Fort