Ray Lum (1891-1977) was a mule skinner, a livestock trader, an auctioneer, and an American original. His home and his auction barn were in Vicksburg, Mississippi, and in trading he fanned out over twenty states and into Mexico. A west Texas newspaper reported his fame this way: "He is known all over cow country for his honest fair dealing and gentlemanly attitude..... A letter addressed to him anywhere in Texas probably would be delivered."