Tom Caywood was born in Globe, Arizona in 1922. His family relocated to Casa Grande and he grew up on Caywood Farms learning to farm alongside his stepdad, Lewis Storey (1st Generation and original owner of Storey Brothers Farms, later renamed Caywood Farms). After graduating from Casa Grande Union High School, he continued his education at the University of Arizona. He attended classes for two years until WWII. He served his country in the Navy aboard the U.S.S. Cimarron (Tanker) as a Storekeeper.
He returned to Casa Grande after the war and helped on the farm. With the help of his dad, he purchased land near Stanfield (west of Casa Grande) where he began his farming career.
In 1947, Tommy was enjoying a few Moscow Mules with his cousin and best friend Jerry Storey. Jerry convinced Tommy to call Sammie Darr and ask her out. Sammie was born in Casa Grande in 1926. Her father worked for the railroad and settled in Casa Grande where she and her three siblings attended school. She accepted his “first date” offer and the rest is history. They married that same year and began their family raising three children, Jim, Nancy and Patty.
Farming was their livelihood. Tommy was busy with the farm and Sammie loved her big gardens at the farm. Together they would plant the garden each year, but it was Sammie who would harvest the produce then can, freeze and preserve their bountiful harvests. An excellent cook, Sammie prepared tasty family meals and host many gatherings at her house for both relatives and friends.
In the 1960’s, Sammie became a 4-H Leader and was also active with the Pinal County Fair. She also realized the need for a Humane Society in Casa Grande and she followed that passion by becoming the 1st President. During her reign as President, she saved the lives of many animals including dogs, cats, horses, tortoises and even a ring-tailed cat and an eagle. She worked diligently to get a shelter built in Casa Grande. The Humane Society of Casa Grande is still active to date thanks to Sammie’s early efforts.
Sammie was also very active with the Casa Grande Valley Historical Society. For many years, she ran the gift store and was responsible for inventory, preparing budgets, buying merchandise and then selling it.
In 1980, both Tommy and Sammie they decided it was time to retire. They sold the farm in Stanfield. Tommy’s father (Lewis) had gifted Tommy and Sammie his farm at 11-Mile Corner in the 1960’s so they weren’t completely out of the farming business. As a matter of fact, they never really retired! Tommy continued serving on Agriculture related boards including the West Pinal County Natural Resource Conservation District Board (NRCD), Electrical District #1 (founder and first president), Maricopa-Stanfield Irrigation District, Arizona Power Authority, Arizona Agri-Business Council, Government Affairs Committee, the Casa Grande Grande Industrial Development Authority and the 11-Mile Corner Gin Board just to name a few. Sammie continued her involvement with the Casa Grande Valley Historical Society and supported Tommy in his Agricultural Involvement attending many out-of-town meetings and planning local fundraisers that were for the good of Agriculture.
At a very young age, Grandson, Travis Hartman, wanted to farm. He was seriously interested so Grandpa (Tom Caywood) left retirement behind and helped Travis get his farming career up and going at the 11- Mile Corner Farm. Working side by side, Travis learned to grow crops and repair equipment and he now farms the 11-Mile Corner Farm.
In 2013, Nancy retired from the University of California and decided to start farm tours on the family farm. Both Tommy and Sammie encouraged and supported this venture and were eager to become involved. They enjoyed mingling with visitors. Sammie helped maintain inventory and supplies, took registration and helped distribute hand-outs. She also packaged program hand-outs for both Adult and Chidren’s Programs. She stuffed thousands of packages of seeds and never complained!
Through the years both Tommy and Sammie received numerous awards. Most recently, they were inducted into the Arizona Farming and Ranching Hall of Fame and received the Arizona Farm Bureau Lifetime Service to Agriculture Award.
In January of 2021 Tommy passed away and Sammie soon followed. Both Tommy and Sammie always encouraged their kids, grandkids and great grandkids to be active in whatever interested them and to pursue their dreams. We feel they are shining down on us and are very proud of what they see. They left a wonderful legacy and we are so grateful for the knowledge, guidance and encouragement they showed each and every one of us.