John L. Jones Ranch
London, Kimble County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Established about 1875 by Jim Ike and John L. Jones (1852-1912). John Jones drove thousands of cattle to Kansas railheads, and by 1885 had his brother's interest in the ranch, which he increased to 25,000 acres. Originally he ran large herds of cattle, but later added sheep and goats to his ranch. He built a stone drift fence, possibly first in county; portions of this still stand. He was persuaded by friends to run for sheriff in 1896, to help rid the county of rustlers; he completed the job in one term. Descendants own much of this original ranch property today. (1973)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Established around 1875 by Jim Ike and John L. Jones, this Kimble County ranch grew into a 25,000-acre operation as Jones drove thousands of cattle north to the Kansas railheads and bought out his brother's share by 1885. He later added sheep and goats and built a stone drift fence — possibly the county's first — portions of which still stand. Persuaded to run for sheriff in 1896, he cleared the county of cattle rustlers in a single term, and his descendants still hold much of the original ranch.
Why it matters
The Jones ranch captures the open-range cattle era and the long trail drives to Kansas that defined the economy and mythology of the post-Civil War West.
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Related people
- · John L. Jones
- · Jim Ike Jones
Themes & tags
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