Site of Loving Ranch House
Jermyn vicinity, Jack County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Built 1872 by J. C. Loving, the son of pioneer trail driver Oliver Loving. J. C. Loving was an organizer and first secretary of Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association. Organization's first office was at the ranch, which was later operated by Loving's son, Oliver II. (1968)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
J. C. Loving, son of the legendary trail driver Oliver Loving, built his ranch house here in 1872 at the height of the open-range cattle era. He became a founder and the first secretary of the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, which held its first office at this very ranch. The operation later passed to his son, Oliver II.
Why it matters
The site marks the organizing of the cattlemen's association that helped tame the lawlessness of the open range, a cornerstone of the Western ranching industry.
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Related people
- ยท J. C. Loving
- ยท Oliver Loving
- ยท Oliver Loving II
Themes & tags
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