MOT's trip to the family ranch

[MilesOfTexas]

This past weekend I went to visit my father at our family ranch in Truscott, TX.  The visit was way too short, but I was thrilled to be out where I fell in love with the rugged beauty of Texas.  Because I hadn't seen my father in a couple of years, I just decided to tag along with whatever he and his wife were doing.  I brought my camera along of course!  Here are a few photos I took while out there:

[MilesOfTexas]

By the way, the cairn is of unknown origin.  The ranch has been in my family for over a century, and it wasn't until recently when they were clearing some brush for a fence that it was revealed.  Because the fenceline is part of the property line, it is though that surveyors of old made the cairn to identify the property line.

[MilesOfTexas]

Yeah, MOT, just what I thought; real West Texas country; high plains, cross timbers, Comanche territory; you are the real cowboy, and I am proud to know you! Do they know how long this ranch has been your family, over a century! Thanks for sharing it with us!
QS

Based on the Texas State Historical Association's article on my great-grandfather, I would venture to say sometime around 1925:

http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/fal85

"In 1925 he constructed the Alexander Building, then the tallest building in Abilene. That same year he established the Alexander Trust Estate, which placed most of his holdings in the names of his children. After his medical career was established, he acquired ranchland in Jones, Stonewall, King, Knox, and Shackelford counties."

[Frau]

By the way, the cairn is of unknown origin.  The ranch has been in my family for over a century, and it wasn't until recently when they were clearing some brush for a fence that it was revealed.  Because the fenceline is part of the property line, it is though that surveyors of old made the cairn to identify the property line.

Fascinating MOT, especially to such a "newcomer" to USA like myself!! I  am reading every (good) book i can find on Texas History and settlement!! Thanks for the pics and sharing!! BEAUTIFUL country! Be sure, to check out my movie recommendation: "Giant"!!

[homerboy2u]

Those are nice pics there Jesse.

[Hoodoo]

Because the fenceline is part of the property line, it is though that surveyors of old made the cairn to identify the property line.

Nice property your family has there MOT! I suspect surveyors did and/or do use cairns in remote areas where they are unlikely to be disturbed.

This cairn marks the Northwest corner of our property. It was last surveyed in 1984.



I wish I knew I little more about surveying because I also found another cairn along the western edge of the property that was not identified in the survey. I assume it was an intermediate marker set by the surveyor to aid in establishing the property boundaries.

Don

[01ACRViper]

Truscott you say? My grandparents lived in Truscott (until recently, grandfather passed away a few years ago, grandma moved closer to family)

my mother and her siblings were born there, my grandmother was born in the area.

looks a little north or south of Truscott proper, on the edge of the Witchita valleys

[MilesOfTexas]

Truscott you say? My grandparents lived in Truscott (until recently, grandfather passed away a few years ago, grandma moved closer to family)

my mother and her siblings were born there, my grandmother was born in the area.

looks a little north or south of Truscott proper, on the edge of the Witchita valleys

We are about 3-4 miles due west of town off FM-1756.  Our ranch backs up to the Lowrance Ranch if you are familiar with them.

[MilesOfTexas]

Those are nice pics there Jesse.

Thanks Homero!

[MilesOfTexas]

Nice property your family has there MOT! I suspect surveyors did and/or do use cairns in remote areas where they are unlikely to be disturbed.

This cairn marks the Northwest corner of our property. It was last surveyed in 1984.

I wish I knew I little more about surveying because I also found another cairn along the western edge of the property that was not identified in the survey. I assume it was an intermediate marker set by the surveyor to aid in establishing the property boundaries.

Don

Thanks Don!  It is most interesting, isn't it!