Sunday, May 2, 1999

Moorhouse Ranch Co., Benjamin

Established in the 1930’s by J.C. (Togo) Moorhouse, the ranch is located near Benjamin, Texas. In partnership with his brother, Togo bought the ranchland to begin a cow/calf operation. The Moorhouses had established roots in West Texas nearly a quarter-century earlier, moving there from Kaufman County, east of Dallas. Having remained very active in managing the ranch and sharing responsibilities with his sons Ed, John, Tom and Bob, Togo died Dec. 16, 1995.

The Moorhouses operate 96,000 acres, 10,000 of which they own. The remaining land in Knox, Stonewall, King, Hall, Borden and Haskell counties is leased and includes leases dating back to the 1940s. Moorhouse Ranch Company runs yearlings on wheat pasture and maintains a cow/calf operation. In addition, the ranch raises its own saddle horses.

Several landmarks distinguish the Moorhouse Ranch. One is Forbes Henry Hill, which served as a rest stop for teams of horses hauling freight in the 1800s. Another is Blane Hollow Pasture, where a mysterious Mrs. Walter Blane and her infant are buried. No details are known about their deaths or why they were buried there.

It has been said of the Moorhouse Ranch that “working together as family is all they know.” This is certainly true, but they would be the first to tell you that without the help of their faithful and dependable employees, it could not be done.

Team Captain: Tom Moorhouse

Team Members: Joe Leathers, Bubba Smith, Reno Livingston, Johnny Ferguson, Casey Robinson