Los Jaboncillos Ranch History
In
1820, the Mexican revolution ended Spanish control over the region and in
1824, the Mexican government make provision for additional land grants not
covered previously. The name "Jaboncillos", given to the 5 league land
grant, was derived from the eastern soapberry trees first observed by
Spanish explorers along what was later named "Los Jaboncillos" creek. The
Ramirez brothers, of the jurisdiction of Camargo, Mexico proved up land
grant claims fought through courts in Spain and later in Mexico. In December
1835, the "Los Jaboncillos" grant was conveyed from the Governor of
Tamaulipas to Antonio Ramirez.
The Seeligson family had been acquiring land in the "Wild Horse Desert" of the Nueces Strip that they called "Galveston Ranch". Other large grants in the area had been acquired by ranching pioneers such as Captain Richard King, Mifflin Kennedy, Ed Lassater and Dillard Fant. At the time, this unfenced region was both buffer and battlefield, where trails were travelled by Civil War Cavalry Soldiers and later by Texas Rangers attempting to restore law and order.
The Jaboncillos Grant adjoining the Galveston Ranch to the north. In
1895, John and Florence "Seeligson" Houghton were able to acquire the prized
land grant from the Ramirez heirs and operated the grant as a working ranch.
Mrs. Houghton, the daughter of Sgt. Henry Seeligson and wife of John
Houghton bequeathed the ranch to her nephew, Arthur W. Seeligson who later
divided the ranch between his three children Arthur, Lamar, and Lucy. The
original headquarters, held by Lucy "Seeligson" Roe became well known as the
breeding site of top registered Santa Gertrudis Cattle and Quarter Horses.
Irrigation was developed to increase productivity, and the ranch was
developed as a White Tail Deer and quail hunting paradise. Over time, the
success the ranch enjoyed allowed the
brand and "Los Jaboncillos Ranch" to
become well known internationally.
Today the ranch continues to market high quality replacement cattle and Quarter Horses. Commercial females crossed to purebred bulls are sold "private treaty" seasonally on the ranch. The broodmare band produces foals from the highest performing sires in the industry such as DUAL REY, SMOOTH AS A CAT, METALLIC CATT, and THE BOON to name a few. Los Jaboncillos Ranch was recently blessed as both Breeders and Owners of the 2019 NCHA Open Futurity Champion, Metallic Rey Mink. We hope to stand "Mink" to the public for the 2021 breeding season. Hunting of native species of wildlife is currently closely held, but the ranch offers hunting of trophy class Black Buck through commercial hunting packages.
Los Jaboncillos Ranch(361) 675-0229
P.O. Box 228
Sarita, Texas 78385
11987 US-281
Premont, TX 78375