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Calhoun Ranch is one of the oldest working ranches in Hays County, continuously owned and operated by the same family. In 1872, Thomas Dodsworth (1819-1896) immigrated into the United States from England. He took advantage of the Homestead Act, signed into law by President Lincoln. A federal land grant of 160 acres of surveyed government land was given to anyone meeting the designated criteria. Thomas, wife Elizabeth (Smith) Dodsworth, and their two youngest daughters settled on Ruff Hollow, a tributary of the Cypress Fork of the Rio Blanco, about 18 miles northwest of San Marcos. After homesteading for six years, on February 14, 1878, Thomas renounced the Queen of England and pledged his allegiance to the United States, becoming an American Citizen. He received his grant of 160 acres on June 11, 1878, from Texas Governor R.B. Hubbard. As the property passed from generation to generation, Thomas Dodsworth’s descendants continued his ranching traditions. His 160 acres extended to over 2300. In 1881, the ranch became one of the first large-scale operations raising Angora goats in Hays County. Introduced wild Rio Grande turkeys are now prolific, along with many domestic and exotic animals. In 1981, the State of Texas awarded the family Land Heritage Certificate of honor to the Lin-Lila (Calhoun) Ranch for a century of continuous ownership and operation of a family agricultural enterprise. The small log cabin that Thomas Dodsworth built in 1872, the old rock fences and windmills can still be seen today, serving as reminders of the tireless work and love Thomas Dodsworth and his descendants lavished on Calhoun Ranch. |
