History is formed from the stories of the endeavors, successes, and failures of everyday people. Often these people and their circumstances connect in unexpected ways. The challenge and satisfaction…
The cattle trails and cowboys are essential elements in the mythos and romance of Texas. This aspect of Texas culture, more than any other, has enthralled worldwide audiences for years. Cattle drives…
In the early days of the Texas Republic (1835-1845), Texas was a vast, untamed wilderness. Abundant wild game and fertile soil created a land of opportunity. However, it also challenged settlers with…
The historical narrative of Pecan Spring Ranch traces its beginnings to the arrival of John and Nicholas Sims’ families in 1851. The Sims families were some of the earliest settlers to arrive in…
Wilson Dabney Sims was about twenty-seven years old when he came to Texas with his father and siblings in 1851. He was born in Maury County, Tennessee on October 3, 1824. After arriving in Ellis…
In his will, W. Dabney Sims divided up his land among his children with the provision that it was to be kept in the family. Patrick received the portion of land that included the Merlin survey with…