the Ranch FamilyEarly in life, John's father, Jerry Elick, instilled in him an appreciation for the land, which he learned from his father, a Czech immigrant in the 1800s, who also believed in hard work and dedication.
Together John and Taunia have continued that legacy at Texas Ranch Life, using their land to preserve a working piece of Texas history and their family's history, while restoring the land to its natural glory. |
John & Taunia Elick on the ranch, pictured with their daughters, Laramy, Lacey & Ashlyn, their son-in-laws Craig Bauer & Lars Hollis, and their four grandchildren in 2021
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what "Family Owned and Operated" means to us
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Ranch History
STEPHEN F. AUSTIN
The Lonesome Pine Ranch was originally settled by two of Stephen F. Austin's "old 300" families, Joel Leakey and James Stevenson, who back in the early 1830's, had their pick of the best spots in Texas. The descendants of these two settlers are still in the area.
In January 1821 Austin's father, Moses Austin, had received a permit from the Spanish to settle 300 families in Texas, but he died in Missouri a short time later before he could realize his plans. |
DEEP IN THE HEART OF TX
Our area of Central Texas has a beautiful and elaborate history and culture. From the Spanish-Mexican influence, cowboys and Indians, all the way to the arrival of German and Czech settlers and more recently the Round Top Antique Festival, there are iconic restaurants, museums and parks where you can experience it all.
With so many places just a short drive away: Round Top, Washington on the Brazos, Independence, TX, the Bluebell Factory in Brenham, and Stephen F. Austin's cabin to name a few...the ranch is ideally situated for the Best of Texas Experience! |
CAMPFIRE STORIES
Texas Ranch Life has a unique history all its own! From outlaws and bandits to Indians and Civil War soldiers, the ranch has its own collection of tall tales. Time and imagination may have embellished the facts, but they still entertain and delight.
Get these stories and our centuries old cemetery, a famous Mexican vigilante's saddle, slave stories, grandpa Elick face off with a terrifying Comanche war party and the friendly Texas Ranch Life ghost! |
Follow us for behind the scenes, day-to-day life on the ranch, family recipes, stories, ranching resources & horsemanship. |
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Each of our #restored #ranch homes has its own unique #Texas history and #architecture. Through purposeful #preservation, these accents can tell a story spanning centuries. Often it’s the layers of paint on and around doors that reveal a home’s hidden depths.
Happy Birthday Craig! We love this #texascowboy
Hope the mamas, grandmas, aunties, godmothers, teachers & all the incredible women that complete our live had a wonderful #mothersday yesterday! We certainly enjoyed a day off to celebrate and love the ladies in our life, regardless whether they had feet, hooves, claws or paws!
Happy Cinco de Mayo! We've been busy working but still celebrated with our version of @Mattselrancho famous #bobarmstrong #queso ...we used our own #freerangebeef fresh garden onions and herbs with some tried and true Texas quest staples (and a meat free option for our vegetarian friends)