he Fort Davis Historical Society will host Jon Means for a talk on his family’s ranching legacy and the Moon Ranch on March 18 at 6 p.m. at the Overland Trail Museum, 511 N. Fort Street, near Sleeping Lion Mountain.
Means will recount the story of his ancestors, John Zack Means and his fifteen-year-old bride, Exa Gay Means, who set out with “a horse, a saddle, a six-shooter, and five head of cattle.” Their journey from San Saba and the Colorado River led them to the Pecos, where they lost their herd to Comanche. Later, drought claimed more than 10,000 head of cattle, but perseverance saw the family establish ranches in the Davis Mountains and ultimately prosper.
The presentation will highlight the Means family’s contributions to the region, including their role in founding Bloys Campmeeting, the Marfa National Bank, the Masonic Lodge, the Means Ranch School at Crow’s Nest, and their partnership with the Evans family in ranching operations across multiple states.
The event is open to the public. For more information, contact the Overland Trail Museum.
