Eckelberg Ranch
Austin County, nine miles west of Sealy on FM 1094
Founded: in: 1869
Founder: Ludwig Louis Eckelberg
Current Owners: Eckelberg Estate, Gary Eckelberg, Thomas J. Eckelberg, Chad Eckelberg
The history of the Eckelberg Ranch began on Nov. 7, 1859 as Ludwig Eckelberg, traveling from Bremen, Germany, arrived in the port of New York. It was in Texas where he settled in the small community now known as Cat Spring. Ludwig and hsi wife, Louise, raised their children, Thomas and Antoinette, in this small farming community. They grew crops and according to legend, traded horsese to confederate soldiers.
Thomas married Hattie Hartmaann an raised their children Waco and Ivy, on the farm. Ludwig's grandson, Waco, married Gracie Sisa and had two sons: Gary and Thomas Joseph. Waco's family continued living on the ranch until 1951 when they moved to Sealy. He continued the family tradition of raising cattle on the ranch until his death in 1994.
Gary and Thomas Joseph moved to the farm in 1977 with their families. Great-great-grandson Chad moved to the farm in 2011. Together the Eckelberts continue to carry on the family tradition.
Acres in Original Parcel: 257
Crops or livestock Raised: 1869 --cattle, corn, cotton, horses; 2011 -- cattle, horses.
As told by Gary and Thomas Joseph Eckelberg, great-grandsons of the founder.
Family Land Heritage 100 year honoree
