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The 1881 rock
house built by settler Meliton Morales |
"The Morales
Ranch ruins - I should probably refer it to the Morales House ruins,
since it is just the one building. As the historical marker indicates,
it is about 350 yards west of the marker, but it is also about 150
yards from the road that runs closest to it. It is on fenced in property,
but I didn't see any No Trespassing signs posted."
- Erik
Whetstone, August
2005 photo |
Morales
Ranch - Connected to Cleo,
Texas, the story of Meliton Morales and his family was worthy
of a historical marker, which makes it worthy of being added to our
ghost town list.
Photographer's Note:
"The historical marker is within walking distance south of the
old store and community center in Cleo."
- Erik
Whetstone |
Morales
Ranch Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Erik
Whetstone, August 2005 |
Historical
Marker:
Morales
Ranch
350 yards southwest
stands a small rock house
built in 1881 by settler Meliton Morales (1837-1924).
Born in Mexico, Morales was kidnapped by Indians as a youth and spent
9 years in captivity.
Moved to Texas in 1855. Came here from
Duval County in 1874,
bringing 200 Spanish goats and 2,000 sheep to start ranching.
He and wife Ramona (Pena) had 9 children. He served on jury of first
court convened after organization of county. He and wife are buried
on the Manuel Morales Ranch in Schleicher
County, near Kimble
County Line.
Descendants own this land.
1970 |
Morales Ranch
Historical Marker
Photo courtesy Erik
Whetstone, August 2005 |
Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history
and vintage/historic photos, please contact
us. |
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