Historical Marker

Willingham Land and Cattle Company

Historical marker location:
14427 East Hwy 180, Roby, Texas
( 14427 East Hwy 180)
Marker installed: 2012

BROTHERS WELBORN B. WILLINGHAM (1868-1923) AND STERLING A. WILLINGHAM, JR. (1871-1950) TRADED SHEEP TO MR. CLEGG FOR LAND NEAR HOBBS IN 1886-87. THE FAMILY ACQUIRED MORE LAND IN FISHER AND SCURRY COUNTIES WITH MANY SECTIONS FROM THE GARDNER RANCH. W.B. WILLINGHAM (1899-1982), A FOUNDING DIRECTOR OF THE SWEETWATER PRODUCTION CREDIT ASSN. AND A NOTED RODEO JUDGE AT THE TEXAS COWBOY REUNION IN STAMFORD, EXPANDED THE FAMILY FARM INTO LIVESTOCK AND RANCHING EFFORTS. IN 1949, W.B., HIS WIFE, MADGE EASON (1902-1983), AND SONS BARTON C. (1927-1999) AND DR. WELBORN K. WILLINGHAM (1928-2007) INCORPORATED THE WILLINGHAM LAND AND CATTLE COMPANY. IN ADDITION TO GRASS LEASES, THE COMPANY HAS ENGAGED IN HUNTING, LAND MANAGEMENT, CONSERVATION PROJECTS AND OIL EXPLORATION.