McIvor Ranch - Fort Davis, Texas

Julie & Scott McIvor
daughters, Locke Ann & Mae
 
5300 ft. elevation

McIvor Ranch is a working cattle ranch. We raise Hereford cattle and Registered Quarter Horses. G. Scott Locke, his wife Belle Marshall Locke and their son Dr. Scott Locke came to the Davis Mountains from Concord, New Hampshire in the 1880's for health reasons. He bought two hundred head of cattle upon his arrival and purchased the land here in Jeff Davis County and established the U up and U down ranch. It has remained in the family since its inception.

Belle Marshall Locke was a writer. She sent several stories to the Daily Patriot in New Hampshire describing life on a West Texas Ranch. Here is an excerpt from September 16, 1907, she writes "The days are warm and summery, full of bird-song and sunshine. Beautiful wild flowers in red, purple, yellow and white, nod at us from the level spaces, cactus blooms are peeping from niches in grey boulders, and bushes of Salt Cedar, All-thorn and Spanish-dagger make the pastures look as if decorative gardeners had been doing artistic work."

G. S.Locke also wrote a few articles. Here is an expert from "A Trip to Western Texas" where he writes about gathering maverick cattle with the ranch cowboys . "...we made down for the night, after the most exciting day’s ride I have ever experienced. As the cowboys fell asleep under their blankets, I watched the campfire cast its shadows, and listened to the roar of cattle, raised by the occasional dismal cry of the coyote and I could but wonder what tempted those brave men to live such a life of danger and hardship." The story in its entirety can be read in "Articles & Links"

We remain dedicated to our ranching heritage. We are committed to improving the land, raising quality beef and first-rate quarter horses.

We prefer to work cattle the traditional way. The cattle are worked twice a year, once in the Spring and once in the Fall. We hire local professional cowboys to help with the Spring and Fall works.

We love our way of life and we believe that it shows in every animal we raise.