1st Generation | 1865–1874 | James Henry Hensley & Eliza Elizabeth Boon Hensley

James Henry Hensley and his wife, Eliza Elizabeth Boon Hensley, leave Tennessee and establish the ranch just south of Jacksboro, Texas, on a 160-acre homestead. They purchase additional acreage during the post-Civil War settlement of the West.

James Henry dies of fever in 1865. Eliza Elizabeth and their five children—two sons and three daughters—remain on the ranch, establishing a dedicated and determined ranching family.

Land Patent | 1874

In 1874, Texas patents the land to the heirs of the founders. After James Henry’s death, Eliza Elizabeth embodies the spirit of “Don’t Quit.” She remarries and becomes Mrs. Brummett but soon finds herself once again ranching alone in Jack County, where she survives and thrives. She later passes away as Mrs. Dodson on the Texas prairie land she loves and to which she dedicates her life.

2nd Generation | 1887–1932 | Henry James Hensley

Henry James Hensley, the fourth of five children, greatly expands the family’s land holdings between 1900 and 1910. He marries Dorcas Duke, and they raise one daughter, Willie Ruth, who acquires the land in 1932.

The ranch operates as a working cattle operation across the rugged terrain of North Texas. The family survives the droughts of 1895–1897, becoming one of the few remaining families in Jack County. They also endure market crashes while adopting new and evolving ranching practices.

3rd Generation | 1932–1978 | Willie Ruth Hensley Richards

Willie Ruth Hensley marries Evan Cater (E.C.) Richards, Sr. Together, they preserve Grandmother Eliza Elizabeth’s determination and commitment to stewarding the land as the Richards Ranch. They maintain traditional family values while adapting to changing agricultural practices.

4th Generation

In 1945, Henry James Richards returns from the war and serves as General Manager.

In 1978, Dorcas Richards Hackley, Henry James Richards, and his younger brother, Evan Cater Richards, Jr., acquire the ranch. They work to protect and operate the ranch as one unified family operation for the benefit of family members, past, present, and future.

5th Generation 

John Cater Hackley and his sister, Martha Hackley Salmon, continue the family’s ranching tradition. Under John’s management, Richards Ranch implements advanced rangeland conservation and holistic livestock practices, including improved water distribution and retention. These efforts lay the foundation for the ranch’s award-winning stewardship.

6th Generation

Mary Kay Hackley and current General Manager Brent Hackley carry on with the family legacy.  Brent returns as General Manager and continues to improve established grazing practices. In 1999, he expands into curated hunting experiences including meals and upscale lodging for guests. This program’s implementation of innovative wildlife management practices aligns with advancement of adaptive grazing techniques and improvement of grass efficient genetics.

7th Generation

Hunter Hackley and Hallie Hackley further the family legacy.  Hunter returns to the business, expanding family leadership and drives the daily operations into the technology forefront with the implementation of virtual fencing practices on the ranch, improving grazing efficiency and beef production.

Additional leadership and efficiency support further diversification, including the construction of an arena and event center for education, ranch experiences, horsemanship, cattle handling, and competitive events.

Hunter and his wife continue the family’s future management team growth with the addition of 8th Generation Colter Thomas Hackley.

The ranch begins hosting horsemanship, ranch riding, and dog training events focused on skill-building and tradition.

New 200′ × 360′ outdoor arena and event venue

Designed for cutting, sorting, roping, and more- supporting both professional and recreational riders.

The family continues to honor its heritage by looking beyond the ranch and investing in the future of the surrounding community.

Community & Education

The ranch actively contributes to regional historical, ecological, and youth-focused initiatives, sharing its knowledge, resources, and Western heritage with the next generation.

Innovation & Progress

The ranch continually seeks innovative ways to improve its operations, strengthen stewardship of the land, and implement progressive business practices while remaining grounded in the values that have guided the family for more than 160 years.