James Madison Chittim Jr.: A Texas Cattleman With Grit and Humor

By Eloise Guggolz Steed
Fifth-generation descendant of J.M. Chittim Jr.

Legend has it that a cowboy working on the Chittim Ranch once came across a note nailed to a tree that read, “Five dollars to the man who finds J.M. Chittim.” Finding humor and levity amid hardship was typical of my great-great-grandfather, James Madison Chittim Jr. — a man who truly was one of a kind!

J.M. was born in 1858 in Gentry County, Missouri, to James Madison and Arminta Mahuldin Rogers Chittim. Before coming to Texas, he worked as a muleskinner, homebuilder and Pony Express rider through Indian Territory (before Oklahoma was officially a state). During his time with the Pony Express, he survived having his horse shot out from under him and multiple attacks and raids. After a close encounter with two Native Americans, he decided to hang up his saddle and head to Texas in search of a new beginning in the cattle business.

He settled in San Antonio and married Annie Elizabeth Oberle in 1891. Together they had five children—Tuleta, Marstella, Norvel, Wenona and James Madison III. J.M.’s goal was to amass enough land to build a successful cattle operation. He acquired tracts from the International-Great Northern Railroad and neighboring properties across Maverick, Dimmit and Zavala counties.

Life as a rancher was far from easy. He faced drought, heat, Indian raids and the ever-present challenges of banking and finance. Still, he never stopped believing in his dream or working toward prosperity in the cattle industry.

At the time of his death in 1911, at just 52 years old, J.M. Chittim Jr. had achieved that dream. He was known as the founder of the largest ranch west of San Antonio, encompassing more than 200,000 acres.

Today, generations later, his descendants still visit, live on, operate and love the Chittim Ranch — a lasting testament to his determination, courage and unshakable spirit.