Francis Oral Masten

Francis Oral Masten

Born June 23, 1890, at Illinois Bend in Montague County into a family of 12 children. At 19 he left for Chillocothe, and Quanah with dreams of farming his own land.. In 1918 his dream came true he bought his first farm. As he became more successful he purchased many sections of land, some of which were sections of Matador Ranch which was purchased for $2 million in 1960.

He owned land in several different counties including Lamb, Oldham, Collingsworth, Bailey, Castro, Harris, and Cochran. When he died Jan 8, 1980 he was considered to be one of the largest landowners in the state of Texas. Owning a staggering 111,310 acres in six counties along with $1,055,198 in several different banks surrounding the area. His empire was estimated to be worth between $12 million and $50 million.

However money wasn’t what he was all about. He also put time into his community, he donated land for the Sudan Church of Christ and funded for the carpet and pews. He also provided for local 4-H students, and other acts of generosity. He is also the largest single donor to Abilene Christian University. ACU

Masten married Lilly B. McCorkle for over 50 years, but their only child died. Masten is remembered fondly as a very generous philanthropist.