Thomas Lloyd Burnett facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Thomas Lloyd Burnett
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| Born | 1871 |
| Died | December 26, 1938 (aged 66–67)] |
| Resting place | Highland Cemetery, Iowa Park, Texas |
| Education | Virginia Military Institute |
| Occupation | Rancher |
| Spouse(s) | Olive (Lake) Burnett (divorced) Lucille Mulhall (divorced) Lydia Sheldon (divorced) Bernice Fassett |
| Children | Anne Burnett |
| Parent(s) | Samuel Burk Burnett Ruth (Lloyd) Burnett |
| Relatives | Anne Windfohr Marion (granddaughter) |
Thomas Lloyd Burnett (1871–1938) was an important American rancher from Texas. He owned a huge amount of land, over 449,000 acres. This is like owning many thousands of football fields!
Contents
Early Life and Education
Thomas Lloyd Burnett was born in 1871 in Denton County, Texas. His father, Samuel Burk Burnett, owned the famous 6666 Ranch. His mother was Ruth (Lloyd) Burnett. When Thomas was four years old, his family moved to Wichita County, Texas in 1875.
He went to a private school in St. Louis, Missouri. Later, he studied at the Virginia Military Institute.
Ranching Career and Adventures
Thomas Burnett started his career as a cowhand. He worked at the Big Pasture in southwestern Oklahoma. He became a wagon boss, which meant he was in charge of the cowboys and cattle.
During this time, he learned to speak the Comanche language. He even became friends with Chief Quanah Parker, a famous Comanche leader. In 1898, he served as a captain in the Spanish–American War.
Expanding His Ranching Empire
In 1912, Thomas inherited ranching businesses from his grandfather, Martin B. Lloyd. These were located in Wichita County, Texas. He then started his own ranch, called the Triangle Ranch. Here, he raised cattle and also found oil on the land.
Over the next few years, he bought more ranches. From 1923 to 1925, he bought the Pope Ranch and the McAdams Ranch in Foard County, Texas. He also bought the Moon Ranch in Cottle County, Texas. In 1929, he purchased the YL Ranch near Paducah, Texas. Finally, in 1938, he bought the 7L Ranch.
In total, Thomas Burnett owned over 449,000 acres of land. He also had between 4,000 and 6,000 Hereford cattle.
Community Involvement
Burnett was a major owner of the Iowa Park State Bank. He also supported rodeo events in Wichita Falls, Texas. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, he helped people in need. He gave free school lunches to children in Wichita Falls. He also helped cowboys who were struggling financially.
Family Life and Legacy
Thomas Burnett was married four times. His first wife was Olive Lake Burnett. They had a daughter named Anne Valliant Burnett Tandy. They divorced in 1918.
His second wife was Lucille Mulhall, who was a famous rodeo queen. They married in 1919 but divorced in 1920. His third marriage was to Lydia Sheldon in 1921, but it also ended in divorce soon after. His fourth wife was Bernice Fassett.
Death and Lasting Impact
Thomas Burnett passed away from a heart attack on December 26, 1938. He was buried at Highland Cemetery in Iowa Park, Texas. His daughter, Anne, inherited all his property and businesses.
His granddaughter, Anne Windfohr Marion, continued the family's ranching legacy. She owned his father's 6666 Ranch, his Triangle Ranch, and the Burnett Oil Company until she passed away in 2020.
In 1981, Thomas Burnett's former home was given to the City of Iowa Park. It was turned into a public library for everyone to use. In 1978, he was honored by being added to the Hall of Great Westerners at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum.
