We Came to Stay

For nearly two centuries, the Saunders family name has been synonymous with Texas ranching. Over seven generations, the Saunders have not only witnessed the evolution of the cattle industry but have been instrumental in shaping it. Today, Saunders Ranch in Weatherford, Texas, stands as a living testament to their enduring legacy.

The story begins in 1850, when Thomas Bailey Saunders first settled in Gonzales, Texas, to raise cattle. In 1902, his grandson, Tom B. Saunders II, became the first cattle dealer at the Fort Worth Stockyards—a bustling hub that was known as the “Wall Street of the West.” That same year, new pens, barns, and the iconic Livestock Exchange Building were constructed, setting the stage for Fort Worth to become a premier cattle trading center. Tom B. Saunders II established T.B. Saunders & Co., which grew into one of the largest cattle companies in the U.S. during much of the 1900s.

The Saunders legacy continued with Tom B. Saunders III, who not only expanded the family’s holdings but also co-founded the National Cutting Horse Association, where he served as president in 1947. His vision for the Twin V brand and the Weatherford property cemented a ranching tradition that the family continues to uphold. Additionally, he was a Vice President of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo, a role he held until his passing in 1974.

Following his father’s legacy, Tom B. Saunders IV took the reins of the family business. He raised his family in Weatherford and contributed to Texas history by publishing works on the cattle industry. Among his accomplishments, he collaborated with renowned photographer David R. Stoecklein to produce The Texas Cowboys: Cowboys of the Lone Star State - A Photographic Portrayal, offering an authentic view of the lives of Texas cowboys. Beyond his contributions to literature and ranching, Tom B. IV was a dedicated Director of both the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and the Texas Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association.

Today, Thomas Bailey Saunders V, along with his wife Lynn and their two daughters, Madalynn and Leslie Ann, carry forward the family’s commitment to Texas ranching. As sixth- and seventh-generation stewards, they oversee the daily operations of Saunders Ranch, which includes a thriving cow-calf operation and equine business. Thomas plays an active role as a Director and Producer of the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo and provides livestock and equine for cinematic productions, ranch rodeo events, and AQHA and NCHA-sanctioned competitions. The family’s quarter horse breeding program produces over 25 head of registered horses each year, trained and ridden on the ranch grounds.

As Tom B. Saunders IV once said, “We came to stay.” It’s more than a declaration—it’s a philosophy. Through every generation, the Saunders have not only sustained but strengthened their legacy, becoming a pillar in the cattle industry and a symbol of Texas resilience.