John Bunyan Slaughter

John Bunyan Slaughter
Born	Sabine County, Texas, U.S.
Died	November 11, 1928(1928-11-11) (aged 79)
Occupation(s)	Rancher, financial executive
Known for	Owner of U Lazy S Ranch

John Bunyan Slaughter (December 15, 1848 – November 11, 1928) was a prominent American rancher and financial executive. Originating from a family involved in ranching, Slaughter conducted his operations across Texas and New Mexico prior to purchasing the U Lazy S Ranch in Garza County, Texas in 1901, where he remained at the helm for close to thirty years.

Early life

Born on December 15, 1848, in Sabine County, Texas, Slaughter was the son of George Webb Slaughter, a Baptist clergyman from Mississippi who transitioned into ranching in Texas. His upbringing took place in Palo Pinto County, Texas.

Career

Slaughter’s career commenced in 1866 as a cattle driver alongside his brothers along the Chisholm Trail heading to Abilene, Kansas. During the 1870s, he and his brother John founded a cattle ranch near McDonald Creek, where they raised livestock that was marketed annually in Kansas.

Following the sale of this ranch in 1883, they established claims on grazing land within Socorro County, New Mexico. A legal dispute with fellow rancher Solomon Luna culminated in a court ruling favoring Luna. Slaughter also managed ranching operations near the Green River region of Utah as well as eastern parts of New Mexico.

In 1890, he took ownership of a ranch located in Glasscock County, Texas, overseeing it until its disposal in 1898. Concurrently, he held the position of vice president at People's National Bank of Colorado City, Texas.

The year 1901 marked Slaughter’s acquisition of the expansive U Lazy S Ranch covering 99,188 acres, which he directed for twenty-seven years. In 1902, he constructed a distinguished ranch residence on the property that was subsequently recognized as a Texas historical landmark. By 1906, he sold half of the land—50,000 acres—to businessman C. W. Post, who went on to establish the town of Post, Texas.

Personal life

In 1877, Slaughter wed May Burris; she passed away two years later in 1879. The following year he married Isabella Masten May, affiliated with the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Together they had three children and initially resided on a homestead in Crosby County before relocating to grand homes first in Fort Worth and eventually on their ranch in Garza County.

Death and legacy

Slaughter passed away on November 11, 1928, and was interred at East Oakwood Cemetery located in Fort Worth. His wife survived him until her death in 1947. Their son, John B. Slaughter Jr., succeeded him as owner of the U Lazy S Ranch.