John Henry Houghton (1847–1910) emerged as a distinguished figure in Austin's commercial landscape, crafting the elegant Houghton House at 307 West Twelfth Street during the twilight of the 1880s. Born in 1847, Houghton embarked upon his journey by transporting goods from Hempstead, Texas, to Austin and Georgetown. Following a prosperous venture in Georgetown, he set his sights on Austin, where he forged a partnership with J.H. Robinson, engaging in a wholesale trade of wines, liquors, cigars, and tobacco. Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Houghton devoted considerable resources to the acquisition of ranch lands. In the final five years of his life, he chose to dissolve his partnership, redirecting his focus towards cattle ventures, and proudly served as the inaugural vice president of the American National Bank in Austin.

In matters of the heart, John Henry Houghton wed his childhood sweetheart, the lovely Miss Clara Peay, and together they welcomed two children: John Houghton, Jr. and Josephine Houghton. However, the bittersweet tapestry of life unfolded, for mere months after the birth of their daughter Josephine, the beloved Mrs. Clara Houghton departed this world in 1886.

In the tapestry of time, John Houghton united in matrimony with Florence Seeligson in the year of 1891. With a heart full of love, Florence embraced Josephine and Johnnie, Jr., nurturing them as her own cherished children.

In a bold venture, John Houghton acquired 38,000 acres of land nestled within Starr County and Zapata County, which would later emerge as Jim Hogg County, heralded since the late 1800s as “The Jesus Maria Ranch.”

Josephine Houghton attended finishing school in New York City, traveled and studied abroad in Europe during the summers, and flourished as a beloved socialite in Austin. A true philanthropist, she extended her hand to all in need, aligning with the noble Red Cross, while establishing a church and a school at the Jesus Maria Ranch to nurture young minds. Renowned as the most extraordinary hostess, she captivated hearts with her melodious singing and twinkling dance steps. Additionally, she wove dreams into reality by creating scholarships for aspiring scholars eager to attend the University of Texas for the Scholars in the Jim Hogg County and Laredo area.

Josephine Houghton married Wilbur Price Allen, a distinguished attorney, banker, rancher, and capitalist. A graduate of The University of Texas Law School in 1902, he ascended to the esteemed position of Regent at the same university in 1917. An illustrious member of Sigma Chi Fraternity during his college years, he was later elected as its National President. Additionally, and he held the prestigious title of President of the Texas Baseball League Association.

John Houghton built a handsome home upon the picturesque grounds of the Jesus Maria Ranch, in the late 1800’s and early 1900s.

Following Houghton’s passing in 1910, the cherished estate was bestowed upon his daughter, Josephine Houghton Allen.

Josephine Houghton Allen and Wilbur Price Allen had 4 children.

Florence Clara Allen (1906-1935): A radiant socialite graced before Spanish royalty, blessed with the voice of an angel and the elegance of a principal dancer.

John Houghton Allen (1909-1997) – A multifaceted rancher and artist, a poetic author, and a distinguished professional polo player.

Wilbur George Allen (1911-1980) – A valiant polo player and rancher, he served as a World War II Lieutenant, earning the esteemed Purple Heart.

Harold Coe Allen (1918) – An innocent soul, laid to rest with his mother, Josephine Houghton Allen.

Josephine and her family found joy in their life at the ranch, which became her sanctuary of solace. In 1913, as illness cast its shadow upon her, she retreated to the ranch to reclaim her vigor and rejuvenate her spirit. There, she welcomed numerous guests and hosted grand soirées, weaving memories amidst the enchanting landscape of the Ranch.

Josephine Houghton Allen departed this world in 1918 at the tender age of 32, succumbing to the ravages of influenza.

In the wake of their mother’s passing, they lovingly bestowed the name “La Josefina Ranch” upon their cherished estate. Though it was also recognized as the Allen Ranch, the grand gates have forever borne the name Jesus Maria, thus the title of the ranch remained unchanged in the chronicles of time. Newspaper clippings speak of the ranch under all three names. To this day, the same revered words “Jesus Maria” grace the Wagon Trail entrance on the eastern side of the ranch.

Josephine’s husband, Wilbur P. Allen, embarked on a new chapter in 1921, marrying Ruth Murphy Allen from Laredo, Texas.

Together, they welcomed two children into their fold: Thomas Murphy Allen and William Whipple Allen.

In the vibrant early 1920s, Wilbur Price Allen resided on the ranch for a few years before journeying back to Austin, Texas.

As the 1930s unfurled, John Houghton Allen and his brother, Wilbur George Allen, ventured to the Jesus Maria ranch, where they skillfully created a polo field and captivated the region with the exhilarating game of polo.

The Allen brothers were prominent figures in the South Texas polo scene and became known for hosting and participating in games on their ranch, La Josefina. 

La Josefina Ranch, became a hub for all polo activities in South Texas. 

The Allen Brothers played against various notable figures, including the Rough Riders—a legendary cavalry unit formed by Theodore Roosevelt during the Spanish-American War in 1898. Roosevelt, a strong supporter of polo, had been involved with the sport for many years and had connections to Texas and the Rough Riders legacy, leading to some historical matches between these two teams.

The La Josefina Polo Team's matches with the Rough Riders were celebrated as part of the legacy of both the Allen family and the history of polo in Texas. These games are a testament to the sport's cultural importance in the region, blending both competitive polo and historical connections to figures like Teddy Roosevelt.

In the year of 1937, the illustrious John Houghton Allen crafted a captivating addition to his splendid home, bestowing upon it a charming château allure. However, as the late 1940s dawned, he journeyed to California, never to return to his cherished ranch.

For 45 years, the ranch lay in silence, a ghostly testament to its past. In "The Cattle Kings of Texas," Dian Malouf paints a vivid picture of the elegant home, chronicling its story with grace. Within her pages, Tom Allen—half-brother to John Houghton Allen and Wilbur George Allen—shares the ranch's rich history and unveils photographs of the enchanting, forsaken château.

John Houghton Allen entrusted his stake in the ranch to his half-brother, Thomas Murphy Allen. 

On July 11, 1990, Tom M. Allen parted ways with the ranch, selling it to Alfonso Garza.

The Jesus Maria Ranch, once more, found itself forsaken and abandoned for numerous years.

Fast forward to December 3, 2014, when the heirs of Alfonso Garza sold the Jesus Maria Ranch to the current owners, Toribio (Toby) Cantu and his beloved wife, Alyssa Isabel Cantu.

Toby and Alyssa Cantu have infused their passion and dedication into the property and elegant château, reviving it to its radiant former glory.

Immerse yourself in the vibrant tapestry of history woven through the newspaper clippings gathered below. Discover how the beautiful stories create a legacy of legendary history.

Every page on the Website unveils the rich tapestry of history surrounding each featured individual, as well as the vibrant life on the ranch, tracing its roots back to the year 1884.

A Newspaper Clipping from The Laredo Weekly Times

Sun, Mar 03, 1918 ·Page 6

LIKENED TO YE OLDEN DAYS YE WIGS WERE IN EVIDENCED

They Ventured Forth to Partake of a Barbecue, But Instead Were Guests at a Colonial Dinner.

On Friday morning a party of Laredo gentlemen left Laredo and were accompanied by Wilbur P. Allen and were headed to the Jesus Maria Ranch, going as guests to spend the 22nd of February and partake of a barbecue arranged for the occasion.

The trip was made from Laredo in automobiles and upon reaching the ranch the party found a great surprise in store for them, for while the trip was made to the ranch ostensibly to enjoy a barbecue of the usual kind, they found instead a veritable feast awaiting them.

Mrs. Josephine Houghton Allen the estimable wife of Wilbur P. Allen, assisted by her sister-in-law, Mrs. Lasater, had taken the matter of the proposed “barbecue” in hand and decided to make it a patriotic event a la mode and in strict conformity with the customs that prevailed a the time the immortal Washington was in the land of the living. 

The result was that the handsome home on the Jesus Maria Ranch was decorated in patriotic effect for the occasion - Washington’s birthday anniversary - and a strictly colonial feast was in store.

In the Spacious dining hall of the Allen home the table decorations conformed tot the colonial motif, and then the guests of the occasion were given an opportunity to allow their thoughts to revert to the days of Washington and in their fertile imaginations paint a mental picture of the customs and fashions that prevailed a century ago.

They were informed that a colonial dinner would be served and that all would be required to portray the characteristics of the Americans of the time when “the father of his country” was fighting for the freedom of this country.

Accordingly it was decreed that, as in colonial days the people wore gray wigs, that on this occasion, at least, the guests must enter the same class as “vanity fair,” and use powder on their hair to that extent that there be a semblance of the custom of ye olden times.

This was done and, in conformity with the table arrangements, the decorations of the room, etc., a genuine “colonial dinner” was served.

As one of the Laredo gentleman put it, “It was a feast fit for the gods and Delmonico, Sherry or no other noted caterers of the country could equal it.”

It was a sumptuous spread and everyone assembled at the table did full justice to the feast and voted Mrs. Allen a hostess not to be equaled.

Following the dinner a pleasant time was spent in conversation, and then as a befitting climax to a day spent in genuine pleasure the concluding feature was a “grand colonial ball,”  with appropriate music furnished by a Victrola. 

Patriotic songs were sung during the time and as a whole the grand finale to a day of genuine pleasure was an enjoyable event that will linger ion the memories of those present until the time when memories are no more.

The Allen ranch is one of the most modern and model ranches to be found anywhere, and can be more likened to a little municipality than a big cattle ranch.

Many people imagine a ranch as a large area of cactus covered land with a house or two on it and usual corrals, but if they should visit the JESUS MARIA RANCH astonishment would result when they gazed on a ranch laid out in “city style,” with a handsome home for the owner and his family, cozy houses for the ranch hands, school house and chapel, nice wide streets, electrical light plant, water works plant and all modern conveniences.

And there, too, when you meet Mr. and Mrs. Wilbur P. Allen you meet with that genuine Southern hospitality that makes one feel that he is among friends who seek to make him comfortable and at home, for conventionality gives way to hospitality when you are around the Allens.