Lindsay Ranch Guesthouses

Mason County was founded in 1858. Fort Mason protected the citizens of the area from Indian attacks.

Many famous generals, including Robert E. Lee, were stationed at Fort Mason.

Many descendants of the soldiers who were there still live in Mason County.

"Captured" by Scott Zesch is a book  which tells the story of children from Mason County who were taken by the Indians. 

"The Life and Times of Thomas Gamel" was written by Clay's great uncle about things that happened here. 

"Letters of a German Pioneer" by Franz Kettner and  "Die Kettner Briefe"; The Kettner Letters: A Firsthand Account of a German Immigrant in the Texas Hill Country (1850-1875) by Ilse Wurster, tells of everyday life in Mason County. 

Franz (Francis) Kettner arrived in Galveston, Texas from Germany on November 10, 1848. 

He was  Clay Lindsay's maternal great grandfather. 

The Lindsay Ranch was founded in 1858 and is still owned by the Lindsay Family.

John W. Gamel, Clay Lindsay's maternal grandfather, was a cattleman who took several herds of longhorns up the trail to Abilene. 

John W. Gamel  and Mr. Lockhart, gave the land for the town square.

The Gamel Guesthouse, now owned by Gene and Patsy Zesch, was built by John W. Gamel in 1867.

When you are in Mason, be sure to check out the two museums. You'll be glad you did.