10/14/2025
Black and Wilhelm Families of Menard County: We need your input!
John Davis of Menard County has commissioned an illustrated geneaology tree, actually a pair of trees, representing the various branches his and other West Central Texas residents' ancestors, the Black family and the Wilhelm family.
An illustrated Genealogy Tree has been drawn up for the Black Family ( William Leslie and Camilla Bogert Black) They settled in Menard County around 1875 in Fort McKavett , Texas. Colonel Black was known for establishing the Range Canning Co, a cannery, in the 1890’s along the San Saba River.
Also, a Genealogy Tree has been drawn up for the Wilhelm Family ( Johann Friedrich and Johanna Carolina Wilhelm) They settled in Menard County in 1880 at the Pecan Spring Ranch located in Menard and McCulloch Counties.
Johanna Wilhelm was and is known as The Sheep Queen of Texas.
"The genealogy tree information was put together by Linda Ray Myers, our Wilhelm family genealogist and assisted by Caroline Runge our Black Family genealogist," Davis said.
The Genealogy Mural was designed and drawn by Bud Menchaca, of Menchaca Arts out of Mason, Texas.
The complete mural can be viewed at The Menard Station, at 209 Frisco St in Menard, TX.
Complete, zoomable photos of the family trees are posted here: https://ranchmagazine.com/familtree/ You will be able to view and inspect the names and dates on the trees using any device -- desktop or laptop computer, mobile smartphone or tablet.
Input from the Wilhelm and Black Families is needed. "Prior to putting on the Finishing Seal Coat , we need to make sure your family information is indeed accurate," Davis said. "Please take time to inspect the Tree and make your suggested corrections or forever hold your peace!"
Menchaca Arts will put on the final seal coat sometime in January 2026.
For corrections please contact Linda or Rose at The Menard Station or call John Davis at 281-794-8663 or email him at [email protected]
"Your input to make this Genealogy Tree is much appreciated so that we can make the Family Tree as accurate as possible," Davis added.
