Home of William Mark Wittenburg, 1890

Tradition Lives On at Par 5 Ranch

ar 5 is a part of the original Providence Ranch, established in 1879 by Mary Lou Wittenburg Parmer's great grandfather, William Mark Wittenburg. As an immigrant from Germany, where he was an apprentice sheep herdsman, William Mark came to Texas with only a few dollars, his Delaine seed stock, and his beloved sheep dog, Switzer.

ver the next four decades he accumulated more than 6,000 acres in Lampasas and Mills counties, and more than 23,000 acres in Edwards County. William Mark and his Delaine sheep flock became well known throughout the area for the quality of seed stock and the famed "Wittenburg Clip" of wool. Wool buyers from as far away as the East Coast traveled to Texas each year to buy his wool at premium prices.

rovidence Ranch was named to reflect William Mark's thankfulness for his "fortunate, plentiful and bountiful" land. He shared his good fortune, and it has been recorded that he once said, "There will never be a hungry traveler turned away."

he Providence tradition lives on at Par 5 Ranch and in Par 5 Boer Goats. Visitors are always welcome. Please call us for an appointment so we can give you our full attention. Click here for phone numbers and other contact information. We look forward to hearing from you!

--- Richard and Mary Lou Parmer