History

In order to appreciate the history of LEERJAK Ranch and how it came into existence, you must step back in time to a period when our country was in its youth and vastly unsettled.   America, even more so than today, was a land of opportunity, adventure and possibilities.    

In the late 1800's - early 1900's, Albert M. Costner must have dreamt of those infinite possibilities as he headed west to make his mark on this world (perhaps even seeking thrill and adventure).   We know very little about Mr. Costner, including why he chose this area to settle.   One can only imagine the rugged beauty and fertile lands along the river valley captured his heart as it did so many others that settled here.

What we do know about Mr. Costner is the evidence of his success contained in county documents, abstracts and our friends, Luke and Viola McAllister.   What began as a dream became a reality.   Mr. Costner managed to build a 3,500 acre ranch on which he raised a very large herd of cattle and row cropped.   The cattle were driven to Des Arc, Missouri, a small town about twelve miles north of the ranch.   They were then loaded onto railcars and shipped to the St. Louis stockyards.   Mr. Costner was a very prominent farmer in his time and even by today's standards would be considered very successful.

Now... to understand how LEERJAK Ranch came into existence you will have to step forward in time over 100 years.   (see "about us")