Ralph Nelson Chain, born on January 5, 1927, dedicated his life to the Chain Ranch, a legacy passed down through generations since his grandfather, Oscar Chain, acquired 160 acres in 1893 during the Cherokee Strip Land Run. Ralph was raised on this land and attended school in Seiling, Oklahoma, later studying at Harding University in Arkansas. Although he initially aspired to be a missionary, he returned home to run the family ranch. In 1953, Ralph married Darla England, with whom he shared 65 years of marriage and had two children, Andrea and Monte.
Throughout his life, Ralph expanded the ranch from its original acreage to multiple locations across Oklahoma and Kansas. He was known for his shrewd yet fair business sense, often traveling to buy cattle and seek out opportunities for growth. A steward of the land, Ralph viewed his role as a caretaker, often saying, “It’s all on loan from God.” His passion for machinery led him to spend hours on his bulldozer, which he humorously called his “golf cart.”
A devout Christian and lifelong member of the Seiling Church of Christ, Ralph served as an elder and Sunday school teacher, sharing his faith with everyone he met. He was deeply involved in his community and various organizations, earning numerous awards but always valuing his faith and family above all else. Even in his later years, Ralph cherished his role as a storyteller and caretaker, leaving a legacy of dedication to family, faith, and land stewardship.
