The Crill Ranch in Baca County was founded by Gabriel Crill in 1884, transferred to his son in 1943, and to his grandson in 1965. Numerous sources document that  Gabriel Crill was the first bona fide resident of Baca County.  He settled there after a sheep selling business in Kansas failed and left him and his partner financially ruined. In Colorado, Gabriel prospered. He went into business as a notary public and obtained an appointment as a Federal Land Registrar. In the mid 1880's, Gabriel purchased cattle in Texas and drove them to his ranch in Baca County. Gabriel's youngest son Jack still lives on the original homestead. He was born in 1909 and is still active in community affairs.