Real Stories of Texas Rangers, Lawmen, Indian Fighters and Outlaws: 1824-1899

Texas has had its share of lawlessness. Starting in the 1820s the chief deterrent to crime in this multi-million-acre territory was a small group of volunteers who would later become known as the Texas Rangers. Stephen F. Austin organized two companies in 1823 “for the common defense.” In 1835 the provisional government authorized a "ranging company" of twenty-five rangers. Later, that number was increased to a total of three companies consisting of fifty-six men each. Throughout the independent Republic of Texas period ranger units repelled Indian attacks and beat back invasions by bandits from Mexico. Often these companies of rangers were activated for only short periods, and disbanded after the crisis.During the Civil War thousands of Texans joined the Confederate army. By 1863 ranger companies were mustered into the forces of the Confederate States of America, state militia units and a Regiment of Rangers. After the Civil War, Texas established the Frontier Organization and Minute Men companies modeled on the ranging companies. Between 1871-1873 the governor created the Texas State Police to maintain order. In 1874 the Frontier Battalion and Special Forces were established to battle Indian raids and stop lawlessness of the frontier. As counties, towns and villages were formed local law enforcement agencies were organized to protect the citizens and keep the peace. Many of the local and county law enforcement entities date to as early as Texas Independence. After 1846, the United States Marshals Service, which was created on 24 September 1789, often augmented the efforts of Texas state and local law enforcement officials. All together this list of lawmen forms an almost dizzying array of agencies for which brave Texans served in the struggle to enforce the law and keep the peace.The roster of lawmen in this book includes all of the individuals that we have been able to identify who met our criteria for inclusion who died between 1824 and the last day of 1899. It should be noted that the authors did not list lawmen who died of natural causes, diseases unrelated to their service or suicides. Read more