H. N. (Man) Bell
Bastrop, Bastrop County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(Aug. 27, 1856 - Nov. 15, 1934) Born in Arkansas. Began work as peace officer, 1882, during infamous "wire cutter" activities (conflict between cattlemen who favored open range and those who bought and fenced land). With two terms as sheriff, gave over 21 years continuous service to Bastrop County. Recorded, 1968
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
H. N. "Man" Bell pinned on a peace officer's badge in 1882, at the height of Texas's bitter "wire cutter" troubles, when open-range cattlemen clashed violently with those who bought and fenced the land. Over more than twenty-one years of service, including two terms as sheriff, Bell kept order across Bastrop County through one of the frontier's tensest transitions. His long tenure spanned the closing of the open range itself.
Why it matters
His career captures the fence-cutting range wars that decided how the Texas frontier would be divided, owned, and policed.
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Related people
- · H. N. "Man" Bell
Related events
- · Fence Cutting Wars
Themes & tags
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