J. W. Freeland
Hillsboro, Hill County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Served as city marshal of Hubbard 1895-1907, a period of local option prohibition and great lawlessness. Moved to Hillsboro and became superintendent of county poor farm. Elected sheriff 1910. After serving 2 terms, was elected mayor. Elected sheriff a second time in 1928; served until 1933. In 1933, he tracked down and arrested notorious Raymond Hamilton, member of the famous Clyde Barrow Gang. Recorded, 1968
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
J. W. Freeland spent nearly four decades in Texas law enforcement, serving as Hubbard's city marshal through a rowdy prohibition era before becoming a Hill County sheriff and mayor. His career's high point came in 1933, when he tracked down and arrested Raymond Hamilton, a notorious member of Clyde Barrow's gang.
Why it matters
Freeland's life bridges the frontier lawman tradition and the Depression-era manhunts for celebrity outlaws like the Barrow Gang that gripped 1930s America.
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Related people
- · J. W. Freeland
- · Raymond Hamilton
- · Clyde Barrow
Themes & tags
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