James Bonner Rogers
Fairfield, Freestone County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(Nov. 27, 1836 - April 13, 1872) Freestone County sheriff 1872, during lawless era. Rogers pursued several horse thieves alone, after deputy was shot in hot pursuit; but later was shot from ambush by 2 strangers, supposedly the vengeant thieves. Died, leaving widow, 3 children.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
James Bonner Rogers became sheriff of Freestone County in 1872, during a lawless stretch of Reconstruction-era Texas. After a deputy was shot in a chase, he pursued a band of horse thieves alone — only to be gunned down from ambush by two strangers thought to be the vengeful thieves. He died at 35, leaving a widow and three children.
Why it matters
Rogers's death captures the deadly risks borne by local lawmen struggling to hold order on the violent postwar Texas frontier.
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Themes & tags
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