Locklin Bartholomew Murray
Robert Lee, Coke County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(June 17, 1849-April 29, 1923) Born in Jackson, Miss. Came to Texas with family in early 1860's. Married Susan Lucinda McSpadden (1855-1917), and had 7 children who lived to adulthood. Settled near Sanco, in Yellow Wolf Valley, about 1888, and began ranching. In 1894 he was elected sheriff and tax collector by Coke county citizens. He held the position for 4 consecutive terms, until 1902, earning a reputation as an honest and efficient lawman. Recorded - 1973
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Born in Mississippi in 1849, Locklin Bartholomew Murray came to Texas as a boy and, by about 1888, settled to ranch in the Yellow Wolf Valley near Sanco. In 1894 the citizens of Coke County elected him sheriff and tax collector, and he held the office through four straight terms until 1902, building a reputation as an honest and effective lawman. He and his wife Susan raised seven children to adulthood on the frontier.
Why it matters
Murray embodies the frontier peace officer of the ranching West, whose personal integrity did as much as any statute to bring order to a thinly settled county.
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Related people
- · Locklin Bartholomew Murray
- · Susan Lucinda McSpadden
Themes & tags
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