Major John B. Jones
Austin, Travis County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Famed defender of the frontier. Instilled ideals of excellence into Texas Rangers. Born in South Carolina. Came to Republic of Texas 1839. Educated at Old Baylor and Rutersville, where students had to defend school from Indian attacks. In Civil War, 1861-65, served with Terry's Texas Rangers and Speight's Texas Infantry Battalion. Was appointed May 1, 1874, by Governor Richard Coke to organized and field the Frontier Battalion, Texas Rangers. Duty was to stop Indian depredations, bandit raids from Mexico,and lawlessness that resulted from federal Reconstruction. At once put six Ranger companies at frontier post 100 miles apart. In first six months patrolled 22,250 miles. Defeated Indians in numerous engagements, sending them back to their reservations. Broke up rustling. Brought end to famous and violent outbreaks, including Mason County War, Horrell-Higgins feud, Kimble County trouble, El Paso Salt War. In 1878 brought to justice San Bass gang of train and bank robbers. Became adjutant general of Texas, January 1879. In 1880-81 directed tracking down and quieting of Victorio's Apache Indian bands. Buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. (1964)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Major John B. Jones took command of the newly created Frontier Battalion of Texas Rangers in 1874, stationing six companies a hundred miles apart and patrolling more than 22,000 miles in the first six months. He broke up rustling rings, quelled violent feuds like the Mason County War and the El Paso Salt War, ran down the Sam Bass gang, and helped track Victorio's Apaches. A Civil War veteran of Terry's Texas Rangers, he became adjutant general of Texas in 1879 and lies buried in Austin.
Why it matters
Jones professionalized the Texas Rangers and imposed order on a lawless frontier, shaping the enduring—and contested—legend of the Ranger in the American West.
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Related people
- · John B. Jones
- · Sam Bass
- · Victorio
Related events
- · Mason County War
- · El Paso Salt War
Themes & tags
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