Y.D. McMurry
Colorado City, Mitchell County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Born in Tennessee. Brought up in Fort Worth. In 1882 joined Co. B, Frontier Battalion, Texas Rangers, under a Brother, Capt. Sam McMurry--then enforcing law in Colorado City area. Y.D. McMurry, Mitchell County Sheriff 1892-1898, was one of captors of notorious murderer and train robber Bill Cooke. McMurry was a merchant and cotton broker, and for many years he was a deacon in the Presbyterian Church. Recorded, 1970.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Raised in Fort Worth, Y.D. McMurry joined Company B of the Frontier Battalion of the Texas Rangers in 1882, serving under his brother Captain Sam McMurry as they brought order to the Colorado City country. Elected Mitchell County sheriff from 1892 to 1898, he helped capture the notorious train robber Bill Cooke. Away from the badge he was a merchant, cotton broker, and a longtime Presbyterian deacon.
Why it matters
McMurry embodies the transition of the West Texas frontier from lawless open range to settled county life, enforced marker by marker by the Rangers and local sheriffs.
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Related people
- · Y. D. McMurry
- · Sam McMurry
- · Bill Cooke
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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