Major John B. Jones

Famed defender of the frontier. Instilled ideals of excellence in to Texas Rangers. Born in South Carolina. Came to the 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 Ranges and Speight's Texas Infantry Battalion. Was appointed May 1, 1874, by Govenor Richard Coke to organize and field the Fontier Battalion. Texas Rangers' dury was to stop Indian depradations, bandit raids from Mexico, and lawlessness that resulted from federal reconstruction. At once put six ranger companies at frontier posts 100 miles apart. In first six months patrolled 22,250 miles. Defeated Indians at 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 Sam Bass Gang of train and bank robbers. Became Adjutant General of Texas January 1879. In 1880-81 directed tracking down and quiteting of Victorio's Apache Indian Raiding Bands. Buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin.