John B. Jones – Commanding the Texas Rangers
John B. Jones, a figure etched in the annals of Texas history, stands as a testament to the turbulent times of the mid-19th century. His life, a blend of military service, political involvement, and frontier leadership, embodies the spirit of a nation grappling with division and the challenges of westward expansion. Jones’s journey began in the rolling hills of South Carolina, took him through the battlefields of the Civil War, and ultimately led him to command the legendary Texas Rangers, leaving an indelible mark on the Lone Star State.
Born on December 22, 1834, in Fairfield District, South Carolina, John B. Jones was the son of Henry and Nancy Robertson Jones. When he was just four years old, his family embarked on a westward migration, joining the burgeoning wave of settlers seeking new opportunities in the vast lands of Texas. They established their home in Travis County, where young Jones spent his formative years immersed in the rugged landscape and the pioneering spirit of the Texas frontier. His early education took place at Rutersville College, near La Grange, Texas, before he returned to South Carolina to further his studies at Mt. Zion College in Winnsboro. This blend of Texas grit and formal education would shape him into the resourceful and respected leader he would become.
Upon graduating from Mt. Zion College, Jones returned to Texas, drawn back to the land he now considered home. He dedicated himself to the life of a farmer and stock-raiser, contributing to the growing agricultural economy of the state. However, the tranquility of this agrarian existence was soon shattered by the looming shadow of the Civil War.
When the war erupted, John B. Jones, a man deeply rooted in the Southern way of life, answered the call to arms. He initially volunteered as a private in Colonel Benjamin Terry’s Texas Rangers, a unit renowned for its skill and daring. However, his leadership qualities were quickly recognized, and within a month, he was appointed Adjutant of the Fifteenth Texas Infantry. Throughout the war, Jones served in the Trans-Mississippi Department, seeing action in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Indian Territory (present-day Oklahoma). His dedication and strategic acumen led to his appointment as Adjutant-General of a brigade in 1863, a testament to his growing influence within the Confederate ranks.
The defeat of the Confederacy at the war’s end was a devastating blow to Jones. Like many Southerners, he struggled to reconcile himself to the new reality. Driven by a desire to preserve a way of life he believed was lost, Jones embarked on a journey to Mexico and Brazil, seeking a suitable location to establish a colony for other disillusioned former Confederates. This venture, however, proved fruitless. Unable to find a location that met his criteria, he eventually returned to Texas, his dreams of a Confederate haven unrealized.
Back in Texas, Jones once again turned to public service. In 1868, he was elected to the Texas State Legislature, a sign of the respect he commanded within his community. However, for reasons that remain unclear, he did not take his seat. This decision marked a turning point in his career, setting the stage for his eventual rise to prominence within the Texas Rangers.
The year 1874 marked a pivotal moment in the life of John B. Jones. Recognizing his leadership abilities and his deep understanding of the Texas frontier, Governor Richard Coke appointed him Major of the Frontier Battalion of the Texas Rangers. This appointment placed Jones in command of six companies of Rangers, tasking him with maintaining law and order in the face of escalating conflicts with Native American tribes and the growing threat of outlaw gangs. This role as commander of the Texas Rangers would define his legacy.
As Major of the Frontier Battalion, John B. Jones found himself at the forefront of the ongoing struggle between settlers and Native American tribes. He participated in numerous skirmishes with the Comanche, Kiowa, and Apache, tribes who fiercely defended their ancestral lands against the encroaching tide of westward expansion. These encounters were often brutal and unforgiving, requiring courage, tactical skill, and a deep understanding of the terrain. Jones, with his military experience and his knowledge of the Texas landscape, proved to be a formidable opponent.
Beyond his role in combating Native American raids, John B. Jones was also tasked with maintaining order among the increasingly volatile population of Texas. In 1877, he was dispatched to El Paso to quell unrest among the citizens, a testament to his reputation as a capable and impartial leader. That same year, he was sent to Lampasas, Texas, to negotiate a truce in the infamous Horrell-Higgins Feud, a long-standing and bloody conflict between two prominent families. His ability to mediate disputes and maintain order in these turbulent environments solidified his standing as a respected figure throughout the state.
However, it was his role in pursuing and capturing outlaws that truly cemented the legend of John B. Jones. Perhaps his most notable achievement in this regard was his pursuit of the notorious Sam Bass and his gang in 1878. Bass and his gang had been terrorizing Texas for months, robbing trains and evading capture. The Texas Governor, desperate to restore order, ordered Jones and his Rangers to bring Bass to justice.
The pursuit of Sam Bass became known as the "Bass War," a testament to the intense effort and resources that Jones and his men dedicated to the chase. For four long months, they relentlessly tracked Bass and his gang across the Texas landscape, enduring harsh conditions and facing constant danger. Finally, in July 1878, they caught up with Bass in Round Rock, Texas. A fierce gun battle ensued, during which Bass was mortally wounded. He died several days later, effectively ending his reign of terror. The capture of Sam Bass brought John B. Jones widespread acclaim and further solidified his reputation as a fearless and effective lawman.
In 1879, John B. Jones was appointed Adjutant-General of the State of Texas, a position that recognized his years of service and his unwavering dedication to the state. In this role, he continued to command the Frontier Battalion of the Texas Rangers, effectively serving as both the state’s chief military officer and its top law enforcement official. His dual role allowed him to coordinate efforts between the state government and the Rangers, streamlining operations and enhancing their effectiveness.
Tragically, John B. Jones’s distinguished career was cut short by his untimely death on July 19, 1881, in Austin, Texas. He died of natural causes while still serving as adjutant general and commander of the Frontier Battalion. His death was mourned throughout the state, a testament to the respect and admiration he had earned during his years of service. He was laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin, his final resting place a symbol of his deep connection to the state he had served so faithfully.
John B. Jones left behind a legacy of courage, leadership, and unwavering dedication to the state of Texas. He was a man who lived through turbulent times, facing challenges head-on and leaving an indelible mark on the history of the Lone Star State. His service in the Confederate Army, his leadership of the Texas Rangers, and his dedication to maintaining law and order on the frontier have earned him a place among the legends of Texas. He embodies the spirit of the Texas Rangers, a spirit of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to justice. His story continues to inspire generations of Texans, reminding them of the sacrifices made by those who shaped the state’s history. He was more than just a soldier or a lawman; he was a symbol of the Texas spirit, a spirit that continues to resonate today. The name of John B. Jones will forever be associated with the courage and determination of the Texas Rangers, an organization that played a vital role in shaping the history of the American West.