Texas John Slaughter – Taming Arizona
John Slaughter, famously known as "Texas John," was a multifaceted figure of the American West, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of Arizona. His life was a tapestry woven with threads of military service, cattle ranching, law enforcement, and even political engagement. Judge Clayton Baird, who rode alongside Slaughter, offered a compelling glimpse into the man’s character, stating, "Unlike squalid old badge wearers such as John Selman and Wild Bill Hickok, Texas John Slaughter was basically a very reserved sort of man. Nobody who wished to keep on calling terms with him overstepped that boundary." This quote encapsulates the quiet authority and respect that Slaughter commanded throughout his life.
Born on October 2, 1841, in Sabine Parish, Louisiana, to Benjamin and Minerva Mabry Slaughter, John’s family relocated to a land grant near Lockhart, Texas, when he was just three months old. This move set the stage for a life deeply intertwined with the cattle industry. Though his formal education in Sabine and Caldwell counties was limited, his thirst for knowledge was not. He adeptly learned Spanish and mastered the intricate skills of a cowboy from Mexican vaqueros, laying the foundation for his future success as a rancher. As a young man, he worked alongside his father and brothers, honing his skills and developing a keen understanding of the cattle business. Before the outbreak of the Civil War, he answered the call of duty and enlisted as a Texas Ranger in Captain John Files Tom’s company, demonstrating his commitment to protecting the frontier from Comanche raids.
Standing at a modest 5 feet 6 inches, with piercing black eyes and a slight stutter, Texas John Slaughter possessed an unwavering determination to make his mark on the world. This resolve propelled him through various roles and challenges, shaping him into the legendary figure he would become.
On March 9, 1862, Slaughter officially joined the Confederate Army, contributing to the war effort. However, illness forced his return home in 1864. Undeterred, he rejoined the ranks, serving with the Third Frontier Division, Texas State Troops, in Burnet County. Here, he cultivated a reputation as a fearless fighter with exceptional skill in handling firearms. His time in the military further honed his leadership abilities and instilled in him a sense of discipline that would serve him well in his later endeavors.
After the war’s conclusion, Slaughter partnered with his brothers to establish the San Antonio Ranch Company in Atascosa County, Texas. Their venture was not limited to raising cattle; they also pioneered the transportation of herds to various destinations, including Mexico, California, Kansas, and New Mexico. Their ambitious drives established them as some of the earliest to traverse the famed Chisholm Trail, leaving their mark on the cattle industry. During a cattle drive to California, Slaughter discovered a penchant for poker, a pastime that would remain with him throughout his life, adding another layer to his complex persona.
On August 4, 1871, John married Eliza Adeline Harris. Their union produced four children, although only two survived to adulthood. Family played a crucial role in Slaughter’s life, grounding him amidst the turbulent backdrop of the Wild West.
An incident in 1876 in a San Antonio saloon underscored Slaughter’s uncompromising sense of justice. While playing poker, he discovered that a man named Barney Gallagher was cheating. Undeterred, Slaughter confronted Gallagher, reclaiming his losses at gunpoint. The situation escalated when Gallagher, consumed by rage, followed Slaughter to his ranch, seeking revenge. Gallagher shot at Slaughter but missed. Slaughter retaliated, fatally shooting Gallagher in the heart. This event, though violent, highlighted Slaughter’s willingness to defend himself and his principles, solidifying his reputation as a man not to be trifled with.
By the late 1870s, feeling that Texas was becoming overcrowded, Texas John Slaughter decided to seek new opportunities in the West. Leaving his wife and children temporarily behind, he ventured to New Mexico, where he acquired cattle but refrained from purchasing land. His search for a suitable location led him to southern Arizona. He sent for his family, who joined him in Tucson. Sadly, his wife Eliza succumbed to smallpox shortly after their arrival in 1877.
Grief-stricken but resolute, Slaughter returned to New Mexico to retrieve his cattle. During his travels, while camping on the banks of the Pecos River, he encountered the Howell family, including their 16-year-old daughter, Viola. On April 16, 1878, John married Viola, and he persuaded the entire Howell family to relocate to Arizona with him. This marked a new chapter in his life, bringing with it new familial ties and a renewed sense of purpose.
The family initially settled south of Tombstone before Slaughter acquired the expansive 65,000-acre San Bernardino Ranch near Douglas in 1884. This ranch became the center of a large and sophisticated operation, employing 20 cowboys and 30 families who worked the farmlands. While John and Viola did not have biological children together, they adopted several children, opening their hearts and home to those in need. The San Bernardino Ranch was a testament to Slaughter’s vision and entrepreneurial spirit, transforming the arid landscape into a thriving agricultural hub.
In 1886, Texas John Slaughter was elected Cochise County Sheriff, entrusted with the formidable task of restoring law and order to Tombstone and Galeyville, notorious for their lawlessness. He formed a formidable partnership with Wells Fargo Express Agent and former U.S. Deputy Marshal Jeff Milton. Together, they proved to be a relentless force in tracking and apprehending fugitives. During his tenure as sheriff, Slaughter was known to carry a pearl-handled .44 revolver and a 10-gauge, double-barreled, sawed-off shotgun, which he referred to as his "equalizer," underscoring his commitment to maintaining control and ensuring justice.
One of Slaughter’s notable decisions was hiring Burton Alvord as a Deputy Sheriff. While Alvord quickly gained recognition for his tracking skills and success in apprehending cattle rustlers and other criminals, he was also plagued by a heavy drinking habit. Within a few years, Alvord would ultimately succumb to a life of crime, becoming an outlaw. Slaughter faced criticism for his initial judgment, highlighting the challenges of law enforcement in a volatile environment where alliances could shift and trust could be easily betrayed.
One of Slaughter’s early priorities as sheriff was to apprehend the Jack Taylor Gang, who had robbed a train near Nogales and fired upon the train crew. Acting on intelligence, Slaughter and his men tracked the gang to the home of Flora Cardenas, only to find that the bandits had already fled. Continuing their pursuit, they located gang members Manuel Robles and Nieves Deron sleeping at the camp of Manuel’s brother, Guadalupe Robles, in Willcox and Contention.
The attempt to apprehend the gang members resulted in a fierce gunfight. Guadalupe Robles, previously a law-abiding citizen, joined the fray and was immediately killed. Manuel Robles and Deron attempted to escape, firing their weapons as they fled. One of their bullets grazed Slaughter’s ear. Slaughter returned fire, killing Nieves Deron. Manuel Robles, though seriously wounded by a shot from Burton Alvord, managed to escape. Eventually, Jack Taylor, the gang’s leader, was apprehended in Sonora, and Manuel Robles, along with Geronimo Miranda, were killed by Mexican police in the Sierra Madre mountains. This incident demonstrated the dangers and complexities of law enforcement in the Arizona Territory, where lines between law and lawlessness were often blurred.
During his first term as sheriff, Slaughter also collaborated with the United States Cavalry in their efforts against Geronimo’s Apache warriors. His success in maintaining order and combating criminal activity led to his reelection in 1888.
However, by 1889, Slaughter’s deputy, Burton Alvord’s, performance as a lawman began to decline as his drinking increased. Alvord frequented the saloons of Tombstone, associating with criminal elements and engaging in frequent altercations. Slaughter’s reprimands of Alvord’s behavior led to a strained relationship. Alvord eventually left his position, and Slaughter faced enduring criticism for having hired a man who ultimately turned into an outlaw at the end of the century. This episode underscored the difficulties of maintaining integrity and trust in a society where temptations and moral compromises were prevalent.
By 1890, Cochise County had largely been tamed, and Slaughter retired from law enforcement to focus on his ranching interests.
In 1906, he briefly served in the territorial assembly but devoted most of his time to his business investments and ranch. He expanded his ventures by acquiring a meat market in Charleston and two butcher shops in Bisbee. His astute investments throughout the years also led him to become a "banker" for his neighbors, providing loans for mortgages when needed. This philanthropic aspect of Texas John Slaughter reflected his commitment to supporting his community and fostering economic growth.
In his later years, Slaughter’s health began to deteriorate as he suffered from eczema on his hands and feet and high blood pressure. He died in his sleep at Douglas, Arizona, on February 16, 1922, after complaining of a headache the previous evening. He was buried at the Calvary Cemetery in Douglas, Arizona, leaving behind a legacy that would continue to inspire generations.
With his six-shooter and sawed-off shotgun, Slaughter imposed the law and brought order to the Arizona Territory more effectively than perhaps any other individual. He encountered and earned the respect of other famous figures of the Old West, including Wild Bill Hickok, Ben Thompson, Wyatt Earp, Big Foot Wallace, King Fisher, Sam Bass, Billy the Kid, and Pat Garrett. His interactions with these legendary personalities solidified his place in the annals of Western history.
One lawman who rode with Slaughter aptly described him as "like a spider spinning its web for the unwary fly," capturing his strategic mind and ability to ensnare wrongdoers.
Today, the Slaughter Ranch has been meticulously restored and serves as a museum, preserving the history and legacy of this remarkable figure. The ranch stands as a testament to Slaughter’s vision, hard work, and enduring impact on the Arizona landscape.
Texas John Slaughter’s life exemplifies the spirit of the American West – a blend of resilience, determination, and a strong sense of justice. His contributions to law enforcement, ranching, and community development left an indelible mark on Arizona, solidifying his status as a true legend of the West.