Texas Ranger Captain William L. Wright

William L. Wright (1868–1942) was a Texas Ranger who battled a mob, policed both sides in the Reese-Townsend Feud, and won a gunfight at Cotulla. He left the Rangers to become a sheriff, staying in that office longer than any of his predecessors, enforcing Prohibition, and policing oil towns. He was the only Ranger in service who had worked under seven governors and was honored as an inductee into the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame.

Format: Hardback
Length: 416 pages
Publication date: 22 October 2021
Publisher: University of North Texas Press,U.S.

William L. Wright, born in 1868 and passing away in 1942, was destined to become a legendary Texas Ranger. His unwavering dedication and relentless hard work propelled him to greatness in his chosen profession. Wright initially attempted to pursue a career as a cowboy and farmer, but it quickly became apparent that this was not his calling. Instead, he took a different path, becoming a deputy sheriff in 1899. His tenure as a deputy sheriff was marked by a series of notable events, including his involvement in the Laredo Smallpox Riot, where he bravely battled a mob. He also played a crucial role in policing both sides in the Reese-Townsend Feud, a notorious feud that lasted for decades in Texas.

Wright's commitment to law enforcement led him to pursue a career as a Texas Ranger in 1899. His service as a Ranger was marked by a series of daring exploits, including a gunfight at Cotulla, where he emerged victorious against his opponents. However, his desire for a better salary ultimately led him to leave the Rangers and become a sheriff in Wilson County.

Wright's tenure as a sheriff was remarkable, as he remained in office for an unprecedented length of time. During his tenure, he successfully maintained peace during the so-called Bandit Wars, a period of lawlessness and violence in the region. He also conducted numerous investigations into violent crimes and survived a harrowing encounter when he was stabbed on the gallows by the man he was hanging.

As demands for Ranger reform grew, Wright was appointed as a captain and served for most of the next twenty years. During this time, he played a pivotal role in enforcing Prohibition in South Texas and policed oil towns in West Texas. Wright's expertise in legal matters extended beyond his role as a law enforcement officer, as he tackled a wide range of legal problems throughout his career.

When Wright retired in 1939, he left behind a legacy as the only Ranger in service who had worked under seven governors. His contributions to law enforcement and his dedication to his profession were recognized, and he was inducted into the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame at Waco.

William L. Wright's life was a testament to the power of hard work and dedication, and his legacy as a Texas Ranger will continue to inspire generations to come. His unwavering commitment to justice and his willingness to confront danger in the name of the law made him a true hero, and his story serves as a reminder of the importance of public service and the sacrifices that those who serve make in order to protect their communities.

Weight: 686g
Dimension: 163 x 237 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781574418453