Author: David Johnson
Works Published by UNT Press
The Cornett-Whitley Gang: Violence Unleashed in Texas
— Vol. 21: of A. C. Greene Series
Published: July, 2019 Pages: 320 Features: 19 b&w illus. Notes. Bib. Index.
During the late 1880s, the Cornett-Whitley gang rose on the Texas scene with a daring train robbery at McNeil Station, only miles from the capital of Texas. In the frenzy that followed the robbery, the media castigated both lawmen and government officials, at times lauded the outlaws, and indulged in trial by media. At Flatonia the gang tortured the passengers and indulged in an orgy of violence that earned them international recognition and infamy. Private enterprises, such as Wells Fargo, the railroads, and numerous banks, joined forces with law enforcement to combat them. Lawmen from cities and counties combined with federal marshals and the Texas Rangers to further cement what would become the “brotherhood of the badge.” These efforts succeeded in tracking down and killing or capturing a good number of the gang members. more... about The Cornett-Whitley Gang: Violence Unleashed in Texas
John Ringo, King of the Cowboys: His Life and Times from the Hoo Doo War to Tombstone, Second Edition
— Vol. 6: of A. C. Greene Series
Published: April, 2017 Pages: 384 Features: 22 b&w illus. 2 maps. Notes. Bib. Index.
Western gunman John Ringo is most well-known for his role in Tombstone for backing the Cowboys against the Earps. In his youth he became embroiled in the blood feud turbulence of post-Reconstruction Texas and the Mason County “Hoo Doo” War, then shot it out with Victorio’s raiders during a deadly confrontation in New Mexico before going to Tombstone in territorial Arizona. There Ringo championed the largely Democratic ranchers against the Earp brothers and Doc Holliday, finally being part of the posse that hounded these fugitives from Arizona. In the end, Ringo died mysteriously in the Arizona desert, his death welcomed by some, mourned by others, wrongly claimed by a few. more... about John Ringo, King of the Cowboys: His Life and Times from the Hoo Doo War to Tombstone, Second Edition
The Horrell Wars: Feuding in Texas and New Mexico
— Vol. 15: of A. C. Greene Series
Published: June, 2014 Pages: 240 Features: 16 b&w photos. 1 map. Notes. Bib. Index.
For decades the Horrell brothers of Lampasas, Texas, have been portrayed as ruthless killers and outlaws, but author David Johnson paints a different picture of these controversial men. The Horrells were ranchers, but some thought that they built their herds by rustling. Their initial confrontation with the State Police at Lampasas in 1873 marked the most disastrous shootout in Reconstruction history. The brothers and loyal friends then fled to New Mexico, where they became entangled in what would later evolve into the violent Lincoln County War. The brothers returned to Texas, where in time they became involved in the Horrell-Higgins War. The family was nearly wiped out following the feud when two of the brothers were killed by a mob. Only one member of the family, Sam, Jr., lived to old age and died of natural causes. more... about The Horrell Wars: Feuding in Texas and New Mexico
The Mason County "Hoo Doo" War, 1874-1902
— Vol. 4: of A. C. Greene Series
Published: February, 2006 Pages: 360 Features: 24 b/w illus. 2 maps. Notes. Bib. Index.
In 1874 the Hoo Doo War erupted in the Texas Hill Country of Mason County. The feud began with the rise of the mob under Sheriff John Clark, but it was not until the premeditated murder of rancher Timothy Williamson in 1875, a murder orchestrated by Sheriff Clark, that the violence escalated out of control. His death drew former Texas Ranger Scott Cooley to the region seeking justice, and when the courts failed, he began a vendetta to avenge his friend. more... about The Mason County "Hoo Doo" War, 1874-1902