Category Archives: History
One Riot, One Texas Ranger
In 1821, Mexico’s War of Independence from Spain included the territory of present-day Texas, which became part of Mexico, incorporated as part of the state of Coahuila y Tejas. At this time, there were very few Europeans living in this … Continue reading
The Comanche
Before the arrival of horses from Europe, Comanche people were pedestrian hunters and gatherers. After the introduction of horses, they became a highly mobile warrior class of people who were able to control vast territories. In the mid-1800s, the Comanche … Continue reading
Posted in History
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Happy Yankee Doodle Day
To get to where we are today with the use of the word Yankee, we have to go back in time to Great Britain. There are two things to discuss here: the melody of the song, and the words used … Continue reading
Posted in History
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Jim Courtright
Born Timothy Isaiah Courtright near Springfield, Illinois during the spring of 1845, Courtright married Sarah Elizabeth Weeks in 1870 and may have had three children. Courtright enlisted in the Union Army when he was just 17-years of age and fought … Continue reading
Posted in History, Justice
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The Hanging Judge
This fellow has been portrayed in a number of Hollywood films, two of the best by actors John McIntyre and Pat Hingle—although the character played by Hingle was entirely fictionalized in the film Hang ‘Em High. But Judge Isaac C. … Continue reading
Posted in History, Justice
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Lee McNelly
The post-Civil War period in America was a dangerous time to be alive; this is especially true in the American Southwest, where a massive increase in human migration triggered conflict and profane behavior among those who were disenfranchised by the … Continue reading
Posted in History, Justice
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Evaluating the Apple
A good friend recently sent me a book review by Mark Bowden, which I can only assume appeared in The Atlantic. Bowden is best known for writing Black Hawk Down: A story of Modern War. The subject of Bowden’s review … Continue reading
Posted in History, Justice, Society
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