John B. Armstrong, a pivotal figure in Old West law enforcement, left an indelible mark on Texas history as a soldier, dedicated rancher, esteemed Texas Ranger, and highly effective U.S. Deputy Marshal. His career was defined by courage, an unwavering commitment to justice, and a relentless pursuit of the era’s most notorious criminals. From his early days in Tennessee to his iconic capture of John Wesley Hardin and the founding of a lasting ranching empire, John B. Armstrong embodied the spirit of the American frontier lawman.
Born on January 1, 1850, in McMinnville, Tennessee, John B. Armstrong, III came from a distinguished lineage. His father was Dr. John B. Armstrong, and his mother was Maria Susannah Ready. The Armstrong family boasted notable connections, including his maternal grandfather, Charles Ready, a U.S. Representative from Tennessee, and his cousin, Confederate States Army Brigadier General John Hunt Morgan. This strong background likely instilled in him a sense of duty and leadership from an early age.
Early Life and Move to Texas
As a young man, Armstrong spent brief periods living in Arkansas and Missouri before making his definitive move to Austin, Texas, in 1871. Descriptions of him paint the picture of a well-built man, with a “full face marked by heavy brows and made distinguished by a finely modeled nose and deep-set languid eyes.” He was also known for his full beard and his refined sense of style, often dressing as a dandy, a perhaps unexpected but intriguing trait for a future lawman of his caliber.
Joining the Ranks of the Texas Rangers
Armstrong’s career in law enforcement began when he became an elite guard member of the Travis Rifles. However, his true calling emerged on May 20, 1875, when he joined Captain Leander McNelly’s revered company of Texas Rangers. His exceptional abilities quickly shone through, and he swiftly rose to become McNelly’s second in command. His effectiveness and tenacity earned him the formidable nickname “McNelly’s Bulldog” upon his promotion to sergeant. Alongside Captain McNelly and the rest of his dedicated men, Armstrong played a crucial role in several significant engagements. This included the notable Las Cuevas War in November 1875, an assertive incursion into Las Cuevas, Mexico, aimed at recovering stolen cattle. He was also instrumental in the apprehension and elimination of numerous suspected criminals operating between Eagle Pass and Laredo, and actively patrolled the volatile region caught in the throes of the infamous Taylor-Sutton Feud.
The Pursuit and Capture of John Wesley Hardin
With Captain McNelly’s retirement in 1876, his specialized force was integrated into the broader Texas Rangers’ Frontier Battalion. Armstrong’s reputation continued to grow, leading to his promotion to Second Lieutenant of the Special Force of Texas Rangers in January 1877. He was subsequently assigned to the Eagle Pass area, where his duties often led him to operate on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border. In this capacity, he was pivotal in dismantling several criminal gangs and played a key role in the arrest of the notorious outlaw John King Fisher in April 1877. However, his most celebrated achievement was yet to come.
While recuperating from an accidental self-inflicted gunshot wound in Goliad, Texas, Armstrong received permission to pursue the legendary gunman John Wesley Hardin, a man who had eluded capture for years and was responsible for numerous killings. Armstrong’s relentless pursuit led him first to Alabama and then dramatically to Florida. In a daring confrontation, he cornered Hardin and four of his gang members on a train in Pensacola. During the ensuing struggle, Armstrong demonstrated incredible bravery and skill, killing one of Hardin’s men, rendering Hardin unconscious with a blow from his own handgun, and successfully arresting the remaining gang members. Despite a significant delay in the processing of extradition papers, Armstrong triumphantly returned Hardin to Texas, where the infamous outlaw was tried and sentenced to 25 years in prison in September 1877. This single act cemented Armstrong’s status as a legend among lawmen.
Transition to Civilian Life and Lasting Legacy
On February 20, 1878, John B. Armstrong married Mollie Durst in Austin, and their union would eventually bless them with seven children. Later that same year, in July, Armstrong was once again embroiled in a high-profile case, this time involved in the killing of outlaw Sam Bass at Round Rock, Texas. Following these intense experiences, he was stationed at Cuero for a period, continuing his dedicated service.
In 1881, Armstrong made the decision to resign from his esteemed position as a Texas Ranger. However, his commitment to law enforcement remained strong, as he was promptly appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal, a role he continued to fulfill with distinction until his death. In 1882, he embarked on a new chapter, establishing the sprawling 50,000-acre Armstrong Ranch in Willacy County, a venture that showcased his entrepreneurial spirit. His personal life suffered a tragedy when Mollie died from a rabies bite in 1897. The old ranger, affectionately known in his later years as “Major” Armstrong, passed away on May 1, 1913, and was laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery in Austin.
Conclusion: An Enduring Texas Icon
John B. Armstrong’s life was a testament to the courage, integrity, and relentless spirit required to tame the American West. From his daring exploits as a Texas Ranger and U.S. Deputy Marshal, notably the capture of John Wesley Hardin and the involvement in the Sam Bass incident, to his successful establishment of the enduring Armstrong Ranch, his contributions were manifold. His legacy is not only etched in the annals of law enforcement history but also lives on through the ranch, an operation that remains active, family-owned, and profoundly important to this day. Armstrong stands as a true icon of Texas, a man whose dedication shaped the very fabric of the state’s frontier era.
