Jones, Major John B.

Famed defender of the frontier. Instilled ideals of excellence into Texas Rangers. Born in South Carolina. Came to Republic of Texas 1839. Educated at Old Baylor and Rutersville, where students had to defend school from Indian attacks. In Civil War, 1861-65, served with Terry's Texas Rangers and Speight's Texas Infantry Battalion. Was appointed May 1, 1874, by Governor Richard Coke to organized and field the Frontier Battalion, Texas Rangers. Duty was to stop Indian depredations, bandit raids from Mexico,and lawlessness that resulted from federal Reconstruction. At once put six Ranger companies at frontier post 100 miles apart. In first six months patrolled 22,250 miles. Defeated Indians in numerous engagements, sending them back to their reservations. Broke up rustling. Brought end to famous and violent outbreaks, including Mason County War, Horrell-Higgins feud, Kimble County trouble, El Paso Salt War. In 1878 brought to justice San Bass gang of train and bank robbers. Became adjutant general of Texas, January 1879. In 1880-81 directed tracking down and quieting of Victorio's Apache Indian bands. Buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Austin. (1964)

Jones, Major John B. is a historical marker in Austin, Travis County, dedicated in 1964. It is one of 336 historical markers documented in Travis County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 641 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.3102, -97.7605 near Austin. The nearest cataloged historic site is Steele, William (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Camp Mabry, Adjutants General, and Texas in the Civil War - Federal Forces.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5453006462. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.