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Twelve Years in the Saddle for Law and Order on the Frontiers of Texas
Life as a Texas Ranger was never easy.
But to survive twelve years confronting vicious murderers, stopping terrible crimes, and suppressing lawlessness in this frontier state was truly remarkable.
W. J. L. Sullivan was born in Mississippi ten years before the outbreak of the American Civil War. He underwent a difficult childhood and youth that certainly hardened him and taught him to uphold decency and order whenever possible.
Making his way down to Texas he became a Ranger in 1889 and would remain with the outfit through to beginning of the next century.
Through the course of his service he travelled huge distances across the vast plains of Texas, over rugged terrain, in oppressive heat and sometimes atrocious storms, always under the threat of ambush from hardened criminals, all in order to secure law and order in these tumultuous years.
Fifty-five different episodes are vividly covered in the book, from apprehending cattle rustlers, combatting Indian raids, quelling civil unrest, participating in shootouts with murderers, chasing horse thieves across border lines, as well as much more.
Sullivan writes in a gritty, matter-of-fact style that takes the reader to the heart of the action. This book is essential reading for anyone interested the history of Texas, law and order and life in the Old West.
"Quiet, cool, and always sober, he stood when in the service without a peer in the State as an officer. He made some enemies, it is true, but so has every other officer who has discharged his duty as honestly and as fearlessly as he did." Amarillo Register
As well as Twelve Years in the Saddle the publisher has also included three other first-hand accounts from Texas Rangers as a bonus to the reader. These include:
Rangers and Sovereignty by Dan W. Roberts
A Texas Ranger by N. A. Jennings
Six Years with the Texas Rangers by James B. Gillett
W. J. L. was a sergeant in the Texas Rangers in the late nineteenth century. His book was first published in 1909.
But to survive twelve years confronting vicious murderers, stopping terrible crimes, and suppressing lawlessness in this frontier state was truly remarkable.
W. J. L. Sullivan was born in Mississippi ten years before the outbreak of the American Civil War. He underwent a difficult childhood and youth that certainly hardened him and taught him to uphold decency and order whenever possible.
Making his way down to Texas he became a Ranger in 1889 and would remain with the outfit through to beginning of the next century.
Through the course of his service he travelled huge distances across the vast plains of Texas, over rugged terrain, in oppressive heat and sometimes atrocious storms, always under the threat of ambush from hardened criminals, all in order to secure law and order in these tumultuous years.
Fifty-five different episodes are vividly covered in the book, from apprehending cattle rustlers, combatting Indian raids, quelling civil unrest, participating in shootouts with murderers, chasing horse thieves across border lines, as well as much more.
Sullivan writes in a gritty, matter-of-fact style that takes the reader to the heart of the action. This book is essential reading for anyone interested the history of Texas, law and order and life in the Old West.
"Quiet, cool, and always sober, he stood when in the service without a peer in the State as an officer. He made some enemies, it is true, but so has every other officer who has discharged his duty as honestly and as fearlessly as he did." Amarillo Register
As well as Twelve Years in the Saddle the publisher has also included three other first-hand accounts from Texas Rangers as a bonus to the reader. These include:
Rangers and Sovereignty by Dan W. Roberts
A Texas Ranger by N. A. Jennings
Six Years with the Texas Rangers by James B. Gillett
W. J. L. was a sergeant in the Texas Rangers in the late nineteenth century. His book was first published in 1909.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 3, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 2, 2021
Highly recommend the audio version available via Librivox (Public Domain) on YT.
I would have liked to have known this valiant Texas legend, however, I would not have wanted to live in those perilous times. W.J.L. Sullivan (John L.) was a Texas Ranger for 12 years from 1888-1900 and packed such a sturdy and respectful persona that must have inspired the compilation for this book. Praised by law makers, politicians, judges, rangers, and the general public, he should literally be known as the Patron Saint of Texas. Along, with the likes of Sam Houston....and Jerry Jones (just kidding!!).
I would have liked to have known this valiant Texas legend, however, I would not have wanted to live in those perilous times. W.J.L. Sullivan (John L.) was a Texas Ranger for 12 years from 1888-1900 and packed such a sturdy and respectful persona that must have inspired the compilation for this book. Praised by law makers, politicians, judges, rangers, and the general public, he should literally be known as the Patron Saint of Texas. Along, with the likes of Sam Houston....and Jerry Jones (just kidding!!).
February 12, 2021
This is a memoir written by a Texas Ranger who served from approximately 1888 to 1900. I found it to be very interesting and think readers who like Texas and Western history of this period would like it too.
Sullivan briefly talks about his early life and then his career with the Rangers. As you might expect this wasn’t an easy job. He was out in all weather, riding horses for days and dealing with people who were less than respectable. It’s broken up into short vignettes involving different cases including cattle thieves, murderers and all manner of reprobates. Sullivan deals with everything in a laconic, laid back way and seemed to be a decent trustworthy guy. He even has a dry sense of humor. One of my favorite episodes dealt with his discovery of a young man hiding beneath the covers in a bed. When confronted there was a scuffle and the young man’s mama came up behind the Ranger and hit him over the back of his head with a heavy biscuit tin. Everything was wild back then although Sullivan was pretty good at diffusing crazy situations.
The story briefly covers his retirement and even includes cowboy poetry at the end. Highly recommended. By the way, Sullivan was 6’ 6 inches in height and must have cut an imposing figure.
Sullivan briefly talks about his early life and then his career with the Rangers. As you might expect this wasn’t an easy job. He was out in all weather, riding horses for days and dealing with people who were less than respectable. It’s broken up into short vignettes involving different cases including cattle thieves, murderers and all manner of reprobates. Sullivan deals with everything in a laconic, laid back way and seemed to be a decent trustworthy guy. He even has a dry sense of humor. One of my favorite episodes dealt with his discovery of a young man hiding beneath the covers in a bed. When confronted there was a scuffle and the young man’s mama came up behind the Ranger and hit him over the back of his head with a heavy biscuit tin. Everything was wild back then although Sullivan was pretty good at diffusing crazy situations.
The story briefly covers his retirement and even includes cowboy poetry at the end. Highly recommended. By the way, Sullivan was 6’ 6 inches in height and must have cut an imposing figure.
February 23, 2018
This book was recommended to me by a co-director of the Wise County Texas Crime Stoppers. I really enjoyed the vignette style of the author in a manner that he was relating his experience as a Texas Ranger in the late 19th and early 20th Century.
I have enjoyed the Smoke Stack Restaurant during my visits to Thurber http://thurbertexas.com/history/index... and fascinated by the many coal mining references in the book. I attended a lecture by a relative of Quanah Parker here in Decatur, Tx some years ago and amazed that his mother had been kidnapped by the Comanche. It is astounding that he was able to treat that destitute family to a sumptuous meal at that Austin Hotel and that they were even provided a doggie bag for the leftovers for only $1.25! I marvel that he was able to stake a claim on a street in that land run, I wonder how he was able to make that mistake?
The Texas Ranger was certainly an outstandingly decent civil servant and I admire his ability to maintain peace in that capacity during that seemingly lawless time in the Southwest!
I have enjoyed the Smoke Stack Restaurant during my visits to Thurber http://thurbertexas.com/history/index... and fascinated by the many coal mining references in the book. I attended a lecture by a relative of Quanah Parker here in Decatur, Tx some years ago and amazed that his mother had been kidnapped by the Comanche. It is astounding that he was able to treat that destitute family to a sumptuous meal at that Austin Hotel and that they were even provided a doggie bag for the leftovers for only $1.25! I marvel that he was able to stake a claim on a street in that land run, I wonder how he was able to make that mistake?
The Texas Ranger was certainly an outstandingly decent civil servant and I admire his ability to maintain peace in that capacity during that seemingly lawless time in the Southwest!
September 21, 2016
If you enjoy history of the old west, especially of the Peace Officers, then you will like this one.
Although the author writes in the way he thought and spoke back in the 1800's old west, it is interesting and easy to decipher his meaning. Life of a Texas Ranger was not an easy one and it was a very demanding and dangerous job. Mr. Sullivan deserves a lot of credit for his dedication and service. He goes into great detail in each of his assignments. Anyone that likes reading of the old west will like this one.
Although the author writes in the way he thought and spoke back in the 1800's old west, it is interesting and easy to decipher his meaning. Life of a Texas Ranger was not an easy one and it was a very demanding and dangerous job. Mr. Sullivan deserves a lot of credit for his dedication and service. He goes into great detail in each of his assignments. Anyone that likes reading of the old west will like this one.
January 20, 2016
Fascinating book - gives a real insight into the life of the Wild West and particularly that of a Texas Ranger.
The book doesn't really flow very well and, as mentioned in the foreword, comes over very much as a set of reminiscences coming out in conversation over a drink but for anyone interested in this period it is well worth reading.
The book doesn't really flow very well and, as mentioned in the foreword, comes over very much as a set of reminiscences coming out in conversation over a drink but for anyone interested in this period it is well worth reading.
August 7, 2017
Outstanding autobiography!
Sgt..Sullivan embodies the spirit of doing the right
Thing, keeping the peace, and serving his state, his God, and his fellow man in a way that was over and above any compensation or reward. He shows how a good man can earn the respect of his community, and fellow officers simply by doing his job to the best of his ability, while also being kind.
Sgt..Sullivan embodies the spirit of doing the right
Thing, keeping the peace, and serving his state, his God, and his fellow man in a way that was over and above any compensation or reward. He shows how a good man can earn the respect of his community, and fellow officers simply by doing his job to the best of his ability, while also being kind.
May 15, 2020
Fascinating book
A wonderful first hand account of 12 years as a Texas Ranger, told without any self glorifying drama. A straight forward telling of life and duty and all the more fascinating for it.
A wonderful first hand account of 12 years as a Texas Ranger, told without any self glorifying drama. A straight forward telling of life and duty and all the more fascinating for it.
March 6, 2018
I enjoyed this book. It has the feel of sitting around listening to your great grandfather telling some of his experiences of being a Texas Ranger. I got the old language/wording and skipping around. A lot of Texas history from the viewpoint of John L. Sullivan.
June 11, 2018
Twelve Years in the Saddle for Law and Order on the Frontiers of Texas
This story was just about the most informative looks at the Texas Rangers I've seen. It could have been more interesting if put more in story form. The author did a fine job in the presentation.
This story was just about the most informative looks at the Texas Rangers I've seen. It could have been more interesting if put more in story form. The author did a fine job in the presentation.
August 6, 2018
Full of action.
Extremely interesting, having traveled through almost every area mentioned in the book, one can just imagine the action described therein. The Texas Rangers were and always be the most respected law enforcement in the land.
Extremely interesting, having traveled through almost every area mentioned in the book, one can just imagine the action described therein. The Texas Rangers were and always be the most respected law enforcement in the land.
November 12, 2020
The author has a lot of potentially interesting material to talk about here, but he is not the best storyteller. Many of the events he describes are quite short and lack color. It would have been better if he'd made this into two books with more well-developed accounts.
October 15, 2019
I suppose because its a bio, a lot of the stories are kind of dull.
In fact most of the stories are..."We were looking for these guys, then we found them and arrested them".
Its fine, just surprisingly dull.
In fact most of the stories are..."We were looking for these guys, then we found them and arrested them".
Its fine, just surprisingly dull.
April 5, 2019
Greatly enjoyed the book
Great book one of the writers was not quite my style but the content we
As good and edcational. I have already recommended it to friends
Great book one of the writers was not quite my style but the content we
As good and edcational. I have already recommended it to friends
June 6, 2019
A wonderful first person account of life as Texas Ranger!
A wonderful first person account of life as a Texas Ranger! Well written with lots of action and great story telling.
A wonderful first person account of life as a Texas Ranger! Well written with lots of action and great story telling.
October 27, 2019
Pretty good book. Some repeating from one author to another but a good personal history of the Rangers.
June 12, 2020
The unadorned experiences of a member of the ethical elite who put their life on the line for the good of us all. Especially recommended to would-be writers/directors of Western movies.
June 16, 2023
A most endearing account of a lawman without equal.
A definitive account of one man’s endeavours to rid the state of Texas from evil and wrongdoings.
Never before, or probably even since, has there been such a man as W.J.L. Sullivan.
His calm demeanour and unsurpassed ability to think clearly when faced with trouble was, without doubt, the reason why he succeeded in ridding Texas of mobs and anti-mob culture during that Wild West era.
A must read for all aficionados of the history of the early days of culture building and society forming, particularly in the state of Texas.
A most esteemed gentleman of law and order, Sullivan was the go to man when trouble presented itself.
Very thought provoking and a general good read.
A definitive account of one man’s endeavours to rid the state of Texas from evil and wrongdoings.
Never before, or probably even since, has there been such a man as W.J.L. Sullivan.
His calm demeanour and unsurpassed ability to think clearly when faced with trouble was, without doubt, the reason why he succeeded in ridding Texas of mobs and anti-mob culture during that Wild West era.
A must read for all aficionados of the history of the early days of culture building and society forming, particularly in the state of Texas.
A most esteemed gentleman of law and order, Sullivan was the go to man when trouble presented itself.
Very thought provoking and a general good read.
September 13, 2018
Tumultuous times with first person narratives.
There are three different books under the given title with three different authors. Book one is ok. Book two is much better and book three approaches excellent because it appears to be more factual and containing reliable reporting. Given the topic the escapades seem braggadocio but plausible. It is clear that “political correctness “ was not a part of the common vocabulary! Entertaining read. A place name map would have helped.
There are three different books under the given title with three different authors. Book one is ok. Book two is much better and book three approaches excellent because it appears to be more factual and containing reliable reporting. Given the topic the escapades seem braggadocio but plausible. It is clear that “political correctness “ was not a part of the common vocabulary! Entertaining read. A place name map would have helped.
January 1, 2020
I chose this rating because the style of the telling and the subject is my favorite. The territory covered by the story is also my favorite.
I chose this rating because the style of the telling and the subject of the story is my favorite and the territory covered by the story is my favorite. West Texas and the big bend, Fort Davis, Marfa is my happy hunting ground. The author did a wonderful.
I chose this rating because the style of the telling and the subject of the story is my favorite and the territory covered by the story is my favorite. West Texas and the big bend, Fort Davis, Marfa is my happy hunting ground. The author did a wonderful.
March 21, 2022
Good, but slow, mostly 1890 to 1901
A man of simple education and a drive for duty,strings together many incidents and actions taken. Sometimes hopscotch and other time logical and chronological. Some manner of expression completed in the vernacular of the times . Interesting views that would not be politically correct. Covers a tiny bit of New Mexico, a lot of Oklahoma (Indian Territories), and of course all of Texas.
A man of simple education and a drive for duty,strings together many incidents and actions taken. Sometimes hopscotch and other time logical and chronological. Some manner of expression completed in the vernacular of the times . Interesting views that would not be politically correct. Covers a tiny bit of New Mexico, a lot of Oklahoma (Indian Territories), and of course all of Texas.
October 16, 2023
This is a muddled memoir by a Former Texas Ranger of the Old West late 1890s and early 1900s. A competent editor should have compiled his book and maybe a ghostwriter to pull the material together. The raw material is interesting, but so poorly constructed it is almost unreadable. I gave the 3 stars due to the interesting anecdotes. Not recommended.
February 13, 2018
Not my cup of tea! Chapter 16 is where I’m at and I don’t like it!
August 1, 2018
Rangers
This book took a while to finish. Very interesting and historical though. Not bad for the price. A good bargain.
This book took a while to finish. Very interesting and historical though. Not bad for the price. A good bargain.
April 22, 2022
Review
Fascinating to learn about a legendary group from a man who was a Texas Ranger. I enjoyed it. they were even more formidable then I had previously known.,,
Fascinating to learn about a legendary group from a man who was a Texas Ranger. I enjoyed it. they were even more formidable then I had previously known.,,
November 20, 2017
I liked it because it was an authentic representation of Texas in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. It gives you an insight into life, travel and activities of those times as well as the Texas Rangers. It was not written as a novel but episodic sketches from the author’s point of view.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews