Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers date back to 1823 when Stephen F. Austin, known as the "Father of Texas," hired ten men to"range" over the territory of Texas. These men later became known as the "original 300."

With origin dating to the earliest days of Anglo settlement in Texas, the Texas Rangers form the oldest law-enforcement agency in North America with state-wide jurisdiction . They often have been compared to four other world-famous agencies; the FBI, Scotland Yard, Interpole, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. They are part of the Old West and part of its mythology.

Wilson county has produced more Texas Rangers than any other county its size in the state. Wilson county, in the south central part of Texas, was legally organized by an act of legislature of the State of Texas, on February 13, 1860, out of Karnes and Bexar counties.

Enough men have joined from Wilson county to form four regular Ranger companies. Author Maude T. Gilliland has compiled names and records of the Wilson county Rangers and by her research, there were 44 Texas Rangers from Wilson County. Almost half of them were from the Fairview community, twelve miles from Floresville.

On February 10, 2000, I conducted an interview with Jerome Preiss, one of Wilson County's retired Texas Rangers. He served in company "D" from 1955 until 1974 and is in the Texas Ranger Hall Of Fame.

Mr. Preiss had many interesting stories to tell. He became a Texas Ranger as a result of a childhood dream and ambition. He wanted to serve and protect his community. Mr. Preiss showed me a picture of his Colt 45, "Betsy", which was the weapon he carried. I also saw his Ranger badge which was made from a Mexican coin called a "cincopeso". Jerome Preiss' nickname is Geronimo. He was given this nickname by his peers and his captain Alfred Y. Allee. Mr. Preiss continues to hold a commission as a Special Texas Ranger. He originated the phrase "Heritage Duty Responsibility".

I would like to thank Jerome "Geronimo" Preiss for his time.

Reduced to its essence, the Ranger ideal is a respect for what our conscience tells us is right, a dedication to the common good and the belief that an individual in the right can succeed even in the face of overwhelming odds. The words that go with this conviction are: inspiring, honor, self-sacrifice, perseverance, dedication, valor, duty, and humility.

The outstanding Rangers of the 20th century (retired, active, and deceased) live(d) by the code above.

                          "Their composition-sand and grit!
                            They never knew the verb 'To quit'
                            They fought grim odds and knew no fear,
                            They kept their honor high and clear;
                            And facing arrows, guns, and knives,
                            Gave Texas all they had- their lives!"

                                                        James B. Gillett

The Ranger ideal is alive and well - and will be in the coming century.