Author makes book presentation at local DRT chapter meeting

Ross Cox Sr., retired highway patrolman from San Saba, was guest speaker for the Oran Milo Roberts Chapter, Daughters of the Republic of Texas, meeting Nov. 5 at the Hancock Springs Hostess House.

Cox has published a book, "The Texas Rangers and the San Saba Mob."

He became interested in the story, he said, and decided to research it out of curiosity. He then decided to publish it because all of the local records for that time had been lost. He depended on information from the Texas State Library, newspaper records, prison records, Ranger records and other means.

Cox said the San Saba Mob affected a much larger area than just San Saba County, including Lampasas, Mills, Brown and McCullough counties.

Essentially, the information centered around two murder cases which the Rangers made while in the county. Some 43 persons lost their lives to mob rule, the author said.

The mob originally organized as a vigilante group by good citizens of the area to counter cattle rustlers and other criminals who moved into the area rampaging ranches, stealing and killing.

The mob was first known as the Honest Man's Club, but greedy, self-serving leaders took hold and turned it into anything but honest, Cox said. The organization was unusual because it lasted so long -- 1869-1898 -- and it combined assassination with all of the trappings of secret fraternalism.

Cox's purpose was to simply tell the story as records allowed. Much of the history of the time and area is lost forever.

Following the presentation, Judy Smith, president, conducted the chapter's business. After reports and discussions, the chapter voted to reduce the price of the remaining afghans to $30.

Hostesses for the meeting were Wilda Mullins and Suzanne Keele with 15 members present.

Courtesy Committee member Lila Goodson passed a paper for members to sign up for covered dishes for the Dec. 3 Christmas dinner. Guests may be invited for the special meeting.

"A Little Night of Music" will be presented by Mike O'Neal, Mrs. Smith's brother.