Texas Feud Leads to Law Enforcement Murdering Two Freemasons - S3 E107

Texas Feud Leads to Law Enforcement Murdering Two Freemasons

On this episode of the Old Fashion Masonic Podcast, Past Masters Christian Moore and Brian Byrd talk about a major feud in Texas that led to local law enforcement killing two Freemasons in broad daylight.

On July 7, 1890, about 3,000 people gathered near Columbus, Texas, for a barbecue, which culminated in a Masonic cornerstone-laying ceremony at the Colorado County Courthouse. That evening, the City Marshal and his brother fatally shot local businessman Bob Stafford and his brother. Rumors suggested that the County Sheriff, a Past Master Mason, was involved in the incident. Understanding these events requires recognizing Columbus's early settlement history, which dates back to 1821 when members of Stephen F. Austin’s Old Three Hundred established the area, initially known as Beeson’s Ferry.

Governor José F. Trespalacios divided Austin's Colony into districts, designating Beeson’s Ferry as the seat of the Colorado River District. The first local elections were supervised by Baron de Bastrop, with John J. Tumlinson as the elected Alcalde. Tumlinson, who proposed forming a company of Rangers (later known as the Texas Rangers), was murdered by Native Americans in 1823. Stephen F. Austin had initially considered the area for his headquarters but abandoned it due to drainage issues and Native American threats.

By 1836, Columbus had over 25 families, essential infrastructure, and residents like Joseph W.E. Wallace, who played significant roles in the Texas Revolution. In March 1836, during the “Runaway Scrape,” Sam Houston’s army stayed near Columbus while retreating from Mexican forces, ultimately burning the town to obstruct the enemy’s advance.

The First Congress of the Republic of Texas established Colorado County in 1836, naming Columbus its county seat. By 1847, Columbus had grown slowly, with around 1,500 residents and limited expansion due to its reluctance to grow. Nevertheless, horse racing and gambling thrived, and Dr. Robert H. Harrison’s Beacon Hill Blood Stock Farm became renowned for breeding fine horses.

Robson’s Castle, built around 1840 by Scottish immigrant and Freemason Robert Robson, served as a social hub until flood damage led to its abandonment in 1869. During this time, German immigrants introduced tobacco farming, later succeeded by cotton farming. The Masonic presence in Columbus grew, with the establishment of Caledonia Lodge No. 68 in 1850, driven by local leaders like Thomas W. Harris and Archibald McNeill, who also played vital roles in the Texas Revolution.

The 1851 establishment of the lodge and construction of a courthouse symbolized the county’s growing prosperity. The Townsend family, prominent in Texas history, became influential figures in the lodge and the community. In contrast, Robert Stafford arrived in 1856 and established a cattle business, leading to tensions with the Townsends, especially after his successful cattle drive in 1869.

Sheriff Light Townsend, a member of the influential Townsend family, consolidated power, while the rivalry with Stafford escalated. After the July 1890 murders of Stafford and his brother by the Hopes, tensions deepened, with allegations of premeditation against the Sheriff’s kin. Larkin Hope was acquitted in a high-profile trial, but animosities continued.

In 1898, Larkin Hope was murdered, allegedly linked to Sam Reese, a former ally of Sheriff Townsend. Following Reese's loss in a political race, tensions flared when Sheriff Will Burford appointed Reese's nephew, Will Clements, as Chief Deputy. This led to a violent confrontation on March 16, 1899, resulting in Reese's death during a gunfight with Clements.

The feud intensified, leading to the involvement of armed supporters and a request for Texas Rangers to restore order. Despite their efforts, violence escalated further, notably after the murder of Reese's brother. Political infighting ensued with the resignation of City Marshal Walker, worsening law enforcement issues. The Rangers played a crucial role in preventing additional violence, but charges against the implicated parties were dismissed or relocated.

By late 1899, Columbus had earned the moniker “Hell’s half-acre,” notorious for its violence and the necessity for a substantial law enforcement presence to maintain order amid ongoing feuds.

#freemasons #freemasonry #texas #feud #murdermystery #lawenforcement

⚠️ Disclaimer: The views expressed in this video do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Old Fashion Masonic Podcast, any Grand Lodge or Shrine Center, and we encourage viewers to conduct their research and form their conclusions based on reliable sources and personal beliefs.

We get these questions often: What does the mysterious secret society of Freemasons actually do? Does this episode expose freemasonry and masonry? What about The New Order and The Illuminati? Is there a whole Secret world of Freemasons? We think not.