Life of a Famous Texas Ranger
The Life and Services of Gen. Ben McCulloch.
Philadelphia: Pictorial Bureau of the Press, 1888.
First edition. Presentation copy by McCulloch's brother. Two portraits. [6],[25]-260pp. 8vo. Life of a Famous Texas Ranger. Original blindstamped cloth, spine gilt. Corners and edges worn, spine fraying at extremities. Text lightly tanned. Presentation inscription from McCulloch’s brother to “Mrs. Gaylord” on front free endpaper. Very good overall Howes R443, "aa."; Dornbusch II:2991. Item #365627
A scarce biography of the "most famous Texas Ranger," according to Howes. Ben McCulloch went to Texas from Tennessee with Davy Crockett (his neighbor growing up in Dyersburg), fought in the Texas Revolution at San Jacinto, joined the Texas Rangers during the Republic, and served as Zachary Taylor's Chief of Scouts during the Mexican-American War. After a brief stint in California during the Gold Rush (during which time he was elected Sheriff of Sacramento), he was appointed U.S. Marshall for Texas in 1852, and was involved in the Utah War. McCulloch was commissioned a colonel in the Confederate Army almost immediately after Texas seceded, and slain by a Union sharpshooter at the Battle of Pea Ridge the following year. McCulloch’s dramatic story is told through a mixture of traditional narrative and text from personal letters and military reports.
This copy was presented by Ben McCulloch’s younger brother, Henry Eustace McCulloch, to a “Mrs. Gaylord.” Henry, who has also corrected his brother’s rank from “Major” to “Gen’l” below his portrait, was a towering Texan in his own right, and stood side by side with his brother through nearly all of his exploits. He had somewhat more political influence than Ben, serving in both the House and Senate of Texas and as a delegate to the Texas secession convention. Unlike his brother, Henry survived his service in the Confederate States Army and became an active opponent of Reconstruction in his state.
A scarce and important Texas biography, presented by the subject’s equally noteworthy brother.
Price: $5,000.00 Free International Delivery
