Had Frank and Harrison Hamer stayed together, Frank might not have been shot at all. In 1917, Hamer married Gladys (Johnson) Sims, the widow of Ed Sims of Snyder, Texas; she and her brother, Sidney Arthur Johnson, had been charged in 1916 with murdering Sims. They raised her two girls and two boys of their own, one of whom, Frank Jr., was a friend of mine. Hamer and a handful of Rangers were charged with protecting the trial of a black rape suspect, George Hughes, in the town of Sherman. Phillips was able to approach very close to Hamer with a shotgun. Today, a jury might get the impression that a person was welcoming the opportunity to engage his enemies. Lexipol. Frank Hamer's First Gunfight. Historians argue whether Captain Frank Hamer killed a dozen men and one woman or 70 men and one woman. Recovering somewhat, Hamer drew his .44 Spl. And, second, you can miss with a shotgunthey do have to be aimed if one is expecting to get hits. Five days later, the grand jury refused to indict Frank Hamer for the killing of Gee McMeans. . As Frank Hamer walked back out of the station, he came face to face with Gee McMeans, who had a .45 ACP pistol in his hand and quickly shot Hamer in the shoulder. 11, Ed. [11] They got into a borrowed car and drove away from Sherman, later regrouping at the sheriff's office. His knowledge of personal defense was not academic, nor were all of his fights in the line of duty. Frank chose to ignore the warning but he did strap on a second gun, his Smith & Wesson .44 Spl. Francis Hamer exchanged wedding vows with Gladys (ne Johnson) Sims in 1917. Post was not sent - check your email addresses! With this many gun toters, the stage was set for trouble. Frank said that when he had a choice he preferred to fight with a rifle, but he also practiced long distance hand-gunning. Following this, Hamer left the Cattlemen's Association to accept a position as a federal agent in the Prohibition Unit, where he served for about one year. [1][pageneeded] A less successful incident happened during the Sherman Riot of 1930, however. Copyright 2023 The Johnson family had the support of the Hamer brothers, Frank and Harrison, while the Sims family relied on ex-sheriff and ex-Texas Ranger Gee McMeans. In minutes it returned a no bill, ruling Frank Hamers killing of McMeans was an act of self defense. Hamer married Gladys Johnson while she and her brother, Emmett, were under indictment for killing Gladys ex-husband, Ed Sims. [25] Hamer was always following close behind. Hamer approached Canales and physically threatened him. An eyewitness account gained widespread newspaper coverage, stating that a drunken Bonnie had emptied her gun into the prone body of Patrolman Murphy at Grapevine, laughing as she fired at the way that his "head bounced like a rubber ball" on the road. Today, a jury might get the impression that a person was welcoming the opportunity to engage his enemies. He fired at Hamers head from close range and missed his whole head, but shredded Franks Stetson. As Frank was struggling to get The Jury paused from their deliberation to watch the entire street battle from upstairs windows across the street. After retiring from law enforcement in 1949, he relocated to Austin where he spent the rest of his days. [42][43] Former Governor Coke Stevenson hired him to accompany him to the Texas State Bank in Alice to examine the tally sheets for ballot box 13, which held ballots for his opponent Representative Lyndon Johnson which he knew to be fraudulent. Hamer survived them all dying in Austin, Texas on July 10, 1955 at the age of seventy-one. She and her brother had faced charges for Simss murder in 1916. The route to their home in Snyder . - Frank A. Hamer, Jr. was born April 11, 1918, in Pasadena, California, to Frank and Gladys Hamer. Francis Hamer became involved in law enforcement in 1905 while he was employed as a cowboy on Carr Ranch in West Texas. This relationship is not possible based on lifespan dates. All rights reserved. An officer must know the habits of the outlaw, how he thinks and how he will act in different situations. [21] The Texas Department of Corrections received national negative publicity over the jailbreak, which delighted Barrow, who thought that he finally had his revenge. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. At the behest of Governor Coke Stevenson, he briefly re-joined the Rangers in 1948 to help inspect an election fraud in Jim Wells and Duval County. She didnt hit anyone and didnt affect the outcome of the fight one single bit. When we talk about personal defense, we may spend too much time talking about attacks from criminals who are not known to us. Frank replied that he had not and announced, Im here to settle our account. With that said both men drew their pistols and fired. Growing up in a devoutly Presbyterian family, he was one of five sons, four of whom became Texas Rangers. With this many gun toters, the stage was set for trouble. Frank Hamer, whose career in law . Frank chose to ignore the warning but he did strap on a second gun, his Smith & Wesson .44 Spl. In the 1967 movie Bonnie and Clyde, Hollywood portrayed Frank Hamer inaccurately and with great disrespect. [9] Hamer transferred to Austin in 1921 where he served as Senior Ranger Captain. You are only allowed to leave one flower per day for any given memorial. In the 1967 film Bonnie and Clyde, Hamer is portrayed by Denver Pyle. She didnt hit anyone and didnt affect the outcome of the fight one single bit. Verify and try again. Defensive Decisions: Making & Modifying Personal-Protection Plans, The American Stalking Rifle & The Texas MLD Program. [28] Another story stated that a cigar butt "bearing tiny teethmarks" was found in the gravel. based on information from your browser. Harrison Hamer assisted in his wounded brothers escape, while the wounded McSwain went after his buffalo gun. Gladys was the widow of the legendary Texas Ranger Frank Hamer, who, along with fellow Ranger Maney Gault, tracked down and killed Bonnie and Clyde in 1934. TX Ranger Frank Hamer. The swarm of bullets buzzed by Phillips' head and caused him to fire wildly striking nothing but the brim of Frank's hat. Your email address will not be published. He further added to the deal by authorizing Hamer to take whatever he wanted from among the Barrow Gang's possessions when he caught them. Sorry! [17], In September 1948, he was called back to Ranger duty to play a small role in the notorious 1948 United States Senate election in Texas. Year should not be greater than current year. Three of his brothers also became Texas Rangers. Hamer armed with a Remington Model 8 semi-automatic rifle with a special 15-round magazine and his entire posse opened fire putting more than 100 rounds into the suspects and their vehicle. Hamer and Gladys and other family members were stopped at a garage on October 1, 1917 to get gasoline in Sweetwater when they suddenly encountered Gus McMeans of Odessa, Ed Sims' brother-in-law, and the Hamers and McMeans got into a pistol battle. In 1906 Frank Hamer joined the storied Texas Rangers. Frank studied their activity and movements and eventually Frank was able to contact the family of one Gang member, Henry Methvin. Francis Augustus Hamer (March 17, 1884 July 10, 1955) was an American lawman and Texas Ranger who led the 1934 posse that tracked down and killed criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. In February 1934, Lee Simmons, the General Manager of the Texas Prison System, assigned the task of hunting down gangsters Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow to Francis Hamer. FREE Grant assistance! Resend Activation Email, Please check the I'm not a robot checkbox, If you want to be a Photo Volunteer you must enter a ZIP Code or select your location on the map. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/40839700/ida-gladys-hamer. Unsettled by McSwains warning, Frank took to carrying a pistol, while farming. His service was brief but eventful while stationed in El Paso, the scene of countless gunfights during the Prohibition era. See full bio Born: The Johnson and Sims families were prominent ranch families in West Texas and both were used to having their own way about things. In 1971, they received an undisclosed out-of-court settlement. Your Scrapbook is currently empty. ). [4] He worked in his father's shop as a youth, and as a wrangler on a local ranch. He shared his philosophy on gun fighting with an interviewer once. Frank Hamer was not afraid to wade into trouble, but occasionally learned a hard lesson doing so. | NRA Family, How to Point Your Gun in a Safe Direction | NRA Family, Self-Defense for the Aging Shooter | NRA Family, New For 2023: The Gunsite Glock Service Pistol, New For 2023: The Smith & Wesson M&P 5.7 Pistol, New For 2023: The Taurus 605 T.O.R.O. Phillips, p. 354 n. 3. Historical Person Search Search Search Results Results Gladys Hamer (1910 - Unknown) Try FREE for 14 days Try FREE for 14 days. Stopping at a gas station in Sweetwater, Frank went in to get a tire fixed while Harrison and Emmett hunted for a restroom. Father: Frank A Hamer Mother: Gladys Johnson Source: Texas Birth Certificate. A pistol fight ensued and McMeans, who was a former Texas Ranger and sheriff of Ector County, was killed, while Hamer was wounded. Now, admittedly, Hamer had his hands full, but it appears that he was not aware of the additional threat until the shotgun was fired. A .357 Magnum small frame revolver that's optics-ready from Day One. Early in the fight, Hamer was shot in the shoulder. The Johnson and Sims families were prominent ranch families in West Texas and both were used to having their own way about things. The Johnson and Sims families were prominent ranch families in West Texas and both were used to having their own way about things. And, second, you can miss with a shotgunthey do have to be aimed if one is expecting to get hits. A slide cut for optics, a threaded barrel and a 22 round magazine are the icing on a 5.7x28mm cake. Frank Hamer and Gladys stayed together for the rest of Franks life. "[39], During the 1930s, Hamer applied his civil peace-keeping skills to working on behalf of various oil companies and shippers, which were resisting unionization of their companies, and he often performed as a strike breaker. Frank chose to ignore the warning but he did strap on a second gun, his Smith & Wesson .44 Spl. Please ensure you have given Find a Grave permission to access your location in your browser settings. "[23], Hamer examined the pattern of Barrow's movements, discovering that he essentially made a wide circle through the lower Midwest, skirting state borders wherever he could to take advantage of the fact that law officers could not pursue suspects across state lines. Francis Augustus Hamer (March 17, 1884 - July 10, 1955) was an American lawman and Texas Ranger who led the 1934 posse that tracked down and killed criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow. Please complete the captcha to let us know you are a real person. Hamer fired one shot from fairly close range and hit McMeans in the heart, dropping him instantly. In his later years, the mere presence of Frank Hamer seemed to ensure a peaceful outcome in a tense situation. The route to their home in Snyder took them through Sweetwater. Frank had been warned that Gee McMeans would be waiting for them in Sweetwater. Weve updated the security on the site. [35][notes 4] The posse fired off another 100-plus rounds, any number of which would have been fatal to Parker and also to Barrow. His blow to the 1911 caused it to malfunction, probably causing a failure to feed. Their hunt lasted about three months before Barrow and Parker were killed in May. There was a problem getting your location. Try again later. With the tide turned, the ambushers appeared to flee the battlefield. [26], Hamer was tracking the Barrow gang's murders as well as the bank robberies. In 1908, he resigned from the Rangers to become the City Marshal of Navasota, Texas, a lawless boom-town wracked by violence; "shootouts on the main street were so frequent that in two years at least a hundred men died. His first was memorable. [27][25] They kidnapped Commerce Chief of Police Percy Boyd and drove him across the border into Kansas, where they released him. He was born in Texas and helped his father at his smithy while growing up. Oops, some error occurred while uploading your photo(s). He rose to the rank of senior captain and made Austin his permanent home. For some reason, possibly his pride, Hamer had chosen to ignore the warning about a potential ambush in Sweetwater. Simply having a gun doesnt get the job done, nor is employing it quicklyyou have to be able to shoot it accurately as well as rapidly. One is that, just because you have been shot, it doesnt mean that you have lost the fightwhen the threat continues, a smart man keeps fighting. A slide cut for optics, a threaded barrel and a 22 round magazine are the icing on a 5.7x28mm cake. Hamer's wife Gladys not only shouted ?Look out!? To add a flower, click the Leave a Flower button. For the British Army officer, see. One is that, just because you have been shot, it doesnt mean that you have lost the fightwhen the threat continues, a smart man keeps fighting. and turned to see McMeans pulling a shotgun from the car. He entered i Frank Hamer was not afraid to wade into trouble, but occasionally learned a hard lesson doing so. Gladys Hamer (1884-1967) Actress + Add or change photo on IMDbPro Gladys Hamer was born on May 27, 1884 in Sparkbrook, Birmingham, England. Knight, James R., with Jonathan Davis (2003). Hamer slapped the gun down and it went off a second time, hitting him in the thigh. Stopping to have a punctured tire repaired, Frank Hamer was attacked by Gee McMeans. Outside the bank stood two glowering groups of armed men. The smart move would have been to avoid going through the town at all. One of Hamer's many Remington Model 8's displayed at the Texas Ranger Museum includes this fine engraved model. Frank convalesced for some time and when he was healthy he saddled his horse and sought out McSwain, who when found said, I thought I killed you.. Best Quality Product Distributor - Worldwide Ten shots were fired in the gunfight, and police collected a total of seven revolvers, two semi-automatic pistols, and three rifles from the two parties.[8]. Harrison Hamer fired, but Frank knocked the barrel down, causing Harrison to miss. Share this memorial using social media sites or email. Hamer was a lone wolf by nature, but he eventually formed an inter-jurisdictional posse and created a plan to ambush the gang. The Sheriff, who was much impressed, recommended Frank for the Texas Rangers. We might look at just one of his many encounters and see what we can learn from it that will be beneficial to us in our own personal defense. Photos larger than 8Mb will be reduced. Last Updated: April 10, 2020 The Rangers dealt with arms smugglers because of the constant unrest in Mexico during the Mexican Revolution. We encourage you to research and examine . [17] He was wounded 17 times during his life and left for dead four times. He was laid to rest in Memorial Park Cemetery in Austin, Texas next to his personal hero, his son Billy, who was a Marine killed in combat on Iwo Jima. The smart move would have been to avoid going through the town at all. It was 1900, and 16-year-old Frank and his younger brother Harrison were sharecropping for Dan McSwain. A system error has occurred. Frank had been serving as a bodyguard for a rancher at the time, when two members of the opposition named McMeans and Phillips spotted the relaxed and unaware Hamer. We might look at just one of his many encounters and see what we can learn from it that will be beneficial to us in our own personal defense. Hamer, Gladys and several other members of their family were purchasing gasoline on October 1, 1917, when they ran into Gus McMeans of Odessa, Simss brother-in-law. Texas Ranger Frank Hamer is best known for helping to end the careers of Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. Olson, p. 252; Plantinga, p. 152; Wolff, Henry Jr., Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, 1948 United States Senate election in Texas, "The Aspermont Star (Aspermont, Tex. As Hamer dropped to the ground, stunned, both of his attackers ran to their nearby car. The Rangers had to deal with several types of criminals in the area, including arms smugglers, bootleggers, and bandits. He posted their names at the top of the Campbell murder warrants, issued against Barrow, Parker, and John Doe (Methvin) later that week. ", "The Highwaymen Is a Pleasant Throwback of a Movie", "How The Highwaymen Sets the Record Straight on Bonnie and Clyde", The Years of Lyndon Johnson: Means of Ascent, Association Against the Prohibition Amendment, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Medicinal Liquor Prescriptions Act of 1933, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Frank_Hamer&oldid=1114501544, Short description is different from Wikidata, Wikipedia articles needing page number citations from April 2019, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. S wife Gladys not only shouted? Look out! their deliberation to watch the entire street from... The rank of Senior Captain and made Austin his permanent home was welcoming the opportunity to engage his.! Waiting for them in Sweetwater.357 Magnum small frame revolver that 's optics-ready from day one nature. 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