Echoes from the frontier resound when Texas Ranger and sheriff reunite

Ozona—At the bustling State Fair of Texas, an unexpected reunion unfolded on a spring day in 1925 between two men whose lives were once deeply intertwined with the wild heart of Texas's history. Ira L. Wheat, a former sheriff of Edwards County, and Henry Putz, once a Texas Ranger, met for the first time in forty years. Their encounter not only rekindled old memories but also painted a vivid picture of Texas's frontier past, a time dominated by Native American raids, cattle drives, and the relentless pursuit of outlaws.

Henry Putz, then residing at 4116 McKinney Avenue, reminisced about his days in 1885 with the Texas Rangers, specifically Company F, which was under the leadership of Captain Will Scott and Sergeant K. A. Brooks. Their mission had taken them to Montel in Uvalde County to chase down a notoriously organized gang of horse thieves. It was during this operation that Putz, then a young Ranger, first met Ira Wheat, who served as their guide through the treacherous landscapes of Southwest Texas.

"Mr. Wheat showed us through the wilderness of Southwest Texas about the time we were proud of our whiskers," Putz humorously recalled, reflecting on their youthful days. Now, with both men "a trifle grizzled." Putz found it fitting to guide Wheat through the urban wilderness of modern Dallas.

Ira Wheat's story is one of resilience and deep connection to the land. Born in Medina County in 1857, Wheat's early life was marked by tragedy when his father, George Wheat, was killed by Apache Indians. His childhood and subsequent years were spent in a region still echoing with the wildness of the early settlers' days. 

After settling in Edwards County in 1878, Wheat witnessed firsthand the raids by Apache and Comanche warriors. These tribes were notorious for their stealth and speed, with the Apache often sneaking into settlements on foot to steal horses, a practice that they frequently succeeded at. The murder of the McLaurin and Coalson families in 1879 or 1880 by the Apache was a stark reminder of the lawlessness that prevailed.

Wheat's tenure as Sheriff began in 1881, lasting until 1896, during which he not only faced these Native American threats but also battled organized crime. Horse theft was rampant, with thieves operating across counties like Val Verde, Sutton, Kimble, and Edwards counties, covering vast swaths of land from the Rio Grande up to Austin. This network was so sophisticated that it managed to evade law enforcement for over a decade.

The horse thieves' strategy was to avoid confrontation, relying instead on their superior organization to stay one step ahead. However, Wheat, along with Sheriffs W. H. Baylor, Dick Russell, and Noah Corder, decided on a bold strategy: infiltrate the gang with an undercover agent. This risky move eventually led to the conviction of thirty-seven members and the dissolution of the gang, though at the cost of their informant's life. According to Wheat, “They operated by night and were back home by daylight. It was estimated that at least 500 men were connected with this industry when it was at its height.”

Wheat's life wasn't just about law enforcement. He also worked as a cattle driver for Lytle & McDaniel, experiencing the grueling life of trail drives from Medina County to Kansas. These drives, through open, unfenced ranges, were fraught with the mixing of cattle from different ranches, which had to be sorted at round-ups. This period also saw outlaws using cattle drives as an escape route from the law, a tactic that rangers like C. K. Burr had to counter by arresting suspects directly from the trails.

The transformation of Southwest Texas from a lawless frontier to a region of prosperity was highlighted by Wheat. The once barren, rocky counties now thrive with goat and sheep ranching, a stark contrast to the days of longhorn cattle and Mexican goats. The introduction of Angora and African goats marked a new economic era, with mohair becoming a lucrative commodity.

This reunion of two old lawmen serves as a poignant reminder of Texas's rugged history, where bravery, strategy, and an intimate knowledge of the land were essential for survival and order. As they walked through the State Fair, sharing stories of yesteryear, Ira Wheat and Henry Putz not only bridged their past to the present but also reminded us of the enduring spirit of Texas - a state that has continuously evolved from its wild beginnings to a land of opportunity and growth. Their lives are a testament to the transformation of the Lone Star State, from the days of outlaws and cattle drives to the modern Texas, which thrives in its diversity and prosperity.