Terry’s Texas Rangers were formed at Houston in 1861 by Benjamin Franklin Terry and Thomas S. Lubbock. Originally consisting of 1,170 men, the unit saw action all through the South, particularly in Tennessee, Kentucky, and Georgia. Unfortunately, Terry himself was killed at their first engagement, although other officers ably took his place. 

Known for their contempt of sabers, which they considered useless as cavalry weapons, the Rangers did most of their mounted fighting with shotguns and pistols, often to devastating effect on opposing Federal troops. 

They also served effectively as foragers, raiders, and scouts. The Rangers served until the end of the War, making one last, victorious charge to secure a vital bridge at the Battle of Bentonville, the final major battle east of the Mississippi River. Their members either were surrendered at Bennett Place, North Carolina, a short time later with the rest of Johnston’s army or allowed to drift back to Texas on their own.


Photo: Philip Boton Hale who was born in Sevier County AR, April 17, 1843, came to TX with mom and siblings in 1852/3 to Fayette County TX. He first enlisted as a private with Terry's Texas Rangers in late 1861 but was discharged in November after only two months of service because of the measles. He then enlisted in Travis County with CO "I" on Apr 3, 1862 as a private. His name appears on a list of men paroled at Columbus TX in June or July 1865.