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Six Years With the Texas Rangers: 1875-1881
Texas in the nineteenth century was a dangerous place. The Texas Rangers were there to keep people safe. James Gillett joined the rangers in 1875 with the task of repressing domestic foes of this frontier region where banditry flourished and crimes of violence were committed with appalling frequency. He joined Company D of the Texas Rangers at the age of just seventeen. For the next six years he would be combatting horse thieves and murderers, fighting in the Mason County War, capturing vigilantes and providing law and order for the towns. He met and fought against some of the most infamous criminals of his day, from Sam Bass and his train robber gang to the Horrell Brothers and the outlaw Dick Dublin. That is not to say that Gillett only fought against domestic criminals, he was frequently called to combat dangerous Native Americans, particularly the Apaches, who were raiding, threatening or stealing from Texan inhabitants. At points the Rangers would even be drawn across the border into Mexico in order implement justice against those who had attempted to escape. Six Years with the Texas Rangers is a fascinating account of one Ranger’s life attempting to maintain law and order on the Texan frontier. “Combines all the excitement of a Western yellowback with the genuineness of a first-hand document" Saturday Review After James Gillett left the Texan Rangers he worked as a Deputy Marshal, Marshal, and later cattle rancher. This book was published in 1921 and he died in 1937.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 1921
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
July 7, 2024
Jul 4, 1145am ~~ Review asap.
Jul 5 ~~ I was inspired to read this book after reading Tom Lea's The Wonderful Country. Lea used Six Years as a source for depicting the life of the Texas Rangers in his story, as well as for the title of his book.
I did enjoy this memoir, but not quite as much as I had expected to. There are a lot of place names tossed around, and people's names too. That kind of thing can get a bit overwhelming for me to keep track of, and I tend to zone out. I think maybe it would be fun to read the book again with a map handy so I can follow along as we go around the state.
I especially enjoyed the section where Gillett described his years in the El Paso area. I lived there myself for many years so I was quite familiar with at least the place names there.
This is not a politically correct story. It does take place in Texas beginning in 1875, after all. There is a bit of the 'good Indian' type of thing, and various other unacceptable ideas, but as always with people and books of that era, a reader has to decide for themselves how much is too much.
What tickled me the most was the joy the author took in living the Ranger life. A big part of that was lived in camps in what we would now think of as quite primitive conditions, but the author thrived on it. Sometimes it seemed like the whole bunch were just overgrown boys, especially in winter camps when there was not much scouting to do.
But I especially appreciated a feeling expressed by the author when he talked about how Texas was in those early days. Not for being a native Texan (I'm not, even though I lived there for about 25 years) but because I have often wished I could have seen America before humans got to it. Here is what Gillett says:
"All of western Texas was a real frontier then, and for one who loved nature and God's own creation, it was a paradise on earth. The hills and valleys were teeming with deer and turkeys, thousands of buffalo and antelope were on the plains, and the streams all over Texas were full of fish. Bear caves and bee trees abounded. In the springtime one could travel for hundreds of miles on a bed of flowers. Oh, how I wish I had the power to describe the wonderful country as I saw it then! How happy I am now in my old age that I am a native Texan and saw the grand frontier before it was marred by the hand of man."
There are some pictures scattered throughout the book, including one showing Gillett with another author by the name of Herman Lehmann, who had written a book about the years he spent with the Apache and Comanche tribes after being captured as a boy. The picture was taken in 1924, but they had actually 'met' back in 1875 during Gillett's first fight with the Rangers against what he called 'redskins'. They were formally introduced years later in San Antonio, where the picture was taken. Lehmann wrote a book that was published in 1927, and thanks to a tip from GR friend Alan, I was expecting to read something about Lehmann in this book. Of course now I am very tempted to find Lehmann's own book and see what he has to say about the world!
Jul 5 ~~ I was inspired to read this book after reading Tom Lea's The Wonderful Country. Lea used Six Years as a source for depicting the life of the Texas Rangers in his story, as well as for the title of his book.
I did enjoy this memoir, but not quite as much as I had expected to. There are a lot of place names tossed around, and people's names too. That kind of thing can get a bit overwhelming for me to keep track of, and I tend to zone out. I think maybe it would be fun to read the book again with a map handy so I can follow along as we go around the state.
I especially enjoyed the section where Gillett described his years in the El Paso area. I lived there myself for many years so I was quite familiar with at least the place names there.
This is not a politically correct story. It does take place in Texas beginning in 1875, after all. There is a bit of the 'good Indian' type of thing, and various other unacceptable ideas, but as always with people and books of that era, a reader has to decide for themselves how much is too much.
What tickled me the most was the joy the author took in living the Ranger life. A big part of that was lived in camps in what we would now think of as quite primitive conditions, but the author thrived on it. Sometimes it seemed like the whole bunch were just overgrown boys, especially in winter camps when there was not much scouting to do.
But I especially appreciated a feeling expressed by the author when he talked about how Texas was in those early days. Not for being a native Texan (I'm not, even though I lived there for about 25 years) but because I have often wished I could have seen America before humans got to it. Here is what Gillett says:
"All of western Texas was a real frontier then, and for one who loved nature and God's own creation, it was a paradise on earth. The hills and valleys were teeming with deer and turkeys, thousands of buffalo and antelope were on the plains, and the streams all over Texas were full of fish. Bear caves and bee trees abounded. In the springtime one could travel for hundreds of miles on a bed of flowers. Oh, how I wish I had the power to describe the wonderful country as I saw it then! How happy I am now in my old age that I am a native Texan and saw the grand frontier before it was marred by the hand of man."
There are some pictures scattered throughout the book, including one showing Gillett with another author by the name of Herman Lehmann, who had written a book about the years he spent with the Apache and Comanche tribes after being captured as a boy. The picture was taken in 1924, but they had actually 'met' back in 1875 during Gillett's first fight with the Rangers against what he called 'redskins'. They were formally introduced years later in San Antonio, where the picture was taken. Lehmann wrote a book that was published in 1927, and thanks to a tip from GR friend Alan, I was expecting to read something about Lehmann in this book. Of course now I am very tempted to find Lehmann's own book and see what he has to say about the world!
June 26, 2020
An excellent account of law enforcement on the American frontier.
August 31, 2019
I purchased 'Six Years' for my Kindle based from a list of recommendations connected with "Texas Rising" and due to my interest in Texas history. I always have three or four books 'in progress' and in the case of of "Six Years" most everything else was put on hold. James Gillett's description of the frontier of Texas geographically, the flora and fauna, and socially was fascinating to me.
James Gillett served with the Texas Rangers from 1875 to 18881. In 1921 he published his memoirs of those years with a little extra thrown in leading up to and just after. His is an easy prose and this is a must read for anyone interested in Texas history.
James Gillett served with the Texas Rangers from 1875 to 18881. In 1921 he published his memoirs of those years with a little extra thrown in leading up to and just after. His is an easy prose and this is a must read for anyone interested in Texas history.
September 5, 2011
Gillett details his experiences of serving with the Texas Rangers when the West was wild.
May 8, 2022
Some people steer away from the Texas Rangers for two reasons. They had a nasty reputation of shooting first and asking questions later, and they were often accused of being racist. Much of the fighting had to do with whites against Mexicans and Indians, but those were different times and survival called both for some very tough men and some radical decisions.
Gillett’s book is refreshing because he doesn’t pull any punches in how he saw the frontier of the time. The early years were spent a great deal fighting Indians, mostly Apaches and Comanches, as well as Mexican bandits who had come north. But the last few years he focuses on keeping the law in a very lawless land. This is not fiction, but is told as it happened, and sometimes is harder to believe than something you might see in a movie.
If you can get past how some other races were perceived in the book, it is good reading, both from an adventure perspective as well as straight history. I recommend it.
Gillett’s book is refreshing because he doesn’t pull any punches in how he saw the frontier of the time. The early years were spent a great deal fighting Indians, mostly Apaches and Comanches, as well as Mexican bandits who had come north. But the last few years he focuses on keeping the law in a very lawless land. This is not fiction, but is told as it happened, and sometimes is harder to believe than something you might see in a movie.
If you can get past how some other races were perceived in the book, it is good reading, both from an adventure perspective as well as straight history. I recommend it.
February 28, 2018
This book was incredibly entertaining. Gillett writes in a very approachable style. I especially enjoyed how fondly he looked on his time in the ranger service, and explained how formative it was for his future endeavors. Highly recommended book on classic Americana.
Also: it will also make you want to grow a bushy mustache.
Also: it will also make you want to grow a bushy mustache.
November 27, 2016
Understated and authentic
This autobiography, while narrated with modesty, riveted my attention as much from what was left out as from the details that were included. Anyone who has ever strapped on a badge & gun understands the subtext fully.
This autobiography, while narrated with modesty, riveted my attention as much from what was left out as from the details that were included. Anyone who has ever strapped on a badge & gun understands the subtext fully.
July 10, 2016
Great book that I used for background info for my novel Fastest Draw. This is not politically correct but it is all the more authentic for that. Well worth getting and free on the internet as it is public domain.
July 19, 2024
i probably would have given this book 5 stars if it had not been so full of typos. Every word ending with g and a space was written together so a LOG CABIN became a LOCABIN. Also all numbers were gone so all dates and years were missing in this kindle book. Fortunately the story was so captivating that i endured this, but it would definitely be interesting to know the year at least or how much money he got for the different criminals he captured, not just a dollar sign.
May 4, 2020
James Buchanan Gillett (1856-1937) was a Texas law man and rancher who was a Texas ranger during the 1870’s and wrote a book about it in 1921. He had almost no schooling, but the book is well-written.
As expected, the book tells about the dangerous work and adventures Gillett had while fighting Indians, criminals and assorted ruffians, but the book also contained various incidentals that were interesting, showing how the world has changed.
One thing that was really striking was how this book, written a century ago, is so politically incorrect by today’s standards. For example, Gillett wrote that “rangers had done much to convert the red devils into good Indians, that is, dead ones.” In another place he wrote “These blacks had associated with white gamblers and lewd women until they thought themselves the equal of white men.”
The recruitment of rangers was pretty informal. No exams, no requirements for education in criminal justice, or any other education, and no background checks. And yet rangers picked up off the prairie could arrest without warrant anywhere in the state.
It also seemed like a recruit’s horse was more important than the man. A recruit had to supply his own horse, arms, and cooking utensils!
Funding from the Texas legislature was erratic. One year rangers were being recruited – the next year they were being let go. I got the impression there was a core of good captains that stayed on, and kept the organization running.
Relations with Mexico were also erratic. It seemed like the rangers could go into Mexico, but the U.S. Army couldn’t. Rangers would chase criminals into Mexico – sometimes with the cooperation of Mexicans, sometimes not. Gillett wrote about a joint operation with the Mexican authorities against the Apaches in Mexico where strangely enough, there were warrants back in Texas for some of the Mexicans he was riding with. Near the end of his career Gillett, without telling his captain, made a rogue arrest of a Mexican man in Mexico that almost caused a serious international incident.
People had a high tolerance for risk back then. Gillett and six or seven other rangers made a 700 mile trip from San Antonio to El Paso through Indian country with the lieutenant’s wife and family. They could have been easily wiped out by a large Indian raiding party. (And they brought the wife’s piano with them.)
There were surprisingly good relations between the rangers and some of the criminals they chased. Sometimes they had cowboyed together years before. Or maybe a cattle rustler was now a ranger. Some bad guys sent to the Yuma prison kept up a friendly correspondence with the rangers who sent them there. If you have ever visited the Yuma prison you know how extraordinary that is.
As expected, the book tells about the dangerous work and adventures Gillett had while fighting Indians, criminals and assorted ruffians, but the book also contained various incidentals that were interesting, showing how the world has changed.
One thing that was really striking was how this book, written a century ago, is so politically incorrect by today’s standards. For example, Gillett wrote that “rangers had done much to convert the red devils into good Indians, that is, dead ones.” In another place he wrote “These blacks had associated with white gamblers and lewd women until they thought themselves the equal of white men.”
The recruitment of rangers was pretty informal. No exams, no requirements for education in criminal justice, or any other education, and no background checks. And yet rangers picked up off the prairie could arrest without warrant anywhere in the state.
It also seemed like a recruit’s horse was more important than the man. A recruit had to supply his own horse, arms, and cooking utensils!
Funding from the Texas legislature was erratic. One year rangers were being recruited – the next year they were being let go. I got the impression there was a core of good captains that stayed on, and kept the organization running.
Relations with Mexico were also erratic. It seemed like the rangers could go into Mexico, but the U.S. Army couldn’t. Rangers would chase criminals into Mexico – sometimes with the cooperation of Mexicans, sometimes not. Gillett wrote about a joint operation with the Mexican authorities against the Apaches in Mexico where strangely enough, there were warrants back in Texas for some of the Mexicans he was riding with. Near the end of his career Gillett, without telling his captain, made a rogue arrest of a Mexican man in Mexico that almost caused a serious international incident.
People had a high tolerance for risk back then. Gillett and six or seven other rangers made a 700 mile trip from San Antonio to El Paso through Indian country with the lieutenant’s wife and family. They could have been easily wiped out by a large Indian raiding party. (And they brought the wife’s piano with them.)
There were surprisingly good relations between the rangers and some of the criminals they chased. Sometimes they had cowboyed together years before. Or maybe a cattle rustler was now a ranger. Some bad guys sent to the Yuma prison kept up a friendly correspondence with the rangers who sent them there. If you have ever visited the Yuma prison you know how extraordinary that is.
September 25, 2021
Post Civil War Texas was, from the defeated Confederate point of view, an opportunity, with land for the taking, and far more attractive than the crippled agrarian-dependent economy they left behind. As usual, that land was already occupied - or at least, regularly traversed - by others. As the ex-Confederates moved into the area, they put pressure on the existing Native Americans and Mexican citizens who already habituated the area.
In such an environment, we have James Gillett, child of a Confederate officer, who first began working for a cattle company at age 15, and then became a Ranger at age 19. The Rangers ostensibly kept order in Texas as early as 1823 when Stephen Austin called them to protect early settlers; they continued to answer the call in such events as the Battle of Monterey, the Mexican War, and the Battle of Rio Grande City. They were so effective that funding, though often parsimonious, was made available regularly. Even after relationships tempered with other nationalities, Rangers continued to chase down the wild element of the frontier.
Gillett's book covers six years, in several different Ranger companies and areas of Texas, and includes events in which he himself was not intimately involved but were surely told around a campfire. He's a dynamic storyteller, and his narration of battles with Comanche and Apache Native Americans are breath- taking. Of particular interest is his momentary encounter with captive Herman Lehmann (identified in the text as F. H. Lehman) during a Comanche skirmish.
If you're familiar with Texas geography - regrettably I am not - the book would be that much more interesting; a map would be helpful companion. And the book is contemporary to the times, so expect the verbiage and attitudes towards Native Americans that we find inappropriate today.
In such an environment, we have James Gillett, child of a Confederate officer, who first began working for a cattle company at age 15, and then became a Ranger at age 19. The Rangers ostensibly kept order in Texas as early as 1823 when Stephen Austin called them to protect early settlers; they continued to answer the call in such events as the Battle of Monterey, the Mexican War, and the Battle of Rio Grande City. They were so effective that funding, though often parsimonious, was made available regularly. Even after relationships tempered with other nationalities, Rangers continued to chase down the wild element of the frontier.
Gillett's book covers six years, in several different Ranger companies and areas of Texas, and includes events in which he himself was not intimately involved but were surely told around a campfire. He's a dynamic storyteller, and his narration of battles with Comanche and Apache Native Americans are breath- taking. Of particular interest is his momentary encounter with captive Herman Lehmann (identified in the text as F. H. Lehman) during a Comanche skirmish.
If you're familiar with Texas geography - regrettably I am not - the book would be that much more interesting; a map would be helpful companion. And the book is contemporary to the times, so expect the verbiage and attitudes towards Native Americans that we find inappropriate today.
September 23, 2025
A fantastic book! This book was written with firsthand experience. James Gillett was a Texas Ranger between 1875 and 1881. James wrote this memoir in 1920 when he was 64 years old. My great uncle was also a Texas Ranger during that same period, and I appreciate my legacy now more than ever. Hard for me to believe that was only 150 years ago. How quickly times have changed. Unfortunately, all the change is in our country's infrastructure. We, as a people, have not changed at all. Some are good, some are bad. We still carry guns and shoot people we don't know, out of fear. People still steal from others. Land is still a prize possession. Good people do bad things. Minorities are still treated poorly. Inequity is still thriving. Cops and robbers are still around. Our government is still telling us they have our best interest. Didn't work out so well for the Indians. James uses the term, "Redskin" throughout the book. Back in his time that was normal. Racism is still rampant in many parts of the world. Even in 1875, outlaws could not hide from the law. People are drawn to other people. It's a shame we can't all get alone.
July 29, 2020
As a novice regarding the American West during the 19th century, and up to now reliant on American TV and movie Westerns, it is quite eye opening to read from those who actually lived lives in that world.
This book gave me a far better and more realistic insight into not only the operations of the Texas Rangers, but the world they lived in and the issues they had to contend with. Its also interesting regarding the attitudes of that time, which today we may find at times offensive, but were quite acceptable at that time. The rightness and wrongness of their action is totally related to their perspective, as are our rights and wrongs.
Gillett gave a fine insight into the World he lived in, and though obviously he probably augmented his own part in the activities he described, his tales were fascinating and revealing. Enjoyed the book greatly.
This book gave me a far better and more realistic insight into not only the operations of the Texas Rangers, but the world they lived in and the issues they had to contend with. Its also interesting regarding the attitudes of that time, which today we may find at times offensive, but were quite acceptable at that time. The rightness and wrongness of their action is totally related to their perspective, as are our rights and wrongs.
Gillett gave a fine insight into the World he lived in, and though obviously he probably augmented his own part in the activities he described, his tales were fascinating and revealing. Enjoyed the book greatly.
July 27, 2018
From the youthful desire to become a Texas Ranger to the pride of hanging up his guns as a Ranger, the author breathed a refreshing air into his life as a ranger highlighting Indian fights and gun battles with outlaws. The sensation of seating on an open range listening to the tales of an Ranger truly added to the sensationalism of the story. The true essences of Ranger-hood bleed out from every lingering word portraying a real man of the west with dirty clothes, uncouth in speech, and rebellious by nature living a rough rumbling life where everything did not match the Hollywood romanticized version of the good lawman.
March 8, 2021
This is a candid, firsthand history of Mr Gillette's experience with the Texas Rangers. There's little fluff or time for the dreaded political correctness to contaminate the history that Mr Gillett lived. What we're left with is a well written, well organized tale of the often brutal, often uncomfortable, sometimes exciting life on the late frontier time in Texas.
This reads well, and really documents the great deal of latitude and responsibility a Ranger had in the late 1800s. Interesting and captivating.
This reads well, and really documents the great deal of latitude and responsibility a Ranger had in the late 1800s. Interesting and captivating.
July 24, 2022
Epic tale of a Texas Ranger and hero!
I thoroughly enjoyed Ranger James Gillett's memoir of his time as a Texas Ranger. This is a raw, unvarnished look at how the men lived, worked and fought on the wild frontier of late 1800s Texas. Through the eyes of one of the finest law officers of his time, you can really appreciate life in the old west. Easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable.
I thoroughly enjoyed Ranger James Gillett's memoir of his time as a Texas Ranger. This is a raw, unvarnished look at how the men lived, worked and fought on the wild frontier of late 1800s Texas. Through the eyes of one of the finest law officers of his time, you can really appreciate life in the old west. Easy to read and thoroughly enjoyable.
May 29, 2025
I could have given this book a lower rating only because I wanted it to keep going. It's like listening to my grandfathers or my dad telling stories about growing up, becoming a man, the hardships of wearing a badge, and all that goes with frontier Texas. I was born and raised in Texas, save 5 years out of state, and there is a unique pride in things Texan- that includes the law enforcement arm of the Texas Rangers. I grew up seeing these men in cafes and around town, and I could not keep from watching them, and admiring the history of their badge. This gives them a good story.
June 26, 2017
What a fine book detailing the exciting six years of service with the Texas Rangers. This took place at the end of the Indian Wars in Texas. There are lots of encounters with real bad men and raiding Indians.
The writing is excellent and moves along very well, keeping the readers attention and providing an entertaining true story.
I highly recommend this fine book for everyone.
The writing is excellent and moves along very well, keeping the readers attention and providing an entertaining true story.
I highly recommend this fine book for everyone.
May 12, 2025
Great tales of the old west.
Liked the story lines and the historic details. Didn't like there were many words that ran together(missing letter "g" mostly) which made it hard to read. There were also missing date numbers and dollar amounts which would have made the stories more interesting.
Liked the story lines and the historic details. Didn't like there were many words that ran together(missing letter "g" mostly) which made it hard to read. There were also missing date numbers and dollar amounts which would have made the stories more interesting.
November 25, 2025
There is a direct link between this book an the book 9 years with the Indians, so if you read one you should read the other. A great story of the real life as a Texas ranger on the very end of the period of the "Indian wars". Gives context to the even better work 9 Years with the Indians. A must read if you're interested in American history.
Read
August 28, 2019A good read of the late1800's
I love reading stories of the old West and really like stories about the Texas Rangers. Texas raised and bred, of course I would. The story line keeps you intrigued as you read. I enjoyed reading about Tanner Gillett.
I love reading stories of the old West and really like stories about the Texas Rangers. Texas raised and bred, of course I would. The story line keeps you intrigued as you read. I enjoyed reading about Tanner Gillett.
July 27, 2020
I have a brother in law who is a serious reader of 'the west.' He handed this one to me. Really great detail on actual life in Texas during those 6 years. Much as I enjoy western novels, this was really well done.
December 5, 2021
One very good read
I had great uncle who spent time marshalling in the 20's and 30's. He would approve this book, written by a man not given to what we would consider politically motivated.
I had great uncle who spent time marshalling in the 20's and 30's. He would approve this book, written by a man not given to what we would consider politically motivated.
July 21, 2024
Fairly short but extremely well written account of what life in the Texas Rangers was like in the latter quarter of the 1800s. James Gillett recounts the highlights of his time as a Ranger, and gives vivid details of actions against Apaches, cattle thieves, murderers, and other miscreants.
October 31, 2016
The book is full of rampant prejudice toward Native Americans, but if you keep that in mind, it is a fun story of the old west
February 11, 2017
Well written in the lingo of the times..great read.
Gillette paints an excellent picture of the times, the country, and the people. Great book, and well worth the time.
Gillette paints an excellent picture of the times, the country, and the people. Great book, and well worth the time.
January 3, 2018
True law enforcement
As a retired chief deputy sheriff for about 15 years in the state of Colorado i like to read about how it was for officers in other times!!
As a retired chief deputy sheriff for about 15 years in the state of Colorado i like to read about how it was for officers in other times!!
August 24, 2018
A wonderful first-person account of what it was like to ride with the Texas Rangers during the heyday of the old West.
March 29, 2019
There were some real live heroes that settled this country. They should be appreciated. This is an account of some of their deeds. Read it!
April 1, 2020
Outstanding!
A MUST read for those that enjoy stories of 1800's Texas . An amazing time in our history and told so very well. Bless the Texas Rangers!
A MUST read for those that enjoy stories of 1800's Texas . An amazing time in our history and told so very well. Bless the Texas Rangers!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews