John Barclay Armstrong facts for kids
John Barclay Armstrong (born January 1, 1850 – died May 1, 1913) was a brave Texas Ranger officer and later a United States Marshal. He is best known for tracking down and catching the famous outlaw John Wesley Hardin.
Armstrong was born in McMinnville, Tennessee. His family had some notable members, including his grandfather Charles Ready, who was a U.S. Representative from Tennessee, and his cousin John Hunt Morgan, a Confederate general. After living in Arkansas and Missouri for a short time, Armstrong moved to Austin, Texas in 1871.
Joining the Texas Rangers
In 1875, after working as a lawman for a bit, Armstrong joined a special group of Texas Rangers called the "Special Force." This group was led by Captain Leander H. McNelly and worked in southern Texas. Armstrong quickly became McNelly's second-in-command and was known as his right-hand man. He was promoted to sergeant and earned the nickname "McNelly's Bulldog" because he was a very good shot and very determined.
Becoming a Lieutenant
When Captain McNelly passed away in 1876, the Special Force joined the main Texas Rangers group called the Frontier Battalion. Armstrong was then promoted to Lieutenant. He worked on several important cases. He was key in catching the well-known gunfighter John Wesley Hardin. He also helped track down and stop the famous bank robber Sam Bass.
Later Life and Legacy
Armstrong left the Texas Rangers in 1881. Soon after, he was appointed as a U.S. Marshal, which is another type of law enforcement officer. He later settled in Willacy County, Texas, where he started a very large ranch. He passed away at his home in Armstrong, Texas, on May 1, 1913. His ranch was later reorganized into Kenedy County, Texas.
Films
The movie Texas Rangers (2001) tells some stories about Armstrong's adventures. In the film, actor Robert Patrick plays John Barclay Armstrong.
