The Mason County Hoo Doo War, 1874-1902

By: David Johnson

Narrated by: Joseph Tabler

In 1874 the Hoo Doo War erupted in the Texas Hill Country of Mason County. The feud began with the rise of the mob under Sheriff John Clark, but it was not until the premeditated murder of rancher Timothy Williamson in 1875, a murder orchestrated by Sheriff Clark, that the violence escalated out of control. His death drew former Texas Ranger Scott Cooley to the region seeking justice, and when the courts failed, he began a vendetta to avenge his friend. In the ensuing months, Sheriff Clark's mob ambushed ranchers George Gladden and Moses Baird, which drew gunfighters such as John Ringo into the violence. Local and state officials proved powerless, and it was not until the early 1900s that the feud burned itself out. David Johnson analyzes the myths and legends surrounding the feud and presents the first definitive account of what happened in Mason County-a case study in frontier violence of the bloodiest kind. The author analyzes the myths and legends surrounding the feud that began with the rise of a mob and escalated to premeditated murder. The Hill Country feud drew gunfighters of the era such as John Ringo and involved the Texas Rangers before it burned itself out in the early 1900s.

The book is published by University of North Texas Press.

©2006 University of North Texas Press (P)2017 Redwood Audiobooks

Critic reviews

"A haunting story of ethnic strife, human frailty, betrayal, vengeance, and the harrowing repercussions of mob justice." (Scott Zesch, author of The Captured)

"This is a thoroughly researched study, with great work in primary source materials." (Chuck Parsons, editor, National Outlaw/Lawman History Association Quarterly)

"As this fascinating and carefully researched book shows, two sides engaged in unmerciful mob violence against each other over matters that mainly involved cattle theft and revenge." ( Dallas Morning News)