A Brief History of Frank Hamer
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- Опубликовано: 25 ноя 2024
- We have been researching the history of various famous firearms users of the past. This week we take a brief look at the history of legendary lawman Frank Hamer, best known for the killing of Bonnie & Clyde in 1934.
Thanks for watching. New videos post every Thursday!
PHOTOS SHOWN
Frank Hamer (en.wikipedia.o...)
Map of United States (www.shadedreli...)
Black Jack Ketchum (en.wikipedia.o...)
Bonnie Parker & Clyde Barrow (en.wikipedia.o...)
"Ranger Hamer Says Texas Has Murder Machine." El Paso Herald. El Paso, TX, 13 Mar 1928.
"Charm and Dignity." The Pender Republic. Pender Nebraska. 19 May 1933.
"Prison Break Is Described By Simmons." The Paris News. Paris, TX. 16 Jan 1934.
"Firearms Rules Planned." The Austin American. 25 Aug 1934.
Site of Bonnie and Clyde's Killing (en.wikipedia.o...)
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Cult of Glory: The Bold and Brutal History of the Texas Rangers by Doug J. Swanson
Texas Ranger - The Epic Life of Frank Hamer, The Man Who Killed Bonnie and Clyde by John Boessenecker
RECOMMENDED FILMS
The Highwaymen
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I'm a native Texan. There are still a few a few old school geezers around who refuse to acknowledge the real history of the Texas Rangers. Hamer was around when hard men had to make hard decisions, and the line between right & wrong was blurry and shifted often. I think honest history shows many of our heroes were flawed people, and sometimes bad decisions are justifiable, while other times they are just bad decisions. I like my history warts and all, let the truth be known.
Very well said, and completely true! My producer Matt has a master's degree in history and we sometimes talk about the lunacy of applying present day morals and standards of behavior to those of even 80 or so years ago. I believe to truly appreciate history you have to have the ability to look at things from their perspective. It's the difference between understanding, and knowing. Anyway, thanks for the view and the awesome comments!
Well said Sir!
My Grandfather knew Frank. He said Frank was a good and kind man. He was not a racist, and was kind to people. I was a boy when Frank passed on. I remember him in our house. He took his hat off, as he walked in. That is what I remember. We lived in Midland, Texas.
I love the simple format. You didn’t over use superlatives. No click bait title. No forced enthusiasm. Just a great bit of info totally worth hearing. Thank you.
Well done sir, thank you! We need a squad of Frank Hamers today!
I’m Northern Cheyenne & I don’t see why history would portray Frank Hamer as anything but a tough man who was able to do whatever was necessary to fulfill his duties as a TX Ranger & keep the law abiding citizens of TX safe from the constant & numerous threats Texans faced daily back then. The movie “Conagher” with Sam Elliot has a line “You’re a hard man Conagher” - “It’s a hard country kid”. That sums up the 1800’s & early 1900’s. Regardless of your race back then it was a very hard & dangerous existence.
I greatly enjoyed this story. Thank you for keeping these Legends alive. The United States is wealthy with very courageous personalities and they don't get enough credit. Good job!!
I believe the Revolver that you spoke of that Frank Hamer considered to be the greatest Revolver ever made was a S&W Triple Lock.
Glad you caught that. I sort of cringed when he said Remington Triple Lock lol.
I enjoyed this video immensely. Very factual,l and I appreciate how you were able to include the context of how someone of the day handled themselves and their problems.
My Grandfather was a Texas Ranger. There is a picture with him, Maney Gault, James Allred (Texas Governor) and about seven other Rangers.
This photo was taken in the Governor’s office. For years it hung in the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame Museum in Waco, Texas.
I really appreciate your faithful and accurate presentation of the story of Frank Hamer and the Texas Rangers.
In 1972 I graduated from General Motors Institute (Flint, Michigan) in the discipline of Business Administration and began a career that continues today. My first geographical assignment as a District Manager was all of West Texas and the Southern half of New Mexico. The geography of my District was from Big Springs, TX to El Paso and from Albuquerque South to the border. My District was bigger than the State of Michigan. There are not enough hours in the day to convey what I saw and what I learned. I did learn quickly that Texas is actually 5 separate states (Texas = Dallas / Ft. Worth - East Texas = Tyler area - Panhandle (obvious) - South Texas = Houston - and West Texas = El Paso to Big Spring. The people continue to be focused, self reliant, and fiercely proud of their heritage. I hold them in deep regard.
Flint native here , 49er my father graduated from GMI, Tool&Die GM . GMI now Kettering University! You be interested how that part of flint has evolved ! Thanks for your insight of Texas! Is that where you are from?
@@wallacerose7499 Assigned to the Dallas Zone (Buick Division) after graduation. I've kept in touch with Flint. Astounding that, viewing Google Earth Pro, the entirety of the Buick facilities are gone. I worked in the admin. building on my work sessions. I worked briefly in the plants. The Buick compound was over a mile long (North/South) and had its own railroad yard and Electromotive Train Engine. After the OPEC disaster in 1974, I was laid off for 6 months then brought back with Pontiac Division for the balance of my career there (Chicago Zone, then Memphis Zone, then LA Zone, where I resigned in 1987 to go to Toyota). Amazing, is that after being recruited, I immediately found 2 GMI classmates at Toyota.
There's a tendency to view history through rose tinted glasses , so I appreciate your straightforward relating of Frank's tale . An interesting life , from the wild west to modern America.
Thank you.
Excellent presentation, thank you. In the early 60's I was in college in St. Louis. I worked briefly for a local radio station that had a local personality, a retired St. Louis cop, that would relate stories on an evening radio program. One program he told of when new on the police force in 1935 he was detailed to welcome Frank Hammer at the train station. He was then to escort him to his hotel and make sure to buy him dinner. "Let him order anything he wants," the chief said, "As he has rid us of Bonnie and Clyde". He related that Hammer was a rather quiet man but pleasant to be around. When they get to the restaurant he assures Hammer to order anything he wanted as it was on the St. Louis Police Department. Frank paused in thought then said, "I'd like a slice of lemon meringue pie and a beer." A man of simple tastes.
Clyde was a ruthless killer and Frank knew this not taking any chances when confronting Bonnie and Clyde. They got what they deserved. Great video. Thanks!!!
Outstanding story telling, enjoyed!
Enjoyed this. I did watch the Highway Men. Good research and thank you again
I've seen the shooting scene
Costner should have had a
38 super 1911 instead of a
SAA. Hamer didn't shoot first.
The deputy jumped the gun
My mom's cousin (a female) played cards on regular basis with Frank Hamer. I loved listening to her stories.
Sir, I must say you speak clear as a bell, and a very good story teller.
I greatly admire Hamer and, in my opinion, he was one of the greatest lawmen, if not THE greatest. That said, there are some minor but surprising errors in this video and one of the most profound events in Hamer's life wasn't even mentioned. Even so, well done and thanks for posting this.
Just an excellent video and presentation. Thank you sir, I hope you do more videos like this.
Quickly becoming a fan of this channel!
Great delivery! I want more stories, I cant get enuff of your history lessons. Thanks for this one for sure!
I'm an 81 year old native Texan. When I was a young man, I started a 25 year career in LE as the only policeman in a small Texas town . At that time the closest help was the Sheriff's Department and it was over a half-hour away. I learned that for all practical day -to-day purposes I did not represent the law, I was the law. I by no means encountered anything like what is talked about in this story, but my early experiences helped/forced me to hone the skills that served me throughout my career. For those that are not old native Texans, I can tell you that if you live outside the metropolitan areas of our State, you can still find that rugged independent spirit still lives.
I’m drawn to learning more about history about this subject, I appreciate you bud 👍
Great story, well told.
While in the Army, I met a young woman from Texas named Hamer. I asked her if she had ever heard of Frank Hamer. Her, amusing, reply was a very calm, "Yes. He was my great uncle." She did well for a young soldier and, as I heard it, went on to a successful career in the civilian equivalent of our military specialty.
Well done sir.
Great video and well spoken, thank you! After the War Between the States, my great aunt told us that lawlessness in Alabama was purdy much everyone for themselves! She said that her grand parents (my great great grandparents) would travel by ox and wagon to the closest town once a month for supplies. They would only travel in a group or a caravan, due to what they called "the highwaymen" (not related to the movie!) robbing people. The Yankees were in control of law and order during that time of Reconstruction, but often never available, or not concern.
Awesome! A very well balanced and fair description and analysis. Thank you so much for bringing Frank Hamer to life for me!
Brilliant analysis. Thanks for the info.
I appreciate your vid it is to the point and plain spoken. Thank you.
Great Narative and production quality.
Excellent video. Manos ariba!
Hands up 🙌
Smith and Wesson made the triple lock not Remington but still a very interesting video thank you.
Excellent presentation. Very Interesting. All of the great lawmen of that era and the old west had major contradictions. It was called survival.
I really enjoy these historical videos. I have watched the movie several times and enjoyed it. It was interesting how Bonnie and Clyde were viewed by the general public, and In my opinion the media probably had alot to do with that, even without internet. Great job thanks for your work on these videos.
Thank you for this presentation.
to my knowledge Frank Hamer used a model 81 Remington for the Bonnie and Clyde ambush. Remington only sold the gun with a five round detachable box magazine. You could buy 10 and 20 round magazines that were made by the Police Supply Company of Saint Joseph Missouri. Do a search of the police supply company of Saint Joseph MO to learn more. I like you videos. Keep them coming
I wish more people would know about him. He was the best law enforcement officer in the history of the United States.
VERY INTERESTING. GREAT SHOW.
Very well done and informative
Great video. Frank Hamer, I believe also known as Pancho.
Well done. Look forward to more.
I really liked "The Highwaymen." Very entertaining. I appreciate your interest in this time period and the "activities" in it.
Good video!
Two thumbs way up from this old Kentucky law man. 👍
God bless the USA! 🇺🇲
Good afternoon from Brazil. After watching the movie with Kevin Costner, I did some research on RUclips about Franck H. Thank you for sharing your research with us. God bless you and your family.
I glad you appreciated the video and the movie. Isn't ironic that Bonnie and Clyde will likely live forever in American Folklore, but the good guys remain obscure? I just had a thought, does Brazil have any similar stories? If so, point them out in the comments, I would love to research them. Thanks for watching and see you next week.
@@AmmoMart
It's really incredible how some outlaws become more famous and idolized than the men of the law. In Brazil there are many similar stories, but I think Lampião and Maria Bonita are the most famous.
Thanks for that information. I will do some research on them. I really appreciate it.
I’m a firm believer that “law men” should be able to do whatever it takes to stop bad guys. Obviously, you don’t want the innocent to be harmed, but as far as I’m concerned, once one crosses the line of the law to hurt others they forfeit their rights as law abiding citizens. I have no problem with brutal techniques, or violating the “rights” of violent offenders. Fight fire with fire. The ends do justify the means under these circumstances. Sometimes, no matter what you do, you just cannot “keep the peace”. Sometimes you have to make peace, which is why they named the Colt the “Peacemaker”. No one loves the warrior until the enemy is at the gate. Only hard men can do the things necessary to make peace. Frank Hamer is a legend.
Very Nicely done. But you left out Hamer and Coke Stephenson's showdown with LBJ! Did you read Caro's book? Anyway I really enjoyed your telling and share your fascination with Frank Hamer
Thanks for the fascinating story. I sometime hear the "it was better in the old days" and "people were better in the old days" but my grandparents also told me horror stories from the old days and two world wars, not one but two world wars. I think we are better today and that is how it should be, they wanted us to be better. We just need to be careful of not creating our times horror stories.
How fitting for everything going on in the world and the country today. I don't think people realize that the standards of behavior we accept today, have only been around for maybe 100 or 125 years. The "good old days" is code for people got away with more. Thanks for the view and I hope you continue to enjoy the channel.
Well said. We live softer lives now, which is normally a good thing.
Great video. Thanks. Was it a S & W Triple Lock?
Outstanding talk. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing
Good job! Great video man. Just the way it was in those times.
I enjoyed your report. Some back fill on Texas law enforcement. It was not until the 1970s that Texas required any type of training to be a law man. The car B and C were driving was obviously stolen and as such remained the property of the owner. It took many years for the family to have it returned. My grandpa took my dad and uncle to see the "death car" when they were kids. He said it was all fixed up, painted and shiny. As far as the weapons B and C used almost all were stolen from state National Guard armories. Clyde also was able to fuse together two magazines from a BAR to make the first banana clip.I am a retired LEO and find the history of law enforcement interesting.
Great Video.
Didn’t S&W make the triple lock revolver ?
Yes it was S&W not Remington
Highwaymen is a great movie. Watched it and now im engrossed in this era of history. From california.
You’re better off in kali. Texas is overrated-pass the word.
Excellent video! Thank you.
You showed the wrong Fairview,Texas on your map. Frank was born in Fairview, in Wilson County Texas south of San Antonio. Fairview in Wilson County was the hometown of twenty-seven Texas peace officers, including twenty Texas Rangers.
I live in Texas Hill Country and recently read Boessenecker's bio on him. Fascinating person. His guns are in the Texas Ranger museum in Waco. A must see.
Great show
I live in Snyder and the history of Frank Hamer here is impressive. His wife seemed to have an impressive life before Frank calmed things down. The Johnson ranch, where Frank was intermittently employed, and where he met his wife, is still impressive. The Manhattan hotel still stands. Texas is better off for men of action and conscience, like Mr Hamer, regardless of the attitudes of the eras in which they lived. The book Texas Ranger by Bossenecker is worth reading if you have not already done so.
Concur that the movie the highwaymen is worth your time. No better depiction of what it feels to hunt human beings out there.
The actor who played the son on "The Danny Thomas Show" was Rusty Hamer from Louisiana.
The motorized bandots were part of the reason for the NFA along with certain other prohibition era gangs, however you didnt mention the one actual weapon that made the prive of the tax stamp to aquire a machine gun with the treasury depts permission. Funny how money makes it not so dangerous anymore. That was the Thompson submachine gun. Just thought id throw that out there, and the fact that most weren't bought legally by the gangs , either stolen or black market procurement. Same as now, it's not the guns but the criminals. Good job on the video.
True enough, but there is one positive thing about gun registration. It narrows down the list of suspects the police have to investigate. 90% or more of gun owners are law abiding citizens whom the police can safely skip over.
@@brianniegemann4788 then why are they always trying to pass new laws to make us all criminals...all gun laws are unconstitutional.
I am from Roumania,i,m so interested to know more about this Man.thx😊😊😊😊
There are few men like Frank Hamer then and now. He maintained his humanity during a time that was violent and lawless. Any preconceived notions that I held was dispelled by the truth of his real character. He was a good man during a time when good guy's were at the wrong end of the barrel.
Well done!
I thought you did a very good job on your story of Frank Hamer. There is much more about Ranger Hamer that you didn't touch on though.
6th generation Texan.
Excellent !
These guys were the last of their breed . Hamer Mani and the rest of the Rangers were fearless guys that got shit done . May they rest in peace 🙏
Ranger Hamer apparently never forgot the kindness of the Black sharecropper & paid it forward fighting the KKK in Texas. I enjoyed The Highwaymen. I’m surprised a full length movie hasn’t been released on Ranger Hamer.
Hamer used a Remington model 8 in .35 cal. ..Gault & Alcorn used Rem. model 8 in .35 & .25 cal. Ted Hinton used a B.A.R. ...Prentis Oakly used a Winchester 30-30 model 94....Henderson Jordan used Winchester 1907 .351 cal. ....! Jordan was Beinville Parish Sheriff , he got the tip on where B&C would be on the ambush day..! There was a Dallas FBI agent that helped Hamer !
I haven't looked into the Hamer story as thoroughly as you have, but I think the Gov. of Texas Ma Ferguson gave Frank and Gault a highway patrol
commission to cover them being las officers. Correct me if I'm wrong.
In 1934 the average man didn't think about purchasing a Thomson, Colt Monitor or a BAR especially when the were more economical choices in the Sear Roebuck catalog.
One of my personal heroes
Bonnie and Clyde achieved such notoriety (and popularity) because they robbed banks during the Great Depression, and small-town /rural people hated the banks. The banks were foreclosing on more and more farms, homes and businesses as the Depression got worse. The reason for the disgusting scene at the end of Highwaymen was a form of the celebrity obsession so prevalent today.
With every hero they have a dark side and a shining side . It’s part and parcel of the whole
Fine job. I'm curious. Have you had second thoughts about your tatoos?
One Riot, One Ranger....... I have quite a collection of books about The Texas Rangers. Hamer loved through law enforcement on horseback to automobiles. Imagining the changes that he saw.
That’s why all this current day bullshit is happening now .Hamer was just trying to do a tough job in a tough time.
I believe you meant a S&W triple lock.
Bonnie and Clyde went to Eastham to break out Raymond Hamilton. After eventually being caught again, Hamilton escaped death row at Huntsville. Later while on the run in Collin county he and Ralph Fults, kidnapped my great uncle JC as a driver of his ‘34 Ford coupe. They stayed together for a few days, JC running to get food and such. Before they let JC drive away, Raymond gave him a magazine and 30.06 round from a BAR, as a reminder to not live a life of crime. My cousin still has them.
You did a great job. And you're right but it wasn't just Texas. the greatest generation is called that for a reason. They had sand.
RUclips would not let me give your video a thumbs up!!
Commies!!!
Take care.🇺🇲🌲🔥🔪
Remington Triple Lock?🤔 I am familiar with the S&W Triple Lock.
Thank you frank for your service he should have been making 6 figures greatful for your service
Back in the 70’s I think, the NRA magazine, The American Rifleman, it stated that Frank Hamer killed with the first shot to Clyde’s head was with a .257 Roberts rifle. I guess this was misinformation. The article was touting the .257 Roberts cartridge.
Don’t mess with Texas, especially with the Rangers!
1911 colt and 1895 Winchester.
Not meaning to dispute what you say sir, but according to author John Boessenecker, Dam Mc Sween died of natural causes in 1909. Frank’s brother Harrison made up this story late in life.I guess Harrison thought it sounded better this way.
American Hero. Sounds like a man with integrity.
He truly was a man of his times! I believe that he remained relatively unknown because the general perception of the country at that time was one of progress and civility. People didn't really want to know what was going on in Texas, because well....that's Texas! And isn't funny that to this day, at least in most American's minds, there is the way law and order works, and there is the way it works it Texas? Thanks for watching, and I am glad you enjoyed it.
East Texas is where the kluxers were,west Texas if you were a cowhand color wasn't an issue.
*ad infinitum "to infinity"
👍🏻
After the 'apprehension ' of bonnie and clyde' he says of the shoot out. Haha😅 'apprehension ' by means of making Swiss cheese of themb😅
What is a Remington triple lock? Maybe you meant Smith and Wesson.
you might say hamer knew like sgt york its not something your proud of just something that had to be done
Franks portrayal in the movie Bonnie and Clyde was an utter disgrace!
And isn't amazing that the portrayal of Frank would ultimately be done by Denver Pyle, also known as "Uncle Jesse" from the Dukes of Hazard. I agree with you 100%, only in 1960's Hollywood would you not delve into the depth of all the characters. Thanks for the view and the insight!
And now here we are. Gang members with badges.
Don't smoke his tobacco he didn't like that.
Hamer had worked with Coke Stevenson to nab cattle rustlers and, years later, provided muscle for the visit to disputed balloting (Landslide Lyndon) by Parr organization, south Texas. Which had full backing of Texas syndicate: Hunt, Brown, Murchisson and “White Fathers” as Madeleine Brown, LBJ mistress recalls.
Stevenson was different from Lyin’ Lyndon as is possible. Elected Tx Governor, balanced budget, cut waste, pissed off the kommissars/fat cats. Sabotaged the vote in old-fashioned box-stuffing.
Johnson was the ballot box stuffer. Still he did a lot of good for a lot of people. Like a lot of great men, Frank Hamer for example, Johnson had his faults. Don't get me wrong. There is no equivalency between the two men. And Coke Stevenson, Mr. Texas stood head and shoulders above both Johnson and Hamer. That said, all three men lived up to their own sense of justice and fair play.
My grandfather knew Hamer. My grandfather always said that the incident between Bonnie and Clyde and Hamer was murder, plain and simple.