Leander H. McNelly

Historical marker location:

Burton, Texas

( In Mt. Zion Cemetery, 3 mi. NE of Burton at the intersection of SH 390 and FM 1948.)

Marker installed: 1963

Born in Virginia; was valiant Confederate soldier.

In 1870, appointed one of four State Police captains by Gov. E. J. Davis. Then with Texas Rangers, McNelly was assigned a special force, "The Washington County Volunteer MiIitia," to mediate the Sutton-Taylor feud. Company then assigned to Rio Grande border to control international cattle thieves in "Las Cuevas War."

His men always proudly called themselves, "Little McNellys.".

Civil War military topics

The world's first rodeo was held in Pecos, Texas in 1883. The event included bronco riding, calf roping, and bull riding.