TOM P's FIDDLE, A True Texas Tale

I'VE MOVED

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Sun, 21 Aug 2011 22:01:00 +0000

Those of you who are enjoying this blog might be interested in my new blog: Sherri Knight's' Blog at: www.SherriKnight.com

See you there!

A TRUE STORY

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 16:55:00 +0000

John Wesley Hardin and the Bass gang are among the most famous outlaws of Texas. While much has been written about them, these desperadoes were not the only ones to ride the range in nineteenth century Texas. Some with equally interesting stories are still waiting to have their adventures revealed to a modern audience.

Tom P Varnell, an accomplished musician, grew up wild and handsome in rugged rural central Texas, helping his mother, La Docia Varnell, manage the family’s horse ranch in Hill County after his father, Isaac, was brutally murdered on New Year’s Day, 1876.

Attending a dance near Hubbard at age 21 in 1883, Tom P was caught outside with the farmer’s daughter. Infuriated, the girl’s father attacked Tom with an axe handle. Tom P was thrown a gun by a friend, which he used to deadly effect. Unjustly charged with first-degree murder and rape, Tom ran from the law across the plains of Texas to the high deserts of New Mexico.

What follows in this larger-than-life story about my great great uncle reads like a quintessential western complete with fated love, machismo, brawls, guns, lawmen, jail-breaks, posses, and trials. Unearthed from museum archives, prison records, newspaper articles, state archives, personal family accounts, and university collections such as The Texas Collection at Baylor University and the Texas Archives in Austin comes this true, frontier tale.

I spent two years in extensive research in order to bring this true and sensational story for its time back into the light of today. Is Texas justice today meted out the same way it was in the late 19th century? Does today’s newspapers still print sensationalized stories without checking the facts first or retracting false statements? Are prisons the same? Step back in time and see what it was like to be an accused outlaw on the run. See the inside of a courtroom when the jurors were not expected to ignore what the newspapers had to say. Would we, today, allow events to unfold as they did in the late 1880s and 1890s? Take a trip back in time.

The result of my research is the recently released Tom P’s Fiddle, A True Texas Tale. This narrative nonfiction was named nonfiction finalist at the 2008 North Texas Book Festival in Denton. The annual competition recognizes books with excellence in content and design. It has garnered respect and praise from many corners. Check it out to see why!

The Extended Story Begins

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 02:21:00 +0000

I've waited until my narrative nonfiction - Tom P's Fiddle - to be released before adding documentation and more information through this blog. It has, and I've received very positive feedback from readers of all ages. Thank you to all.

I am now ready to start the extended journey through the book and will be bringing additional information about each chapter. I will place a warning at the beginning of each post to let folks know that they will be reading material related to specific chapters in the book.

I'll add edits to this posts to lead you to information on specific chapters. If you have a specific question on any chapter, add a comment to the posts on that chapter. I will answer your questions.

Reader Reviews

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 12:58:00 +0000

I haven't posted a new blog in some time because I have been finishing up my new nonfiction—Vigilantes to Verdicts, Stories from a Texas District Court. I'm very excited about the reader reviews I've received over the past year for Tom P's Fiddle, A True Texas Tale and thought I'd share a sampling of some of them with you.

From Amazon.com

Elia Garcia: "Sherri Knight made me feel like I was living during the time of Tom P. The book read absolutely fantastic!! The entire family seemed so real that I just hated finishing the book. It seemed like I was leaving friends behind. The land and the times are particularly well portrayed..."

Bluebonnets Haven: "I discovered this book when it became a finalist for the North Texas Book Festival Book Award for Non-Fiction. As a 6th generation Texan, I'll admit the cover drew me to this True Texas Tale. However, I'm a noted critic that authors fail to do justice to our frontier way of life and our rich, unique vernacular. Hollywood always seems to have a cursory presentation. But Sherri Knight's prose effortlessly drew me into the world of our ancestors, where life was as tough and gritty as our language."

Flowers: "I was drawn in instantly, it was like I was there too, watching and hearing every thing that was happening right in front of me. Really shows how life was back then. Being a native Texan it was particulary interesting that this was a Texas story. Makes me feel like I knew Tom P. personally. A must read!!!"

From emails:

Karen Loeffler: "I was at Berkman Books the evening you were there. You signed two books for me. I've already finished reading my book and just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed the story. Tom P. sure had an exciting life..."

Richard Dawson: "I bought this book from you in the Erath County Library some weeks ago. I have just completed it and just want to write you a fan letter. It is most interesting, and I did enjoy it. This is the first "book" I have completed since many decades ago..."

Henry Griffin: "This is a fabulous book, very informative and well written, I am jealous. I enjoyed it very much and you are indeed a "wizard with words". I only wish all the information would have been available to me in my youth as it brought to mind a THOUSAND MORE questions I wish I had asked my father before he died."

From Facebook:

Janet K.: Loved Tom P's Fiddle

Lucy E.: "Finally found the "Tom P's Fiddle" which Terry carried around everywhere and read. What a great, easy, quick read. Ready for the next..?"

Leonor M.: "Sherri, I enjoyed the book. I couldn't put it down. It didn't take me long to finish it.It's a great book!! :) My pleasure meeting you."

Writing Tom P's Fiddle was a great adventure, and I hope Tom if he were alive would feel I did justice to his story even though the newspapers did not. I also received many phone calls. I especially enjoyed the one from the police chief of a west Texas town who called to ask more questions about Tom's story because he enjoyed it so much.

For those who have not gotten a copy, Tom P's Fiddle can be purchased from Barnes & Noble or Amazon - online. I'd loved to hear from more who have read this story about a Texan from the nineteenth century!

OLD CHAPTER 2, PART II

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Sun, 08 Mar 2009 20:37:00 +0000

Below is the second installment of one of the chapters that did not make it into Tom P's Fiddle, A True Texas Tale when it was published. If you have not read the first part, skip down a post, then come back. This is the continuation of the story of Lina, Tom's older sister who is married to Jasper McGee.

-------------

“What do you have in mind, daughter?” queried Docia.

“I don’t know! I don’t know!” retorted Lina almost to herself as she continued to walk. At the window she looked out across the yard. Her eyes rested thoughtfully on the old slave quarters about a quarter of a mile from the main house. It wasn’t the first time she had considered her predicament.

“It’s not the best solution, but I think I’ve got it!” she exclaimed.

“Got what? Make sense!” admonished Docia as she moved the coffee cup away from the edge of the counter.

“Don’t you see? I’ve got a problem and sitting not too far from here is the answer!” Lina paused, turned to her mother beaming, “The old slave quarters.”

“What? You can’t be serious?” replied Docia too shocked to say more.

“You bet I am.” Lina headed for the door. As she grabbed her bonnet and apron, Lina almost didn’t hear her mother’s attempt to dissuade her.

“It’s too small. I can’t believe you want to do this!” Docia exclaimed as she followed Lina.

“Mother, please understand. Every married woman wants her own home. I’m about to get mine! I can’t wait for Jasper. If I do, I’ll be an old woman with grandchildren first!” Lina exclaimed vehemently.

Not waiting for any more arguments from her mother, Lina headed out the kitchen door and down to the somewhat dilapidated old slave quarters. Standing in the doorway, Lina was keenly aware there wasn’t much to work with here, but she squared her shoulders and set out to make the best of it. Dust had settled everywhere and that broken window would have to be replaced. Hauling buckets of water from the well, Lina scrubbed the one room abode. The old stove was particularly challenging but Lina was never one to give in where there was work to be done. When she got back to the main house, she found a resigned Docia had already started gathering odd pieces of furniture no longer being used, along with bits of crockery. Smiling, Lina headed for her bedroom to break down and lug her marriage bed down the road. Her energy was fueled by determination.

Jasper arrived back home shortly after dark and was startled to see a light glowing from the window of what he thought was the unused slave quarters. . . .

ADELINE AUGUSTA VARNELL McGEE

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:29:00 +0000

Adeline (Lina), like her sisters and mother, doted on her younger brother Tom. She did what she could within her power to help her younger brother. Lina was the oldest living child of Isaac and Docia Varnell after her two older brothers, Augustus and Napoleon, died in their youths. She met and married Jasper McGee in Hill County. He arrived from Louisiana and had a gift of being able to work with even the most ill-tempered horse, long before the term 'horse whisperer' came into vogue. Their romance bloomed on the Varnell Ranch. They married Oct. 21, 1969. Her father gave them 70 acres of their own to farm. As the babies started coming, this bit of land was no longer enough for their needs.

A chapter that did not get included in Tom P's Fiddle is mostly about Lina and Jasper. It will be published here in more than one part. So here is the older but deleted 'Chapter Two' from the original manuscript of Tom P's Fiddle:

Chapter Two

4.July.1871

At times Adeline Varnell McGee wondered just what was she thinking when she married Jasper. He could be the most exasperating man alive, especially right now. She watched him saddle up Windever. He was getting ready to attend a 4th of July picnic in Hillsboro. Jasper was anxious to hear from his friends about the latest accesses of the State Police. It was time to do something about Texas Governor Edmund Davis.

“Jasper, it is time we had our own home, and you know it!” Lina stated.

Jasper ran his fingers through his hair and looked sheepish as he tried to refocus on his determined wife. It wasn’t easy to reason with her when she had her mind set on something. She always managed to bring up sensitive matters especially when he didn’t have time to marshal his arguments. He turned back to Windever and continued adjusting the cinch straps.

“Now, Lina, you know I want a home, too, but we’ll have to wait for the crop to come in. After all we don’t have all that much furniture or dishes,” replied Jasper trying to placate his irate wife.

“Oh, by the living! You’ve been saying that for two years. We need our own space now that we have a child. Mother and Pap don’t need us underfoot any longer,” she shot back at him knowing full well he did not have his mind on the topic at hand.

“It’ll work itself out. You’ll see! Now let’s go to the picnic,” he said, wanting to divert her attention.

“You go ahead. I have some work to get done and some medicine to mix up.” She seemingly was giving up. He hoped so.

“I’ll see you later then,” he called out as he swung up into the saddle and headed out.

Jasper had always had a dreamy quality about him. Solving practical problems rarely interested him, and “tomorrow” was always a good day to get things done. Perhaps that is what she had fallen in love with even if it meant she had to take matters into her own hands at times. She still remembered the first day he came riding up to the Varnell Ranch with little else than the ability to calm down just about any horse around. On that first day, Jasper roped an unbroken horse in the middle of the herd and immediately started talking low and earnestly to the stallion while walking slowly towards the animal. Jasper leaped on the stallion’s back with no saddle, just the rope. Instead of bucking, the horse stood there, continuing to listen attentively.

Lina knew she lost her heart that day. He seemed to be so much like Pap whom she adored. Tom P, her little brother, was the only other person she knew of that horses followed around. After a short courtship, Lina and Jasper were married in October 1869. As Jasper left for the picnic, Lina headed for the main house. She had made a decision. Jasper could go to that silly picnic. She had things to do.

“Mother, I may need you to watch little Gus for me,” Lina called out as she entered the kitchen.

“Of course! What’s up?” asked Docia suspiciously. “I love you, but I have to have my own place. I’ve waited for Jasper long enough. Time to take action.”

Lina poured a cup of coffee but left it untouched on the counter. She paced back and forth unaware of her agitation.

SHERIFF TOM BELL OF HILLSBORO

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:21:00 +0000

Tom P managed to hide out in Hill and McLennan counties for several months with the help of friends who set up a system of signals to let him know if any lawmen came into the area where he was located. This system worked well because Tom P did not dare go openly into any towns where lawmen knew he was a wanted man.

This inability of Sheriff Cox of Hill County to nab Tom P gave an opening to Deputy Sheriff Tom Bell to go forward with his campaign to become the sheriff of Hill County. The following is a quote from the Dallas Morning News who sent a reporter to meet and get to know Tom Bell. It developed into a friendship over a game of marbles. Later this reporter had this to say about Bell:

When he made the race for sheriff in Hill county in 1884 he told the people he would resign and never again ask an office at their hands if he did not during his term, if they would elect him, locate and capture the famous Tom P Varnell, then at large and wanted to answer indictments charging him with murder and criminal assault [rape]. The people took him at his word and elected him. True to his promise, in 1885, after the expenditure of much money, he located Varnell at Magdalena, New Mexico, and with the aid of a deputy arrested him.

Another line from the same article gives some insite into Tom Bell's personality:

If there is an intense brunette in Texas it is Tom Bell.

*"Sheriff Tom Bell." Dallas Morning News. Feb. 11, 1894.

THE NATIONAL POLICE GAZETTE

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:56:00 +0000

As the Land killing played across Texas, the hunt for Tom Varnell came to the attention of a national men’s magazine, The National Police Gazette, which styled itself as “The Leading Illustrated Sporting Journal of America.” Actually this magazine printed in New York City was somewhat equivalent to the modern day National Enquirer. The magazine was divided between sports news and crime. The hyperbole is very evident, but it did sell the magazine. Many barber shops across America subscribed to the Gazette for its customers to peruse while waiting to be barbered. Here is the cover to the issue that ran the story on Tom Varnell. Only a small portion of the story bears any resemblance to the actual events but is indicative of why Tom Varnell was considered so notorious and why he hesitated to turn himself into the sheriff.

Wanted by Judge Lynch

Thomas P Varnell whose portrait we published is wanted for a double crime of unexampled atrocity. The particulars of the same are as follows: Varnell is a Hillsboro (Texas) saloonkeeper. Accompanied by a crony named George Walker, he went to Hubbard on March 7th to take part in a dance at the home of J. H. Land, a respectable farmer. After midnight Varnell approached one of Mr. Land’s daughters and forced her at the end of a six-shooter to leave the house with him. When outside with his weapon to compel acquiescence, he accomplished her ruin. Her sister who approached upon the scene soon after realized that something horrible had happened, threatened to raise an alarm. She was quieted by the presentation of the ever-ready pistol and forbidden from opening her mouth or she would be shot. About this time, Mr. Land, the father of the girls, appeared, and ordered them both to the house with the remark that there was the best place for them. Varnell presented his pistol at Mr. Land and fired, the ball passing through his heart. As Land fell, Varnell fired again, the second shot taking effect in his left shoulder. The pistol used carried a ball of .44 calibre, and the wounds inflicted were fearful. So close was Varnell to Land when he shot him that the clothing of Land was powder burned and forced into the hole made by the bullet. Immediately after the shooting Varnell and Walker made their escape and have not since been heard from. The citizens are fearfully incensed at the outrage, and Judge Lynch will be apt to hold a special term of court if Varnell is caught in the neighborhood. Mr. Land was a man of considerable wealth, and had been in the neighborhood of Hubbard City about twelve months. He was highly respected, and he and his family enjoyed a fine reputation. A reward is offered for Varnell’s capture.

ALL MY RIGHT AND TITLE

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 21:47:00 +0000

On March 12, 1883, less than week after the shooting of Mr. Land, Tom P Varnell conveyed to his mother all his interest that he had inherited from his father to the following property in Hill County:

. (1) 160 acres from John Mills Survey, Abstract No. 623.
. (2) 160 acres from O. M. Addison Survey, Abstract No. 14.
. (3) 160 acres from George Isaac Survey, Abstract #464
. (4) 505 acres from Consolidated Elpaso Irrigation & Manufacturing Company, Abstract No. 198.
. (5) All his cattle and horses branded "TV"
.

.
It was witnessed by Jasper McGee (his brother-in-law) and John Park. In January 1885, his mother, Docia Varnell, filed the deed and John Park affirmed to the County Clerk, W. W. Wright, that he had witnessed the transaction.

All of this begs many unanswered questions. Who advised Tom P to sign over to his mother all his interests? Who was John Park: a hired hand, friend, or neighbor? Where was Tom P when he signed the deed? Does this deed indicate that Tom P expected to die or was he simply getting ready to disappear? What it does show is a man being practical during a time when he was living in a maelstrom of uncertainty as to his future.

A FRIEND IN NEED - G. W. McNEESE

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 03:09:00 +0000

When Tom P and his friend George Walker left the Land farm following the death of Jonas Land, they needed a safe place to hide out. The closest place for them was the G. W. McNeese farm located north of Hubbard City or approximately six miles away from the Land farm.

G. W. was married to Sallie Poteet and they had several children. He owned a large tract of land on which he raised mules and horses. The McNeeeses and Varnells were business colleagues and life long friends. It was natural for Tom P to turn to him for help.

Even so, G. W. McNeese was not the type to lie to anyone even for the benefit of a friend. His testimony was important to establish that Tom arrived at his place with cuts and bruises on his body. While McNeese could honestly testify to this, he could not say for sure how Tom P was hurt.

In the book History of Johnson and Hill Counties, the following was written about G. W. : In all the walks of life he has shown himself a man of the highest integrity of character, fully possessed of the courage of his convictions, loyal to all home interest, and a citizen of whom Hill county may well be proud.

Tom P was proud to call G. W. McNeese his friend.

HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 13:56:00 +0000

While some believed that Tom P Varnell was no longer any where near Hill County, rumors circulated that he was still living in the county surrounded by friends and family willing to shield him from the long arm of the law and more importantly those who would do him harm without the benefit of Judge Blackstone. The following two news articles show the frustration some felt at this turn of events.

Waco Examiner, March 17, 1883 - "Varnell's Refuge in Hill County"

No occurrence of a criminal nature, that has taken place in Texas for years, appears to have caused as intense a led general indignation as the recent outrageous Varnell-Land tragedy, near Hubbard City. Without an exception the state press has denounced Varnell's act in unmeasured terms and the fact that he is still at large, although believed - to be yet in Hill county, near the scene of his horrible crime, is causing no small amount of criticism, not very complimentary to the officials and citizens of that county. . . We are reliably informed that Varnell does not lack money and influential friends and that many citizens are deterred by reason of bodily fear from antagonizing, single-handed, these potent influences. . . Every day Varnell remains there, unapprehended, deepens the taint upon Hill County, as a community. Extraordinary efforts should be made to capture and bring to justice this bad and lawless man, for his crimes are extraordinary. . . If he cannot be captured he should at least be expelled. Hill county should be made too hot to hold him other than as a prisoner or as a corpse in a dishonored grave.

Not to be outdone, Texas Siftings, a statewide newspaper, had to add their two cents about Tom P hiding in Hill County.

Texas Siftings, March 24, 1883:

The conduct of Varnell - beg pardon, Col Varnell's family - is simply inexplicable. Col Varnell's family is wealthy, and can well afford to have a first class lawyer, hence we cannot understand why he hesitates to deliver himself up and be fully vindicated by an intelligent jury of his fellow citizens. As far as we know, there is not a single instance on record in Texas of a murderer of means having been punished by law, no matter how many homicides he committed. The apparent unwillingness of Col Varnell to stand his trial and be vindicated is not only an undeserved slur upon the administration of justice in Texas, but it must grieve his relatives, who feel keenly the stigma that will rest upon them if Col Varnell continues his eccentric course in the matter. The very best Col Varnell can do is to put a card in the local paper asking the public to suspend their opinion until the matter has been passed on by the court. As far as the failure of the officers of Hill county to arrest Varnell is concerned, no blame should be attached to them. Col Varnell has not done anything to them, hence, why should they go out of their way to molest him? Come now, Col Varnell, come in out of the brush, where you must put up with inconvenience distasteful to a gentleman who has done nothing but outrage a poor girl, and murder her father - come up, and stand your trial like a man, and do not cause your friends to blush because you are a fugitive from justice. Remember you have friends. The criminal laws of Texas were made to protect just such men as you, and they have always done it heretofore, hence, we say for the honor of the Lone Star of Texas, come out, and have the stigma removed at once.

What the 'tongue-in-cheek' article does not recognize is the riskiness of turning oneself over to the law when the press has already proclaimed your guilt. Tom P's story spread across the state rapidly with most proclaiming his guilt and what they deemed should happen to him. With the a possibility of a lynching, Tom P chose to stay hidden in the Hill County rural areas, protected by friends and family, waiting for a break.

THE TRIAL OF GEORGE WALKER

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 13:04:00 +0000

George Walker initially left the party at the Land farm with Tom P on March 6, 1883. They headed north in the midnight darkness. The night was cloudy and vision had to have been fairly poor without starlight or the moon for guidance. The two men had to rely on the faint landforms and foliage for finding their way. Unable to go too far, they ended up at the home of G. W. McNeese. George and Tom P were close buddies and in all probability Walker wanted to stay with Tom P on the run. George does stay hidden for three weeks, probably to allow some of the furor to die down following the events that led to the death of Jonas Land. The following was published in the March 28, 1883 issue of The Waco Daily Examiner:

Varnell's Companion Surrenders

George Walker, the man who is indicted jointly with Tom P Varnell for the murder of J. H. Land at Hubbard city, some weeks ago, yesterday surrendered himself to the Hill county authorities. Walker is represented by Major C. B. Pearre, of this city, who returned home from Hill county yesterday morning. A writ of habeas corpus was at once sued out and the hearing has been set for Friday, April the 10th. Walker's surrender created quite a ripple of excitement and he is now in jail closely guarded. We are told that Tom Varnell will surrender himself also as soon as he can be communicated with. We will await with interest the trial of these two men.

BUT Tom P did not turn himself in. Why was the newspaper so sure he would? Was Tom P seriously thinking about turning himself in? If so, what caused him not to come forward as George Walker had? Was it the realization that the sensationalized news reporting irrevocably harmed his chances of a fair trial? A sign of that was what happened at Walker's habeas corpus (bail) hearing. Here is the article from The Waco Daily Examiner, April 11, 1883:

For Safe Keeping

George H. Walker, Varnell's companion and indicted as principal with him in the Land murder,.. [was] placed in the McLennan county jail yesterday by Sheriff Morrison of Hill county, for safe keeping...Walker is quite a young and very good looking young man, and seems to take his prison life easily and in good humor, and is in good spirits. He was slightly surprised that he should have been denied bail on the habeas corpus hearing.

A clue to how District Judge Hall was viewing this case is seen in the fact that he denied Walker bail, in essence keeping Walker in jail until his trial took place. The judge knew that it might be months or even years before this trial was on the docket. He wanted to make sure Walker was tried. He was convinced of Walker's guilt along with Tom P's. Hill County went forward with preparing for Walker's trial, calling for a special venire of 60 persons to possibly serve as jurors. The court quickly found out that those called to serve had all formed strong opinions as to the guilt or innocence of Walker (and Varnell). Because of this the case was moved to McLennan County (Waco) on a change of venue. Surprisingly, the case came up for trial almost immediately on the McLennan District Court docket. Here is what the Dallas Weekly Herald wrote about it:

WACO

Waco, Dec. 18 -- {Special}-- The trial of George Walker, charged jointly with Tom Varnell, as murderers of Jones Land, near Hubbard, Hill county, on March last, is in full blast. It was charged that Walker with Varnell, ravished Miss Ella Land. Testimony makes clear that she consented.

This article got it wrong that Walker was involved with any sexual relations with Ella Land but appellate records do reflect that whatever happened between Tom P and Ella was consensual. Since the outcome of the trial wasn't interesting to the newspapers, it got only a one sentence inclusion on the next to the last page of The Dallas Weekly Herald:

FREEMASONS & TOM P VARNELL

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Sun, 28 Sep 2008 20:05:00 +0000

What do George Washington, Sam Houston, Stephen F. Austin, and Teddy Roosevelt all have in common? They were members of the Free Masons, a fraternal organization that has been shrouded in secrecy to protect its rituals and teachings since its beginning in the Middle Ages. Established in 1837 in Texas, the Grand Lodge of Texas today is located in Waco.

So what does this have to do with Tom P's story? The man he killed, Jonas Land, was a mason. While he had not yet transferred his membership (as far as I can tell) from Wisconsin to Texas, Mr. Land was friends with S. H. Barber, a member of the Hubbard City Lodge. Logic would indicate that Mr. Land was probably in the process of transferring his membership to the local lodge.

How did this affiliation with masonry affect what happened to Tom P? This is much harder to ascertain with any kind of accuracy because of the secrecy upheld among members. I do not begin to know for sure if indeed it did have an impact, but I did find it interesting that Judge Hall whose dislike for Tom P clouded his ability to run a fair trial was a mason along with many in the cast of prosecutors of the case. Did the following resolution impact their view of the trial or even to entertain the possibility of Tom P's innocence? I'll leave it to the reader to decide this.

Below is the Resolution from which I quoted in Tom P's Fiddle. It is the full resolution as I have a copy of the original which is found in the Land family papers stored at the Historic Hubbard School Library.

Hubbard City Texas
March 24th AD 1883

Resolution of Respect

Whereas our Worthy Brother Jonas H. Land of Smith Lodge No. 31 Monroe Greene County Wisconsin has been removed without cause or provocation by the hand of an assassin, and Murderer, Tom P Varnell on the night of the 5th Inst. at his Residence in Hill County Texas, We hereby express our regret of and indignation at the above crime.

There fore be it Resolved. That in his death the Fraternity has lost a good and true Mason, the Community a good and peaceable Citizen and the family an affectionate Husband and loving Father. That we tender his bereaved family and Friends our most Sincere Simpathy and promise to aid in bringing the assassin to Justice, and we hereby ask the Fraternity through the land to assist us in doing so.

And we commend the family to the Grand Master of the Universe.

Resolved that a copy of these Resolutions be presented the Family of the Deceased Brother, one copy to the Hubbard City News and one to the Monroe Sentinal Wisconsin with request to publish.

By order of The Lodge Given under my hand and Seal of the Lodge S. H. Barber, Secretary Hubbard City Lodge No 530, A.F. & A. M.

S. F. Case
S. H. Barber
W. A. Putman,
Committee

NEWSPAPERS FEED THE FRENZY

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 10:57:00 +0000

I've been asked why Tom P Varnell stayed 'on the lam' rather than turn himself into the law so that he could clear his name. It's a good question but one only has to take a close look at the times to understand why he chose to fade into the countryside of Hill County.

Put simply, Tom P lived during times when Texans were not adverse to administering justice without worrying too much about rights or the niceties of the law. With district judges having to ride a circuit and visiting a county only twice a year, the frustration of pioneers while not condoned can be understood. The fallout is that when fever ran high against a murderer of a father supposedly defending the honor of his daughter, violence could be expected.

Fanning the flames of public indignation over what was perceived as a heinous affair, the newspapers were not shy in proclaiming Tom P guilty but also stating what they thought should happen to him. Here are a sampling of some quotes directed at Tom P from the newspapers of the time:

Waco Daily Examiner, March 7, 1883:

"Judge Lynch will be up to hold a special term of court if Varnell is caught. . . Hanging is too mild a punishment for such a villain..."

Fort Worth Daily Gazette, March 7, 1883:

HORRIBLE CRIME
~~~~~
A Texas Man Outrages a Beautiful Girl At The Point of a Pistol
~~~~~
And Then Brutally Murders Her Father by Shooting Him Through the Heart

Stephenville Empire, April 7, 1883:

". . . There can be no extenuating circumstances for the diabolical crime, and the minds of men who seek to defend such a beast have a moral obliquity that we shudder to contemplate. . . it would be a holy wisdom and precaution to hang the villain without recourse to the courts."

Waco Day, Sept. 29, 1884:

"The Governor should . . . send a detachment of the state rangers to Hill county and let them kill Varnell. . ."

Brenham Banner, June 27, 1885:

"Varnell by his own act has become an outlaw and is entitled to no more consideration than a wild beast or a mad dog."

Newspapers did not have to worry about how they worded articles about people accused of crimes. So Tom P had to deal with a press who gleefully tried to outdo each other with hyperbole. Even so, is this the only reason he stayed hidden?

Tom P quickly became concerned that even if he made it to trial that his chances of having a fair one were slim as his story had been spread far and wide. Already convicted in the newspapers and fearful of being lynched before going through a trial that could not possibly be filled with impartial jurors, Tom P chose what he thought was his only reasonable course of action. He went into hiding! With many friends, he managed to stay in Hill County and out of the clutches of the law for over a year.

But then Sheriff Tom Bell was elected!

THE HUNT FOR TOM P GEARS UP

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 20:02:00 +0000

Before Tom P and George Walker could decide what to do after the events at the Land farm, a warrant was sworn out for their arrest.

Before long the sheriff had sent to Austin for help and Governor Ireland agreed to a proclamation giving a reward for Tom P's arrest and the delivery of the fugitive to the Sheriff of McLennan County. I found this strange since the events took place in Hill County.

TOM P AND THE UNWRITTEN CODE OF THE WEST

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 11:54:00 +0000

In Tom P's Fiddle, I wrote that "Tom lived by his own code of honor, forged in the fire of his father's death, which did not necessarily adhere to existing laws. He believed in hard work and self-reliance for survival since trusting others except for family was risky. Tom learned at a young age that justice and protection from the law didn't always happen." [p. 12]

Some of the 'rules' of the Code of the West are listed below. I'll comment on how each relates to Tom's story.

~~~

Don't inquire into a person's past. Take the measure of a man for what he is today.
This helped Tom when he worked on the Newman Ranch in the Panhandle. His past was of no concern to the other cowboys; his skills were more important.

Never steal another man's horse. A horse thief pays with his life.
Throughout his troubles Tom did not resort to theft unless he was desperate like when he escaped from the Hillsboro jail. Even then, he went out of his way to make restitution.

Defend yourself whenever necessary.
When Tom killed Mr. Land and Frenchy Rauls, it was in self-defense.

Look out for your own.
Tom P helped his friend George Walker during his legal woes following the shooting of Mr. Land.

Never order anything weaker than whiskey.
Drinking whiskey got Tom P into trouble with the law. It added to his confrontations with the law in Hillsboro while out on bail.

A cowboy doesn't talk much; he saves his breath for breathing.
Tom wasn't given to much talk which makes his conversations with William Poage on the way back from New Mexico and reported in the newspaper all the more interesting.

A cowboy always helps someone in need, even a stranger or an enemy.
Although he could have done much better on his own when he escaped from jail, Tom P helped the other escapees as well as himself.

Give your enemy a fighting chance.
Tom warned Frenchy Rauls to leave him alone in Hobart, Oklahoma. When the drunk Mexican came at him anyway with a stiletto, Tom no longer hesitated as his own life was in danger.

Be there for a friend when he needs you.
The Fort Worth Star Telegram wrote this about Tom after his death: "Varnell ...was rather good looking and a man of good bearing. When he liked one personally he was ready day or night to follow him to the last ditch and lay down his life for him if need be..."

Obviously, there is more to this Code than what is listed above, but these were the rules that stood out to me that related directly to Tom and his story.

Read more about this unwritten Code at: Legends of America

NEWS SPREADS RAPIDLY

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:38:00 +0000

Once the initial news of the shooting at the Land farm was reported, newspapers across Texas and beyond vied to have sensational headlines and unsubstantiated 'facts.' What really happened got lost, and the reputation of a young man was compromised with no hope of the papers printing retractions. The following is a potpouri of false information from various papers:

The Fort Worth Daily Gazette, March 7, 1883 headlines: "Horrible Crime - A Young Man Outrages a Beautiful Girl at the Point of a Pistol - And Then Brutally Murders Her Father by Shooting Him Through the Heart!"

~~~~

Columbus Daily Enquirer-Sun (Georgia), March 8, 1883: "....J. H. Land, a wealthy stockman, formerly of Wisconsin, has been shot and killed by a man named Varnell. The latter made improper advances to Land's daughter at a party. When Land ordered him to leave the premises, he shot him."

~~~

Waco Daily Examiner, March 9, 1883: "...Miss Emma Land, the eldest, is about eighteen years old. The youngest, who was the object of Varnell's lustful attack, is almost a child in years, having just passed her fifteenth birthday.... the specific details being too revolting for publication..."

~~~

Stephenville Empire, March 10, 1883: "...As soon as he [Tom P] thought they [he and Ella] were a safe distance he drew a pistol and forced her to go farther and finally committed a brutal outrage upon her person..."

~~~

Waco Examiner, March 17, 1883: "No occurrence of criminal nature, that has taken place in Texas for years, appears to have caused as intense a led general indignation as the recent outrageous Varnell-Land tragedy, near Hubbard City...If he [Varnell] cannot be captured he should at least be expelled. Hill county should be made too hot to hold him other than as a prisoner or as a corpse in a dishonored grave."

~~~

This is only a sampling. Tom P had no way to get his side out to the press as he was laying low in the hinterland of Hill County. This early press followed Tom P all the way to his trials and beyond even though much of it would be proven as incorrect!

NEWS OF LAND KILLING

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 22:52:00 +0000

In Chapter Six of Tom P's Fiddle, Tom finds himself in a situation that forces him to shoot the father of the girl he goes outside with at the Land party. The following is one of the early news reports of the events of that night. Much of it is inaccurate, but these initial articles is what stuck with the public. Tom is never quite able to overcome the furor created by these press reports. I will highlight some of the inaccurate statements and discuss them below the account.

---------

Waco Daily Examiner
March 7, 1883

Murder Most Foul
A Daughter Outraged and Her
Father Murdered

Mr. J. H. Land, a respectable farmer living about three miles from Hubbard City, was shot and killed by Tom P. Varnell, of Hillsboro. The particulars of the killing, as we learn them, are as follows: Varnell accompanied by his companion and crony, George Walker, came to Hubbard last Sunday. After spending the day there they came to Waco on Monday and provided themselves with arms and ammunition. Several boxes of cartridges were purchased here. [1]Varnell is a saloon-keeper at Hillsboro and a native Texan, having been raised in Hill county, the scene of his outrage. The two, Varnell and Walker, returned to Hubbard Monday evening and went from there to Mr. Land's to a dance that was to be given there that evening. Later, about 12 or 1 o'clock, [2]Varnell approached one of Mr. Land's daughters and forced her at a muzzle of a six-shooter to leave the house with him. When outside, using his weapon to compel acquiescence, he accomplished her ruin. [3]Her sister who appeared upon the scene soon after and realized that something horrible had happened threatened to raise an alarm. She was quieted by the presentation of the ever ready pistol and forbidden to open her mouth or she would be shot. About this time [4]Mr. Land, the father of the girls appeared, and ordered them forth to the house with the remark that there was the best place for them. [5]Varnell presented his pistol at Mr. Land and fired, the ball passing through his heart. As Land fell Varnell fired again, the second shot taking effect in his left shoulder. The pistol used carried a ball of .44 callibre and the wounds inflicted were fearful. [6]So close was Varnell to Land when he shot him that the clothing of Land was powder burned and forced into the hole made by the bullet. Immediately after the shooting Varnell and Walker made their escape and have not since been heard from. The citizens are fearfully incensed at the outrage that has been committed, and [7]Judge Lynch will be up to hold a special term of court if Varnell is caught in the neighborhood. Mr. Land was a man of considerable wealth and had been in the neighborhood of Hubbard city about twelve months. He was highly respected, and he and his family enjoyed a fine reputation. We can hardly comment, in moderate terms, upon an outrage and murder, such as this, but will only say that if ever any plea of extenuation was necessary for Lynch law this is certainly one of the occasions upon which it can be consistently offered. Hanging is too mild a punishment for such a villain. The family of Mr. Land offer a reward for Varnell's capture and the governor will be applied to for an additional reward.

[1] Varnell was not and never had been a saloon keeper in Hillsboro. His brother-in-law, John Sweeney, had a brother who owned two saloons though.

[2] Later court records reveal that Ella Land went outside with Tom P willingly - not at the point of a pistol.

[3] Tom P could not have threatened Ella's sister Emma because at that point he had lost his pistol on the ground.

[4] Mr. Land did not order Ella to the house as she had already gone there before her father arrived on the scene.

[5] Tom P could not have presented his pistol as it was lost.

[6] Varnell did get his friend George Walker's gun after Mr. Land started beating him with a blunt object. Emma Land disputed this in court but a witness later testified seeing Tom P with bruises and blood on his face.

[7] With the newspaper immediately calling for Judge Lynch, Tom P's life was in danger if he had turned himself in to the law. Mob lynchings were not unusual. He chose not to do so. This would later hurt his cause in court.

A VIEW OF TOM P. VARNELL

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 16:26:00 +0000

I gave, in an earlier blog entry, some background information on Tom P and his family, the Varnells. While researching, I came across the personal account of Robert W. Keen who grew up in Dallas County. He was born in 1864 (two years later than Tom P) and at a young age became a cowboy, working on various ranches including the Dash L and Motley Ranch. His account was taken during the Federal Writers' Project and is located at the Library of Congress. In his account he talks about Tom Varnell. Here are some quotes from his accounts:

"Kretrell [ranch owner] spent a large part of his time watching for the Indians, and he was good at it, too. He would lets us know ahead of time, when to expect a visit. Kretrell was quarter Indian and I guess that was the reason he could tell before hand when to expect a call. He knew their nature. He would ride over the range, looking for them with a spy glass. He could tell by their actions when he spotted a bunch, just what they intended doing. Tom Varnell was also a good hand at reckoning the visit of the vermin.". . .

and

"Tom Varnell was the best shot and roper in that section. That boy could make a rope land where he wanted it about a critter. Leg, head, or tail. About his shooting, well, he just couldn't miss and he was fast. He would often practice and have shooting matches. I have seen Tom shooting at a mark from a 50 yard distance and put six shots in a spot the size of a silver dollar, and do it in less than five seconds. He could sure fan that hammer.". . .

It's not clear when Robert Keen worked with Tom P. It could have been when they were teenagers or when Tom P was on the run from the law after killing Mr. Land. Regardless, it is evident that he was respected as a cowboy and sureshot.

HUBBARD CITY

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Sun, 29 Jun 2008 21:01:00 +0000

In Chapter 5 of Tom P's Fiddle, Tom P and George Walker arrived in Hubbard City from Waco on March 5, 1883. They went to the Sweeney Saloon owned by Tom P's brother-in-law's brother, George Sweeney. In a later newspaper article, it was stated that Tom P was a saloon owner, inaccurate like so much that was printed in the papers about him.

Hubbard City started off with the name Slap Out in 1860. Local lore states that the name was for the store owner who could not keep his shelves stocked.

When Hubbard was selected as a rail depot in 1881, the name was changed to Hubbard City and the town was officially founded. The name was in honor of Governor Richard Hubbard.

From Hubbard Tom P and George traveled to the Land Farm for a party, an eventful evening that changed Tom's life forever.

George Walker, Friend to Tom P Varnell

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Sat, 14 Jun 2008 22:42:00 +0000

Tom P Varnell's closest friend was a young man named George H. Walker. Sometime between 1870 and 1880, George's parents, Henry and Elizabeth Walker, moved to Hill County and settled not far from the Varnell Ranch. George had three older brothers and three younger brothers. A look at George's life overall would indicate that he had little use for farm life. Most likely he enjoyed going over to the Varnell Ranch where something was always happening. With Tom there, the ranch was the local hangout for the young men in the area.

George was the only other male present when Tom P shot Jonas Land at the party held at the Land farm in March 1883. He also was charged with murder as it was his gun that Tom used in the killing. George vanished with Tom P when the smoke cleared but later turned himself in to the law. His trial took place in McLennan County (Waco) on a change of venue. A rumor circulated that Tom P, who was still on the run, slipped into the visitors' gallery during the trial.

Years later, George moved to Waco and ran his own saloon and brothel. He was located on First Street in the late 1890s and on Second Street (the Reservation) in the early 1900s. His family probably disowned him or at least lost contact. As a saloon keeper, he had several brushes with the law but was never convicted of a crime. He died without a wife or children. One of his prostitutes stepped forward to claim his estate, telling the court that she was married to George. The court appointed her executrix even though she did not produce a marriage certificate, but when his siblings found out about his death some months later, they filed against Willie stating that she was not legally married to George, therefore, they deserved the estate. The district court ruled in favor of the prostitute, while the appellate court reversed the ruling.

George was buried in White Rock Cemetery, the same one where Tom P's older brother, Napoleon, was buried. Unfortunately, with all the fighting over his estate, George had noone interested in erecting a headstone for him. The location of his grave is unknown. He was a good friend to Tom when he needed it the most. He lived only a few years after Tom P's death, dying Dec. 10, 1908.

Of Marbles and Trains

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Wed, 04 Jun 2008 00:30:00 +0000

At the beginning of Chapter 3 of Tom P’s Fiddle, the McGee brothers are playing marbles. Hand made glass marbles on the American frontier would have been a novelty.

Although games using marbles have been around for thousands of years, the Romans are given credit for modern games using marbles or ‘nuts,’ especially during the winter solstice (Saturnlia). Although the Roman rules have been lost, the enjoyment for youngsters throughout the ages has persisted.

Marbles are made from many types of materials including marble, clay, china, and glass. The early glass marbles were hand made. A German glass blower in 1848 invented marble scissors. In the early Twentieth Century, a machine was invented to make uniform glass marbles.

Also in Chapter 3 Tom P offers to take his nephew Gus McGee into Hillsboro to see the new train station. The MKT, or Katy Railroad as it was came to be affectionately called, was incorporated in 1870 as the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas Railroad.

The Katy railroad arrived in Hillsboro in 1881. The Katy shops brought jobs into the community. The depot was located close to downtown. Today the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce is located in the original depot.

Railroads brought a revolution in transportation for Texas and other states. Citizens quickly embraced the possibilities, and towns vied to have the railroad built nearby.

Trains played a large role in the story of Tom P Varnell as anyone who has read the book would agree

OF ASSASSINATION AND REVENGE

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Tue, 27 May 2008 01:06:00 +0000

While some people adhere to the idea of ‘turn the other cheek,’ many who migrated to Texas in the nineteenth century were not necessarily of that mind. A certain ‘rugged individualism’ was needed to survive on the Texas frontier, especially during the turbulent years of Reconstruction following the Civil War. Justice could be slow or even inept. District court in the sparsely settled counties was a twice a year event, lasting only one week each time. The result would be that many times pioneers took matters into their own hands, meting out justice to murderers and thieves who threatened the progress of civilization across Texas. Was this brand of justice wrong? By today’s standards, the answer would be a definite ‘Yes!’ But what about then? It’s hard to say!

In Chapter Two of Tom P’s Fiddle, A True Texas Tale, I describe the assassination of Isaac Alexander Varnell on New Year’s Day 1876 while he was driving a wagon home from Hillsboro, Texas. Tom’s mother, Docia, was absolutely certain who killed her husband. She gave the authorities two names. The following is an article from the Waco Daily Examiner dated Jan 11, 1876:

The Varnell Murder.
On New Year’s day Mr. Isaac Varnell, an old gentleman about sixty years of age, was found by the roadside about six miles east of Hillsboro, dead, with eighteen buckshot and two Minnie balls in his body, notice of which was previously published.
Mr. A. P. Fisher and Mr. Isaac Livingstone were arrested on suspicion of having committed the deed, and undergoing a preliminary examination were committed for trial. . .
Those gentlemen were formerly citizens of Waco, and bore good characters. Mr. Fisher was engaged in merchandising here, and Mr. Livingstone was at one time our county jailor.

The Hillsboro Reflector also ran an article entitled “Horrible Murder.” It called Isaac Varnell a prominent citizen who was brutally assassinated. Here is a quote from that article:
…When found his overcoat was under his head for a pillow and it is supposed that he lived long enough to draw in and place it there himself. The atrocious deed was not committed for the purpose of robbery, for his pocket book, which contained some money, was left untouched.
Mr. Varnell was a man of marked characteristics and though he had many warm friends, he had some bitter enemies. . .

What happened next was that both Fisher and Livingstone were released. I have not been able to find the particulars as to why the authorities chose this course. Hill County did not have a serviceable jail and McLennan had refused to put the men into their jail. One wonders if this played a roll in the release of these men.

Family stories have been passed down between each generation as to what happened next. There is actually more than one version, but I chose the most likely one which was a plot hatched by Docia Varnell and carried out by Tom P when enough time had passed where suspicion would not automatically fall on them. Did they have the right to take matters into their own hands? Since publishing the book, I’ve had more than one view expressed about this revenge killing.

While I had family stories of this killing that had been told for many years, I continued to search for any reference to either Fisher or Livingstone to support these stories until I came across a story in the Dallas Morning News, dated April 23, 1893. Here is the excerpt that seems to corroborate what may have happened since neither Tom P nor his mother were ever charged with anything concerning what may have happened to Fisher:

…Twenty years ago or more his [Tom P’s] father, Isaac Varnell, became involved in a serious quarrel with a neighbor by the name of Fisher, and before its culmination both of the original participants had violent and tragic deaths…

Revenge and assassination. Both were part of life on the Texas frontier!

Rainbo Electronic Reviews April Featured Nonfiction

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Sun, 30 Mar 2008 00:36:00 +0000

Rainbo Electronic Reviews is a monthly online book review web with continuous publication since 1982. From their web site: "We believe our online book reviews can provide a guide to better book selection, whether you get a book from a local bookstore, library or Amazon.com. As much as we love a good book, a bad book can ruin your whole day. Our book reviews are short and to the point, so you won't have to wade through an ocean of sterling prose written by a frustrated English major before you find out if we liked the book, DVD, or audiobook. . . We'll tell you about great books from the smaller publishers."

I was pleased to find out that Tom P's Fiddle, A True Texas Tale is the featured nonfiction title for April. Here's a link to their review:

http://www.rainboreviews.com/

2008 NORTH TEXAS BOOK FESTIVAL AWARDS

noreply@blogger.com (Sherri Knight) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:13:00 +0000

I received word today that Tom P's Fiddle is a finalist for the 2008 North Texas Book Festival Book Award for Nonfiction.

For me it's a validation for all the hours spent during the last two years in research to make this book as accurate as possible.

The Awards Dinner is April 18th. Only three books in each category are given the designation of a finalist and all finalists are highlighted at the dinner.

My thanks go to the North Texas Book Festival in Denton. I appreciate this vote of confidence!

Update: The dinner was lovely, and I enjoyed meeting fellow finalist authors. I did not win the top prize but am still very pleased with being selected as a finalist. Below are two photos from the evening; one is the author table and the other is the plaque given for being a finalist.