His Legendary Life and Times . . . A Personal Glimpse
Description
Leo Henderson Bishop (1903-1973) was among the first of the "new" Texas Rangers appointed by James V. Allred upon his inauguration as Governor of Texas in 1935. Two boxes of Bishop family memorabilia at the estate sale of Bishop Family Historian Bettye Bishop Robbins in 2016 provided the basis for this personal glimpse into her father's life, along with supportive articles from the San Augustine Tribune. Of special interest in Bettye's collection were the transcribed Dictabelt tapes from an interview by Dr. Ben Proctor in 1968 at the Carta Valley, Texas ranch home of retired Texas Ranger Leo Bishop. Primary-source stories from those who lived them are always significant, especially when spoken in the unvarnished vernacular of the person doing the telling. Published in 1991 by Eakin Press, Dr. Proctor's Just One Riot, Episodes of Texas Rangers in the 20th Century, included a Leo Bishop chapter.
Ranger Bishop's life story embodies all the traits that make him an icon within the annals of law enforcement: perseverance, honesty, seeking the truth, attention to detail, and a watchful eye.
