Athens in Henderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Jess Sweeten

Photographed by Brian Anderson, November 20, 2021

1. Jess Sweeten Marker

Inscription. Completing his work as a steel rigger in 1929 employed by Otis Elevator Company on the Texas Power & Light Company in Trinidad, Texas, Jess Sweeten was offered a job as a deputy constable in Henderson County. Bob King was appointed to find a new deputy constable for Trinidad and witnessed Jess break up a fight between the rough transient laborers working in the area. Jess’ tall and strong stature and his willingness to use his fists made him a good candidate. Jess formally began his career in law enforcement in 1930. Jess’ background in law started with his great-grandfather, grandfather and father who were all U.S. marshals. Jess grew up with high regard for the law and was an expert marksman. He had considerable success in cleaning up the small town of Trinidad where residents took on their own form of law and order, resulting in chaos and danger in the town. His success was documented by several newspapers.

The newly-elected Henderson County Sheriff, Joel Baker, was so impressed that he hired Jess as a deputy sheriff in 1931. Jess was nicknamed “two gun Pete” by the Athens Daily Review. Because of his fame and success,

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Jess and Sheriff Baker’s relationship declined until Baker asked Jess to resign. He was then offered a job as a Texas Ranger but turned it down to become the deputy constable for Athens, under Constable M. G. Jepson. Jepson encouraged Jess to run for county sheriff and, in 1932, at 26 years of age, Jess was elected as the youngest sheriff in Texas at that time. Jess served as sheriff from 1933-1946 and again from 1949-1954. At age 72, Jess earned his GED diploma and became the special criminal investigator of the 3rd Judicial District which included Henderson County. He died in 1980 in Athens.

Erected 2014 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 17917.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Law Enforcement.

Location. 32° 12.395′ N, 95° 51.204′ W. Marker is in Athens, Texas, in Henderson County. It is at the intersection of East Larkin Street and North Palestine Street (State Highway 19), on the left when traveling east on East Larkin Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 201 East Larkin Street, Athens TX 75751, United

1925 Henderson County Jail & Jess Sweeten Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brian Anderson, November 20, 2021

2. 1925 Henderson County Jail & Jess Sweeten Marker

States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: 1925 Henderson County Jail (here, next to this marker); Faulk-Gauntt Building (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); J.W. Brownlow (about 600 feet away); Courts Under the Oaks (about 600 feet away); First United Presbyterian Church of Athens (about 700 feet away); Henderson County Courthouse (about 800 feet away); First National Bank (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Baptist Church of Athens (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.

Also see . . . Sweeten, Jess (1905–1980) - The Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association (TSHA) (Submitted on November 29, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,637 times since then and 115 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 29, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.