Near Throckmorton in Throckmorton County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Bush Knob Massacre
Photographed By Duane Hall, March 23, 2016
1. Bush Knob Massacre Marker
Inscription.
Bush Knob Massacre. . In 1873, rancher Bill Hayes organized a group to drive cattle to the Indian Territory. They gathered cattle, including some belonging to rancher and outlaw John Larn, who Hayes believed had earlier rustled his cattle. Larn and a deputy secured a warrant for Hayes’ arrest and requested assistance from Ft. Griffin. Buffalo soldiers, under the command of Lt. Edward P. Turner, joined a posse assembled by Larn. They reached the herders and killed Hayes and others. The remaining cowboys were arrested and later killed on the way back to Clear Fork. While official reports indicate otherwise, it is believed that all of the cowboys were murdered. Tradition indicates that the victims were buried at Bush Knob Cemetery.
In 1873, rancher Bill Hayes organized a group to drive cattle to the Indian Territory. They gathered cattle, including some belonging to rancher and outlaw John Larn, who Hayes believed had earlier rustled his cattle. Larn and a deputy secured a warrant for Hayes’ arrest and requested assistance from Ft. Griffin. Buffalo soldiers, under the command of Lt. Edward P. Turner, joined a posse assembled by Larn. They reached the herders and killed Hayes and others. The remaining cowboys were arrested and later killed on the way back to Clear Fork. While official reports indicate otherwise, it is believed that all of the cowboys were murdered. Tradition indicates that the victims were buried at Bush Knob Cemetery.
Erected 2008 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 15093.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1873.
Location. 33° 5.79′ N, 99° 8.58′ W. Marker is near Throckmorton, Texas, in Throckmorton County. Marker is at the intersection of Farm to Market Road 923 and Hay Rake Mountain Road (County Road 324), on the right when traveling south on Road 923. Marker is located at the entrance to Bush Knob Cemetery. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Throckmorton TX 76483, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 3, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 790 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on April 3, 2016, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.
