The Johnson-Sims Feud Heats Up

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There's a dearth of photos related to this saga of Frank Hamer. Evidently no one took alot of pictures in the early 1900's or if they did they didn't survive, so this cover shot is interesting but has nothing to do with the story. lol.

Howdy folks and greetings from the Great Plains of North Texas!

We're in a series about one of the best Texas Rangers to ever wear the badge, the great Frank Hamer, who was brought out of retirement to take down Bonnie and Clyde.

Recap

In the last post I explained the concept of honor which the Deep South and Texas had at the time when Frank met Gladys because of course, it bears on events that unfold in their story.

The court hearings and divorce proceedings between Gladys and Ed Sims were contentious to say the least, with the possibility of violence at every meeting.

Family and friends would all show up heavily armed with pistols, rifles and shotguns.

Today's story

The first close call, as far as violence, occurred at a court hearing held in the county where Ed lived.

I gotta back up a second

One of the reasons Frank was attracted to Gladys was that she was a ranch girl, she was raised with horses and knew how to ride, not the side-saddle style but like a man. Her father Billy Johnson had taught her well.

And not only that but she could shoot. She always carried a semi-auto pistol and wasn't afraid to use it. She was a fire brand and Frank loved her strong character.

Gee McMeans

McMeans was Gladys's brother-in-law and he was a mean son-of-a-gun. He was a tough, rough, fighter who was an ex Texas Ranger. One of the Ranger Captains had said of McMeans, "He was the only man I ever dreaded."

That gives you an idea of what he was like.

Well, of course when Gladys and Ed got a divorce and insults were flying, men like Gee McMeans were ready to kill somebody because of family honor.

I think there was only one hotel in town

It turns out that McMeans and Gladys were staying at the same hotel for the court hearing as were many of the opposing clan members. Gladys hated him with a passion. She left her room and ran right into him in the hallway.

They started fighting almost instantly, arguing and shouting at each other. She claimed that he kicked her in the stomach, which would not have been out of character for him, and she pulled her semi-auto pistol out. And he pulled his six shooter out.

For once the cops show up in time

The other guests, who were mostly siding with one or the other of them, poured into the hallway as the two were at a stand off, about to start shooting.

The Sheriff and Marshal rushed upstairs and ordered Gladys to hand over her gun, which she refused.

Why didn't they order them BOTH to surrender their guns?

Cash went for the gun and Gladys resisted, it went off during the scuffle, narrowly missing Cash. As they fought, the gun fell to the floor and the Sheriff grabbed it. By then the hall was clear full of opposing sides and armed to the teeth.

Bloodshed avoided, for now

The Sheriff managed to calm everyone down and confiscate an arsenal of firearms so they could go to court without starting a war!

Frank is still out riding the range, tracking down cattle rustlers. But Gee McMeans becomes an increasingly deadly menace.

By the way, what kind of a name is Gee? I've never heard of anyone named that. Anyway, today's story indicates how volatile the situation was and why Frank eventually gets pulled into it.

Thanks for reading folks, God bless you all!
-jonboy
Texas

PS- I've been finding unusual vending machines, most are old but not this one. Looky here, dreams DO come true! A cupcake vending machine.

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I think there's only about 10 across the U.S. but they're working on getting more. No surprise that they are doing very well!

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I wonder how much they cost? They're a famous brand from CA, Sprinkles, so I think $5 to $10. Lots of so-called stars have endorsed them like Oprah and Barbra Streisand.

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