It is fitting and our privilege and honor on the 200th Anniversary of the Texas Rangers to memorialize these Texas Panhandle Masons and venerated Texas Rangers. Each of these Masons left an indelible mark on the Texas Panhandle. Their contributions continue to resonate across the Caprock and through the Canyons today. Their legacy still lives through their family descendants in our communities. Their bequest is our inheritance. It is with an enormous sense of pride that we introduce the first inductees into the newly formed Panhandle Masonic Cowboy Hall of Fame.
These men were not solely ranchers, merchants and settlers. Before they established ranches, cultivated farms or grew businesses in our communities, they risked their lives as Texas Rangers on the Frontier that was the Texas Panhandle. As the first pioneering Lawmen to enter this northern reach of uncivilized Texas, these valiant men faced outlaws and bandits. They endured harsh Panhandle winters and survived intense heat and waterless stretches of the plains. They came here with a vision to start new lives, and they shaped the Panhandle into the home they wanted to live. As Masons they brought with them justice, integrity and honor. To us they bequeathed education, charity and social responsibility. We and the modern Masonic Rangers that followed them walk the paved roads of honesty, morality, uprightness of character and honor carved into the Plains and Canyons of the Panhandle by those early pioneers.
These men wrought the foundation of the Panhandle Spirit; that is their legacy. It is our inheritance.
Please click on the photos to read more about these interesting Texas Rangers.
Col. Charles Goodnight
1836-1929
Texas Ranger, Trail Blazer, Scout, first Panhandle Rancher. King of the Cattlemen.
Member Goodnight Lodge No. 1105
George Washington “Cap” Arrington
1844-1923
Civil war veteran, Texas Ranger, Wheeler county Sheriff and Rancher.
Member of Miami Lodge No. 805
Newton F Locke
1853- 1939
Texas Ranger, County and District Clerk in Wheeler County, Roberts County Treasurer and Judge, Merchant and Rancher.
Member Miami Masonic Lodge No. 805
FRANCIS W. HOFFER
1861-1933
Francis Hoffer came to Texas in the 1870’s, and by 1882 had enlisted in the Texas Rangers, first under the command of Capt. John Hoffer, and later in Company C-Frontier Battalion. This Battalion made it’s home in the frontier town of Amarillo, later being sent to Tascosa and Mobeetie.
Member Miami Masonic Lodge No. 805
WILLIAM P. “BILL” BATEN
1921-1987
From the early law enforcement day as a Depyty Sheriff, to a Chief of Police, and the a Career as a Texas Ranger. Anyone who knew this fine man knew he was a Rangers Ranger.
Member Memphis Lodge No. 729
ROBERT MADEIRA
1941-
A native son who went from US Army MP to Texas Ranger to Corporate Security head, and along the way helped solve a cold case bringing closure to a son and daughter.
Member Cypres Lodge No. 1432
NOT JUST MEN. MASONS.
Walk and act in such a way that the world without can see, That only the best can meet the Test laid down by Masonry. Be always faithful to your trust and do the best you can, Then you can proudly tell the World You are a Mason and a Man
G. CLAY SMITH, GRAND MASTER OF TEXAS MASONS
2023