Marvin "Red" Burton
1885-1970
Marvin
(Red) Burton was born in 1885 in McLennan County. He never wanted to
be a policeman, but he served as Waco's chief of police for more than
four years.
He began his career as a Ranger with his appointment
by Governor Pat Neff in 1922. He was instrumental in cleaning up the
professional whiskey makers and other major crimes of the troubled oil-boom
town of Borger.
In February, 1922, a series of ax murders and rapes
began in McLennan County. Two men were convicted of the crimes, but
Burton did not believe they were guilty, and even testified in their
defense. Later the real murderer was arrested. Burton helped to control
the crowd of 5000 at his hanging - the last legal hanging in Texas,
in 1923.
Burton's service as a law officer included police
chief, deputy sheriff, Special Ranger, and Texas Ranger. He died in
1970.
Suggestions for further reading:
Vertical files, Texas Ranger Research Center, Texas
Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum, Waco, TX.
