An Arizona Ranger

Established in 1901, the Arizona Rangers have protected and served the citizenry for over 107 years. Though the initial organization was short lived, lasting only until 1909, the company--with an authorized strength of just 26 men--became the scourge of outlaws within the Arizona Territory and along the Mexican border where, like today, criminal activity was prevalent. In 1957, the Arizona Rangers were reestablished, and for the 50 years since, these modern rangers have continued the tradition of service that was established by their territorial predecessors. Today's Arizona Rangers are officially recognized by state legislation as a volunteer civilian law enforcement auxiliary. In keeping with their motto, "Few But Proud Then and Now," they assist numerous law enforcement agencies and help keep the peace within their communities and state.

Owen Jones is one of the last Arizona Rangers; a group of lawman trained to hunt down outlaws in the wilds of Arizona Territory in the first part of the 20th century. After learning of the rape and killing of a woman and her young daughter near the border, Owen swears to bring the murderous gang to justice, despite an aging body and legislators who want to abolish the Rangers. Owen and a rookie ranger are sent to work with the rurales in Mexico to track down the gang, who are wanted by the Sonoran government for cattle rustling and robbery. There they learn about harsh Mexican frontier justice and come up against a mastermind who works in the shadows to control cattle rustling and counterfeit money schemes, using the violent outlaws for his own gain. In Mexico, Owen meets and falls in love with a beautiful, strong-willed widow who derails his uncomplicated view of life. He must confront his weaknesses in deciding on his future—one of comfort or a life outside the law.

Patrick William Graham Jr. was destined to be small of stature, but that didn't mean he was short on courage. He grew up with a Cherokee tribe and became blood brother to the chief's son, Leaping Wolf. One of Pat's first toys was a hand-carved wooden pistol; when his draw was faster than his father's, he was given a working gun. When tragedy strikes, leaving Pat's father dead and his mother remarried to a man Pat despises, he leaves his tribal home. Out in the world, his small frame makes him an easy target for bullies, predators, and petty men with something to prove. After he kills a man who was riding him for being small, Pat's life changes in ways he can't control. He sells his skills as a gunman. In Mexico, he protects a silver mine from banditos and then helps them to improve their operation. One fateful day, however, on a job rustling cattle, he finds God and a better way to live. Pat is soon welcomed as the youngest Arizona Territorial Ranger, and he puts his skills and talents to the Lord's work. He prevents war with the Indians seven times. But his life isn't all heroics and escapades. Along the way, he also finds a bride, buys a ranch, and works with a family named Earp. Inspired by the stories told to him by his Texas rancher father, songs, and classic Western tales, A Stranger Came to Town is Nolan Fondren's love song to a long-lost time and place.

SHADOW of the MOGOLLON RIM Being a Texas Ranger had its rewardsthough they were few and far betweenbut after twelve long and lonely years on horseback tracking down and arresting what seemed like an endless number of ruthless, cold-blooded fugitives from justice, Clint Wells had had enough. By the grace of God, he had survived the hardships and dangers of his job. At thirty-seven years of ageand feeling several years olderthe time had finally come to hang up his reliable Colt revolver, surrender the tarnished silver badge, and head further west. The Arizona Territory had its own brand of special lawmen, the Arizona Rangers, and they needed Clints priceless experience. If they got their way, he would not be hanging up his six-shooter anytime soon. The year was 1892; the place was central Arizonaand the wonderful smell of late spring was in the air.

Rance Hartfield brings the law of the Arizona Rangers to outlaw-infested southwestern Arizona.

Dan Mesa knows men like him are a vanishing breed. Once upon a time, he was a rodeo cowboy. He served in Viet Nam and the first Gulf War. He believes a man should stand up for himself and what he believes in, which is why hes good at teaching high school. In the classroom, Dan expects nothing less than respect, and he will not back down. Just like the time he ran across a bank robbery In his Arizona hometown, Dan witnesses a ranger get shot in the shoulder by one of the robbers fleeing the scene and he immediately runs to the aid of the fallen officer. Who knew just a few steps could change a mans life forever? The Arizona ranger deputizes Dan and tells him to prevent the criminals escape. Having been in combat before, Dan doesnt hesitate, and thirty minutes later, hes a true Wild West hero. Turning in his teaching boots, Dan becomes an official member of the Arizona Rangers, where he can expect action, adventure, and some serious danger. The days of Wyatt Earp may be over, but that doesnt mean all the bad cowboys are gone. Dan is ready to track them down and face them, head-to-head. A teacher becomes a law man, and it only took a couple heroic steps to change the history of the Grand Canyon State forever.

Line Rider is the true story of the life of Joseph Harrison Pearce (1873-1958), written by his own hand. During his lifetime, the “wild west” from the storybooks still lived and breathed in one of the last places to be modernized—Arizona. Joe, as he calls himself, took various roles throughout his adventurous life, including sheep herder, cowman, courter, tracker, line rider, and, most famously, that venerated breed of law man know as the Arizona Ranger. His story leads him to encounters with cattle rustlers, gamblers, saloons, stampedes, horse thieves, Indian trackers, outlaws, and nearly every other subject that later made its way into western legend. But this story is absolutely real, told in his own voice in vivid detail.