A.G. Beard, Texas Ranger

If I'd found this photo 9 days ago I'd have posted it then.

May 11th was the 100th anniversary of my Grandfather Alexander Glenn Beard's enlistment in the Texas Rangers. This is him with Company A. Exact date unknown, but he served from May 11, 1916 to Mar 15, 1919. Some of his service was not without controversy. 

This photo was probably taken in the Marfa, Texas area. Susan and I visited this area in 2012.

Updated: My cousin Monty Waters adds:

I can supply some additional information about the photo. It was made in September 1918, probably on the Brite Ranch, a large ranch that is still owned by the Brite family, southwest of Marfa. Though within a year this would become Co. A, and is frequently mislabeled, it was Co. B at the time of the time it was made. To confuse things even further it was Co. D for a brief period June-August 1918. All of this makes unraveling the service history of the rangers in the photo a challenge. It is interesting that he seems to be looking with a bemused smile at his captain, Jerry Grey (second from left), who managed to alienate just about everyone in the Rangers (except his superior officers). About 5 months after this photo was taken Grey would have Beard discharged, honorably, but very much against his wishes.  

You can view his enlistment records online at:
https://tslarc.tsl.texas.gov/service/RR/b/be/bea1330.pdf

Thanks, Monty!

Same photo as above cropped to show detail. 

Alexander Glenn Beard (1884-1941)

He passed away in 1941 when my mom was only 11 years old. Too bad I never got to meet him.