Within the Nineteen Fifties, a 39-episode tv present known as “Decide Roy Bean” aired. This present was loosely based mostly on the life of the particular Roy Bean, who was also known as “the regulation west of the Pecos”.
Although many tales have been shared about Bean over time, one lesser-known truth is that he was born in Mason County in 1835 to Phantly Roy Bean and Anna Henderson Gore.
“He, and his brother, Joshua, had been born close to Springdale,” native historian, Ron Bailey stated. “He was the youngest of 5 kids. They had been extraordinarily poor and he left the household to observe his older brothers when he was 16 years previous. He rode a flatboat to New Orleans, La. hoping to search out work.”
In response to Bailey, Bean finally settled in Texas. It was there that he based a small city and known as it Langtry. The title was in honor of actress Lillie Langtry as Bean was keen on her. He even named his saloon the Jersey Lilly, in relation to Langtry’s nickname.
Bailey stated that Bean was typically known as “the hanging decide” although there have been solely two cases recorded the place he had sentenced somebody to loss of life.
One of many males was hanged whereas the opposite escaped earlier than his execution may very well be carried out.
“His rulings have been remembered to be extra entertaining,” Bailey stated. “They had been unconventional.”
Bean was recognized for gathering fines from court docket proceedings and giving them to the poorer residents of the city. He would additionally present medication for the sick utilizing proceeds from the saloon.
In response to Bailey, Bean additionally organized a world championship boxing combat between Bob Fitzsimmons and Peter Maher. The match needed to be held within the Rio Grande as a result of boxing was unlawful in Texas.
“The combat, received by Fitzsimmons, lasted just one minute and 35 seconds, however the ensuing sports activities experiences unfold Bean’s fame all through america,” Bailey stated.
Bailey additionally identified that one thing even much less recognized than Roy Bean’s fame is that his brother, Joshua, was the primary mayor of San Diego, Calif.
“Joshua Bean after leaving Mason County, served with Zachary Taylor within the Mexican-American Conflict and got here to San Diego in 1850, the place he was a dealer and saloon proprietor. When San Diego was included in 1850 an election was held on June sixteenth and Joshua Bean of Mason County received the election and have become the very first mayor of San Diego,” Bailey stated. “Whereas serving as mayor, he bought metropolis corridor to himself and a buddy. He later moved to Los Angeles, the place he handed away in 1852.”
Roy Bean handed away in 1903 after a consuming spree in San Antonio, Texas.
“He felt left behind in a world that was altering too shortly for him,” Bailey stated.
About 10 months after Bean’s loss of life, Lillie Langtry visited his grave and explored the city.
“However she and Bean by no means met in individual,” Bailey stated.