Deadly Feud Erupts After Triple Lynching in Mason County

Vigilante justice ignites ethnic tensions and violence that engulfs a Texas county for years

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the chaotic aftermath of the Civil War, a masked mob in Mason County, Texas dragged five suspected cattle thieves from the local jail in 1875 and lynched three of them. This sparked a violent feud known as the Hoodoo War, as the German settlers who carried out the lynchings clashed with the 'native' ranchers and farmers. The conflict escalated into a county-wide battle, with casualties on both sides, before Texas Rangers were able to temporarily restore order.

Why it matters

The Hoodoo War highlights the lawlessness and vigilantism that plagued parts of Texas in the Reconstruction era, as communities struggled to maintain order and deal with crime. It also reveals the deep ethnic and political divides that existed, with the German settlers and 'native' Texans quickly taking sides along ethnic lines. The case underscores the dangers of mob justice and how it can spiral into prolonged and deadly conflicts.

The details

In February 1875, a masked mob dragged five suspected cattle thieves from the Mason County jail and lynched three of them. This sparked a feud between the German settlers, who carried out the lynchings, and the 'native' ranchers and farmers. The new sheriff, John Clark, tried to maintain order but was outmatched by the experienced rustler gangs. After the lynching, the 'native' ranchers occupied the county seat, leading Sheriff Clark and 60 armed Germans to retake the town. Six weeks later, the murder of a popular 'native' rancher shattered the fragile truce, bringing Scott Cooley, the victim's half-crazed adopted son, into the fray. Cooley went on a rampage, killing a deputy and displaying his scalp in local saloons. The resulting county-wide conflict saw casualties on both sides before Texas Rangers were able to temporarily restore order.

  • On February 18, 1875, a masked mob lynched three of five suspected cattle thieves in Mason County.
  • In late 1875, Scott Cooley and Johnny Ringo were arrested in Burnet, but later escaped from jail.
  • In late 1875, Cooley resumed his rampage of revenge and cattle rustling across Mason County.

The players

John Clark

The sheriff of Mason County who tried to maintain order but was outmatched by experienced rustler gangs.

Scott Cooley

The half-crazed adopted son of a murdered 'native' rancher, who went on a rampage of revenge and cattle rustling across Mason County.

Johnny Ringo

The famous gunslinger who briefly allied with Scott Cooley during the Hoodoo War.

Major John B. Jones

The Texas Ranger commander who temporarily restored order in Mason County before withdrawing his troops.

The Backus Gang

The notorious cattle rustling ring that was the target of the initial lynchings, sparking the Hoodoo War.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The Hoodoo War demonstrates the dangers of mob justice and how it can spiral into prolonged and deadly conflicts, especially when fueled by ethnic and political divides. It serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of upholding the rule of law, even in the face of lawlessness and vigilantism.