Palo Pinto Sheriff's Posse, led by Sheriff Fred Foreman and captained at the time this picture was made, by J. R. Stuart.  At that time the membership was not as large as it is now.  Members from left to right are Ross Watson, Palo Pinto; Curtis Mitchell, Palo Pinto; the late Pat Dalton of Graford; John Winters, tallier, Palo Pinto; Glen Watson, Palo Pinto; E. F. Snoddy; A. H. Brackeen; R. A. Whatley Jr., Mineral Wells; Bert Slemmons, Brad; Grady Blue, Palo Pinto; Winifred Couger, Strawn; Emry Birdwell, Graford; Dr. H. H. Milling, S. W. Hart, Brad; J. R. Stuart; Fred Foreman, Sheriff; J. R. Turpin, Graford; Aubrey Wallace, Mineral Wells; B. Landers, Strawn; and Pat Hinkson of Strawn.

There is quite a difference in calling on trained men in an emergency and just deputizing a man because he happens to be available when the need arises.  Time was, when that was the way it was done.  A man was needed and he was called on, whether or not he knew what was required of him.  Now, the Palo Pinto County Sheriff's Posse stands ready to assist when needed.  They must be ranchers or men who are in sympathy with the principles of the work, like outdoor life, and they are chosen by invitation only.

The organization came into being in 1948 when Dr. Zappe and J. R. Stuart conceived the idea of organizing and called a meeting of Stuart, Zappe, Dr. H. H. Milling, Pat Dalton, John Winters and Sheriff Foreman.  Dr. M. T. Ramsey of Abilene, member of Taylor County Sheriff's Posse, met with them and they agreed on some plans and decided that each member would invite a new member.  That is the way the membership grows.  Members are selected by ballot.

The men wear a uniform of gray trousers with black stripes, gray shirts, black coat of the loose-fitting variety, black hats and spurs.  They wear a badge and gun at all public appearances.  They ride in parades and while they are waiting for an emergency to arise, they train and when invited, participate in various rodeos and affairs where they can assist.  They also have social affairs, including dances and barbecues.

Members who are not in the picture include Pennie Adkins, B. B. Ashley, G. C. Bailey, Edward Bristow, Olen Butler, Andrew Carey, Buster Carroll, Howard Carter, Paul Carter, J. C. Caudill, Dave Clark, Harry H. Dobbs, Newt Edwards, J. E. Flow, A. B. Gilbert, Bill Glidewell, Noble Glenn, O. J. Grantham, Wiley Green, Bill Hinkson, Max Hoffman, Perry R. Horton, Dr. C. W. Irvine, Dr. L. A. Irvine, Edward Jackson, J. C. Jackson Jr., Dr. R. C. Jordan, Claude Lamkin, E. L. Lee, Ralph Lindsey, Milton J. McClure, Bill McQueary, Joe Maney, George L. Martin Jr., Harold Martin, R. E. Mason, T. C. Medlin, W. E. Pratt, Odie L. Reiger, Elmer Seybold, Chester R. Upham Jr., David W. Upham, Aubrey Wallace and C. M. Weldon.  Honorary members are Allen Guinn, Fred Brown, Clarence Wells Sr., E. J. Benevides and W. O. Gorss.  Fred Foreman, sheriff, is also an honorary member.

The Posse has continued to function as usual, has regular meetings and trail rides, participates in parades and rodeos of surrounding counties and in the Palo Pinto Livestock Association rodeo.

In September of 1956, the Posse served as official Sergeant-at-arms at the State Democratic Convention in Fort Worth and in January of 1957 it was one of the three Posses in Texas to be invited to participate in the Inaugural ceremonies in Austin.

At present, Travis Key is captain of the Posse and John Winters is tallier.