Justice to Pancho PART II

Part II of a series about the legendary ranger Frank Hamer, perhaps the inspiration for the Lone Ranger, and most famous for leading the posse that killed Bonnie and Clyde. But they were just the last of a long line of desperadoes who met Pancho Hamer at the end of the outlaw trail. "Digimentary" made by Texas artist Russell Cushman, who has researched and even sculpted Hamer.

[@montymangum3214]

Thank you for this tribute to one of the great lawmen, who has been much overlooked due to the era in which he lived, somewhere between the old west and modern times. My grandfather was a very young cowboy in 1898 when he went to work for Montague Stevens, (Squire Stevens), as grandad new him, on the Old WS ranch at Alma New Mexico. An old cowboy on that ranch going by the name of Bill Jackson, took Grandad under his wing and taught him all he knew about horses and cattle. Bill was an excellent cowboy and top hand with a six shooter and a very good man. He told Grandad he had left Texas just ahead of the Texas Rangers. He was actually Frank Jackson, who was the soul survivor of the shootout with Texas Rangers in Round Rock Texas in the late 1870's, that left Sam Bass dead. Some time in the mid to late 1930's, Jackson, in his old age sought out help to get a pardon from the State of Texas so he could die under his real name. The man who he made contact with to plead his case to the State of Texas was Frank Hamer. Jackson saw in Hamer a man who would understand his story. Hamer was in the process of doing that when Jackson died, so it was not followed through with. Grandad took my father as a young boy to meet the widow of the Legendary outlaw in Globe Arizona somewhere around 1940. There are very few who knew who Jackson was and even fewer still alive who know it. Jackson's secret was one closely guarded by Grandad and his family. There was nothing Jackson would not do for Grandad and Grandad always honored him and his memory by keeping what he knew close to his vest. Grandad died in 1951 and I suppose I am very lucky to even know who Bill Jackson really was or to know of his dealing with Frank Hamer.

[@Erik_m509]

Just watched The Highwaymen on Netflix. I thought it portrayed Frank Hamer very well. Was a good movie. Kevin Costner was a good choice to play Hamer.

[@alonsocushing2398]

@Michael Froelich You don't seem to like Frank much. Are you a bad guy?

[@guillermojensen1332]

Yes, good movie and Costner portrays Hamer very well. He does justice to him. One small detail. Oklahoma (in the movie) is very green. At that time it was going through the 'Dust Bowl'

[@jrgaston8891]

Undercrown 509 I also thought the portrayal wasn’t bad considering the attitude towards law enforcement and men in general from Hollywood. I think Hollywood got its jab in on making it look like Hamer and Gault were basically hired as killers and Gaults stereotypical guilt. I wish the Cohen brothers would have done the film. I saw many areas where their was the opportunity for their iconic screenshots.

[@VinnyS9143101982]

BUT the two inaccuracies had me stumped.

[@828enigma6]

@Michael Froelich Dog needed shot. Owner had been warned the dog was vicious.

[@bluejeans8001]

Really agree with your closing paragraphs. Our society has lost its moral compass and is adrift in a sea of greed and selfishness. Thanks for sharing your story and facts of this American patriot.

[@georgemccoy5028]

Amen Bill Gosnell

[@harrisonmantooth3647]

@@georgemccoy5028 DITTO, I'm in complete agreement with you.

[@ajdogcurr1]

Well said. Today’s it seems that it is all about me me me. Never thinking about how the choices you make effect the others around you.

[@MeanOldLady]

Who taught them that? Who is responsible more than their parents & immediate relatives who consistently fail the next generations with the most egregious abusers being the entire baby boomer generation?

[@reddwarf9422]

I'm here because of Netflix's The Highwaymen also. I never knew about this man's life. You did an EXCELLENT job with this documentary. Thank you for taking time to make this.

[@censored1360]

I'm here because the creepy internet knew I watched it last night and today in recommended list on UTube and I dont have an Alexa lol

[@josephroessler8696]

I share your input and your opinion this is great stuff

[@travishendrix7026]

They are never going to give Texas or the South our due. It's been centuries now that we endure their foolishness. But we thrive none the less. Very good video. Many thanks.

[@9mmARman]

Very well written tribute to Mr. Hamer. You did him proud.

[@JustChiminin]

Who else is here after watching The Highwaymen?

[@nixnkipa603]

Hi from new Zealand im after watching highwaymen just 2 weeks ago I'm really hooked on Frank and maney now can't get enough thought pairing of Kevin Costner and woody Harrelson was stroke of brilliance always enjoyed these guys

[@PhreddCrintt]

A brilliant movie. To date? Watched it three times. And will watch it many times more. The characterisations are superb of the real characters involved. (Lets not forget 'Manny' Gault here.

[@scottsmith9529]

I am. Is it too late in life for Costner to do a movie about Poncho's life? Perhaps tie the end of that movie to the start of Highway Men. Sounds like a good idea. But I'm not in charge of such things.

[@nmelkhunter1]

I resemble that question!

[@kidlat9222]

Me

[@carrickrichards2457]

History that deserves to be remembered. Thank you

[@sgtzsquad]

Thank you for a great series on Mr. Hamer.

[@rockzhard2009]

R. I. P. Mr. Hamer, and thank you.

[@ajdogcurr1]

Thank for putting out this marvelous video.

[@calebmasson6327]

Thank God Netflix finally did the man some honor with Kevin Costner playing the man seems so lil tho for such a giant of man with such a vast and epic life lived. A life that no book or movie could properly do justice but still entertain and maybe even teach and inspire those who partake

[@papasteve215]

Without question the best videos on KZbin. From an old broke down veteran of 26 years of military and law enforcement and the son of a veteran of the military and law enforcement I would like to thank you for taking the time to honoring men like Captain Hamer. Thank you sir.

[@freegraceprotestant]

Simply *phenominal*. Brave, gritty, soft spoken ( of few words ), a true Texas hero. When I was in the police academy I first heard his name from an instructor, "now THAT was a lawman." Mr. Cushman, I am going to Navasota this weekend to visit your sculpture with my parents, pay homage to this man, as well as to all our brave peace officers. Many thanks to you, for your using YOUR talent to remember this officer.

[@douglasfrankel9566]

Well Mr. Cushman, Hollywood or someone finally made the movie! You made a very good documentary. And Mr. Hamer was certainly one of a kind.

[@Tom-ys5ik]

Frank Hammer was one tough hombre and an outstanding lawman!

[@frankcastle4435]

Hands down one of the best documentary’s I have ever seen. Kudos to you sir. I have been a LEO for almost 19 years and you said it the best “ we are not worthy of men like Frank Hamer”. Thank you sir for the videos.

[@paulsharp6559]

Frank Hamer a real man. Thank you telling this story . Frank was the best.

[@prmath]

Well done, Russell. Frank Hamer was truly a man among men. TRUE western Hero

[@gunnyu.s.m.c8606]

I watched both videos and know of the history of Frank poncho Hammer, was thru my grandfather who was a Texas Ranger, awesome job! my compliments sir

[@kickassv8]

Thank you for this. After watching The Highwaymen I can see parallels to today. Cold blooded killers were being celebrated and copied while law enforcement struggled. I find it sad that 20k attended Parkers funeral and 15k attended Clyde's funeral. How many attended Hamner and Gaults funerals? For me and my son at least, we wont let the memories of these legendary lawmen die. Thank you for this 2 part series. You have have a great job at keeping them alive.

[@RenaissanceThinking]

Maybe this new movie, The Highwaymen, will do him justice.

[@tpr1648]

It does

[@jonlanier_]

It's a good movie.

[@jayhallman6666]

It’s does just that.

[@jazzyts1]

It nailed it! It's the only Bonnie and Clyde movie that does, other than the documentary.

[@brabham74]

I just watched "The Highwaymen" I think that Frank Hamer has finally been done, justice.

[@mikedaniel7195]

Thanks for posting this about my cousin Frank Hamer I have enjoyed seeing part one and part two of the videos you posted.

[@zzmt04]

A truly great American. Where have his kind gone?

[@warren3665]

Sad to say that he would be locked up for police brutality now a days.

[@johnchristopher20]

God bless you for this; your words speak the truth all Americans should hear.

[@ritaholden4591]

Netflix now has the movie The Highwaymen! , IT CHANGES YOUR MIND about Bonnie and Clyde. They got exactly what they deserved. Wish we still had real lawmen like him!

[@unmalo2768]

We do have lawmen like this now, but we have a society that has empathy for the criminal, and views the police as the criminal. So LEO's nowadays can't do the job effectively for fear of prosecution at the hands of the justice system they swore to uphold.

[@uncletrick1]

It didn’t change my mind. It reinforced my thought that B&C were nothing but low life murderers,

[@crazylesfarkas4486]

The Truth is the Best Sometimes

[@diegofianza3525]

I truly enjoyed and agreed with your editorial at the end. About unrecognized heroes: I grew in a military family and so I grew up on military bases. Many of the retirees and neighbors told me stories of heroes who were common neighbors and survived bitter battles, as no hero would tell their own heroics. Another great vid you produced and a very fine looking sculpture.

[@shawnaisntshestrange5830]

I had never heard of this man before. (Our educational system is seriously lacking in teaching us), but I watched the highway men a couple of days ago. Since then I have been fascinated by the two of them. He certainly has more information out there about himself then Gaut which is sad. This was a great little documentation of Hamers life.

[@minermike61]

I enjoy learning about Frank Hamer. I don't have many heroes but he is one of them.

[@murphy13295]

Excellent . " and not coincidently , I sculpted it " . A very true and accurate assessment of why Frank " Pancho " Hamer 's story would not be given the respect it deserves in fake news of today .

[@bluecollarnobodysitaras6503]

Very good documentary about a very good wholesome honorable man

[@tarful58]

A true Hero. Just finished watching the highway man on Netflix. Excellent!! Finally this Texas Ranger gets the honor and attention he so well deserves.

[@gregbancroft954]

The Boessenacker book is a good one too. Goes into extensive detail about Hamer. A great Ranger and man!

[@bulshtbnd]

Great documentary about a true American hero. I just learned about the man who ended one of the darkest periods in our history. Frank Hamer is the ultimate law enforcement officer. Past or present. Thank you for sharing his story.

[@sgtzsquad]

Thank you for honoring this man.

[@artistaprimus7080]

A great presentation of Captain Hamer. A great ranger, Texan, man.

[@philipcallicoat9947]

WOW.... That's one bad dude.... An honorable and dedicated public servant..RIP Pancho ☝️🙏🌹

[@mikehagan4320]

Your words toward the end of the video couldn't be more True. Though I would disagree with one comment. To paraphrase, " that We are a People unworthy of Frank Hamer." It is True that many Americans Have Been Propagandized. But still the Vast Majority of Americans are Respectful of Legitimate, Constitutional Law and Its Peace Officers. America Is Still a Constitutional, Christian, Capitalist Society. That doesn't Care about your race or Gender. But Does Care About Ones Character and Deeds. The last two elections proved that Americans Voted for Law, Decency and The opportunity to work and do Business. Not the Criminal Communist Corruption of the Leftists. Frank Hamer, an Outstanding Man. You did an Outstanding Video, Sculpture and Commentary of Him and of our Time. Best Wishes! M.H.

[@fjhutch143]

I received an email which lead me to Part I of this story and it was the best time I have spent with my morning coffee and I had to continue watching Part II. Great story about a real man. I wish there were still some of them around. I have a Winchester 1895, but it is in the TR caliber and I love it as much as this story.

[@sburton223]

Great Tribute! Thank you. And I agree some of us would love to see Frank's complet story told well!

[@leerogers630]

Just watched highway men on Netflix very good movie with hamer as the hero

[@earllutz2663]

Very much enjoyed your analysis & comments/story telling. Agree with your analysis of today's society and Holly Wierd.

[@richyearle007]

What a fantastic and moving tribute to an unwavering stand up bloke.

[@skippress]

What a fabulous sculpture and story, Russell, thanks so much for doing this, magnificent.

[@RhettyforHistory]

I agree with your ending statements about how Hollywood and society has shifted and views things differently. I've know about your sculpture for a little while and I've been wanting to come see it. I didn't realize you were the one that sculpted it until you stated it.

[@johnfreedom3557]

Wonderful presentation. I haven't heard Ranger Frank Hamer's Name since I was a kid. I come from Law Enforcement gene pool grandparents born in the early 1890's; and was raised by Alpha Males and Females. Your presentation brought back remembrances of those who wove the fabric of God Fearing morality into my soul. My respects Sir. HOOAH 👊👊👊 🇺🇸

[@marybarrett9902]

Thank you. True Americans love this stuff. May we all become Frank Hamerss, now when we really need him. Alpha males, just like old Frank. (John B)

[@CORPORAL-dn7nn]

Outstanding videos. Thank you so much. I grew up hearing all these stories from my dad and grandpa. Frank Hamer is a hero in my Texas home.

[@jimschafer9196]

Very fine narration on a life lived to the service of the LAW, excellent. Thank you for sharing.

[@Johnny53kgb-nsa]

I have to admit that I'm here due to following the Bonnie and Clyde story. It wasn't that I idolized them, I was just interested in the times they lived in, and why they chose the life of crime. Frank Hammer was much tougher than Clyde ever thought about being. Clyde would never had stood a chance one on one against Frank. The '60's movie about B & C really tried to make Frank look bad. I'm glad his wife sued them, and received a settlement. In the end, Frank Hammer prevailed. What a tough ass lawman.

[@twshawgo]

Thank you for doing and sharing this story. My grandad was born in the late 1800s. My grandmother told me many a story about the old days. Hamer was a tribute to the days, lawmen and good people who lived in those times

[@patriciajrs46]

Love this video!!!! Thank you. Our country needs more real good people. Hero.

[@dubyacwh7978]

Excellent videos, both part one and two thoroughly enjoyable and highly informative and I had talk to the Texas rangers and all the work they did to make Texas the greatest state in the union

[@crazyralph6386]

He was one tough sob who marched to his own tune. Huge respect for the legend of the man.

[@tumbleweed6658]

Very well done men like Frank Hamer is the tough law that is needed today. Bad is celebrated and good is outdated. God help us.

[@stevenstritenberger1761]

I think they could have done so much more making the recent movie about Frank Hamer's pursuit of Bonnie and Clyde. His life story would have been not only a more riveting tale but a tribute to brave peace oficers everywhere. They didn't get the depth of this man of the courageous and heroic persona he embodied. I hope one day they remake his story, it wil be an epic tale.

[@williamhungate863]

I watched the Highwaymen not long ago and I'm really glad I came across this documentury. Awesome job and thanks for sharing the truth about Poncho .

[@garyK.45ACP]

Thank you for the monument. I agree with Hamer that the Winchester Model 1895 was the best lever action rifle, and one the best rifles of all kinds, ever made. I am glad it was used in his monument. I was born and raised in west Texas and the Rangers were always a larger than life bunch for me. Don't miss the Texas Ranger's Museum if you are ever in Waco.

[@todchristensen1454]

Wow, I love the last 3 minutes of this video. Couldn't agree more with everything that is said there.

[@gorillaonrye6907]

Best thing I've ever viewed on youtube....thanks for posting.....hopefully, the flick coming out later this year entitled The Highwaymen will do Ranger Hamer justice....Kevin Costner portrays Mr. Hamer and Woody Harrelson, B. M. Manny Gault in the Bonnie and Clyde saga told from law enforcements perspective.....I hope hollyweird doesn't disappoint.....

[@tonybells131]

Excellent reporting this story. Your closing statements are very much appreciated ! Thank you .

[@michaelkurz9067]

We need more of Frank Hamer

[@IMBrute-ir7gz]

Very interesting! I especially liked your commentary at the end. So true!

[@texasjasper]

Excellent job. Especially the speech at the end!

[@wmrayburn7620]

Thank you Russell and thank you very much Mr. Hamer, R.I.P.

[@joycastle2881]

'sir, Your closing comments were so right about Hollywood and are warped society , is so correct. Just look at how they treated the returning Vietnam Vets,, after they returned to the USA , some who were only 19-20 yrs.old . Thanks for making this story available to us.

[@PhreddCrintt]

Thank you. 'The Highwaymen' is our 'legacy' of his work. His history prior to that time is awesome.

[@pepejuan2924]

Great show, great message, thanks for posting.

[@patrickcooper8923]

Thank you for sharing that "all to brief" history of a truly great American lawman!

[@charleshemphill6923]

That was well done. You sir did Mr Hamer justice in making this video. Happy trails amigo.

[@JeffreyBue_imtxsmoke]

Man... the ending was so good. Thank you for making and sharing this story of a true life hero.

[@frankfrazierjr.3216]

Very good videos sir. On a very good man. I've been hearing and reading about Frank Hamer, since I was a boy. I'm 65 now. I appreciate it.

[@nickandmikec]

Thank you. We really liked Costner's portrayal of Hamer.

[@willjenkins3304]

Excellent mini doc. Thanks for your help in letting us meet this great man.

[@felixcat9318]

What an immensely brave and courageous man he was, and with absolute integrity too! This is the figure one sees when imagining a Texas Ranger, even without knowing of this man or even his name. As with every aspect of society, policing is carried out by people, some of whom gravitate towards it for the wrong reasons, this man did the opposite and spent his career helping to protect people from those that would prey on them. That Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were sadistic murderers is a fact, yet people held them in esteem, which is at odds with their hideous crimes and even worse is that they publicly reviled the unit that killed them which utterly beggars belief! Thank you for bringing the true background of this interesting man to a wider audience.

[@jazzyts1]

And that is why I am glad they made the movie, "Highwaymen". For the first time in a movie, they depicted the real events and the absolute dedication to tracking Bonnie and Clyde down and finishing their reign of terror. I never knew much about Frank Hamer, so thank you for making this video!

[@MCOult]

A wonderful video tribute to a great man who will never get the kind of nationwide recognition and respect he deserved. Thanks for posting it! --- Old Matt

[@olandouglaswebb5316]

The fact that he was a ranger in what we think of as the old west and also hunted Bonnie and Clyde shows the closeness in time that the two eras were. We don't usually think of them as so close in time but they were. In fact many on the people we know of from the old west lived into the 20th century.

[@musicaltheatergeek79]

I was surprised to learn that Wyatt Earp died in 1929, just five years before B&C et al. met their bloody end.

[@steveww1507]

Awesome I have always looked up to Frank Hamer . Hollywood could never do him justice They could never understand A man like Mr Hamer . They in a nut shell have no souls . pride or self respect.

[@ScreeminMeeme]

Thank you for your engrossing account of the most famous US Marshal in our history. What a courageous man.....a true 'American hero'. Given the current milieu of anti-Americanism, anti-police sentiment, his story is a reminder of that there are brave and good men and women who are out there everyday protecting us, and keeping us safe...... and they are often unacknowledged....and unsung. I'm so happy that I found your video. I'm a history buff, and you made my day.

[@shooterqqqq]

He was never a U.S. Marshal.

[@jb6027]

Great statue to a great man. Thank You!

[@flintrichards945]

We need more men like him today. I agree with you 100% on your commentary.

[@stevef.m.2188]

Thanks Russell Very good ,movie wood be good

[@markkrug719]

Thank you for sharing this. Until I watched the Highwaymen, I had no idea of the existence of Frank Hamer. It is a story that needs to be shared.

[@bmxdoe]

This is cool I think I'm gonna get that book right now! Thanks for such a great video about a great man

[@bobroberson9286]

Pretty obvious that Frank was the "REAL DEAL" from the beginning and never let up 👍

[@darthsilversith667]

Thank you for giving this man his rightful monument! He has finally been given a movie but they focused on the Bonnie and Clyde aspect. I would love a movie that tells his whole story. Thank you for this documentary, I really enjoyed it! P.S. I am equally disgusted by how Bonnie and Clyde were and still are, idolized and at how they have modern equivalents. I think we grew up in the wrong era (I’m currently 35).

[@timtravasos2742]

Excellent story and commentary.

[@nmelkhunter1]

Great video! Great man and truly the kind of character we need today.

[@jpmartin6191]

His desendents, must be very proud!!!! Congrats to him, and his family!!!! I'm here because highway men!!!

[@robertmitchell2178]

People were not aware of PTSD that explains a lot about Frank Hamer's behavior.

[@michaelhenne6506]

Fantastic job on this! I too liked Costner in the role. He practically channeled him to the point I had to search for more info online, which brought me here. Also important to see this sort of thing this summer, to remind some who take law and order for granted. Big thumbs up!

[@daveforsythe9021]

Our society does not produce men (or people) like this. We have it too easy. We are too entitled. We have not experienced hardship. Mr Hamer was a true hero. The media and h wood have done him and his men a great disservice. God bless these men and their families. Respect from Canada

[@fatwhitebloke9851]

Me , great tribute the highwayman..I take my hat off to this fella .respct to you also for this tribute.

[@josefschmeau4682]

A sublime tribute

[@rubberduckDanson]

Thank you for this non-boring but extremly intresting and educational, well edited video

[@hoggjazz]

Just watched "The Highwaymen" on Netflix. The film is about Frank Hamer and an old compadre Ranger go after and kill Bonnie and Clyde. Great movie, but did not do justice to this giant of a man. Thank you for your videos.

[@ritaholden4591]

It was an awesome movie. I just watched it too. Good to see the right side finally

[@AlMacasaet]

You do us service with this publication of Justice to Pancho. Thank you very much and hopefully The Highwaymen puts Frank Hamer in better light before the public eye.

[@bevanpope7924]

Let’s have more on Frank Hamer! What a legend. The movie is what brought me here... crazy times for all involved.

[@CEOkiller]

They have done enough movies on Bonnie and Clyde-- they should do a modern movie on Frank Hamer.

[@musicaltheatergeek79]

Netflix just made a movie about him called THE HIGHWAYMEN. It stars Kevin Costner and Woody Harrelson as 'Frank Hamer' and his partner 'Manny Gault.' It's about the hunt for B&C from the POV of the posse, mainly Hamer. The script got the seal of approval from Frank Hamer, Jr. before he died and it's slated for release in October.

[@whayes8084]

CEOkiller just watched it. It was great.