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TEXAS
RANGER
RESEARCH CENTER 
How to Research a Texas Ranger Ancestor & Other Research
The following information
answers most of the questions we receive about how to research ancestors
who may have served in the Texas Rangers.
Can you check the list and tell me if my ancestor was a Ranger?
This is our most common question. We regret that there
is no master list of all Texas Rangers. Finding
evidence of service requires examination of state records, archives,
photographs, books and other sources. This can be done:
- Use our search servce and submit a mail-in request.
- Visit the Center by appointment in Waco.
Scheduling an On-Site VisitWe are delighted to work with researchers on-site in Waco. Please call for an appointment so that you are not disappointed. We cannot guarantee service to "drop-in" visitors due to limited staffing, previously scheduled appointments and in-house projects. To Make an ApppointmentPlease call Christina Smith at 254-750-8631 between 9 am and 3 pm M-F CST. Or e-mail us by Clicking Here or use the address csmith@ci.waco.tx.us Fees: Standard charges apply for photocopies and photo duplication. Please inquire
about fees for commercial use or unusually
time-consuming research. |
Search Service by MailPlease
read below, then Please allow 8-12 weeks The Texas Ranger Research Center offers a low-cost genealogy research service for those unable to come to Waco. Fee: There is a $25 per name non-refundable fee to defray expenses. The
nonprofit Center receives no State or Federal funding. Donations
in excess of the fee are gratefully accepted. We realize the personal significance of Texas Ranger service to many families, so we diligently use every available resource. |
Further Information
How Many Rangers were there? The Staff adds a biographical file for every Texas Ranger as they are identified or join the service. We estimate that there have been 8,000 to 10,000 Texas Rangers since 1823. Due to gaps in the records, a negative result may not rule out service as a Texas Ranger. Many service records were lost over the past 180 years due to floods, fires and state administrative decisions not to keep certain records. "New" Rangers are found every year and added to our files.
When will an index of all Texas Rangers be available? There is no State or public funding such a project, so it proceeds as time is available. Tax deductible donations in support of this work are gratefully received. Click here to contact the Staff about supporting the Texas Ranger Research Center. Thank you.
Firearm and Badge Research: The Research Center has general information about Texas Ranger badges and firearms. The museum staff will be glad to examine photos and the documentation associated with these items. However, for reasons of liability the staff is not permitted to appraise or authenticate items.
For firearms appraisals we recommend Flayderman's Guide to Antique American Firearms and Their Valuesas a general guide. Seek the assistance of a qualified antique firearms appraiser (check references!) for current market values.
Any firearms or
badges offered for sale with alleged Texas Ranger connections should
be rigorously researched. The market is flooded with fakes and forgeries.
A written return guarantee should be obtained before purchase. Please
click here for our page about fraudulent badges.
Contact Information:
Texas
Ranger Research Center
texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum
P.O.
Box 2570
Waco, TX 76702-2570
Phone: (254)750-8631
FAX: (254)750-8629
E-Mail: Click
Here
or csmith@ci.waco.tx.us
