About the Texas Jack Association

Purpose of the Association

J. B. "Texas Jack" Omohudro was a pioneering scout and cowboy, one of the first actors in a "Western" drama, and in his day was as famous as his friends Buffalo Bill Cody and Wild Bill Hickok. Although he was nationally famous during and shortly after his life, and his exploits were sensationalized in "dime novels" of the late 1800's and early 1900's, Texas Jack gradually fell into obscurity. The purpose of the Texas Jack Association is to rectify this oversight and promote the memory of Texas Jack for posterity.

Membership in the Texas Jack Association is open to anyone with an interest in the history of the American West and Texas Jack Omohundro. The Association has more than 200 members from all over the United States, and several foreign countries. The association newsletter, The Scout is published three times per year.

At biennial "round-ups" members meet at places of historical significance all over America for a learning and social experience. Past round-ups have been in North Platte, NE, Richmond, VA, Lowell, MA, San Antonio, TX, Cody, WY, Leadville, CO, and Nashville, TN.

Current Officers:

• President: Peggy Greene of Jupiter, FL
• Vice-president: Larry Tyree of Lee's Summit, MO
• Secretary: Stephanie Greene of Jupiter, FL
• Treasurer: Renee Tyree of Lee's Summit, MO
• Director: Rand McKinney of Aptos, CA

A Brief History of the TJA

The Association was the brain child of Springfield, Illinois, attorney (and history buff) Frank Sullivan, who discovered Texas Jack in the writings of the Irish nobleman Lord Dunraven, and recognized him as a colorful and outstanding player in the saga of America's Old West. At a meeting of the Sons of the American Revolution, Frank happened to meet Malvern Hill ("M.H.") Omohundro Jr., of Virgnina. Noting his unusual name, Frank asked if M.H. was any relation to Texas Jack. Upon learning that M.H. was in fact Texas Jack's nephew, a lasting friendhip was born. This meeting sowed the seeds of the creation of the Texas Jack Association.

In 1980 the two men convened a meeting of interested friends and relatives of Texas Jack Omohundro in Leadville, Colorado in the town where he died 100 years earlier.

Four years later in 1984, the group, numbering under 15, met informally in Cody, Wyoming and decided to expand the Association under the leadership of Dennis and Julie Greene of California. The Greenes developed the organizational structure under which the Association operates today, printed promotional literature, and edited and distributed the newsletter, The Scout.

The Association's members decided to meet every two years, and the tradition of the biennial "round-up" was born.