Gregorio Cortez

On June 12, 1901, Sheriff W.T. “Brack” Morris and Deputy arrived at the Thulemeyer ranch to question Gregorio Cortez (1875-1916) about a reported horse theft in Atascosa county. A shootout ensued, leaving Sheriff Morris dead. Cortez fled the scene. During the manhunt, a Gonzales County Sheriff was shot and killed. Cortez was captured June 22, 1901 and tried amongst an all-Anglo jury. He was found not guilty by reason of self-defense in the death of Sheriff Morris and convicted and sentenced to life for the murder of the Gonzales Co. Sheriff. Efforts by his supporters led to a conditional pardon by Gov. O.B. Colquitt in 1913. Many have since regarded Cortez as a folk hero, perpetuated in “The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez.” (2015)