The alias
The Story
Joseph Cox is a central Texas cattleman and, by 1887, the first sheriff of a new county forming around Goldthwaite.
Born the same year Texas won its independence, Jay grows up working cattle in the pine country and follows the trade west to Lampasas after the war. His father’s accounts of the Regulator–Moderator feud stay with him.
The name Bison Jay comes much later, on a night at the Platte crossing when dry lightning puts three thousand head on the run. He comes home with the name and builds a herd in the Big Valley bottoms. By 1887, he is running his ranch and serving as sheriff, dealing with fencing disputes and a second year of drought.
For Bison Jay’s days at the range today, visit Trail Notes. Current firearms and gear are listed on the Loading Table.
