1888:Judge T.L. Nugent, who began his legal/political career defending Erath vigilantes that had murdered several people in 1872, announced in November that “crime is up ten percent this year in Erath County . . . All suspected characters should be watched.” Stephenville Empire

1896: In eastern Erath County Ed Scales was shot in the leg as he dismounted his horse and was dragged several yards. The would-be assassin then fired four more shots at him and pulled him from the road, thinking he was dead. Stephenville Empire