Erath County Sheriff N.J. Shands wrote to Governor Ross on December 22, 1888 regarding the situation at the Johnson mines [early name for Thurber]: “I believe I am able to suppress the riots that may occur in this county while I am present, but the mines are 27 miles away . . . I am informed that as soon as I leave the mines the desperadoes commence disturbance during the night by firing guns all over the camp and into store houses and the office.” (Austin) State Gazette