Marcus Short was a typical, boisterous cowboy of the day and was often involved in skirmishes with the law, usually due to disturbing the peace. In 1873 he, and others, were involved in such a skirmish with Sheriff Shade Denson and the sheriff was shot by one of those in the melee. No one ever knew for sure who had done it, but it was not a fatal shot and, despite tales to the contrary, the sheriff lived for another twenty years after it happened. In 1876, Mark was in a local Lampasas bar when the sheriff's son came in, saw him there and shot him dead in retaliation. Mark was not armed and the son was never punished for the crime.
Mark Short is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery was buried in an unmarked grave in the Short Brothers plot. The plot is located in the older part of the cemetery and, at present, he is the only member of the family known to be buried here.
Marcus Lafayette Short served with the 27th Brigade Texas Militia - CSA, 1861, Lampasas County, Texas.
Marcus Short was a typical, boisterous cowboy of the day and was often involved in skirmishes with the law, usually due to disturbing the peace. In 1873 he, and others, were involved in such a skirmish with Sheriff Shade Denson and the sheriff was shot by one of those in the melee. No one ever knew for sure who had done it, but it was not a fatal shot and, despite tales to the contrary, the sheriff lived for another twenty years after it happened. In 1876, Mark was in a local Lampasas bar when the sheriff's son came in, saw him there and shot him dead in retaliation. Mark was not armed and the son was never punished for the crime.
Mark Short is buried in Oak Hill Cemetery was buried in an unmarked grave in the Short Brothers plot. The plot is located in the older part of the cemetery and, at present, he is the only member of the family known to be buried here.
Marcus Lafayette Short served with the 27th Brigade Texas Militia - CSA, 1861, Lampasas County, Texas.
Inscription
Texas Ranger Service Record: Vol. 5, 1847-1900
SHORT, Marcus L., Pvt., Comm. Off: Burrleson, A.B., Capt., Organ: Mounted Ranger Co., Enlist: Jan. 8, 1861 at Cowhouse on April Muster Roll & In Coryell City, on Dec. Muster Roll for 12 mos: unless sooner discharged. Mustd. out May 9, 1861: Age 18. R&F 69; Enr/ Off: Lt Sam, Duncan on April Muster Roll & Lt. Sam SHORT on Dec. Muster Roll; H.$100; HE.$15:Arms--Guns: $16; Pistols: $22, 1 rifle; Apprs. & David Thomason & Jno T. Everett; No. of miles to place of rend. 30, No of miles from place of discharge to9 home 18; cp. called in service by Gov. Sam Houston April 4, 1860. 2 Muster Rolls, on giving date of Houston's order as April 4, 1860, the other December 29, 1860. Rifle retained $15.00.
