EP. 137:  The First Chief Justice (sort of)

EP. 137: The First Chief Justice (sort of)

Author: Ken Wise July 29, 2025 Duration: 20:19

The Republic of Texas Congress formed the first state Supreme Court in 1836. However, the Court really didn’t meet in any significant way until 1840 under the leadership of Chief Justice John Hemphill. Being Chief Justice was a little different then. It meant fighting Indians, mastering Spanish law, and even leading an expedition to invade Mexico! Chief Justice John Hemphill did it all. Learn more about one of Texas’ greatest jurists in this episode of Wise About Texas.


There’s a particular feeling you get standing on a wide stretch of prairie or walking through a quiet courthouse square that seems to hold a century of stories. Wise About Texas is about uncovering those stories, layer by layer, with the kind of depth and context that makes the past feel immediate. Hosted by Ken Wise, each episode goes beyond the well-trodden tales of the Alamo and cowboy legends to explore the people, places, and pivotal moments that truly shaped this unique state. You’ll hear about forgotten communities, surprising cultural intersections, and the everyday lives that built Texas from the ground up. This isn’t just a dry recitation of dates; it’s a thoughtful exploration that connects history to the landscape you can visit today. Whether you’re a lifelong resident, a curious newcomer, or someone planning a trip with a desire to understand what you’re seeing, this podcast serves as an engaging guide. Tune in for narratives that are meticulously researched yet told with a conversational ease, making each chapter of Texas history accessible and genuinely compelling. The aim is to leave you not just better informed, but with a richer sense of the spirit and complexity that defines the Lone Star State.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 163

Wise About Texas
Podcast Episodes
EP. 123:  The Texas Rangers- Senior Captain Tony Leal (part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:10
Antonio “Tony” Leal served as a Texas Ranger from 1994-2011, including several years as the Senior Captain. In part 2 of an interesting and wide-ranging interview, you will learn about the Ranger service, life as a Range…
EP. 122: The Texas Rangers- Senior Captain Tony Leal (part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:36
Antonio “Tony” Leal served as a Texas Ranger from 1994-2011, including several years as the Senior Captain. In this interesting and wide-ranging interview, you will learn about the Ranger service, life as a Ranger and ma…
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Ep. 121: A Dead Man’s Horse: The Case of Issac Desha [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:14
Issac Desha had a checkered past. Though he was the son of a Governor, something just wasn’t right. When he was spotted with a dead man’s horse, things got “interesting.” He ended up in San Felipe before the revolution b…
BONUS EPISODE:  Celebrating The Texas Ranger Bicentennial [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:33
2023 marks the 200th anniversary of one of the most famous law enforcement organizations in the world–The Texas Rangers. In this bonus episode, I talk with Russell Molina and Lacy Finley about all the celebrations schedu…
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Duration: 6:32
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EP. 120:  Texas Rangers:  “Old Paint” Caldwell [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:27
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EP. 119:  The Texas Rangers: Origins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 23:00
Texas Ranger. Two words that strike fear in the heart of the lawbreaker and hope in the heart of the law abiding. Since before there was a Texas, there were Rangers. How this elite force officially began is the subject o…
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Duration: 20:40
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EP. 117: A Murder in the Capitol [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 13:26
There has been one, and only one, assassination of a Texas state official and it happened in 1903. It occurred in the State Capitol building, the same one you can visit today. Hear about a disgruntled employee, a letter,…