DUANE
Duane's take
The way the official marker tells it, here's the story of Robert M. Love. Now, some men leave a mark on a place.
Robert M. Love left a mark on just about every law book and ledger in the state of Texas. Let's start at the beginning — or at least, a dramatic middle.
The year is 1873. The 14th State Legislature is trying to take its seat, and Governor E. J.
Davis is contesting Richard Coke's election. The situation calls for something beyond polite disagreement. Robert M.
Love is counted among the armed men who helped seat that legislature. Not a footnote — one of the men in the room, with a weapon, when Texas history was being made by force of will and firepower both. Before all that, Love had served in the Confederate army, fighting throughout the Civil War in Ross' brigade.
The war shaped a generation, and for Love, what came after was a life in law and order. He became Limestone County deputy sheriff in 1872. Then, in 1884, the county elected him sheriff outright.
And if running a county wasn't enough, he served as president of the Texas Sheriff's Association — not for a year, not for two, but for five years. He also served as a United States Marshal. Now, you'd think a man who'd done all that might sit down and rest his boots.
Robert M. Love was not that man. He was elected state comptroller and served from 1901 to 1903.
From a Civil War battlefield to the highest financial office in the state — that's not a career, that's a saga. And Limestone County made sure nobody forgot it.
What the marker says
One of armed men who helped seat 14th State Legislature in 1873 when incumbent Gov. E. J. Davis contested Richard Coke's election. A member of the Confederate army, he fought throughout the Civil War in Ross' brigade. Became Limestone County deputy sheriff, 1872; elected sheriff, 1884. President, Texas Sheriff's Association for 5 years. Also served as U. S. Marshall. Elected state comptroller and served 1901 to 1903. Recorded, 1967