The Van Zandt County Genealogical Society will have its regular monthly meeting on Saturday, July 23 at 2 p.m. at the Van Zandt County Library (317 First Monday Lane in Canton). The program for the meeting will be the history of the Texas Rangers law enforcement agency, presented by Kenny Ray, a native of Van Zandt County who is also a retired Texas Ranger.

The Texas Rangers were organized in the 1820s to bring law and order to the new frontier in Texas, which was then part of Mexico. From a small band of officers created by Texas founding father Stephen F. Austin, the Rangers grew into an elite law enforcement unit, which stills operates today. The Rangers have figured in story and legend.

Their worldwide reputation, however, came from their work on real-life cases, as they helped to bring such criminals as Sam Bass and Bonnie and Clyde to justice.

Kenny Ray, a 6th generation East Texan, was born in Grand Saline and graduated from Grand Saline High and Texas A&M University. He joined the Texas Department of Public Safety in 1987, first working for the Highway Patrol in Canton. After many promotions, he joined the Texas Rangers, covering the East Texas area. As a former member of the Rangers, he has real insight into their history.

The Van Zandt County Genealogical Society looks forward to hearing about the Texas Rangers from a member of that elite force. As always, the public is welcome to attend the meeting on July 23. You don’t have to be a Genealogical Society member, and the meeting is free. Refreshments will be served.