Post Namesake
TURNBOW–HIGGS AMERICAN LEGION POST 240, with a legacy of service and sacrifice since 1920, is in Stephenville, Texas, and traces its origins to 1920, when it was first chartered as Ammon Turnbow Post 240. The Post’s original namesake, Ammon Turnbow, served proudly as a United States Marine during World War I. He was killed in action on November 1, 1918, just ten days before the Armistice ended hostilities on November 11. Turnbow fell during the Meuse–Argonne Offensive, the final major battle of the war and one of the most intense campaigns ever fought by American forces. Before entering military service, he attended John Tarleton College in Stephenville. After the war, his remains were returned home and laid to rest at Turnbow Cemetery near the community of Alexander, a few miles southeast of Stephenville. His sacrifice became the foundation upon which Post 240 was built.
On July 24, 1947, the Post’s name was changed to Turnbow–Higgs Post 240 to honor all local servicemen who gave their lives in World War II, and particularly John Fielding Higgs. Higgs was the son of Rufus F. Higgs, one of the Post’s founders and longtime publisher of The Empire‑Tribune. A graduate of Stephenville High School and Tarleton College, John Higgs was attending the University of Texas when he enlisted in the Army Air Corps. As a B‑17 bomber pilot, Higgs was killed during a mission over Germany. He was initially buried in France, but his remains were later brought home to Stephenville and reinterred at West End Memorial Cemetery, beside his father. His courage, like that of Ammon Turnbow, became part of the enduring heritage of Post 240.
Together, the names Turnbow and Higgs represent two generations of Americans who answered their nation’s call — one in the final days of World War I, the other in the skies over Europe during World War II. Their stories continue to inspire the mission and membership of Post 240 more than a century after its founding.
The founding members of American Legion TURNBOW-HIGGS Post 240 were Harry A. Baker (The First Commander); E. A. Blanchard (The First Adjutant); Joe E. Boyd, J. W. Clements, Harold E. Curtis, P. L. Davis, E. L. Frey, Ben Higginbotham, Nick Higginbotham, Thurman Higginbotham, Rufus Higgs, W. H. Main, M. M. Morrow, Lonnie D. Pickard, Sam M. Russell, T. W. Tidwell and Alden S. Young.
One of the founding members, Rufus Higgs, was the longtime publisher of the local newspaper, The Empire-Tribune. Another founding member, Sam Russell, would later serve as a District Attorney and U.S. Congressman.
The Employment Agency portion of The King and Neblett building located at the junction of Washington & Belknap streets on the northwest corner of The Stephenville Courthouse Square was Post 240’s first meeting place.
Notable Members
Post 240’s most distinguished Honorary Life Members: The following Legionnaires have been recognized for their extraordinary dedication, longevity of service, and lasting contributions to Turnbow–Higgs Post 240. Years of membership reflect continuous service to The American Legion and to the veterans of Erath County. Charles R. “Mickey” Maguire Jr. (D) The longest‑serving PUFL member in Post history with 73 years of continuous service (1947–2021); John Rogers (D) The second‑longest‑serving PUFL member in Post history with 71 years of continuous service (1946–2017); Brad Thompson (D) The third‑longest‑serving PUFL member in Post history with 69 years of continuous service (1946–2015); J. Fred Cross (D) 32-year PUFL member, and held multiple leadership roles including Post Commander, District Commander, Division Commander, Adjutant, and Chaplain; B. R. Kirkland (D) 30-year PUFL member and served two terms as Post Commander; Ben McCollum (D) PUFL member; Brian Whitecotton, PUFL member served as Post Commander and District Commander; LeRoy Griffin (D) 31-yr PUFL member served as Commander & Chaplain; Don Douglas (D) PUFL member Post Commander and District Commander; Roger Easter 22-years PUFL member, served as Post Commander, Vice Commander, Adjutant, Finance Officer, Historian and one 2-year term as District Vice commander; James T. Smith (D) 33-year PUFL member served as Post Commander, Adjutant, Finance officer and District Commander; Marilyn Smith (D) 33-year PUFL member. Her service included one term as Post Commander and several terms as Auxiliary President. She was very active in Auxiliary holding several Officer positions; Burton Smith, PUFL, 12-year member, served 2-Terms as Post Commander; Sid Moon, 20-yr member, Post and District Sgt at Arms; Finnis Dawson McCleery, (December 25, 1927 – July 11, 2002) Life Member, Turnbow–Higgs American Legion Post 240. Born in Stephenville, Texas, Finnis Dawson McCleery served in the United States Army and received the **Medal of Honor**, the nation’s highest military decoration, for his extraordinary heroism during the Vietnam War. His valor, leadership, and devotion to his fellow soldiers reflect the highest traditions of military service and stand as a source of pride for Post 240 and the entire Stephenville community.
*Note: (D) indicates the member is deceased. *
Pro Deo et Patria,
Roger Easter
Historian, Turnbow–Higgs American Legion Post 240
