Tex McLeod
Tex McLeod autographed photo, circa 1925
Photographer unknown
Texas cowboy entertainer who once lived on Tidy Street
By Clark Gray
Alexander "Tex" McLeod was born on 11th November 1889 in a small town east of Austin, Texas. His father had immigrated to Texas from Scotland. His mother was of Spanish extraction but her family had first settled in Peru for several decades before moving to Texas.
Tex was destined for a life of roaming adventure starting at the age of 10 when he first started running away from home to spend time on the open range. His father, a school teacher, dreamed of seeing his son become a concert violinist. Tex, however, had other ambitions and by the age of 12 had taken his first job on a ranch some fifty miles away from home.
World champion
Within a few years, as Tex matured to become a man of 6 foot 2 inches, he proved his skill as a cowboy among the rough-and-tumble world of bucking contests. These first rodeos, which were called round-ups at the time, gave Tex an understanding that there was money to be made in this new competitive sport. Tex went on to earn several large prizes and World Champion titles in bronco riding, trick roping and wild horse racing. These skills were just the first step in what would become an amazing 50-year career as a star in Wild West shows (including Buffalo Bills Wild West), circus, stage performances, and silent films. Tex traveled around the globe, from South Africa to Australia, where he put on his comic roping routine to the delight of thousands.
Royal performances
Tex relocated to England in 1919 and quickly became a headlining star in some of the most opulent night clubs and variety theatres and enjoyed a great deal of fame in England, America and many other countries. He befriended everyone from famous painters and actors to British Royalty, even providing private lessons in trick roping to several members of the Royal Family. He was still in touch with the Duke of Norfolk decades after they first met.
His life, while adventurous, was also plagued by the harsh realities of life on the road, including failed marriages and estranged children. As he grew too old to continue his life as an entertainer, he settled into his home at 26 Tidy Street in Brighton, England, where he ran a boarding house for homeless men. It was one of the very men he took into his home who started the downward spiral of events that would lead to his death. On 31st January 1973 Tex and one of his boarders, after several previous altercations, got into a fist fight. The man was too much for the 84-year old cowboy to handle. He left his home to seek the help of the police but died in a phone box while trying to reach emergency services.
I am currently writing the biography of Tex McLeod and would much appreciate any memories, photographs or other assistance in gathering information on this unusual character, who was loved by many but remembered by few.
Please add your memories below.
This page was added on 28/09/2008.