HUGHES, John R (1855-47) was a Texas Ranger and cowboy of the Old West, and later an author. Several books were written about his long history as one of the most influential Texas Rangers of all time. It has been suggested he was the inspiration for the Lone Ranger character, since Zane Grey dedicated his most famous book "The Lone Star Ranger" to Hughes in 1915. The ambush of Texas Ranger Captain Frank Jones and Hughes' long hunt for the killers also support this theory. Hughes also told relatives that he believed he was the inspiration for the Lone Ranger character.Autograph Letter Signed “John H. Hughes”, 1pp., September 11, 1936, VG. In small part, “I will see Sheriff Fox about his Jubalee on September 18th. Then John and I expect to go to Radium Springs for a few days. My car is running good and everything looks ok. ...”