Jeff David Milton: The First Border Patrolman

Tough As Nails

Being only 3 years old when the Civil War ended, Jeff Milton’s father, who was Governor of Florida, fell on hard times. After his father’s death, Jeff left Florida for Texas to become a Texas Ranger at age 18. He got into several gun battles while apprehending killers. He also worked customs on the Mexico border and was responsible for stopping Chinese illegals being smuggled into the US by Mexican gangs (sound familiar?). Working as a guard for Wells Fargo gold shipments, he got into a gun battle and his left arm was shattered by gunfire. At the age of 62, he was appointed to the newly founded U.S. Immigration Border Patrol in 1924. He was forever known from that day forward as the first Border Patrolman. His favorite weapon was a single action Colt .45 with a second cut down version he wore in a shoulder holster (this was to save his life on many occasions). The U.S. Border Patrol had its start with a nearly indestructible man in Jeff Milton who left a legacy loud and clear: Don't mess with the U.S. Bordermen. Valor is in you. Set it free.