Remembered as one of the top sheriffs of his time, an unbending upholder of law and order, and a real "protector of the people."

Known for his determination in bringing to justice murderer Gazaway, a gunman hired by Bill Garrett to kill John Moss.  After capturing Gazaway, he reportedly tied a rope around his own saddle horn and the other end around Gazaway's waist.  At night, Ligon slept with one end of the rope tied around his own waist, so if Gazaway tried to escape, he would wake up.

Also served as tax assessor-collector in Llano County.

He died in 1918 at the age of 66.