Bob Lemmons in Carrizo Springs, 1936, as taken by Dorothea Lange. Bob Lemmons (or Lemons) was born around 1847, making him roughly 90 years old when Lange took this photo, and brought to Texas in 1854. His birth name is not known. After being freed, he came under the tutelage of Texas rancher Duncan Lemmons, who took the 17-year-old to Eagle Pass to work for him. Out of respect for his new employer and friend, Lemmons adopted the rancher's last name.

When Duncan Lemmons died, Bob continued to work as a "brush cowboy" and ranch foreman in the Carrizo Springs area. He eventually purchased his own ranch near Carrizo Springs and worked it until his failing eyesight forced him to retire. His fame came about as a result of his mustanging method—unusual because he would mustang alone.

In 1931, author J. Frank Dobie interviewed Lemmons for The Mustangs (1952). Lemmons died in Dimmit County on December 23, 1947.