Person Page - 108

     Linda Earline WATTS, daughter of James Wilford WATTS, was born on 2 October 1949 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹

Linda Earline WATTS died on 1 September 2022 in West Blocton, Bibb County, Alabama, at age 72.

     James David WATTS, son of James Wilford WATTS, was born on 16 December 1951 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹

James saw military service as a sergeant in the U. S. Airforce during the Vietnam War.²

James David WATTS died on 14 May 1984 in Jefferson County, Alabama, at age 32.^1,3,2 He was buried in Johntown Cemetery, Bibb County, Alabama.

     John Reese WATTS died on 7 December 1966.¹

John Reese WATTS was born on 7 December 1966.¹

     Mary Ellen COLEMAN, daughter of Stephen Wright COLEMAN and Elizabeth Susan McQUEEN, was born in November 1851 in Autauga County, Alabama.²

Mary Ellen COLEMAN appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1860, in the household of Stephen Wright COLEMAN and Elizabeth Susan McQUEEN in Prattville, Autauga County, Alabama.¹

Mary Ellen COLEMAN appeared on a census, enumerated 16 July 1870, in the household of her parents Stephen Wright COLEMAN and Elizabeth Susan McQUEEN in Beat 3, Prattville, Autauga County, Alabama. She was enumerated as Mary E. Coleman, age 20, without occupation.

Mary married Absalom Doster Jr., son of Dr. Edmund Absolom Doster and Katherine Lavinia Hutchings, on 11 September 1879 in Prattville, Autauga County, Alabama. They were married at the parsonage of the Methodist Episcopal Church South by the Rev. W. A. McCarly. The marraige bond was paid by C. S. G. Doster and A. Scoggins.^3,4

Absalom died on 15 November 1896 in Montgomery, Alabama, at age 46 leaving Mary Ellen COLEMAN as a widow.

Mary Ellen COLEMAN died on 17 November 1928 in Montgomery, Alabama.⁵ She was buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Montgomery, Alabama.

Her obituary appeared 18 November 1928 in the The Montgomery Advertiser, published in Montgomery, Alabama. Mrs. Mary Doster Dies in Montgomery -- Mrs. Mary Ellen Doster, beloved Montgomerian, and mother of W. A. Doster, manager of the Grand Theatre, died yesterday morning at four o'clock, following an illness of a few weeks at the home of her daughter-in-law. Mrs. M. F. Barnes, 449 Eugene Street.

A native of Prattville, Mrs. Doster moved to Montgomery 36 years ago and has lived there ever since, the family residence being located at 17 North McDonough St. She was a devoted member of the Methodist church and took active interest in the work of the church up until the time of her illness.

During the years she made her home in Montgomery she made many friends who deeply and sincerely mourn her passing and whose heartfelt sympathy goes out to the family in their time of sorrow.

She is survived by three sons, W. A. Doster, E. S. Doster, and E. A. Doster, all of Montgomery; two sisters, Mrs. Maddox and Miss Kate Coleman, both of Birmingham; one brother, Claude Coleman, of Birmingham; also four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Funeral services conducted by Dr. I. W. Chalker, pastor of the Forest Avenue Methodist Church, will be held at Leak's Chapel, this morning at 9:30 o'clock. Internment will be at Greenwood.

Her obituary appeared 22 November 1928 in the The Prattville Progress, published in Prattville, Alabama. It was a reprint of the Montgomery Advertiser with the following addition: Mrs. Doster was Miss Mary Ellen Coleman, daughter of Stephen Coleman before her marriage and was born and reared in the Coleman place north of Prattville. In addition to her four sons, she leaves four grandsons, three of whom are married. All make their home in Montgomery. She leaves two great-grandchildren.

Deceased was unified in marriage to Absalom Doster more than 45 years ago and resided near Prattville until she and her family moved to Montgomery.

     John married Martha Ann SAMPLE, daughter of James SAMPLE and Mariah ABNEY, on 8 March 1854 in Longview, Texas.¹

     Amanda K. Creamer, daughter of Elias Creamer and Mary "Polly" (?), was born in November 1839 in Georgia.³

Amanda K. Creamer appeared on a census, enumerated 16 November 1850, in the household of Elias Creamer in Gordon County, Georgia. The household appeared as: Elias Creamer, a 35-year-old farmer born in South Carolina, and his wife, Mary, also 35-years-old and born in Georgia. Their children were Eliza A., 12; Amanda K., 9; and Mary J., 6. The children were all born in Georgia.

Amanda married James Madison BROWN, son of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen, circa 1860 in Lampasas County, Texas. The wedding probably took place at the home of Amanda's father, Elias Creamer.¹ She and James appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 16 July 1860 in San Saba County, Texas. J. M. Brown gave his age as 22 and his occupation as "Stock Raiser". He had no real estate but personal estate valued at $543. His wife Amanda C., 21 years of age, is a native of Georgia. Living next to them was James' sister, Serena Jane, and her husband, J. B. Carroll.⁴

Amanda K. Creamer and James Madison BROWN appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 21 September 1870 in Evergreen, Washington County, Texas. Jim is shown to be 32 years old, a farmer with real estate valued at $2500 and personal property valued at $1500. His wife, Amanda Brown, was a 31-year-old Georgia native. The children in the household were John, age 8; Ava, age 4; and Luna (Lucy?), age 2. All of the children were born in Texas.⁵

Amanda K. Creamer and James Madison BROWN appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 4 June 1880 in Giddings, Lee County, Texas. The household was listed as James M. Brown, age 42, Sheriff of Lee County, born Alabama, parents born Alabama; A. C. Brown (wife), age 41, born South Carolina; Gaylord Brown (son), age 18; Lucey (daughter), age 11; Eddie (son), age 9; Anney (daughter), age 8; and William (son), age 2. All of the children were born in Texas.

Jim chose not to run for re-election in November 1884 and devoted his full time to the track. He developed his racing stables and raced on tracks outside of Texas, including St. Louis, Nashville and Chicago. By 1886 he had established his home in Fort Worth. In the 1886-1887 City Directory he is listed as a "Horseman" and resided at 445 Evans Street. His business partner was Luke Short, the famous saloon-keeper, gambler and gunfighter.¹

Occasionally Amanda was drawn into her husband's violent world. From the 26 Nov 1884 Galveston Daily News: "Sheriff Brown Gobbles a Thief-- [On November 24th] Captain James Brown, sheriff of Lee county, who is here [San Antonio] to attend the races was awakened in his tent at the racegrounds by feeling someone running his hand under his pillow, where his watch and $800 in money were stowed away. Grabbing the thief by the hand, he was dragged out of his tent by the fellow. His wife hearing the scuffle came to his rescue and shot at the thief, coming within an ace of killing her husband. The thief was finally overpowered and turned over to the authorities."

Amanda K. BROWN appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 2 June 1900 in Ward 2, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. The household was listed as Amanda C. Brown, a 61-year-old widow, born in Georgia. She was the mother of 8, with 5 living. Both of her parents were born in Georgia. Living with her were her daughters, 27-year-old Luna R. Rainey [Lucy], and 24-year-old Anna L. Staniffer [Annie]. Luna had been married one year and had one child. Anna was a widow with one child, Gaylon E. Staniffer, age 7, who was living with her. He was born Feb 1893. Amanda owned her house free and clear, without mortgage. The house was located at 104 Livingston Street, near the corner of Weatherford Street. It was a mdidle class neighborhood.⁶

Amanda K. Creamer and Luna R. BROWN were listed in the 1901 city directory for Fort Worth, Texas. Amanda C. Brown (widow of J. M.),resident 104 Lexington and Luna Rainey (Mrs. W. H.), resident 104 Lexington. There are two William H. Raineys listed, neither at this address. In the 1899 directory there was a William H. Rainey, traveling salesman for Fort Worth Wind Mill & Supply Co., boards 104 Lexington.⁷

Amanda K. Creamer and William BROWN were listed in the 1905 city directory for Fort Worth, Texas. Amanda C. Brown, (Widow of James), residence 104 Lexington. William Brown, waiter, was also listed at that address. There was a Miss Annie Brown, waitress at the Patterson House, who alos resided at same. She may have been the daughter.⁸

Amanda K. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 18 April 1910, in the household of her son William BROWN in Ward 2, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. Amanda Brown was listed as a 70-year-old widow, born in Georgia. She was the mother of 8 children, 3 of them living in 1910. They were living in her home at 104 Livingston Street.⁹

Amanda K. Creamer died in 1911 in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas.¹⁰ She was buried in Oakwood Cemetery.¹¹

     John Gaylon BROWN, son of James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer, was born on 3 May 1862 in Lampasas, Texas.^2,3 He was also known as Gaylord. He was a racehouse trainer.⁴

John Gaylon BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 21 September 1870, in the household of his parents James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer in Evergreen, Washington County, Texas. He was 8 years old.⁵

John Gaylon BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 4 June 1880, in the household of his parents James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer in Giddings, Lee County, Texas. He was 18 years old.² He was living on 23 January 1919 in Wilmette, Illinois. On that date he applied for a passport to depart from New York for Paris, France on 15 Feb 1919 for a job there. According to the application he had lived in Paris Apr 1909 to Feb 1914. He had also lived in Berlin, Germany Feb 1914 to Nov 1914. He identified his father as James Madison Brown, born Tennessee, deceased.¹

John Gaylon BROWN died on 11 May 1938 in Naperville, DuPage County, Illinois, at age 76.⁴ He was buried on 12 May 1939 in The Lexington Cemetery, Lexington, Fayette County, Kentucky.⁶

     Luna R. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 21 September 1870, in the household of her parents James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer in Evergreen, Washington County, Texas. She was recorded as Luna Brown, age 2, so born about 1868.²

Luna R. BROWN, daughter of James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer, was born in October 1872 in Texas.³ She was also known as Lucy.

Luna R. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 4 June 1880, in the household of her father James Madison BROWN in Giddings, Lee County, Texas. She was 11-years-old.¹

On 26 Apr1884 in Giddings, Sheriff James M. Brown shot and killed John Owens in his stable. Owens wanted to marry Brown's daughter, Lucy, but Brown objected. On this night, soon after returning to his home outside town, Sheriff Brown went to investigate noises coming from his horse stable and was fired upon by Owens. Brown fired four or five shots at the man, killing him.⁴

Luna R. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 2 June 1900, in the household of Amanda K. BROWN in Ward 2, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. She was listed as Luna R. Rainey. She was 27-years-old, born October 1872, married one year and the mother of one child. Where were her husband and child?⁵

Luna R. BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer were listed in the 1901 city directory for Fort Worth, Texas. Amanda C. Brown (widow of J. M.),resident 104 Lexington and Luna Rainey (Mrs. W. H.), resident 104 Lexington. There are two William H. Raineys listed, neither at this address. In the 1899 directory there was a William H. Rainey, traveling salesman for Fort Worth Wind Mill & Supply Co., boards 104 Lexington.⁶

     Eddie BROWN, son of James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer, was born in 1871 in Texas.¹

Eddie BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 4 June 1880, in the household of James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer in Giddings, Lee County, Texas. He was 9-years-old.¹

From the 10 Jan 1894 Galveston Daily News: On January 9th in Ft. Worth, "Ed Brown walked into the sheriff's office today and surrendered to answere a charge of agravated assault growing out of the shooting of Cook Carlisle through the hand on Samuels avenue last Friday evening. Brown is a son of Colonel Jim Brown, the noted turfman killed recently on a Chicago racecourse. Brown married Carlisle's divorced wife. In speaking of the matter he said: 'I have but little to say about the matter. I was in New Orleans and received a letter while there telling me that Carlisle had been abusing my wife. I came here at once to see about it. I met Carlisle near Grunwald's pavillion, and the matter, of course, came up, and the result was that Carlisle was shot through the hand.'

Brown at once gave bond and was released. Nothing has been seen or heard of Carlisle since the night of the shooting."

Eddie BROWN died on 15 December 1900 in Texas.² He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Fort Worth, Texas.³

     Annie E. BROWN, daughter of James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer, was born in October 1875 in Texas.²

Annie E. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 4 June 1880, in the household of James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer in Giddings, Lee County, Texas. She was listed as Annie, age 8.¹

Annie E. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 2 June 1900, in the household of Amanda K. BROWN in Ward 2, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. She was listed as Anna L. Staniffer, 24, born October 1875. She was a widow and mother of one child. Her son, Gaylon E. Staniffer (Stouffer?), 7, born February 1893, was living with her. The late Mr. Staniffer was born in Pennsylvania, but nothing more is known about him.³

Annie E. BROWN died on 1 August 1929 in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, at age 53.⁴ She was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas.^4,5

     William BROWN, son of James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer, was born on 5 May 1878 in Texas.^1,2 He was also known as Billy.

William BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 4 June 1880, in the household of James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer in Giddings, Lee County, Texas. He was two-years-old.¹

William BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer were listed in the 1905 city directory for Fort Worth, Texas. Amanda C. Brown, (Widow of James), residence 104 Lexington. William Brown, waiter, was also listed at that address. There was a Miss Annie Brown, waitress at the Patterson House, who alos resided at same. She may have been the daughter.³

William BROWN appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 18 April 1910 in Ward 2, Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas. The household was listed as William Brown, 32-years-old, and his 28-year-old wife, Myrtle, born in Texas. This was his second marriage and her first. They had been married two years. Her father was born in Alabama and her mother in Georgia. They had one son, James Brown, 2 months old. Living with them were William's 70-year-old widowed mother, Amanda Brown, and his 17-year-old nephew, Gaylon Stouffer, son of Annie Brown. William was a laborer who worked for a brick mason. He was unemployed and had been without work for 45 weeks during 1909. They lived in his parent's home at 104 Livingston Street, near the corner of Weatherford Street. The home was owned free and clear, without mortgage.⁴

William BROWN died on 5 August 1949 in Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas, at age 71.² He was buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Fort Worth, Texas.

     Asa Madison BROWN Jr., son of Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry, was born on 27 March 1861 in Texas.^1,3 He was also known as Acie.

Asa Madison BROWN Jr. appeared on a census, enumerated 5 August 1870, in the household of his father Asa Madison BROWN in Lampasas County, Texas. He was recorded as Asa M. Brown, age 10.¹

Asa married Barbara A. Burney on 15 April 1894 in Lampasas County, Texas. She was the daughter of W.A.Burney and Mary Williams.⁴

Asa Madison BROWN Jr. died on 1 November 1946 in San Saba, San Saba County, Texas, at age 85. His death certificate listed him as Acie Madison Brown, age 85. It said he was retired and divorced. He was born 27 Mar 1861 and his parents were Acie Madison Brown and Jerusha Humphries(sic). The informant was Mrs. Callie Shaw of Goldwaith, Texas. Cause of death was senility and he was to be buried in Lampasas county. Note: Callie Shaw was his sister, Nancy Caroline Brown Shaw.^3,5 He was buried in Senterfitt Cemetery, Lometa, Lampasas County, Texas.⁶

     Minerva Ann Summers was born on 20 June 1847 in Coweta County, Georgia.¹

Minerva married Stephen Evan BURT, son of John William BURT and Sarah Ann Amanda CAFFEE, on 28 August 1872 in Harrison, Boone County, Arkansas. Minerva was a young widow. She had been married to a man named James William Carter. They had a daughter, Georgia Ann Carter, who was listed in the household with Minerva and her family in 1870. She was, however, listed only as G.A. and her last name was not listed as Carter. Evidently William Carter died prior to 1870 and Minerva took her daughter and moved in with her parents until her marriage to Evan. They had seven children together, all born in Boone County.^2,3

Minerva Ann and Stephen Evan BURT moved to Texas after they married. They lived in several areas of eastern and northern Texas between 1872 and 1886. The last place in Texas they lived was near Denton.

In about 1886, during the winter, the family migrated north into the Indian Territory (now Oklahoma).⁴

Minerva Ann Summers and Stephen Evan BURT appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 7 June 1880 in Bosque County, Texas. The household was listed as S. E. Burt, a 25-year-old farmer; Minerva, his 29-year-old wife; step daughter Georgia A. Carter, 13, born Mississippi; daughter Beatrice Burt, 6; daughter Della Lee, 4; son John O. Burt, 2; and daughter Jennie, 6/12, born December in Texas. Beatrice, Della and John were all born in Arkansas.

Minerva Ann Summers died in 1893 in Rush Springs, Grady County, Oklahoma. She was buried in Rush Springs Cemetery.