Person Page - 95

     Jane Ringgold Leas was born on 30 September 1830 in Baltimore, Maryland.

Jane married Rev. Peyton Smith GRAVES, son of William GRAVES and Sarah SMITH, on 19 October 1850 in Baltimore, Baltimore County, Maryland. She was twenty years old and was the daughter of George Leas and Hester Maria Ringgold Stamps of Baltimore. Editors Note: some researchers show her name as Patterson, but the marriage record clearly shows her name as Jane R. Leas.^1,2

Jane Ringgold Leas and Rev. Peyton Smith GRAVES appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 23 June 1860 in Palatine, Anderson County, Texas. The household was listed as S. P. Graves, a 61 year old Methodist Episcopal minister, born in Georgia, and his implied wife, J. R. Graves, age 30, born in Maryland. He had real estate valued $1200 and personal estate valued $2150. Their children were: G (Georgia Arline), female age 15, born Alabama, attending school; E. S. (Ella), female age 7, born Alabama; and A. M. (Ina Mae), male(sic) age 2, born Mississippi.³

Jane Ringgold Leas appeared on a census, enumerated 5 September 1860, in the household of her father John Joseph BURT in Prairie Bluff, Wilcox County, Alabama. He was recorded as Martin N. Burt, age 1.⁴

Peyton died circa 1867 in Texas leaving Jane as a widow. In 1868 she married Phillip T. Ellisor in Polks County, Texas.

Jane Ringgold Leas died on 28 January 1901 in Texas at age 70.

     Charles ABNEY, son of Dannett ABNEY and Cassandra Abney, was born circa 1750 in Lunenburg County, Virginia.^1,2

He was probably the male under age 16 listed in the household of his father, Dannett ABNEY, in the 1790 Federal Census of Ninety-Six District, Edgefield County, South Carolina.

Charles ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1790 in Cheraw District, South Carolina. The household was listed as two males ages 16 and over [Charles and son, William]; one male under 16 [Paul]; and one female.³

Charles ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1810 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. The household was listed as 1 male age 26-45 [Charles]; 1 female age 26-45; and 3 females under age 10.¹

During the War of 1812 Charles ABNEY along with Absalom Troup ABNEY, Abney MAYS Jr. and William ABNEY and Thomas Hamilton ABNEY enlisted in Youngblood's 1st Regiment of South Carollina Militia.⁴

Charles ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1820 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. The household was listed as 1 male 26-45 [Charles]; 3 females 16-26; and one female 45+.¹

Charles ABNEY appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1830 in Edgefield County, South Carolina. The household was listed as one male age 50-60 [Charles]; one male 5-10; one male under 5; one female 40-50; and two females 15-20.¹

     Asa Miles LEWIS, son of Mordecai LEWIS and Lecia BROWN, was born on 13 November 1811 in Tennessee.¹

Asa Miles LEWIS was an attorney. He lived in Brenham, TX for 14 years or from its beginning in 1843. He was a prominent attorney and public official in Washington Co., TX, from 1845-1850. He appears on the 1850 census for Washington County, Texas, age 34. He also appears on the 1846 Tax List for the same county. Asa founded the first Baptist church in Brenham, Texas, and the Washington on the Brazos Baptist College, which later sold and moved to Belton, in Bell County, Texas. He was renamed Mary Hardin College for Women and later, Mary Hardin Baylor University.¹

Asa Miles LEWIS died on 13 September 1863 in Brenham, Washington County, Texas, at age 51.^1,2 He was buried in Prairie Lea Cemetery, Brenham, Texas.²

     Rebecca married Dr. William Leggett LEWIS, son of Mordecai LEWIS and Lecia BROWN, circa 1842 in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama. She was the daughter of Edward and Mary Elizabeth Swan. Her sister Elizabeth married William's brother Stephen M. Lewis.^1,2

Rebecca Swan died circa 1860 in Alabama.

     Olivia married Dr. William Leggett LEWIS, son of Mordecai LEWIS and Lecia BROWN, on 1 January 1860 in Alabama.¹

     Isabella married Dr. William Leggett LEWIS, son of Mordecai LEWIS and Lecia BROWN, on 9 January 1867 in Alabama.¹

     Jessie Madison LEWIS, son of Mordecai LEWIS and Lecia BROWN, was born on 21 August 1818 in Blount County, Alabama.¹

     Archibald LEWIS, son of Mordecai LEWIS and Lecia BROWN, was born circa 1822.¹

     Joshua LEWIS, son of Mordecai LEWIS and Lecia BROWN, was born circa 1825.¹

     George W. LEWIS, son of Mordecai LEWIS and Lecia BROWN, was born circa 1827.¹

     Asa Madison BROWN, son of Asa Anderson BROWN and Jerusha HUMPHREYS, was born on 4 March 1819 in Tennessee.^2,3 Asa Madison BROWN also went by the name of Matt.⁴

He was named an heir in the will of his grandfather, John HUMPHREYS III, dated on 16 September 1826 in Dickson County, Tennessee. ...grandson John Humphrey Brown and Asa Madison Brown and their father Asa A. Brown, give them the negro that their father, Asa A. Brown, did "feloniously steal, take, and carry her away from me."^5,6,7

He was probably one of the two males age 10 to14 listed in the household of his father, Asa Anderson BROWN, in the 1830 Federal Census of Bibb County, Alabama.⁸

In March 1838 Asa Madison BROWN was received by experience in the Enon Baptist Church in Bibb County. Also received were Asa A. and Jerusha Brown.⁹

Asa married Emily Catherine Rottenberry on 6 October 1838 in Bibb County, Alabama. The ceremony was performed by Asa's uncle, David L. Brown, justice of the peace.¹⁰

Asa Madison BROWN appeared on the 1840 Federal Census of Bibb County, Alabama, A. Madison Brown: 1 male 20-30 [Asa], 2 males 10-15, 1 male under 5 [Anderson J.], 1 female 10-15 [Emily], and 1 female 40-50 [his mother, Jerusha].¹¹

Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 2 November 1850 in Cache Township, Jackson County, Arkansas. The household was listed as Asa Brown, age 30, Alabama; Emily Brown, 26, North Carolina; Jackson, 11, Alabama; Sarah, 9, Arkansas; Jerusha, 5, Arkansas; and Lucinda, 10/12, Arkansas.¹²

Matt BROWN moved from Arkansas to Texas 1852 According to a history of San Saba County the family moved in 1853 to San Saba County, settling in the bend of the Colorado River which went by the name of Brown's Bend, but was later changed to Shaw's Bend. It is located four miles east of State Highway 16 and ten miles northeast of San Saba.

Callie Brown said that the first home she remembered was a log house built by her father in three separate parts with a door and a window in each part. All the furnishings were made by her father also, such as bedsteads, tables, chairs, benches, and water buckets made out of wood. They had three large bins made from the trunks of large trees hollowed out: one for meal, one for lard, and one for homemade soap. He also made all of the shoes for the family out of home tanned leather. All their clothes were made from home-spun wool and cotton that was dyed with homemade dye made from bark, walnut leaves or red rock. The cooking was done in a large fireplace. Most of their meat was wild game.

They made all their own soap and washed their clothes on a handmade rubboard. They had no sugar, all of the sweetening was done with wild honey. They ket a few sheep for wool. They hauled their corn to San Saba to be ground into meal. They raised their own tobacco. Settlers located near water and most of the streams had lots of springs.^3,13

Matt was granted land 1 September 1856 in Jackson County, Arkansas. He purchased 40 acres being the southwest quarter of the southeast quarter of section 10, township 11 N, range 2 W.¹⁴

Asa Madison BROWN was granted land 17 November 1858 in Milan District, Williamson County, Texas. The grant was for 317 acres of land.¹⁵

Asa sold a tract of land to John B. Berry on 19 August 1859 in Milan District, Williamson County, Texas, containing 90.60 acres.¹⁶

Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 24 July 1860 in San Saba County, Texas. The household was listed as A. M. Brown, 42, Tennessee; Emily Brown, 40, North Carolina; Anderson J., 21, Alabama; Jerusa, 13, Arkansas; Lucinda J., 10, Arkansas; John H., 9, Arkansas; Robert, 6, Texas; and Nancy Ann, 3, Texas. Also living with them was Asa's mother, Jerusha Brown, age 80, born North Carolina.¹⁷

Emily died on 14 January 1865 in San Saba County, Texas, leaving Asa Madison BROWN as a widower.³

According to another history of San Saba County, J. H. "Shorty" and "Matt" Brown, brothers with their families and their mother came to San Saba County in the early 1850s. It states that "Asa Madison Brown was one of the first settlers of Brown Bend community, later called Shaw Bend. From the Handbook of Texas Online: "Shaw Bend, previously known as Browns Bend or Brown Bend, is in a bend of the Colorado River four miles east of State Highway 16 and ten miles northeast of San Saba in northeastern San Saba County. The community was founded around 1855 either by Stinnett Mussett, W. McShan, and Matt Brown or by Asa Madison Brown and William Calvin Shaw. It was named after W. Shaw, an early settler and Baptist preacher." Matt married several times and had twenty children. Some of his children were Jack B. Brown, who married Priscilla Lane, John H. Brown, Asa Madison, Sarah (Harris), Elizabeth married Sanford Hufstutler, Callie married Taylor Shaw, Lou and Robert."⁴

Asa married second Sarah Frances Price on 6 March 1868 in Lampasas County, Texas.¹⁸

Asa Madison BROWN appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 5 August 1870 in Lampasas County, Texas. The household was listed as Asa M. Brown, a 50 year old, Stock Raiser, with $3200 in real estate, and born in Tennessee. A son, John H., was 17 years old and born in Arkansas. Then there were three more children all born in Texas, Robert A., age 14; Nancy C., age 12; and Asa M., age 10. Living in the next house was John Dalton, related to Queens and maybe related to the outlaw Daltons.¹⁹

He bought 160 acres of land from A. S. Lewis on 1 December 1875 in Milan and Travis District, Lampasas County, Texas.²⁰

Asa Madison BROWN and Sarah Frances Price appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 21 June 1880 in Precinct 5, Lampasas County, Texas. The household was listed as A. M. Brown, a 62-year-old stock raiser and S. F. Brown, his 27-year-old wife. They had two daughters, 9-year-old R. S. and 10-month-old L. B. , born in September. They also had a 6-year-old son, H. A. Living with them Asa's 90-year-old mother, J[erusa] Brown. Living next to them were Joe and S. J. [Sarah Jane Brown] Harris; Robert A. and T. R. Brown; and A. J.

Asa Madison BROWN died on 3 May 1899 in Senterfitt, Lampasas County, Texas, at age 80. He was buried in Senterfitt Cemetery, Lampasas County, Texas. The cemetery is located two miles west of Lometa on FM 581. Senterfitt was a town began in the 1860s and began to die out when the railroad bypassed it in the 1890s.

His obituary appeared 5 May 1899 in the The San Saba News, published in San Saba, Texas. "Mr. A. M. Brown, Sr., brother to the late J. H. Brown; died at 3 o'clock Tuesday morning at his home just east of the Mill Creek. He was born in Bibb county, Alabama nearly 80 years ago, came to Texas about 1852, and lived in this and neighboring counties since 1856. Mr. Brown was the old gentleman who had a garden on the north side of the road just beyond the Mill Creek bridge. It is said that about two weeks ago he made his last will and testament and it was this: "I will my soul to God and my body to Lampasas county." The corpse was taken to Lampasas county and buried in a neighborhood graveyard on Elliot's creek."

His obituary appeared 20 May 1899 in the The Lampasas Leader, published in Lampasas, Texas. Mr. A. M. Brown, Sr., brother to the late J. H. Brown, died at 3 o'clock Tuesday morning at his home just east of the Mill Creek. He was born in Bibb county, Ala. nearly 80 years ago; came to Texas about 1852, and lived in this and neighboring counties since 1856. Mr. Brown was the old gentleman who had a garden on the north side of the road just beyond the Mill Creek bridge. It is said that about two weeks ago he made his last will and testament and it was this: "I will my soul to God and by body to Lampasas county." His corpse was taken to Lampasas county and buried in a neighborhood graveyard on Elliot's Creek.¹⁸

     Emily Catherine Rottenberry was born circa 1824 in North Carolina.¹

Emily married Asa Madison BROWN, son of Asa Anderson BROWN and Jerusha HUMPHREYS, on 6 October 1838 in Bibb County, Alabama. The ceremony was performed by Asa's uncle, David L. Brown, justice of the peace.¹

She was probably the female age 10 to 15 listed in the household of her father, Asa Madison BROWN, in the 1840 Federal Census of Bibb County, Alabama.²

Emily Catherine Rottenberry and Asa Madison BROWN appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 2 November 1850 in Cache Township, Jackson County, Arkansas. The household was listed as Asa Brown, age 30, Alabama; Emily Brown, 26, North Carolina; Jackson, 11, Alabama; Sarah, 9, Arkansas; Jerusha, 5, Arkansas; and Lucinda, 10/12, Arkansas.³

Emily Catherine Rottenberry and Asa Madison BROWN appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 24 July 1860 in San Saba County, Texas. The household was listed as A. M. Brown, 42, Tennessee; Emily Brown, 40, North Carolina; Anderson J., 21, Alabama; Jerusa, 13, Arkansas; Lucinda J., 10, Arkansas; John H., 9, Arkansas; Robert, 6, Texas; and Nancy Ann, 3, Texas. Also living with them was Asa's mother, Jerusha Brown, age 80, born North Carolina.⁴

On 14 January 1865 Emily Catherine died in San Saba County, Texas, leaving Asa Madison a widower.⁵

     Andrew Jackson BROWN, son of Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry, was born on 1 August 1839 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹ He was also known as Anderson.

He was probably the male under age 5 listed in the household of his father, Asa Madison BROWN, in the 1840 Federal Census of Bibb County, Alabama.²

Andrew Jackson BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 2 November 1850, in the household of his parents Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry in Cache Township, Jackson County, Arkansas. He was recorded as Jackson Brown, age 11, born Alabama.³ A. J. and his cousin, James Madison Brown, served in Capt. John Williams' company of Texas Rangers during 1858 and 1859.⁴

Andrew Jackson BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 24 July 1860, in the household of his parents Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry in San Saba County, Texas. He was recorded as Anderson J. Brown, age 21, born Alabama.⁵

Anderson married second Judith Priscilla Lane on 7 August 1864 in Harmony Ridge, San Saba County, Texas.⁶

Andrew Jackson BROWN died on 6 October 1917 in San Saba, San Saba County, Texas, at age 78.⁷ He was buried in Harmony Ridge Cemetery, San Saba County, Texas.

     Sarah Jane BROWN, daughter of Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry, was born on 27 January 1842 in Jackson County, Arkansas.^1,2

Sarah Jane BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 2 November 1850, in the household of her parents Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry in Cache Township, Jackson County, Arkansas. She was recorded as Sarah Brown, age 9, born Arkansas.³

Sarah Jane BROWN died on 14 April 1918 in Lampasas County, Texas, at age 76.² She was buried in Senterfitt Cemetery, Lometa, Lampasas County, Texas.

     Jerusha Elizabeth BROWN, daughter of Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry, was born on 26 September 1847 in Arkansas.^1,2 She was also known as Pet.

Jerusha Elizabeth BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 2 November 1850, in the household of her parents Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry in Cache Township, Jackson County, Arkansas. She was recorded as Jerusha Brown, age 5, born Arkansas.³

Jerusha Elizabeth BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 24 July 1860, in the household of her parents Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry in San Saba County, Texas. She was recorded as Jerusa Brown, age 13, born Arkansas.⁴

From San Saba County History, 1856-1983: "When Callie [Nancy Ann] was about six years old the men-folk knew the Indians were near and went to drive them away, leaving the women and young children alone. That night just after dark Callie looked through the cracks and saw an Indian dart behind a tree. They blew out the light and went to another unit of the house where they would be safer. Pet [Jerusha Elizabeth, age 18] barred the door and got a rifle and pistol. She pulled up a board in the floor and told her grandmother [Jerusha H. Brown] to take the small children and get under the floor. The moon was shining bright and Callie kept watching and saw the Indians darting from tree to tree and reported to Pet who stood guard with the guns. The dogs kept barking and after a while the moon went down, and the Indians left. Pet and Callie stood guard the rest of the night."⁵

Jerusha married Sanford "Jack" Hufstutler on 28 October 1865 in Lampasas, Lampasas County, Texas. They had seven children.⁶

Jerusha Elizabeth BROWN died on 27 April 1937 in San Saba, San Saba County, Texas, at age 89.^6,2 She was buried in Chadwick Cemetery, Lometa, Lampasas County, Texas.^7,8

     Lucinda J. BROWN, daughter of Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry, was born in 1849 in Arkansas.¹

Lucinda J. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 2 November 1850, in the household of her parents Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry in Cache Township, Jackson County, Arkansas. She was recorded as Lucinda Brown, 10 months old, born Arkansas.²

Lucinda J. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 24 July 1860, in the household of her parents Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry in San Saba County, Texas. She was recorded as Lucinda J. Brown, age 10, born Arkansas.³

     John H. BROWN, son of Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry, was born in 1851 in Jackson County, Arkansas.^1,2

John H. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 24 July 1860, in the household of his parents Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry in San Saba County, Texas. He was recorded as John H. Brown, age 9, born Arkansas.³

John H. BROWN 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 John H. Brown, age 17, born Arkansas.⁴ In 1875 John H. BROWN was in the Lampasas Militia in 1875 in Elliotts Creek, Lampasas County, Texas.⁴

John H. BROWN died on 26 November 1927 in Los Angeles County, California.⁵ He was buried in Rose Hills Memorial Park, Whittier, Los Angeles County, California.⁵

     Robert A. BROWN, son of Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry, was born in 1854 in Texas.¹

Robert A. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 24 July 1860, in the household of his parents Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry in San Saba County, Texas. He was recorded as Robert Brown, age 6, born Texas.¹

Robert A. BROWN 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 Robert A. Brown, age 14, born Texas.²

     Nancy Caroline Beatrice BROWN, daughter of Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry, was born on 6 July 1857 in San Saba County, Texas.^1,2 She was also known as Callie.

Callie BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 24 July 1860, in the household of her parents Asa Madison BROWN and Emily Catherine Rottenberry in San Saba County, Texas. She was listed as Nancy Ann Brown, age 3.¹

From San Saba County History, 1856-1983: "When Callie [Nancy Ann] was about six years old the men-folk knew the Indians were near and went to drive them away, leaving the women and young children alone. That night just after dark Callie looked through the cracks and saw an Indian dart behind a tree. They blew out the light and went to another unit of the house where they would be safer. Pet [Jerusha Elizabeth, age 18] barred the door and got a rifle and pistol. She pulled up a board in the floor and told her grandmother [Jerusha H. Brown] to take the small children and get under the floor. The moon was shining bright and Callie kept watching and saw the Indians darting from tree to tree and reported to Pet who stood guard with the guns. The dogs kept barking and after a while the moon went down, and the Indians left. Pet and Callie stood guard the rest of the night."³

Callie BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 5 August 1870, in the household of her father Asa Madison BROWN in Lampasas County, Texas. She was recorded as Nancy C. Brown, age 12.⁴

Nancy married Franklin Taylor Shaw on 6 July 1873 in Shaw Bend, Mills County, Texas.⁵

Nancy Caroline Beatrice BROWN died on 16 July 1953 in Brownwood, Brown County, Texas, at age 96.² She was buried in Joy-Mohler Cemetery, Goldthwaite, Mills County, Texas.

     Jane Ann Allen was born in 1821 in Tennessee.¹

Jane married John Humphreys BROWN, son of Asa Anderson BROWN and Jerusha HUMPHREYS, circa 1838 in Arkansas. She was the mother of 17 of his 21 children.¹

Jane Ann Allen appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1840, in the household of John Humphreys BROWN in Randolph County, Arkansas.²

Jane Ann Allen and John Humphreys BROWN appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 10 September 1850 in the Milam and Washington District, Williamson County, Texas. The household was listed as John H. Brown was listed as a farmer, 33 years old with real estate valued at $200. He was born in Tennessee. The only notation for his 29 year old wife, Jane A., was that she had been born in Tennessee and could neither read nor write. They had five children, James M., age 11; Asa R., age 9; Sarina J., age 8; Amanda C., age 5; and William A., age 2. All the chidren were born in Arkansas, except for the oldest, James, who had been born in Alabama. The family would remain but a few years in Williamson County before moving 100 miles northwest to present day San Saba County. They were there as early as 1854 and help establish the town of San Saba.³

Jane Ann Allen appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1860, in the household of John Humphreys BROWN in San Saba County, Texas.⁴

Jane Ann Allen and John Humphreys BROWN appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 2 July 1870 in San Saba, San Saba County, Texas. John Brown, 52, whose occupation was raising cattle and his wife, Jane A., age 49. Both were born in Tennessee. John had real estate valued at $7000 and $21,050 in personal property. They had five children: William A., age 22; Joab, age 16; Susan E., age 14; John Mc., age 11; and Rebecca J. Brown, age 8. All of the children were listed as "living at home", except for the eldest, William, who was "attending to cattle" and had personal property valued at $250. In the same household were laborers John Barton, Andy Ivy, C. Montgomery, a cook, his children Nathan and Emily Montgomery, and John King who "works with cattle."⁵

Jane Ann Allen died in 1875 in San Saba, San Saba County, Texas. She was buried in Brown Family Cemetery, Six Mile, Bibb County, Alabama.

     James Madison BROWN, son of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen, was born in 1839 in Bibb County, Alabama.¹ He was also known as Jim.

James Madison BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1840, in the household of his father John Humphreys BROWN in Randolph County, Arkansas.²

James Madison BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 10 September 1850, in the household of his parents John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen in the Milam and Washington District, Williamson County, Texas. He was 11 years old. The family would remain but a few years in Williamson County before moving 100 miles northwest to present day San Saba County. They were there as early as 1854 and help establish the town of San Saba.³

James Madison BROWN was at various times a drover, horseman, gambler, and frontier sheriff. His law enforcement career began in May of 1858 when he served in Capt. John Williams' company of Texas Rangers through the summer of 1859. Nearly 100 men were in the command, including his cousin, A. J. Brown.⁴

James married Amanda K. Creamer, daughter of Elias Creamer and Mary "Polly" (?), circa 1860 in Lampasas County, Texas. The wedding probably took place at the home of Amanda's father, Elias Creamer.⁵ He and Amanda 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.⁶

During the Civil War on 9 March 1861 Jim enlisted in W. R. Wood's San Saba Minute Men for the defense against Indian raids. In 1863 he enlisted in the San Saba County Troops, 31st Brigade, Texas State Troops, under the command of his father. The command was organized for local defense for a period of six months. Headquarters were at Braunfels, Comal County. Jim was 26 years old and had provided his own rifle and pistol... and no doubt his own horse.⁷

James began military service on 5 March 1864 in Lampasas, Texas, 2nd Frontier District, Texas State Troops, under Capt. M. J. Scott. Jim was 1st lieutenant. He served for 26 days for $2.75 a day for total of $71.50. He was 25 years old at the time of the muster roll. His was armed with one Colt pistol.⁸

James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer 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.⁹

In 1869 Jim was probably one of the trail hands that drove a large herd from the San Sabo region to Roswell, New Mexico Territory. He next served as a private in the Texas State Police Force stationed at Giddings, Washington County, beginning in the summer of 1872 through March of 1873. He earned at $80 per month. In 1874 Lee County was created from Bastrop, Burleson, Fayette, and Washington Counties. About this time the Texas Rangers were organized from the former State Police force. Jim served under the famous Capt. Leander H. McNelly in the Washington County Volunteer Militia Company A, from July 25 to October 27, 1874. He saw action in the Dewitt County area where the Sutton and Taylor forces were feuding. He served as third corporal in this same force again from April 6 to October 1, 1875, combating Mexican raiders on the Rio Grande frontier. He was paid $15 per month, plus a clothing allowance of $4 per month and fifty cents per day for his horse.

During these hard times of Reconstruction Jim also became involved in gambling and horse racing. Seemingly comfortable on either side of the law, he met and gambled with four of the most notorious gunfighters and mankillers that the state of Texas produced: Bill Longley, Ben Thompson, Phil Coe and John Wesley Hardin. Hardin in 1870 was living near Brenham, Washington County. He felt the country was getting too hot for him due to the efforts of Capt. McNelly, and recalled in his autobiography: "I sold out my interest in the crop and again started my roaming life. I first went to Evergreen, about 40 miles from Brenham. There were some races there and the town was full of hard characters. Bill Longley and Ben Hinds were there, as was also Jim Brown. In those days they gambled in the open air and out in the streets when weather permitted."

Also during this period Jim was establishing a reputation as a horseman; he raced successfully in Gonzales County as well as Travis County. He had grown up to be an excellent judge of horses and in his later years became wealthy from winning on the turf.^7,10

The newly created Lee county was a frontier area and needed strong law enforcement officials. Jim Brown was hired by James McKeown, the county's first sheriff, as his deputy in the fall of 1875. Jim was elected Lee County Sheriff February 15, 1876. According to his biography in the Handbook of Texas Online, "He served in that office during a very lawless era and established a record for being a very energetic sheriff. But his years were not without controversity. He was involved in serveral personal feuds as well as several killings."

One episode demonstrates the hazzards of his job. On April 29, 1876 as Jim and his brother, William A. Brown approached his home assasins opened fire and Jim was struck by nine buckshot. Of the incident, the Austin Statesman wrote: "We admire the intelligence of the people of Lee County. They elect the right sort of sheriffs. Achilles was not the more invulnerable than the sheriff of Lee. The last one they created over there was shot last week and penetrated by nine buckshot, but he still lives unawed, unterrified and unkilled. His name is J. M. Brown and they can't knock his [block off]."

This same newspaper wrote about Jim in April 1884: "Jim Brown, sheriff of Lee County, is known far and wide for his bravery, and his name has become a terror to desperadoes and violators of law in his section... Sheriff Brown is somewhat below medium height, is squarely built, wears light brown beard, and has a face exceedingly mild in its expression, being indellibly stamped upon his mind that he is a man of great nerve and absolutely devoid of fear."

Sheriff Jim Brown was re-elected four times, serving for eight years. He left office in 1884. His most notable act in office was the legal hanging of noted outlaw William P. "Wild Bill" Longley on 11 October 1878 before a crowd of thousands. Longley was reputed to have killed 32 men.^11,10

Jim BROWN had a long-standing feud with Giddings City Marshal Hugh McKeown. About 6 pm on 4 May 1877, their quarrel came to a fatal end when Sheriff Brown shot and killed McKeown. Brown was arrested, but later released on $1,500 bond. He was never convicted.

James Madison BROWN and Amanda K. Creamer 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.⁵

James Madison BROWN died on 6 September 1892 in Chicago, Illinois. On that day at the Garfield Park racetrack police attempted to arrest James on an old murder charge from Texas. His biography reports, "Brown resisted, and in the ensuing gunfight he was killed, along with two members of the Chicago police force. Chicago newspapers described him as a millionaire but also alleged that he may have murdered as many as fourteen men while he was sheriff. It is surmissed that his position and the fear he engendered among his contemporaries protected him from prosecution. He was survived by his wife and five children."¹⁰

Jim's obituary was printed on 7 September 1892 in the Daily News newspaper, published in Galveston, Texas. It read: "Mr. Brown was for eight years sheriff of Lee county and during his official career had an enviable reputation as a brave and efficient public servant. It is said that he, during the time he was sheriff, captured and secured the conviction of more desperate criminals than any sheriff in the state."¹² He was buried on 10 September 1892 in Oakwood Cemetery, Fort Worth, Texas. Other famous western figures buried here include John Slaughter, Luke Short, and "Long-Haired" Jim Courtright.^13,14

An article in the September 24, 1892 issue of National Police Gazette reported on Brown's death with the headline "ONE AGAINST HUNDREDS. Horseman's Brown's fight with Chicago policemen. Died with boots on. His victims number sixteen." The story read in part, "...he died as he would have chosen to die had he been given the choice. His gun, emptied in every chamber, was clinched in his hand. He wore boots, and he had put two more notches on a stock that was already scarred with the record of fourteen battles to the death..."¹⁵

Jim's grave was unmarked until 24 Sep 2006 when a number of family members and friends participated in the unveiling of a beautiful new black China granite marker. Direct descendant James Marvin Brown and author Chuck Parsons shared their thoughts with the group. The marker reads: James M. Brown, 1838 - September 6, 1892. Sheriff of Lee County, Texas 1876-1884. Officiated at the hanging of Wild Bill Longley in 1878. He was a state policeman, a Texas Ranger and a turfman. He lived in Fort Worth 1888-1892. He was killed by Chicago, Illinois police in a gunfight at the Garfield Park Racetrack.¹⁶

     Asa Robertson BROWN, son of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen, was born on 16 September 1840 in Arkansas.^2,1

Asa Robertson BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 10 September 1850, in the household of his parents John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen in the Milam and Washington District, Williamson County, Texas. He was nine years old. The family would remain but a few years in Williamson County before moving 100 miles northwest to present day San Saba County. They were there as early as 1854 and help establish the town of San Saba.³

Asa Robertson BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1860, in the household of John Humphreys BROWN in San Saba County, Texas.⁴

Asa began military service at age 21 on 2 April 1862 in Waco, Texas, when he enlisted for the war as a private in Capt. John M. Stone's company H of the 19th Texas Cavalry, Burford's regiment, CSA. He was described as age 21, 5 foot tall, hazel eyes and brown hair. He was discharged 11 Aug 1862.

He enlisted in San Saba 1 Nov 1862 in Capt. P. D. Turner's company B, 3ed Battalion, Arizona Brigade Mounted Partisan Rangers, which later became Company G of Madison's regiment of Texas Cavalry.

Asa married Mary Sophia Kirkpatrick on 12 March 1866 in San Saba County, Texas.

Asa Robertson BROWN and Mary Sophia Kirkpatrick appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 3 July 1870 in San Saba, San Saba County, Texas. He was listed as 29 years of age, wife Mary S., age 22, and two children Louisa S., 3, and John H., 11 months old. His occupation was listed as "raising cattle." Living with then was Ann L. Bower, age 11 and born in Texas. Asa had real estate valued at $700 and personal property worth $1,650. Living next door was J. Frazer Brown, a 28-year-old lawyer who was born in Tennessee. He was also listed as the assistant marshal who performed the census survey.⁵

Asa Robertson BROWN and Mary Sophia Kirkpatrick appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 1 June 1880 in San Saba County, Texas. The household was listed as Asa R. Brown, a 39-year-old farmer born in Arkansas, and his 33-year-old wife, Mary S. Brown, born in Indiana. Her parents were born in Tennessee. Their children, all born in Texas, were Lillian C., 13; James H., 10; Troy, 7; Elmer, 5; and Babe, age 1. Also living in the household was Thomas Monk, a 32 year-old farm laborer born in North Carolina.⁶

Asa killed his sister Rebecca's husband, Andrew Smart, in a barroom brawl on 30 July 1883 in San Saba, San Saba County, Texas. The event was reported in The Daily Banner of Brenham, Washington County, of 11 Aug 1883. "At San Saba on the 30th ult., A. R. Brown shot and killed Andrew Smart, his brother-in-law. Both were reputable citizens and the affair is said to be much regretted. An old feud had existed between them."⁷

Asa Robertson BROWN died on 15 February 1889 in San Saba County, Texas, at age 48. He was hung by unknown parties.^8,1

His obituary appeared 15 March 1889 in the San Saba News and Star, published in San Saba, Texas. "Asa R. Brown was born on Sept. 16th, 1840, and died near his home in San Saba county, on the 15th day of February, 1889. The deceased had been a citizen of this county about thirty-four years preceding his death. ... Mr. Brown had only one daughter, (Miss Katie), well known to her large circle of acquaintances as a young lady pronounced for ___ and Christian stamina, and admired by all for refinement, intelligence and intrinsic worth. He left five boys, some of them just attaining unto manhood."¹ He was buried in Odd Fellows Cemetery.

Asa Robertson BROWN appeared in a newspaper article 19 February 1889 in the Dallas Morning News, published in Dallas, Texas. "Two Men Hanged -- Goldthwaite, Tex., Feb. 18-- Mr. J. T. Utzman, deputy sheriff, returned tonight from the search for W. C. Smith, who mysteriously disappeared Tuesday, and reports that they found where Mr. Smith had been hanged. The rope had been cut, a part of it still hanging to the limb to which he was hanged. They found his gun, watch and belt hid in a tree top, but no further trace could be found. The party also found the body of Mr. Asa R. Brown hanged within about two miles of where Smith was hanged. Mr. Brown was found this evening. He lived on the next farm above Mr. Smith and had left home Friday morning to join the search for Mr. Smith. The hanging was done in San Saba county, near the Colorado river.

There is great excitement in that section. Mr. Brown was raised in San Saba county and was the son of J. H. Brown who was one of the first settlers in that county. He was also a brother of J. M. Brown, ex-sheriff of Lee county. Mr. Utzman thinks he must have been hanged Friday night as there was at least 150 men scouring that section in search of Mr. Smith Friday. Mr. Brown's horse was found near where he was hanged. The saddle was lying by the free to which he was hanged and the horn string used for tying his hands behind him. His son states he had both currency and silver in his vest, all of which had been taken. His gun and a box of cartridges were found near him. His body was cut down and carried to San Saba this evening. Both men have large families.

Mr. Smith was hanged Monday and Mr. Brown Friday. As to who the perpetrators of the double hanging were no one can conjecture. This state of affairs is greatly deplored by the good people of the county. The trouble is confined to to that immediate section. The officers will leave nothing undone in their efforts to find out who committed these dastardly crimes."

The following extract is from the 22 February 1889 San Saba News: "Two men, Charles W. Smith and Asa R. Brown, were hanged near the Colorado River near the northern part of the county some time during the latter part of the week. Mr. Smith being seen last Monday evening and Mr. Brown leaving his home Friday morning. The body of Mr. Smith has not yet been found, though the party in search of him found unmistakable evidence of his having been hung. The body of Mr. Brown was found Sunday evening by a searching party and was brought to town and was buried Monday at the Odd Fellows Cemetery. There are many different theories in regard to the cause and manner of the death of these men, and the officers are doing their utmost to discover and bring the perpetrators to justice." According to Karen Crisalli, family lore has it that Asa was hung "by the Mob" which was prevalent in San Saba in the late 1800s.

From a San Saba historical marker: "Removed from major roads and railways, early San Saba County residents had limited access to law enforcement and government. Beginning in the mid-185s, citizens in and around the county formed vigilante mobs to dispatch justice. Although originally formed to protect residents, these mobs often evolved into organized gangs, terrorizing the residents that they had initially formed to protect.

By the 1880s, a group unofficially called the San Saba Mob, or the Assembly, had killed numerous area settlers. Believed to have included religious leaders and elected officials, the mob operated under strict ritual and secrecy, meeting clandestinely at places like Buzzards water hole and Cottonwood pond. Organized similarly to a Fraternal Lodge, the group used secret signs and gestures to identify membership. After meeting and deciding who to eliminate, the regulators would ride wearing black masks or hoods, and ambush their victims with a telling nine bullet holes.

In 1896, in order to stop the violence, the state sent Texas Rangers led by Sgt. W. John L. Sullivan to investigate, and San Saba County News editor Uluth M. Sanderson began running editorials against the mob. Sullivan was later replaced by Ranger Captain William J. "Bill Jess" McDonald, who worked effectively with district attorney W. C. Linden to expose as many mob members as possible. To avoid interference from local officials believed to have ties to the group, they moved key trials to Austin and Llano. By 1900, the Rangers and Linden succeeded in breaking the mob's control over county residents, although few members ever paid for their crimes."

The following appeared in The Lampasas Leader, 23 Feb 1889: "Mr. Bose McAnally, who lives about three miles from San Saba, was in Lampasas this week and called at The Leader office. He reports everything quiet in that section now and gave us a interesting account of the hanging of Asa Brown, or as much as is known. Mr. Brown left home about 10 o'clock in the morning on a summons from Sheriff Cunningham of Mills county, to aid in the search for Charley Smith who had been missing for some time. Brown put his dinner in his saddle pockets and started for Spring Creek school house where they were to meet. When found he was hanging to a low limb, his hands tied with his horn string and hung with his own rope. The lunch was still in his pocket. His horse went home in the neighborhood. There is no clue to the perpetrators."

     Sarena Jane BROWN, daughter of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen, was born on 18 December 1842 in Jackson County, Arkansas.¹ She was also known as Sarah.

Sarena Jane BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 10 September 1850, in the household of her parents John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen in the Milam and Washington District, Williamson County, Texas. She was eight years old.²

Sarena Jane BROWN appeared in a newspaper article 16 September 1892 in the The San Saba News and Star, published in San Saba, Texas. "Mrs. J. B. Carroll went to Fort Worth last week to attend the funeral services of Mrs. J. M. Brown."" Note: that shoud have read Mr. J. M. Brown, referring to her brother James Madison Brown who had just been killed.

Sarena Jane BROWN died on 26 July 1942 in San Saba, San Saba County, Texas, at age 99. She was buried in San Saba City Cemetery, San Saba, San Saba County, Texas.

     Amanda C. BROWN, daughter of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen, was born in 1846 in Arkansas.^1,2

Amanda C. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 10 September 1850, in the household of her parents John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen in the Milam and Washington District, Williamson County, Texas. She was five years old.³

Amanda C. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1860, in the household of John Humphreys BROWN in San Saba County, Texas.⁴

Amanda married Robert G. Binion on 12 November 1863 in Burnet, Burnet County, Texas.⁵

Ollie Ann Binion, the daughter of Amanda and Robert, married a well-known western character. George Taplin "Tap" Duncan was born in San Saba, Texas, on February 4, 1869. The Duncan family was a tough bunch. His older brother outlaw Richard "Dick" Duncan was hanged for murder in 1892. That same year, Tap married Ollie Binion. He and Ollie moved to Idaho, and Tap got into the cattle business. It was during this time that Tap became associated with Harvey Logan and other members of Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch. The extent of Tap’s involvement with the gang is unclear, but in 1898, Tap killed a man in a barroom fight. He left Idaho in a hurry with Ollie and their four children and bought a ranch on Knight Creek, near Hackberry, Arizona.

Tap was known as quite a sharpshooter, especially when it came to his own defense. According to a story told by his nephew, the story behind the man he killed was that Tap had driven cattle from Bruneau to Mountain Home and sold them. He had the money with him and was attacked by a gunman in a saloon in Bruneau. His belt buckle stopped the bullet and saved his life. He drew his gun and shot the assailant five times in the heart.

On June 7, 1904, three men held up the Denver & Rio Grande No. 5 outside Parachute, Colorado. A posse cornered the robbers two days later near Rifle, Colorado. In the ensuing shoot-out, one of the men, Harvey Logan, a.k.a. Kid Curry, was severely wounded. With no chance to escape, Logan convinced his two accomplices to make a run for it while he held off the posse. When the shooting stopped, the posse found Logan dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head.

The posse identified the dead man as Tap Duncan.

Pinkerton agents investigating the train robbery recognized that the dead man was actually Harvey Logan. The railroad didn’t want to pay the reward, so the agents confirmed that the dead man was Tap Duncan. He was buried in Glenwood Springs, and the legend was born that Logan had fled the country to join his friends Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid in South America.

The famous outlaw Tom “Black Jack” Ketchum's sister was married to Tap’s older brother, Bige.

Tired of the bitter cold Idaho winters, Tap and Ollie Duncan and five other families formed a wagon train and headed for Arizona in 1898. Crossing the Colorado River at Bonelli Landing, a local guide, Ila Grounds, met them and guided them into Mohave County.

Tap established the Diamond Bar Ranch, tucked away in a remote corner of Arizona’s Mohave County. It was located some 50 miles as the crow flies northeast of Kingman, Arizona, between the Grand Canyon and the second largest Joshua Tree forest in the state. The ranch was established by a Mormon rancher, W. Starkey, in the late 1800s. Tap Duncan purchased it in 1910. He gradually expanded the ranch until, at its most productive, he was running 2,000 head of cattle on more than 2,265 sections (approximately 1.45 million acres). What remains of the ranch is now part of the 106,000-acre Grand Canyon West Ranch, a working cattle ranch and guest resort.^6,7

Amanda C. BROWN and Robert G. Binion appeared as head of household on a census enumerated 17 June 1880 in San Saba County, Texas. The household was listed as Robert Binnion, 39-year-old farmer; his 34-year-old wife, Amanda; daughter Lavina 14; daughter Ollie 12; daughter Lorah, 9; daughter Tenia, 6; and son 9 months old, born in September.

Amanda C. BROWN appeared in a newspaper article 11 March 1887 in the The San Saba News and Star, published in San Saba, Texas. In the News . . . Recent Marriage Licenses. Rev. A. R. Craven to Mrs. A. C. Binion.⁸

Amanda C. BROWN died in 1920. She was buried in John H. "Shorty" Brown Cemetery, San Saba, Texas.

     William A. BROWN, son of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen, was born in 1848 in Arkansas.¹ William A. BROWN also went by the name of Billy.

William A. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 10 September 1850, in the household of his parents John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen in the Milam and Washington District, Williamson County, Texas. He was two years old.²

William A. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1860, in the household of John Humphreys BROWN in San Saba County, Texas.³

In July 1869 John H. Brown was in charge of a cattle drive west into New Mexico. Actually the drive was made up of three herds which were driven together: Brown's from San Saba, Montgomery's from the Cherokee section, and one belonging to J. B. Harrell and E. Boyett from the Chappel Community. The three herds were kept together as protection against raiders. With Brown were his sons Jim and Billie. There were adventures on this cattle drive but apparently no problems with Indians or rustlers.

William F. Crawford, one of the hands, left a memoir. "[One night] it rained hard and here I saw a sight I had never seen before. The lightening played on the backs and horns of the cattle, and actually I thought I could smell the hair burning, but no cattle were killed." When the herds got to Roswell Brown nearly lost one of his sons in a fracas. "While at Roswell," Crawford recalled, "Billie Brown was standing against the old adobe wall across the room from these two men, when one of them jerked a dirk knife and threw it at him, he jumped, the knife struck in the wall." The herders were back in San Saba by the end of September 1869.⁴

William A. BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 2 July 1870, in the household of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen in San Saba, San Saba County, Texas.⁵

On 29 April 1876 Bill was riding with his brother, Jim Brown, the sheriff of Lee County. As the pair was approaching Jim's home outside Giddings, assassins opened fire. Sheriff Brown was struck by nine buckshot, but survived. The assasins were never identified.

William A. BROWN was a saloon operator in San Saba, San Saba County, Texas. Hard feelings erupted between Bill and city attorney S. S. Brooks over his liquor license, the result being that Bill attempted to shoot Brooks, but was himself shot and killed by Brooks' law partner, Thomas G. T. Kendall. Brooks was later killed in a vendatta by Bill's brother, Jim Brown, on 17 Sep 1878.

William A. BROWN died on 21 May 1878 in San Saba, San Saba County, Texas.⁶ He was buried in John H. "Shorty" Brown Cemetery, San Saba, Texas.

     Josephine BROWN, daughter of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen, was born in 1850 in Texas.¹

Josephine BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1860, in the household of John Humphreys BROWN in San Saba County, Texas.¹

Josephine BROWN died before 1870 in Texas.

     Joseph Abner BROWN, son of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen, was born on 22 December 1853 in San Saba County, Texas.^1,2 He was commonly known as Joab.

Joseph Abner BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 1 June 1860, in the household of John Humphreys BROWN in San Saba County, Texas.¹

Joseph Abner BROWN appeared on a census, enumerated 2 July 1870, in the household of John Humphreys BROWN and Jane Ann Allen in San Saba, San Saba County, Texas.³

Joseph married Louisa Williams in 1874 in San Saba County, Texas.

Joab BROWN and John Mack BROWN killed Col. John Griffith on 7 March 1889 in Junction City, Texas. Griffith, a former Confederate guerilla leader and a master mason, was shot and killed at his ranch some twenty miles from Junction City. According to a newspaper story, Griffith "was a prominent figure during the civil war, commanding one of the most noted querrilla organizations, and the right bower of General Forrrest." The cause of the feud is believed to be Griffith's involvement in the lynching of Joab and Mack's older brother, Asa R. Brown.⁴

Joab was sentenced to three and a half years for manslaughter in the killing of Col. Griffith on 1 July 1893 in Texas State Penitentiary, Huntsville, Walker County, Texas.[. lM2]

Joseph Abner BROWN died on 7 March 1926 in San Saba County, Texas, at age 72.² He was buried in San Saba City Cemetery, San Saba, San Saba County, Texas.⁵