Written by Clay Riley – For well over 50 weeks, I have been gathering and sharing bits of history about Brown County, and I hope you have found them to be informative and entertaining. We have more history in every square acre of land here in Brown county, than most people have in their entire counties.
Some of the most interesting, strong willed, brave and determined individuals, have found their way to Brown County. Most came running toward opportunity, to improve their lot and provide a better life for their families. Some were running from misfortune, bad luck or in some cases the law, but they all added to our rich culture of strong and successful people.
Uncle Bill Anderson was an early pioneer in our county, but he was not Bloody Bill Anderson. Henry Ford was a successful businessman and banker in our community, but he was not Jesse James. Both were here in Brown County, and rumors or myths were told about them, while the other more infamous individuals were living out their short lives as a result of the Civil War. Our local records prove that. History does not lie, after all, history is history, it does not change.
We shared our history with giants like; Brooks W. Lee – Ranger Captain, Greenleaf Fisk – San Jacinto Veteran and Father of Brownwood, Henry Ford – Banker and County Official, The Coggin Brothers – cattlemen and Bankers, Brooke Smith – Early Real Estate developer and businessman, John Rankin – Businessman and Developer, Simon Pierce Burns – Attorney/Prosecutor and State Representative, Rufus Hardin – Black Educator and Community Leader, and so many others. Beside them were their spouses, strong independent ladies that shared in their husband’s success.
This county has seen devastation from weather, loss of life by Indian raids and high mortality from diseases that would one day be eradicated, but there were rewards for those willing to take the risk. As the communities grew, more resources became available that took the harsh edge off the daily lives of these pioneers. Through it all, our citizens have flourished and built a better place for each succeeding generation.
It has been my pleasure to share stories of these successes and failures, so that those that went before us will not be forgotten. That is the least we can do for them, helping to repay the debt we owe them. We still learn from their experiences, successes and failures.
I have enjoyed sharing these stories with you. I will be taking a break from this column for a while, to finish several research projects, and to preserve more of our rich heritage. Please stop by our Local History & Genealogy Library branch and support it. I continue to be a volunteer and hope to see you there.
A new history column will appear here in the coming months on a bi-monthly basis. We are fortunate to have in our community, a retired history educator, by the name of Carl Bodiford. Carl will continue to share the stories of this county and its people with the community, through his column in this newspaper. Please make him welcome, contribute your family stories and share his column with others.
My appreciation to the Coers for allowing the space in “Brownwood News.com”, to record our history and share with their online subscribers. Thanks to their community spirit, our history is recorded and is being saved for us all.
Once again, thank you for your support, positive feedback and friendship. I am but an email away from answering your genealogy or historical questions. Please feel free to do so.
Clay Riley
My email: pvgsbwd@gmail.com
Local History & Genealogy Library
Branch of the Brownwood Public Library
213 S. Broadway
(325)646-6006
The Pecan Valley Genealogical Society
(browncountytexasgenealogy.com)
Meets the second Monday evening of each month.
6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
213 S. Broadway
