AMES CLAIBOURNE NORRIS was the 2nd child of
JOHN NORRIS & MARY SARAH (CELESTE) STOCKMAN NORRIS.James
was born November 8, 1829 in Nacogdoches, Texas to JOHN
NORRIS and MARY SARAH ( CELESTE ) STOCKMAN NORRIS. James
lived to see many events occurring in our early Texas
history, such as the the signing & drafting of The Texas
Declaration Of Independence, The Fredonian Rebellion, and
the Civil war.
JAMES TAYLOR GAINES was his uncle by the marriage of
SUSANNAH NORRIS , his father's sister. James Taylor Gaines
was also one of the seven drafters of the Texas Independence
and a signer of the document.
SAMUEL NORRIS was another uncle. He was an alacade at the
start of the Fredonian Rebellion in Nacogdoches County.
Their family were surrounded by many events in our Texas
history. James' father, John Norris was known to have been a
wealthy farmer and fur dealer.
James Claibourne married MARGARET ANN AMASON (daughter of
MATTHEW & LOUISA AMASON ) Abt. 1855. Together this union was
blessed with 3 children JOHN, MARY JANE, & JULIA ANN. 1860
census shows James & Margaret living next to James' parent's
homeplace. 1861 brings the beginning of the Civil War. At
the age of 31, James newly married leaves his beloved wife,
Margaret & his children to enlist in the Confederate Army.
All of James & Margaret's children are under four years of
age. James fought in one of the most famous brigades of all
time the "GRANDBURY'S BRIGADE." The 17th Calvary was
consolidated with the 18th Calvary. His Brigade fought in
the battles of Arkansas Post, Tunnel Hill, Ring Gold Gap,
Chickamuanga and the battle of Atlanta. The battle of
Chickamuanga was also called "THE RIVER OF DEATH" as it was
the bloodiest battle of the war in all of our American
history. It consisted of only a two day battle leaving
34,000 men dead. After the war James returns home to find
that his beloved spouse Margaret has died. Needing a mother
for his children he marries Virginia M. Thomas on October 4,
1866. There are no children with this union.
Records shows that James Claibourne Norris later has left
Nacogdoches and he is living in BROWN COUNTY, TEXAS. This
record shows James being an Original land owner there owning
Abstract 1092.
By the year of 1891 Mary Jane (his daughter) has lost an
infant & she loses her beloved spouse Albert Berry Brown.
She becomes a widow at the age of 31. She has 5 young
children to care for. James Claibourne leaves Brown County
to give his support to her. There are no record of Virginia
M. Thomas Norris at this time.
James Claibourne applied for his Confederate pension in
1899 in Coleman County Texas. It is shown that his assets
were valued as 6 head of horses (3 work horses & 3 stock
horses) valued $100.00 and 1 wagon valued as "WORTHLESS".
His occupation was listed as a farmer.
1900 James lost 3 of his beloved grandchildren in the
COLEMAN COUNTY, TEXAS FLOOD. Two daughters of Mary Jane's
were drowned, ANNIE & IVIE BROWN. One child of Julia Ann
Norris Lyons' were also drowned at the time. His name was
DEEDIE LYONS . MABEL BROWN, Mary Jane Norris' Brown's oldest
daughter barely escapes with her life. She is rescued by her
future spouse GUY JASON POWELL.
James was known to have been a man of great character,
honest, and having a great faith in God. He was remembered
as being a faith healer. He also was remembered as selling
tonics & medicine. He also farmed and ranched. He was always
there to give his love and support to his children &
grandchildren. James Claibourne was valued, loved and missed
by many after his death. James Claibourne Norris died in
Santa Anna, Texas, Coleman County on January 19, 1914.