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Biographies of Nacogdoches County, Texas Residents
(History and photos contributed by Evelyn Owens) Copyright © 2001-2004, Evelyn Owens, All Rights Reserved. See also bio of James Claibourne Norris' brother John Samuel Norris and bio of Nathaniel Norris. The Stockman Family is detailed on page 646 of the book NACOGDOCHES COUNTY FAMILIES. JAMES CLAIBOURNE NORRIS was the 2nd child of JOHN NORRIS & MARY SARAH (CELESTE) STOCKMAN NORRIS. John was the son of EDMUND & SARAH NORRIS. MARY SARAH was the daughter of FREDRICK STOCKMAN & KATHERINE (NOT ELIZA) DESPONETE STOCKMAN. James was born November 8, 1829 in Nacogdoches, Texas. He lived to see many events occurring in our early Texas history, such as the the signing & drafting of The Texas Declaration Of Independence. JAMES TAYLOR GAINES (see obituary), spouse of his Aunt SUSANNAH NORRIS, was one of seven drafters & signers of the Declaration. James Gaines was also the owner of the Gaines Ferry which was an important link to carry immigrants and many needed provisions into Texas and was also the owner of the Gaines-Oliphant House which is on the National Register of Historic Places. See also Gaines House. Both of these links are to the Handbook of Texas Online. James Gaines was also the owner of the Gaines Mine (photo provided by Carolyn Feroben, County Coordinator Mariposa,CA USGenWeb Prohect site)which was in Hornitos in Mariposa County, California. 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 farmer and a 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. John is a recent widower of about 3 years. 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 "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. By 1891 Mary Jane had 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 comes to give 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' was also drowned at the time. His name was Dee 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.  James Claibourne Norris  James Claibourne Norris & his daughter Mary Jane Norris Brown's family. circa 1891 - 1900 Left To Right: Top Row: John Stonewall Brown (grandfather of contributor), Albert Burlison (Burl) Brown Bottom Row: Ivie Brown (drowned in 1900 Coleman Flood), James Claibourne Norris, Annie Brown (drowned in 1900 Coleman Flood), Mary Jane Norris Brown, Mabel Brown (All children were the children of Mary Jane Norris Brown And Albert Berry Brown.)  Mary Jane Norris Brown, spouse of Albert Berry Brown and daughter of James Claibourne Norris and Margaret Ann Amason Norris. Albert Berry Brown, son of Albert Burleson (Burrell) Brown and Susan Elizabeth Upton Brown. Note: Mary Jane has lost her mother Margaret at the age of 3-4 years of age. Albert Berry lost his father at the age of 14. His Father Burrell Brown was killed & Scalped by the Indians 1870, in Coleman County. Both understood the loss of a beloved parent. See this link on Coke County TXGenWeb Project site for additional information on this family and many of the other family members mentioned on this page.  Julia Ann Norris & Dee Lyons (drowned in 1900 Coleman Flood) Julia Ann Norris married 3 times: W. A. McCullom, John Lyons and George Schoolcraft.  Top Row: left to right Unknown James Claibourne Norris Julia Ann Norris (Daughter of James Claibourne Norris & Margaret Ann Amason Norris) Middle Row: left to right Mary Jane Norris Brown (Daughter of James Claibourne Norris & Margaret Ann Amason Norris) Albert Burlison Brown (Son of Mary Jane Norris Brown & Albert Berry Brown) Maude Elizabeth White Brown (Spouse of Albert Burlison Brown} Bottom Row: left to right Lillie Brown (Daughter of Albert Burlison Brown & Maude Brown) Gordon Brown (Son of Albert Burlison & Maude Brown) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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This page last updated: Tuesday, 25-May-2010 14:05:21 MDT