James Alfred Head
Kosse, Limestone County, Texas
Marker Inscription
James A. Head was a Texas Ranger, veteran of the War for Independence, and Republic of Texas legislator. Born in Georgia in 1797, he moved to Texas in 1835, enlisting at San Felipe de Austin in Silas Parker’s ranging company and securing a land grant at Sarahsville de Viesca. With wife Elizabeth (Seale) Head, he farmed in what is now Brazos County, serving as Justice of the Peace in 1841. Later that year he was elected to the Sixth Congress of the Republic of Texas and served as Chief Justice of Brazos County, 1848-51. By 1852 Head farmed 17,800 acres in Robertson and Limestone counties. He died at Headsville in 1872. James Alfred and Elizabeth Head had 13 children.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Georgia-born James A. Head came to Texas in 1835 and enlisted at San Felipe de Austin in Silas Parker's ranging company, earning a land grant and a place among the Texas Rangers who guarded the frontier during the war for independence. With his wife Elizabeth he farmed in what became Brazos County, served as justice of the peace and chief justice, and won election to the Sixth Congress of the Republic of Texas. By 1852 he worked some 17,800 acres and died at Headsville in 1872, father of thirteen children.
Why it matters
Head's life traces the arc of Anglo settlement in Texas, from ranging companies on a contested frontier to landholding and self-government under the Republic.
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Related people
- · James Alfred Head
- · Elizabeth Seale Head
- · Silas Parker
Themes & tags
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