George P. Brown
IN MEMORIAM
To the Honorable W. D. Dowdy, President of the Collin County Bar Association:
McKinney Daily Courier-Gazette, June 19, 1940
Your committee on resolutions of respect for our former friend and fellow lawyer, Honorable George P. Brown, respectfully beg leave to report as follows:
He came from one of the pioneer families of Collin County, taught school and read law in his early manhood, and was duly admitted to the Bar in 1898. Since that time he has continuously engaged in the general practice of law in McKinney, interrupted only by the several times that he held political office. He served for a number of years as assistant county attorney, as county attorney of Collin County, and as assistant United States district attorney for the Eastern District of Texas.
As a lawyer he was ever mindful of his obligations and diligently gave the best of his talent and ability to the service of his clients. He was a ready and forceful speaker of considerable oratorical ability and at times attained beautiful flights of eloquence.
He was a devout Methodist, and over a long period of years conducted the Men’s Bible Class at the Sunday School of the First Methodist Church of McKinney.
He took great interest in the history of Collin County, and in his latter years diligently compiled quite a mass of data on that subject.
He was man of pleasing personality, fond of his friends, jovial and quick to see the humorous side of things; but quickly touched by anything sad or pathetic. Little children loved him. He was a loving husband and father and took great pride in his most excellent family, which feeling is shared by his neighbors and friends.
He will be missed in various ways; but we who remain will have many pleasant recollections of our association wit him through the years.
RESOLUTIONS.
Since the All Wise Father has seen fit to remove George P. Brown (forty-two years a member of this Bar) from our midst at the ripe age of 75 years, therefore, be it resolved:
That this Bar loses a useful and talented member, who always conducted himself according to the highest standards of legal ethics; his church, one of its most valued and useful members; his host of friends, a most genial and pleasant companion; Collin county, a good citizen.
To his sorrowing widow and the two fine daughters, Ruth and Esther, we extend our most sincere condolences; and we confidently commend him to the God in whom he so unwaveringly trusted throughout the years.
Resolved further that a copy of these resolutions be presented to the District and County Courts and a copy to his family.
JAMES M. MUSE L. J. TRUETT
GROVE BURTON, committee
BROWN, GEORGE P.
OWNS BROAD AXE USED TO BUILD HOUSES IN ___
Plano Star Courier, September 20, 1923
George P. Brown of McKinney has an old fashioned broad axe, hand made in 1832. This axe has perhaps as unique a history as any axe in the history of the United States. The axe was originally the property of Nathan Russell, father of Joe Russell, an early settler of this county and grandfather of Mr. Brown.
One of the first great deeds committed by the axe was in 1845 in Jackson county, Mo., where it was used to hew logs which were required in building Independence county’s temple of justice. It played its part in hewing logs for the first houses in Collin county.
Some years ago this axe was placed on display at the Collin Fair. For the information of those who looked upon this old relic Mr. Brown wrote the following brief history of the axe and pasted it on the side.
History of Axe.
“About the year 1810, Nathan Russell emigrated from North Carolina to Missouri. His son Joseph Russell, who was born Dec. 31, 1800, used this axe in hewing logs to help build the first court house in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri. On October 27, 1845 Joseph Russell with his family left Missouri for the three forks of Trinity River in the Republic of Texas, crossed Red River at Old Warren, near Bonham, December 23, 1845. He settled near Plano on the stream which bears his name Russell Branch, and hewed the logs to build the cabin with this axe. Here Robert H. Brown married Elizabeth Russell, daughter of Joseph Russell, who are the parents of George P. Brown of McKinney, Texas. Practically all the early settlers used this axe in hewing logs for their homes in what is now Collin and Dallas counties, in the early forties.”
On the other side of the axe blade appears the following: “Made at Independence, Mo. 1832, (see engravure at top) Made for Joe Russell by Joe Pool. Property of George P. Brown, grandson of Joe Russell.”
Priceless Possession.
It is very seldom these days that people see an axe made like this one. The top of the axe is the same as the ordinary pole axe, about the same width and thickness. The blade, however, is twelve inches and tapers to that length from the place where the handle goes. It gives every evidence of having “gone through the weather” and although aged as it I and as useful as it has been, it is unusually well preserved and is a priceless possession of Mr. Brown’s.
In relating the history of this axe, Mr. Brown grew somewhat reminiscent and told the reporter many incidents of history in Collin County, some of especial interest to thousands of people in Plano, Collin county, and in other sections of the state. For instance he recalled that of the early settlers who crossed Red River that December Day in 1845, with Joseph Russell, only one survives, Mrs. F. F. Morrell of Cottage Hill.
BROWN, GEORGE P.
ASSISTANT U. S. ATTORNEY TELLS OF EARLY EDUCATORS.
Plano Star Courier, January 25, 1923
Hon. George P. Brown now a prominent lawyer of McKinney, hails from Plano. He was born and reared here. He is a son of the later “Uncle Bob” Brown, on of the pioneer settlers of South Collin and early resident of Plano. His father helped to blaze the trail for civilization in this county and state. He served as Texas Ranger in 1846-47 and helped in protecting the early settlers from the Indians.
Hon. George P. Brown is now Assistant United States District Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. He received his early education in Plano and later taught school here. In speaking of his early boyhood days, he recalled some interesting history in connection with the early school days when he was a Plano school boy. To this editor he had the following to say:
“A Prof. Fulglem is my first recollection of a teacher. He taught in the school house on Spring Creek, located on land now owned by George W. B. Barnett. He was followed by a Prof. Grogin who was a Christian preacher also and was pastor of the Christian church at Plano many years here.
“Prof. Haislip assisted by a Miss Emma Hogue of New York taught in the Christian church here.
“Charles T. Morris, who later became county attorney of Collin county was a very successful teacher, who taught in the Methodist church at Plano.
“Col. W. P. Bishop taught one of the best schools and had the largest attendance of any up to this time. Among his pupils was the later Judge W. T. Beverly who admired Col. Bishop and got his inspirations from him which ultimately he realized to the elevation in position of District Judge of Collin county.
“A C. Bohannon was a person who was exceptionally fine in teaching mathematics. he taught two or three years in Plano, and later in Van Alstyne with Dan A. Bliss who became District Judge and now resides in San Antonio. M. H. Byrne was one who took great delight in grammar and public speaking. He later moved to McKinney, was elected county surveyor and went into the abstract business.
“Then there was organized what was called Plano Institution, with Prof. W. R. Mister at its head: later he was associated with Prof. T. G. Harris now of Alpine, Texas. These two men assisted by Mrs. W. R. Mister did more for higher education that had been done before. Up to this time only the public schools were taught, and Mister and Harris incorporated Plano Institute had a coursed of study and conferred degrees. Their work created a school atmosphere that is still breathed by the people of this fair little city about this unit. Prof. M. C. Portman established the Plano Academy, added much to school advantages here. The Plano Institute and the Plano Academy both going at the same time brought many substantial men to the city. In fact did more for the town than any other enterprise. The work done by these two schools is felt and appreciated in Plano to this day. Prof. M. C. Portman is dead. Prof. T. G. Harris still teaches at Alpine. Prof. Mister and wife live near S. M. U., Dallas, and are all much loved by their former pupils.
“About 1890, Plano established her present school system, took over the properties of the Institute and Academy and Prof. W. D. Love was elected superintendent of the city school. He is a lawyer now at Uvalde, Texas. The present brick school building in this city is located where the old frame building of the Plano Institute formerly stood.
“J. R. Hendrix of Muskogee, Okla. succeeded W. D. Love as superintendent of Plano, and was one of the best school men in Texas. A Prof. Ellison neee [sic] taught near Plano in about 1871.”
Mrs. Geo. P. Brown, who is a daughter of the late Elder J. R. Darnell, early settler of northwest Collin is a well known and successful teacher. She is now principal of the South Ward school at McKinney. Mr. and Mrs Brown’s two daughters, Misses Hester and Ruth, are also teachers. Mr. Brown worked as janitor of the Plano school for seven years to pay his tuition.
IN MEMORIAM
To the Honorable W. D. Dowdy, President of the Collin County Bar Association:
McKinney Daily Courier-Gazette, June 19, 1940
Your committee on resolutions of respect for our former friend and fellow lawyer, Honorable George P. Brown, respectfully beg leave to report as follows:
He came from one of the pioneer families of Collin County, taught school and read law in his early manhood, and was duly admitted to the Bar in 1898. Since that time he has continuously engaged in the general practice of law in McKinney, interrupted only by the several times that he held political office. He served for a number of years as assistant county attorney, as county attorney of Collin County, and as assistant United States district attorney for the Eastern District of Texas.
As a lawyer he was ever mindful of his obligations and diligently gave the best of his talent and ability to the service of his clients. He was a ready and forceful speaker of considerable oratorical ability and at times attained beautiful flights of eloquence.
He was a devout Methodist, and over a long period of years conducted the Men’s Bible Class at the Sunday School of the First Methodist Church of McKinney.
He took great interest in the history of Collin County, and in his latter years diligently compiled quite a mass of data on that subject.
He was man of pleasing personality, fond of his friends, jovial and quick to see the humorous side of things; but quickly touched by anything sad or pathetic. Little children loved him. He was a loving husband and father and took great pride in his most excellent family, which feeling is shared by his neighbors and friends.
He will be missed in various ways; but we who remain will have many pleasant recollections of our association wit him through the years.
RESOLUTIONS.
Since the All Wise Father has seen fit to remove George P. Brown (forty-two years a member of this Bar) from our midst at the ripe age of 75 years, therefore, be it resolved:
That this Bar loses a useful and talented member, who always conducted himself according to the highest standards of legal ethics; his church, one of its most valued and useful members; his host of friends, a most genial and pleasant companion; Collin county, a good citizen.
To his sorrowing widow and the two fine daughters, Ruth and Esther, we extend our most sincere condolences; and we confidently commend him to the God in whom he so unwaveringly trusted throughout the years.
Resolved further that a copy of these resolutions be presented to the District and County Courts and a copy to his family.
JAMES M. MUSE L. J. TRUETT
GROVE BURTON, committee
BROWN, GEORGE P.
OWNS BROAD AXE USED TO BUILD HOUSES IN ___
Plano Star Courier, September 20, 1923
George P. Brown of McKinney has an old fashioned broad axe, hand made in 1832. This axe has perhaps as unique a history as any axe in the history of the United States. The axe was originally the property of Nathan Russell, father of Joe Russell, an early settler of this county and grandfather of Mr. Brown.
One of the first great deeds committed by the axe was in 1845 in Jackson county, Mo., where it was used to hew logs which were required in building Independence county’s temple of justice. It played its part in hewing logs for the first houses in Collin county.
Some years ago this axe was placed on display at the Collin Fair. For the information of those who looked upon this old relic Mr. Brown wrote the following brief history of the axe and pasted it on the side.
History of Axe.
“About the year 1810, Nathan Russell emigrated from North Carolina to Missouri. His son Joseph Russell, who was born Dec. 31, 1800, used this axe in hewing logs to help build the first court house in Independence, Jackson County, Missouri. On October 27, 1845 Joseph Russell with his family left Missouri for the three forks of Trinity River in the Republic of Texas, crossed Red River at Old Warren, near Bonham, December 23, 1845. He settled near Plano on the stream which bears his name Russell Branch, and hewed the logs to build the cabin with this axe. Here Robert H. Brown married Elizabeth Russell, daughter of Joseph Russell, who are the parents of George P. Brown of McKinney, Texas. Practically all the early settlers used this axe in hewing logs for their homes in what is now Collin and Dallas counties, in the early forties.”
On the other side of the axe blade appears the following: “Made at Independence, Mo. 1832, (see engravure at top) Made for Joe Russell by Joe Pool. Property of George P. Brown, grandson of Joe Russell.”
Priceless Possession.
It is very seldom these days that people see an axe made like this one. The top of the axe is the same as the ordinary pole axe, about the same width and thickness. The blade, however, is twelve inches and tapers to that length from the place where the handle goes. It gives every evidence of having “gone through the weather” and although aged as it I and as useful as it has been, it is unusually well preserved and is a priceless possession of Mr. Brown’s.
In relating the history of this axe, Mr. Brown grew somewhat reminiscent and told the reporter many incidents of history in Collin County, some of especial interest to thousands of people in Plano, Collin county, and in other sections of the state. For instance he recalled that of the early settlers who crossed Red River that December Day in 1845, with Joseph Russell, only one survives, Mrs. F. F. Morrell of Cottage Hill.
BROWN, GEORGE P.
ASSISTANT U. S. ATTORNEY TELLS OF EARLY EDUCATORS.
Plano Star Courier, January 25, 1923
Hon. George P. Brown now a prominent lawyer of McKinney, hails from Plano. He was born and reared here. He is a son of the later “Uncle Bob” Brown, on of the pioneer settlers of South Collin and early resident of Plano. His father helped to blaze the trail for civilization in this county and state. He served as Texas Ranger in 1846-47 and helped in protecting the early settlers from the Indians.
Hon. George P. Brown is now Assistant United States District Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas. He received his early education in Plano and later taught school here. In speaking of his early boyhood days, he recalled some interesting history in connection with the early school days when he was a Plano school boy. To this editor he had the following to say:
“A Prof. Fulglem is my first recollection of a teacher. He taught in the school house on Spring Creek, located on land now owned by George W. B. Barnett. He was followed by a Prof. Grogin who was a Christian preacher also and was pastor of the Christian church at Plano many years here.
“Prof. Haislip assisted by a Miss Emma Hogue of New York taught in the Christian church here.
“Charles T. Morris, who later became county attorney of Collin county was a very successful teacher, who taught in the Methodist church at Plano.
“Col. W. P. Bishop taught one of the best schools and had the largest attendance of any up to this time. Among his pupils was the later Judge W. T. Beverly who admired Col. Bishop and got his inspirations from him which ultimately he realized to the elevation in position of District Judge of Collin county.
“A C. Bohannon was a person who was exceptionally fine in teaching mathematics. he taught two or three years in Plano, and later in Van Alstyne with Dan A. Bliss who became District Judge and now resides in San Antonio. M. H. Byrne was one who took great delight in grammar and public speaking. He later moved to McKinney, was elected county surveyor and went into the abstract business.
“Then there was organized what was called Plano Institution, with Prof. W. R. Mister at its head: later he was associated with Prof. T. G. Harris now of Alpine, Texas. These two men assisted by Mrs. W. R. Mister did more for higher education that had been done before. Up to this time only the public schools were taught, and Mister and Harris incorporated Plano Institute had a coursed of study and conferred degrees. Their work created a school atmosphere that is still breathed by the people of this fair little city about this unit. Prof. M. C. Portman established the Plano Academy, added much to school advantages here. The Plano Institute and the Plano Academy both going at the same time brought many substantial men to the city. In fact did more for the town than any other enterprise. The work done by these two schools is felt and appreciated in Plano to this day. Prof. M. C. Portman is dead. Prof. T. G. Harris still teaches at Alpine. Prof. Mister and wife live near S. M. U., Dallas, and are all much loved by their former pupils.
“About 1890, Plano established her present school system, took over the properties of the Institute and Academy and Prof. W. D. Love was elected superintendent of the city school. He is a lawyer now at Uvalde, Texas. The present brick school building in this city is located where the old frame building of the Plano Institute formerly stood.
“J. R. Hendrix of Muskogee, Okla. succeeded W. D. Love as superintendent of Plano, and was one of the best school men in Texas. A Prof. Ellison neee [sic] taught near Plano in about 1871.”
Mrs. Geo. P. Brown, who is a daughter of the late Elder J. R. Darnell, early settler of northwest Collin is a well known and successful teacher. She is now principal of the South Ward school at McKinney. Mr. and Mrs Brown’s two daughters, Misses Hester and Ruth, are also teachers. Mr. Brown worked as janitor of the Plano school for seven years to pay his tuition.
