Charlie Webb and John Wesley Hardin
John Wesley Hardin was one of the most notorious outlaws of the Old West and Charlie Webb was a Brown County Sheriff’s Deputy who was shot and killed by Hardin. Charlie Webb was a Texas Ranger and served Brown and San Saba Counties. In 1874 Webb had been appointed deputy sheriff in Brown County with instructions to go after the Hardin-Taylor Gang who operated in the southern portions of Comanche and Brown Counties. John Wesley Hardin was an outlaw who was aligned with Jim Taylor and his anti-reconstruction faction. Hardin fled De Witt and Gonzales counties after killing Sheriff Jack Helm. Taylor and Hardin went on a cattle drive to Brown and Comanche Counties where the Hardin Gang had a reputation for lawlessness.
On May 26, 1874, Charlie Webb and John Wesley Hardin were both in Comanche. Having a good day and winning money, cattle, wagons and horses, Hardin was celebrating in local saloons. Outside of Jack Wright’s saloon, Hardin shot and killed Webb. Witnesses stated that Hardin was the first to draw. Hardin fled Texas with his wife and child and was on the run for three years. Texas Rangers and the Pinkerton men captured Hardin in Florida and he was extradited back to Texas to stand trial. Hardin was found guilty of second degree murder and sentenced to twenty-five years in the state penitentiary in Huntsville. While in prison Hardin studied law and when released after fifteen years began a law practice in El Paso. Hardin was killed on August 19, 1895 in the El Paso Acme Saloon and is buried in Concordia Cemetery. Charlie webb is buried in Brownwood’s Greenleaf Cemetery in the Masonic section
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The state flower of Texas is the bluebonnet. The flower blooms in the spring and is a common sight along the highways and in fields throughout the state.
The county was officially established on August 27, 1856, and was named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a commander during the Texas Revolution. During the mid-19th century, the area experienced rapid growth and development. The arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railroad in 1885 significantly boosted the local economy, leading to a population increase and new opportunities for trade.
Throughout its history, Brown County has been primarily agricultural-based, with cotton being a major crop during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The discovery of oil in the early 1900s also brought prosperity to the region. As the county developed, schools, churches, and other infrastructure were established, contributing to the growth and overall wellbeing of the community.
Brown County has faced its fair share of challenges as well. Like many other areas in Texas, it struggled during the Great Depression, but gradually recovered with the help of various New Deal programs. In recent years, the county has focused on diversifying its economy, with industries such as healthcare, education, and manufacturing becoming more prominent.
Today, Brown County maintains its historical charm and offers a mix of rural landscapes and urban conveniences. It continues to preserve its heritage through various cultural events and historical sites, including the Brown County Museum of History. As the county moves forward, it strives to balance growth with its strong sense of community and appreciation for its past.
Brown County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Brown County, Texas.
- 1800s: Brown County was initially inhabited by Comanche and Kiowa Native American tribes.
- 1849: The County was originally established by the Texas Legislature and named after Henry Stevenson Brown, a Republic of Texas militia major killed at the Battle of Velasco during the Texas Revolution.
- 1856: The first permanent settlement was established in the county, known as Brownwood, named after Henry Stevenson Brown.
- 1867: The county was officially organized, and Brownwood became the county seat.
- 1885: The arrival of the Texas Central Railroad in Brownwood facilitated growth and development in the county.
- 1903: Howard Payne College, now known as Howard Payne University, was founded in Brownwood.
- Early 1900s: Cotton and livestock farming were the primary economic activities in Brown County.
- 1930s: The Great Depression deeply impacted the county's economy, leading to a decline in population and prosperity.
- 1950s: The discovery of oil and gas reserves brought an economic boom to Brown County.
- 1970: Lake Brownwood was constructed as a recreational reservoir in the county.
- 1997: The expansion of Howard Payne University included the renovation and construction of various campus facilities.