James B. Woods
James B. Woods, the third representative of the Municipality of Liberty to sign
the Texas Declaration of Independence, was born on January 21, 1802 in
Kentucky. He arrived in Texas in 1830 and settled in the Atascosito Libertad
area of Mexico (now Liberty, Texas). Woods was among the earliest lawyers to
practice in the Liberty District and was known as a brilliant lawyer and
speaker. On January 25, 1831, Woods was granted a half a league at this site.
Due to his education, background and profession, Woods easily became involved
in politics and, in 1834, was elected Alcalde (Mayor) of the Liberty District.
He represented the District at the Consultations of 1835 and, in March 1836,
was one of five delegates representing Liberty at the Washington-on-the-Brazos
Convention. On March 11, 1836, 34-year-old James B. Woods was one of the men
who signed the Texas Declaration of Independence. In addition to his civic
duties, Woods also served in the Texas Army, Franklin Hardin Company from July
7 to October 7, 1836. He then returned to Liberty and his family to resume his
law practice.
In 1838, Woods ran an unsuccessful campaign for Congress against his
brother-in-law, Hugh B. Johnston. That same year, he married Mary Ann White
(b.1822), daughter of former Mayor Matthew G. White. James and Mary Ann had
three children. In 1851, James Woods killed Alexander Buxton over an election
quarrel, and was said to have been remorseful. Tradition states that he was
killed or took his own life. He was buried in the White Family Cemetery, three
miles southeast of Liberty, with members of his family and neighbors. (2013).