Albany in Shackelford County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Rev. John Brown, Clara Barton and the 1886-1887 Drought Relief
Brown departed in August 1886 to appeal to financial institutions in eastern cities. Newspaper editors publicized his quest as he traveled, and he soon drew the ire of Texas editors and land and railroad promoters who feared the publicity would harm the state’s economic development. Thanks to his efforts, however, several railroad cars of seed wheat were sent to Texas, as well as several thousand dollars collected by eastern Presbyterian churches. Believing it was as appropriate to ask for drought relief as to seek aid following hurricanes, Brown also appealed to Clara Barton and the American Red Cross.
Brown returned home, and at the request of twenty-one counties addressed the Texas legislature. A bill passed authorizing relief funds and Gov. L.S. (Sul) Ross signed it into law. Meanwhile, the Red Cross sent clothing, household goods and tools to Albany. In January 1887, Clara Barton arrived to tour Shackelford, Stephens, Young and Callahan counties. On her way home, she visited the Dallas Morning News and left a personal check for $20, encouraging the editor to solicit funds to help the drought-stricken farmers.
In 1887, John Brown moved from Albany to Massachusetts, where he served in the state legislature. He later wrote a book entitled Twenty-Five Years a Parson in the Wild West.
Erected 2006 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13676.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Churches & Religion • Disasters. In addition, it is included in the Clara Barton series list. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1887.
Location. 32° 43.368′ N, 99° 17.818′ W. Marker is in Albany, Texas, in Shackelford County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of S. Main Street (U.S. 283) and S. 2nd Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located on the west side of the grounds of the Shackelford County Courthouse. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 225 S Main St, Albany TX 76430, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Shackelford County (a few steps from this marker); First Producing Oil Well in West Texas (a few steps from this marker); Shackelford County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. Col. William E. Dyess (within shouting distance of this marker); Texas Cattle Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); James Robert Green (within shouting distance of this marker); Rear Admiral Emory Arden Grantham (within shouting distance of this marker); Lt. Colonel William Edwin Dyess (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Albany.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 474 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 17, 2015, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.