Brownwood in Brown County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Greenleaf Fisk (1807-1888)

"Father of Brownwood"

Photographed By Kayla Harper, October 28, 2018

1. Greenleaf Fisk (1807-1888) "Father of Brownwood" Marker

Inscription. Donor of present townsite of Brownwood, Fisk was noted as a soldier, public servant, surveyor and businessman. The son of English parents, he was born in New York. As a boy he was so studious that he voluntarily gave up recess periods to read. In 1834 he abandoned his preparation for the Presbyterian ministry and, with a friend, embarked down the Ohio River on a skiff to brave the Texas frontier.

Settling at Mina (present Bastrop), he fought in the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. He later served in various county offices in Bastrop and Williamson counties and was a senator in this period. He mapped this region and liked it so well he determined to settle here. Having received in 1846, for his service in the Texas Revolution, a large land grant in this vicinity, he moved here in 1860. Besides teaching, he served as county judge and also in other offices.

When difficulties arose over the location of county seat, he donated 60 acres for the town and 100 acres for county purposes. He then persuaded many citizens to move here from the old townsite.

At his death in 1888, Fisk was buried in Greenleaf cemetery. He married twice and had 15 children.

Erected 1968 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 2273.)

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these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, Texas Independence.

Location. 31° 43.372′ N, 98° 58.825′ W. Marker is in Brownwood, Texas, in Brown County. Marker is on South Broadway Street west of North Fisk Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 200 S Broadway St, Brownwood TX 76801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Camp Collier, C.S.A. (a few steps from this marker); Courthouses of Brown County (within shouting distance of this marker); Coggin and Parks Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Brown County Jail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome William Chandler (about 300 feet away); J. A. Walker House (approx. 0.4 miles away); R. B. Rogers House (approx. 0.4 miles away); Brooke Smith (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Brownwood.

Photographed By Kayla Harper, October 28, 2018

2. Greenleaf Fisk (1807-1888) "Father of Brownwood" Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 28, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2018, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. This page has been viewed 255 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 8, 2018, by Kayla Harper of Dallas, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.