Brisbin - Family History & Genealogy Message Board

Re: Brisbin name

leonatextor27 — 2012-03-24 05:46:48Z

My great grandfather was George Washington brisbin and he was you great grandfather, Your Grandfather was Chanchey Lee Brisbin .I have his death cert. My Grandfather was Henry L Brisbin, Chanchey Lee Brisbin brother Please email me at mae639@juno.com

Re: I'm a Brisbin

joe_lamb28 — 2012-03-15 17:19:35Z

hello, my name is joe lamb, and i am searching for my biological father. from the information my mother has given me, his name is ricky edwin brisbin, he was stationed in hawaii in or around 1982-1985. my birth name was joseph glenndal campbell. i would like to meet and know my entire family, 28 years is a long time. heres my email joe.lamb28@gmail.com.

Re: John Brisbin 1781-1846

outofmymindagain — 2012-03-06 02:15:18Z

i am the daughter of Nancy Brisbin here in pa her father was john w. brisbin is there any retation

Brisbin Family

gameplr56 — 2012-02-22 02:02:03Z

Hi, my dad was David R. Brisbin, his father - Harris (Harry) M. Brisbin, his father -Rollin E. Brisbin, his father- Marion F. Brisbin, his father - Robert Brisbin. Thats as far as I've gotten. I have their wives names. Found Phebe Call Brisbin's family tree. Could use help with any more info. Thanks. debweb07@yahoo.com

Re: John Brisbin 1781-1846

Jackie_Marshall68 — 2011-12-05 13:13:48Z

Hi DD, I don't have any 'original' papers, but a lot of photocopies sent by many other Brisbin researchers. I used to work on the Brisbin family like crazy, but haven't in over 10 years, so my memory is a bit rusty. I'm also a descendant of William & Sarah (Moore) Brisbin & would love to communicate with you. Please write to me again at my own email address: j15m@yahoo.com. I finally came to the conclusion that William Brisbin was probably not a son of Capt. John. I'll be happy to share my notes. -Jackie

Re: John Brisbin 1781-1846

ddinsick1 — 2011-12-05 04:35:03Z

I too descend from the Brisbin family - not from John Brisbin 1781-1846, but from his brother William, husband of Sarah Moore. I was fascinated to read that you have a dossier of papers belonging to John and to his father, CPT John Brisban (thus, my ancestor). Perhaps I have info that could add to your research. Would you be willing to tell me whether any of the papers you have re. CPT John Brisban could help me prove that he had a son named William Brisbin, born to Eliza "Elianor" Adcock of MD? I am trying to prove this connection and have yet to find a birth or baptismal record for William. It seems to be a commonly accepted connection, but the Daughters of the American Revolution have stated that "future applicants must prove the children." Thus, I have to provide proof to link myself to John Brisban. I would appreciate any help you might give me. DD

Re: Brisbin from Texas

leonatextor27 — 2011-11-19 22:18:43Z

I would like to see picture of Anna Brisbin Dawson

Re: Brisbin from Texas

leonatextor27 — 2011-11-19 03:37:20Z

I am great granddaughter of George Washington Brisbin/ This Addie Dawson Child of Anna brisbin Dawson and John Dawson

Re: Brisbin from Texas

leonatextor27 — 2011-10-30 20:34:12Z

Please go to familysearch. I know who Annie Dawson is now. My Great grandfather was George Washington Brisbin. Her brother

Re: Brisbin from Texas

leonatextor27 — 2011-09-30 18:27:50Z

I found census of 1910 for Julia Brisbin Walker Barnes Please check Familysearch

Re: Brisbins in Canada

jmmilan_1 — 2011-08-04 02:54:34Z

Did you have any more luck since your posting? I am a descendant of John T Brisbin through his daughter Annie. I am in possession of the Joseph M Brisbin family bible. I too am now trying to make the links from Michigan, New York, Canada, New York, and Scotland. There is some misinformation about the connection to the Brisbane's based on conflicting dates. Let me know.

Re: Brisbin from Texas

leonatextor27 — 2011-04-26 16:24:19Z

George Washington Brisbin Granddaughter , Lottie Tharp married the son of Robert Lee Brisbin Bennie Brisbin

James Sanks Brisbin

brf1740 — 2011-04-20 15:39:22Z

Biographical Sketch of James Sanks Brisbin, by Benjamin R. Foster

James Sanks Brisbin (23 May 1837 - 11 Jan 1892), soldier, was born in Boalsburg, Pa., the son of Ezra Brisbin, a farmer, and Margaret Packer Brisbin. He received a good education at the Boalsburg Academy. As a young man he moved to Bellefonte, Pa., where he read law and wrote for the Centre Democrat, of which he later became editor in chief. He became noted as an anti-slavery orator and in 1860 was attacked by a mob in Wheeling, W. Va., for advocating the election of Lincoln. By his own account the treatment he received so increased his hatred of slavery that he published a letter offering to lead an armed force into Virginia to liberate slaves, causing considerable stir, such that the governor of Virginia, John Letcher, warned Brisbin and his friends not to set foot in the state at the peril of their lives. In Brisbin's own words, "The discussion which arose continued in the newspapers for some months following, by prominent men on both sides, and attracted the attention of the whole country. Notwithstanding the warning of Governor Letcher, Brisbin again went to Virginia, where he continued to address the people, and to advocate the election of Mr. Lincoln, but so temperate was his language that no pretext could be found for his arrest. At the request of many prominent citizens of the place he closed his campaign at Wheeling, Va., the night before the election of Mr. Lincoln, and on the same ground where he had been mobbed a few weeks before, an orderly audience listened to him for more than two hours."
At the outbreak of the Civil War, Brisbin closed his printing office, with placards reading "No more papers will be printed at this office until the Rebellion is whipped. The days for writing have passed, and the time for
fighting has come." Brisbin enlisted as a private in the Pennsvalley
Volunteers from Boalsburg, and marched to Harrisburg under Captain Robert MacFarland. In his own words, "obtaining a short furlough, started for Washington but was recognized at Baltimore as the man who had offered to "invade Virginia," was arrested by Marshall Kane, and taken to police headquarters. While being conducted to prison he made his escape through the Eutaw House, and was concealed by a Union man until night, when he was driven in a market wagon by a man by the name of Patterson, a citizen of Baltimore, to Annapolis Junction, from whence he safely entered the Union lines, and joined General Butler.”
"Honorable Simon Cameron, then secretary of war, and a warm personal friend of Brisbin, as soon as he heard of his young friend having entered the volunteer army, at once appointed him second lieutenant in the regular army, and ordered him to report for duty at Carlisle Barracks, Pa., to Major Lawrence Graham. This, his first commission, bears date of April 26th, 1861, and assigns him to duty with the First Regiment of United States dragoons - this regiment afterwards became the First Cavalry, and years later he became colonel of it.”
"Lieutenant Brisbin continued on garrison duty at Carlisle until
July 19th, 1861, when he was sent to Washington, D.C., by Major Graham, with a detachment of recruits for Hunt's Battery, 3d U. S. Infantry, and the regular cavalry serving in the Army of the Potomac. His orders were to report to General Mansfield at Washington, turn over his recruits at once and return to Carlisle, but on arriving in Washington he found that General Mansfield had gone to the front, and he continued with his detachment to Fairfax Court House. Here he reported to Colonel Butterfield, who armed the men, and ordered the lieutenant forward to Centreville. Reaching Centreville at noon on the day of the first battle of Bull Run, Lieutenant Brisbin reported first to General Blenker, and afterwards to Colonel Miles, but being unable to obtain orders from either of these officers, he marched for the battlefield. Soon after arriving on the field, the lieutenant was struck by the fragment of a shell thrown from one of the Rebel batteries, and severely wounded, his men carrying him off the field. He fell back to Centreville, when hearing that the army had been defeated, he left all but his cavalry men and again went forward, became engaged, and was shot in the arm. Retreating rapidly to Centreville, he again took up the remainder of his men, and by
direction of Quartermaster General M. C. Meigs, formed a line across the road at the site of the old Germantown Road, and endeavored to check the retreat of the flying Union forces. A lieutenant colonel of the Union army retreating with his regiment, attempted to force Lieutenant Brisbin's line, and a fight ensued in which two of the lieutenant's men were killed, seven wounded, and himself knocked down and severely cut in the shoulder by the stroke of a sabre, but the road was finally held, and the panic-stricken troops were stopped. General Meigs coming up at the moment of the melee, Lieutenant Brisbin reported to him and asked for further orders. By General Meigs he was directed to continue to hold the road, and that officer galloped back to Centreville for reinforcements to aid in stopping the retreat. Late in the evening the general returned and told the lieutenant to put his troops in column and fall back to Arlington. So much pleased was General Meigs with the conduct of the young officer, that he enquired his name and made a note of it, at the same time inviting him to call at the Quartermaster General's office as soon as he should reach Washington.”
"On reaching Arlington Lieutenant Brisbin turned over his troops, and
being very ill from his wounds, was taken to the Avenue Hotel, Washington, where he endeavored to obtain a pass and return to Carlisle, but so great was the crowd about the provost marshall's office, he was unable to get near the place. Remembering the invitation of General Meigs, he was driven at once to the quartermaster general's office, and after waiting a long time succeeded in gaining admission. General Meigs at once recognized the young officer, and observing he was very weak and faint, gave him a chair requesting him to be seated. When the lieutenant made known his business, the general informed him he was too ill to go home at once, and sent him to his own house, where the general's family physician, Dr. Norris, attended him carefully, and the members of the family nursed him with great care and kindness. General Meigs at once interested himself in the poor and friendless young lieutenant, reporting his conduct to both the secretary of war, and to General Scott, and solicited promotion for him. The Sixth Regiment of Cavalry was then being organized, and added to the regular army, and Mr. Cameron nominated Lieutenant Brisbin for the rank of first lieutenant, which was afterwards changed to a captaincy in the regiment, a gentleman who had been offered this appointment in the Sixth Cavalry having declined it. One day at dinner the general surprised the lieutenant by handing him his appointment as captain in the Sixth Cavalry, at the same time telling him if he preferred to have the same rank in the Quartermaster's
Department, it was at his refusal. Lieutenant Brisbin thanked his
benefactor and accepted the cavalry appointment. He having married a young wife six weeks before, and seeing first his death and then his having been wounded announced in the papers, he was anxious to return to Carlisle, and while quite ill set out for Harrisburg. Before leaving Washington General Meigs took him to see General Scott, and the secretary of war, both of whom commended him for his services at the battle of Bull Run, General Scott saying "such young men are a credit to our country." Arriving at Harrisburg his strength had completely given out, and he was confined to his bed at the hotel for many weeks, his life at times being despaired of. Finally however he recovered sufficient strength to return to his home in the mountains of Pennsylvania, and in October following he reported for duty with his new regiment then stationed at Bladensburg, Maryland. Being too weak for duty in the field, his colonel, William H. Emory, sent him to Cleveland, Ohio, on recruiting service.”
"On the 12th of December, 1861, Governor Dennison of Ohio, at the
request of the officers of the Third Ohio Cavalry, appointed Captain Brisbin a major in that regiment, which was then being organized at Munroville, but Adjutant General Lorenzo Thomas refused to allow Captain Brisbin to accept the commission in the volunteer regiment, unless he would first resign his position in the regular Army, this the captain positively and promptly refused to do.”
After the stint in Ohio on recruiting duty, Brisbin was assigned in May, 1862 to active duty with the Sixth Cavalry. He served in the Peninsular campaign under General George McClellan, and at Malvern Hill.
He was with General Alfred Pleasanton in the campaigns along the base
of the Blue Ridge. In the battle of Beverly Ford, on the 9th of June,
1863, he was conspicuous for gallantry, and for this received the brevet
rank of major in the regular Army. During Lee's invasion of Pennsylvania,
Brisbin served as chief of cavalry on the staff of General Darius N. Couch,
then commanding the Department of the Susquehanna. He commanded Pennsylvania militia at the battle of Gettysburg. He was twice elected
a colonel of cavalry by Pennsylvania troops but Governor Curtin refused to commission him because he had opposed his nomination as
governor of Pennsylvania in 1860. Camp Brisbin, near Harrisburg, was named in his honor.
In the fall of 1863, Captain Brisbin rejoined the Army of the Potomac, and in December of that year wrote to Congressman Benjamin Wade of Ohio advocating enlistment of “colored troops.” This letter was shown to the President and the Secretary of War, and the arguments contained in it were read to the Senate. Brisbin was therafter appointed a colonel of colored troops. Eventually assigned to the Fifth Cavalry under General Albert Lee (l864), he accompanied General Nathaniel Banks on his ill-starred expedition up the Red River, and was again wounded at Sabine Cross Roads in April, 1864. After Banks' defeat, Brisbin returned north and was then reassigned to recruiting duty in Kentucky and as chief-of-staff to Gen. S. G. Burbridge, serving in all the battles of Burbridge's command. He raised nearly 20,000 "colored troops" in Kentucky, many of whom, in his view, would otherwise have directed their energies to pillage and banditry. These included the 107th, 108th, 109th, 14th, 15th, 17th, 18th, 19th, 122d, 123d, 124th, and 125th regiments of Colored Infantry, the 12th and 13th regiments of Heavy Artillery, and the 5th and 6th regiments of Colored Cavalry. In October and December, 1864,
Brisbin's Colored Troops saw action in the expeditions against the Salt
Works in West Virginia, and Brisbin was appointed brigadier by brevet,
with promotion in May, 1865 to brigadier general of volunteers.
According to General John McNeil, Brisbin was "one of the few officers of
the old army who early sought ... to command negroes in the field and
who has full faith in their abilities as soldiers."
In his own words, “of the manner in which he managed the delicate duties with which [Brisbin] was charged, General Burbridge in a letter to Secretary Stanton says, "I deem it again my duty to call your attention to the services of General Brisbin. He has been in this Department since June, 1864, and in the short space of less than one year has enlisted, organized, disciplined and put into the field in perfect order nearly twenty thousand colored men. The enlistment of negroes in this state was a delicate question, but General Brisbin has managed it so well as to give general satisfaction to our citizens, and at the same time accomplish the most astounding results for the government. Besides his duties as Superintendent of Organization of Colored Troops, General Brisbin has most of the time commanded a division, and acted as my chief of staff, rendering me great assistance. General Brisbin is discreet industrious and brave, and I have placed him in command of the principal division of my forces. Trusting you will at an early date promote him ... "”

Brisbin's recruiting efforts in Kentucky were so successful as to rouse
intense local opposition. He turned his powers of oratory to the defense of his programs, pointing out the higher literacy and lower desertion rates of his black troops over white troops from the same region, advocating full enfranchisement of blacks and women, and the confiscation of property of Confederate officers. The text of one such oration was published at Louisville in 1864 and widely reprinted in the press.
According to Brisbin’s memoir, “in another letter to the Secretary of War General Burbridge says, "For gallant and meritorious services at the battle of Marion, West Virginia, fought on the 20th days of December, 1864, where by promptly bringing up the 6th U. S. Colored Cavalry and charging the enemy, thereby greatly contributing to the wavering fortunes of the day, and completely routing the Rebels, I have the honor to request that you will appoint Captain and Brevet Major James S. Brisbin a Lieutenant Colonel by brevet in the Regular Army."”
“Secretary Stanton wrote to General Burbridge that there was then no vacancy in the grade of Brigadier General of Volunteers to which Col. Brisbin could be appointed, but that he had made him a Brigadier by brevet. This commission bears date of December 12th, 1864. On the first of May, 1865, a vacancy having occurred, the President appointed Col. Brisbin a full Brigadier General of Volunteers.”
“On the 28th of July, 1865, General Brisbin was ordered to report
to Major General John M. Palmer, who had relieved General Burbridge from
command of the Department of Kentucky. General Palmer appointed him as Chief of Staff, Superintendent of Organization of Colored Troops, and
assigned him to the command of the largest division in his department.
The regiments comprising this division were the 39th, 53d, and 54th
Kentucky Mounted Infantry; the 119th, 123d, 124th, 125th, and 135th
regiments of U. S. Colored Infantry; 5th and 6th regiments Colored Cavalry; 4th, 12th, and 13th regiments Heavy Artillery, one hundred and eighty guns. These regiments were divided into three brigades, Gen. James F. Wade commanding the First Brigade (cavalry), Col. James McArthur, Second Brigade (artillery), and Col. S. A. Porter, Third Brigade (infantry).”
“During the latter part of his administration of Colored Affairs in
Kentucky, it became evident that Gen. Brisbin would absorb all the
able-bodied black men of the state in his regiments, and the people appealed to the governor to interfere, and try to influence the government to stop enlistments. Gov. Bramelett addressed a letter to Gen. Palmer representing the disturbed condition of the labor of the state, and asked him to close Gen. Brisbin's recruiting offices. To this letter Gen. Brisbin replied, urging that slavery was dead in Kentucky and the slaves practically free; he urged the governor and his people by their own act to free their slaves, and said, "If the only road to freedom however is through the army, then I will enlist the last black man in Kentucky, should such a course be necessary to completely destroy slavery here."
“The governor replied at once to this letter agreeing with the general
that slavery was dead, and advised the people to manumit their slaves. This correspondence attracted much attention at the time, and was published throughout the Union.”
“General Brisbin continued to serve in Kentucky until Nov. 8th, 1865,
when he was sent to Arkansas by General George M. Thomas with two regiments of cavalry and one regiment of artillery. He reported to Major General Joseph J. Reynolds, and was first stationed at Helena. He remained at Helena for two months, being most of the time engaged as President of the Examining Board, and on Court Martial duty.”
“On the 3d of January, 1866, General Brisbin was assigned to command
at Pine Bluff, Arkansas, but soon returned to Helena, where he remained
until January 18th, 1866, when he was honorably mustered out of service
as a general officer.”
“Several of General Brisbin's regiments were retained in service, and
as soon as they heard he was mustered out, the officers of two regiments
that had no colonel met and elected him colonel. It is an evidence of his
popularity that the lieutenant colonels who were entitled to promotion,
both cheerfully gave way to General Brisbin ... “
“Brisbin was offered the colonelcy of the 4th U. S. Colored Heavy
Artillery, but before this could be acted upon, the regiment was mustered
out, and Sec'ty Stanton tendered General Brisbin the Lieut. Coloncy of the 6th Colored Cavalry, the only place left to which he could be assigned. At the request of the officers of that regiment, Gen. Brisbin accepted the place and joined his command at Duvall's Bluff, Arkansas. This commission bears date of Feb. 19th, 1866. General Brisbin remained at Duvall's Bluff in command of his regiment until the 18th of April, 1866
When he was finally mustered out of the Volunteer Service with his regiment.”
“On taking leave of his officers and soldiers he published the following
stirring address:
Officers and soldiers of the Colored Cavalry: Your services being no
longer required by the government of the United States, you will be
immediately mustered out and disbanded. Well and faithfully have you done your duty, and in the name of the government I thank you for the valuable services you have rendered. The battles of Kingsport, Marion, and Saltville will be forever honorable memories to you and your children. When you black men enlisted you were promised freedom and protection as a condition. On the 18th of December, 1865, a requisite number of states having ratified a constitutional amendment forever abolishing slavery in the United States, the Sec'ty of State issued a proclamation declaring it to be the law of the land. You are therefore legally as free as the white man of this country, and it is your duty to yourselves and your children to maintain your freedom. Do not create imaginary wrongs for yourselves, be civil, polite, industrious, frugal, just, and religious, and you will prosper. Save your money, buy property, and educate your children. If men speak disrespectfully of you, be silent; if they taunt you, tell them you are free; if they menace you, tell them you are a man, but if they beat, oppress, or try to enslave you, resist. There are two ways of maintaining freedom, by the bayonet, and with the bullet. The government will give you one or the other, or both. Since the war closed in this Department many white cavalry soldiers have deserted, but notwithstanding you were offered to labor on plantations twice as much
pay as you were receiving from the government, not a single black soldier
has deserted. This is a credit to your patriotism and your sense. Go now,
black soldiers, to homes, and become orderly sober and industrious citizens. When the government needs your services again, it will call for you, and you will come. The flag that now floats over us is as much your flag as it is mine, and you must be at all times ready to defend it. Be loyal to it in the future as you have been in the past, teach your children to love it as you have loved it, to fight for it as you have fought for it, and if
necessary, die for it as your brothers did at Saltville and Marion."
Brisbin mustered out of the U.S. Volunteers in 1866 and rejoined his
regular regiment, the 6th U. S. Cavalry, as a captain, having served in
twenty-eight pitched battles throughout the Civil War. He was transferred to the 9th Cavalry, then being organized at New Orleans, and assigned to Troop A, to await his commission as major of that regiment, a commission that never came, owing to the hostility of President Andrew Johnson to General Brisbin's Republicanism.
“In 1868, Brisbin was made major of the 2nd U. S. Cavalry, serving with General Philip H. Sheridan in the Indian Wars on the Republican River and northern Kansas from Fort Russell, Wyoming. From 1869 to 1871 he was sent to Wind River Country, in command of two troops of the 2d Cavalry. After three years at Omaha Barracks, he was sent in 1875 to Fort Ellis, Montana, and took part in the campaigns against the Sioux Indians. These commissions bear date respectively of March 13th, 1865, and Jan. 1st 1867 ... In 1869, was sent to the Wind River Country, in command of two troops of the 2d Cavalry, and two companies of the 7th Infantry, and remained there three years, at Omaha Barracks, 1872, 1873, 1874.
“In 1875, was sent to Fort Ellis, Montana, by General Sheridan, and
remained in command of that post three years. He participated in the
Indian campaigns of General Miles in 1876 and 1877, resulting in the surrender of Sitting Bull.
Brisbin commanded a force that marched to evacuate a trading post at Fort Pearce. He was present at the conference in which General Alfred H. Terry planned the operations that led to the annihilation of George Custer and his force at Little Big Horn River. Terry's initial proposal to attach Brisbin and his troops to Custer's was rejected by Custer, so Brisbin remained with the forces under Terry. An eyewitness account of the campaign and its aftermath that appeared in the New York Herald, July 8, 1876, was probably written by Brisbin. Appointed Custer's successor by Terry, he maintained to the end of his life that Custer's debacle was a result of his disobeying orders "in letter as well as spirit." He continued the campaign against the Sioux as commander of Fort Ellis and later Fort Custer and as chief of cavalry of Dakota Territory. In 1879 and 1880 Brisbin was stationed at Fort Assinniboine and Fort Keogh, Montana. In 1884 his 2d Cavalry was sent to the Pacific Coast, and Brisbin took command of Boise Barracks, Idaho.
The next year he was promoted lieutenant-colonel of the 9th U. S. Cavalry, commanding at Fort Niobara, Nebraska, and subsequently at Fort Robinson, Nebraska. In 1889 he was promoted to colonel of the 1st Cavalry at Fort Custer, Montana. As a prominent military officer, Brisbin led a deputation east to raise funds for disaster relief for Nebraska and Kansas, which were scourged by locusts in 1874/5, and received formal testimonials from the governors of both states for his efforts; perhaps this is the origin of his sobriquet "Grasshopper Jim," as he was known to his troops, although it has also been ascribed to his fondness for expatiating to anyone who would listen on the agricultural potential of Montana.
In 1861 Brisbin married Mary Jane Wagner of Bellefonte, who was then only fifteen years of age. She joined her husband on the frontier after the Civil War, and bore four daughters and three sons, mostly at frontier forts. She died in 1887 at Fort McKinney, Wyoming, leaving most of her children minors. A year later, Brisbin was shocked and embittered to be relieved of his command of that post for general ineptitude. Plagued by ill health, he became increasingly discouraged, and retired in 1891 after thirty years of service in the U. S. Army. In 1890 he married Amelia Wilson of Red Wing, Minnesota. She died in 1894.
Brisbin was a prolific author. He produced a pamphlet on the post-war
reorganization of the U. S. Army (1865), and contributed numerous letters and articles to the public press, especially concerning affairs in the Northwest. He took considerable interest in military biography, and in 1868 published The Campaign Life of Ulysses S. Grant, and Schuyler Colfax (reprinted in 1869 and 1886). He also wrote a biography of James Garfield that was published by Hubbards in Philadelphia in 1880 under the title From the Tow-path to the White House, a biography of James
Garfield, and in Hartford as The Early Life and Public Career of James A.
Garfield (1880). Only a year later the Philadelphia publisher reissued the book in enlarged form under the name of William Ralston Balch, a newspaperman who had covered Garfield's presidential campaign and assassination, and Brisbin's name was nowhere mentioned. Other editions under Balch's name appeared in Philadelphia (1881), St. Louis (1881), and elsewhere. Balch maintained throughout his life that he was the author, but this claim was denied by the Library of Congress. Another volume by Brisbin appeared as A Soldier's Story of a Soldier's Life (1880), a biography of Winfield Scott Hancock. These works were characterized by a lucid if florid rhetorical style and detailed accounts of military engagements, with plans.
In addition to military matters, Brisbin was interested in the development and preservation of the Great Plains and Northwest, as well as the adventures and lifestyles of the white settlers there. He edited a series of narratives by a raconteur and adventurer named James Belden, which appeared first in the Chicago Tribune and later in book form as Belden the White Chief, or, Twelve Years among the Wild Indians of the Plain (1870), reissued in 1881 under the title Brisbin's Stories of the Plains, with a biographical sketch of Belden by Brisbin, the 1870 edition reprinted, with further biographical notes on Belden, by Jack Matthews in 1970. In a volume called The Beef Bonanza (1881), Brisbin sought to persuade settlers of the economic possibilities of large-scale cattle-raising in the American West. He published a description of Yellowstone (1882).
In a series of articles and a book Trees and Tree-Planting (1888), Brisbin lamented the destruction of American forests as he himself had witnessed it in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota, and urged that Congress move to protect the great forests of Montana, Washington, and Oregon, especially the red fir. He furthermore advocated systematic replanting of what were considered "wild" or "forest" trees and gave details as to the use and hardiness of numerous species. His pleas went largely unheard, for, in his own words, "The waste of timber goes steadily on, especially in the Western States, and is each year increasing as the forests diminish. Forests are felled, and a man cuts down a tree that his own lifetime and that of all his children added together could not reproduce, yet he thinks no more of his act of vandalism than he would if he were removing a stone, a brier, or a dirt pile."
Contemporary description records that Brisbin was a splendid figure
of a man, with a commanding presence and tactical sense that suited him for military life. Later sources, fairly or not, portray a crotchety, garrulous
officer, loath to mount a horse, viewed with impatience by his superiors
though with affection and respect by those he commanded. His writing suggests keen powers of observation, narrative skill, and an unusual historical awareness of the environment and events in which his duties took him.
In his retirement, Brisbin planned to settle in Philadelphia, but a bank failure wiped out his savings and left him and his family nearly destitute. He died there shortly after his retirement from service.

SOURCES
Archival sources include the personnel file of James Brisbin, National
Archives No. 2127-ACP-1875*, letters received by the Appointment, Commissions, and Personal Branch, Adjutant General's Office, 1871-1894, in which some earlier material is included. This file contains an autobiographical memoir on his Civil War service. His pension file, WC 405 387, contains a comprehensive statement of his service and family information. A scrapbook, formerly in the Rollins Collection, New Jersey Public Library, contained a collection of newspaper articles written by Brisbin, but this has since disappeared. Published sources include a sketch in the Cyclopaedia of American Biography 4:224, written during his lifetime, and Ezra J. Warner, Generals in Blue, Lives of the Union Commanders (1964), 45 (with early photo). For Brisbin's assessment
of Custer, letters are quoted by Cyrus Townsend Brady, Indian Fighting and Fighters (1913), 377-8; see also NYP. For his part in the Sioux campaigns, see Edgar L. Stewart, "Major Brisbin's Relief of Fort Pease,"
Montana, The Magazine of Western History 6 (1956), 23-7 and Custer's Luck (1955); see also "Fred Munn: Memoirs of a Cavalry Veteran," Montana, The Magazine of Western History 16/2 (1966), with a photo of Brisbin, p. 59. The same photo appears as frontispiece to Brisbin's Trees and Tree-Planting (1888). For "Grasshopper Jim," see Joseph M. Hanson, The Conquest of the Missouri: Being the Story of the Life and Exploits of Grant Marsh (1946), 249. A story of a famous stallion captured by Brisbin
in the Wind River Country appears in True West Magazine, Sept/Oct
1969. Details on military campaigns he participated in can be gleaned from regimental histories, such as Stephen Starr, The Union Cavalry in the Civil War (1979); Charles D. Rhodes, History of the Cavalry of the Army of the Potomac ... (1900); George B. Sanford, Fighting Rebels and Redskins (1969) (First Cavalry); Theophilus Rodenbough, From Everglades to Canon with the Second Cavalry (1875); George F. Price, Across the Continent with the Fifth Cavalry (1883, reprinted 1959); William G. H. Harding, From Yorktown to Santiago with the Sixth U. S. Cavalry (1900).
An obituary appeared in the Bellefonte Democratic Watchman, January 22, 1892.

Re: a letter of Capt John Brisbin

brf1740 — 2011-04-20 15:21:05Z

Thank you for your msg. I have done a fair amount of research on the career of James Sanks Brisbin and will try to post it here. best wishes.

Re: John Brisbin 1781-1846

brf1740 — 2011-04-20 15:06:03Z

you are correct that john brisbin the son of capt. john brisbin of lancaster co. moved to centre county. i have a dossier of papers that belonged to him and to his father, captain john. both father and son served in the revolution; i have a letter to john jr. from a fellow soldier reminding him of their service together.

Re: a letter of Capt John Brisbin

WHNewberry38 — 2011-04-14 23:13:36Z

My wife is a decendant of Capt. John Brisbin of Boalsburg, PA. We visited Boalsburg about 11 years ago and met the present owner of the local B&B which is the former home of Col. James Sanks Brisbin. Col. James Brisbin is the brother of my wife's GG Grandmother Bathsheba (Brisbin) who married Col. William W. Brown of Belefonte, PA. James S. and Bathsheba's father was Ezra D. Brisbin. Bathsheba's daughter Anna Josephine married James Monroe Shull II who is a direct decendant of Edward Boone (brother of Daniel). Your letter is interesting. If no one else claims the letter, my wife would like to have it.

a letter of Capt John Brisbin

brf1740_1 — 2011-04-12 19:47:35Z

Here is a letter of Captain John Brisbin, now in my possession. I am not sure if this James was a lineal descendant or a close relative called by courtesy "brother." I have various other documents of this family that I hope I can figure out how to post in the original, as I have no internet skills to speak of. I offer this to any descendant of Captain John who may be interested. Incidentally, I am descended from his daughter who married Mr. Rutherford. Here is the text:

Loving son and Dater thes comes with a fatherley Love and regard to you hopin thes will find you all in good helth I rite to you with sorey of hart to lete you kow that yore Brother James is dede he depart this life the fiftenth of this month april i have had sore sickness this winter I bles god for his marces I ame gote beter youre Brothers corpes wase buried in the desents mener by his brother inla and is ante margaret Rutherford all frendes hear is well Samuel and betey and antes sendes ther Love to you all give my kind Love to all your femley I ad no mor at present but Remends your loving Father John Brisban.

/Harrisburg Ap 30/ To John Brisban in kishey kockes vealey. To the keare of Robarte devson in Luestown thes / PAID 10

captain john brisbin

brf1740_1 — 2011-04-12 19:37:13Z

Captain John was born December 25, 1730 in County Tyrone Ireland, probably in Derryloran Parish, Dungannon Barony. His father was probably named William Brisbin. According to family tradition, he served in the English army during the French and Indian War, spending part of his service in Canada, where he served with Wolfe on the Plains of Abraham. He is said to have received a grant of two thousand acres of land in Virginia in return for his service and mustered out as a lieutenant. This land is also said to have been on the Green River in Kentucky, but it was taken away by strangers and he never beefited from it. He settled in Lampeter Township, Lancaster Co., near Bird-in-Hand, where he had a farm and a tavern. Whent he Revolutionary War broke out, he enlisted as a captain in 1776 with the Second Pa Regiment under the command of Col. Arthur St. Clair. He raised a company in upper Lancaster Co., that is, what are now Dauphin and Lancaster Cos. He is said to have sold his farm for that purpose. He marched with his company to Canada and was wounded in the left leg at the Battle of Three Rivers in June, 1776 and returned with his unit to Albany. In 1777 his commission was renewed, so he recruited another company and served as a captain in Col. Wood's regt of Gen. Conway's brigade. In the fall of 1777 he became unfit for active duty because of his wound, so returned to his family on furlough. He kept his commission and served in the wagonmaster and foraging dept of the army until the end of the war. After the war, he remained in Bird-in-Hand and ran the tavern aforesaid and was appointed a collector of military fines. He was too kind-hearted to pursue delingquents, so became responsible to the government for the fines, and so was left penniless. In addition, the grateful government never reimbursed him for supplies he had purchased for his troops.A family letter recalls, "Grandfather had gone into the Continental service in easy circumstances and came out of it poor, and long after the war was over he was harrassed by creditors, from whom he had gotten supplies for his company, but before he died he paid everything." I have a document signed by his creditors in 1790, which gives and grants "unto the said John Brisbon Senr our sure and free license, liberty and conduct as in us to go, come, pass and repass, about his business and occations for and during the term and space of two whole years fromt he date hereof without lett, suit, trouble or molestation of us his said creditors .." Brisbin applied for a pension through his congressional representative, but the congressman died and his commission and papers were all lost. This included, it is said, a letter from Gen. Anthony Wayne. In his old age, he lived with his youngest daughter, Margaret, wife of Samuel Rutherford, who farm stood near Rutehrford Railraod Station, Pa. Although his claims for back pay were disallowed, he did receive a Pa pension of $75.00 a year, and finally, in 1818, a federal pension, when he was nearly ninety. He was married three times and left children by each wife. With his first wife, Eliza Adcock, whom he married in 1756 in Maryland, he had a son William. She died not long after. His second wife was Isabella Simmons McNabb, daughter of Samuel and Jane Stockton Simmons. He took on her four children froma previous marriage: William, Ann, Jane, and Margaret. She bore him three: John, Isabella, and Elizabeth. In 1790, he married Mary Woods, a widow, and had at least one child with her, Samuel. Was she the widow of Col. Woods, Brisbin's fellow officer? He also ahd a son James,a s known from a letter he wrote to his son John, now in my possession, which I hope to be able to post to this site, as it is an interesting relic of this old gentleman. According to a letter from his daughter jane, dated at Donegal, November 1, 1819, "Father has been complaining ... with his leg and a sore toe of the same foot which has been very painful and is not yet well tho much better than it has been ..." Brisbin died March 13, 1822 at the Rutherford farm and is buried in Paxtang churchyard.

Re: Brisbin from Texas

JennaScott62 — 2011-04-10 18:29:41Z

Hi,

What website? Does it say where he died?

Re: Brisbin from Texas

leonatextor27 — 2011-04-10 17:38:00Z

I have a picture of Sarah C Reynolds wife of George Washington Brisbin . On wedsite it says G.W. died in 1894

Re: Brisbin from Texas

judycraig114 — 2011-04-02 01:13:42Z

Thanks the help I have a pic of her in 1980 but not sure where taken I have a fur coat she owned and lots of stories to go with it. Some say she was married to a man and overseas during war..Lots of interesting stuff with the coat..My e mail is judycraig@hughes.net.. AAny idea when she married Money..this could be important.

Re: Brisbin from Texas

leonatextor27 — 2011-04-01 19:21:29Z

You can email me at mae639@juno.com My grandmother Vinnie Lee Elliott married Henry L. brisbin Also her sister married Joseph Pinkney brisbin , Robert Lee Brisbin brother"s

Re: Brisbin from Texas

JennaScott62 — 2011-04-01 18:02:51Z

I have 4 husbands but not the 5th so even using just her first name, Hattie, and birth date nothing comes up for her on SS deaths. I was told four of the husbands were:

Louis Audish. Years of marriage to Audish included 1936 when she signed sister Teadye's DC as Mrs. Louis Audish.
Cliff Money
Buck Darvin
John Hansen.

They are not necessarily in order of marriage.

Sorry I can't help further.

Jenna

Re: Brisbin from Texas

JennaScott62 — 2011-04-01 17:10:25Z

Etta Katherine Brisbin was the first child of Mary E. Reynolds. There was a son Robert who was b. about 1889 d. abt 1892 and another daughter, Elizabeth Rachel 'Lizzie'. Both Etta Katherine and Lizzie Brisbin married Rawlins brothers before 1910. Both of these girls are mentioned as heirs of my great great grandmother in her Will.

The children you have, other than Etta Katherine, are (to my knowledge) the children of the wife I know as Mary Reeves.

I was told by a cousin who met Hattie that she was a "very elegant" lady. I have Hattie b. 25 Apr 1908 and d. Sept 1980 in Phoenixville, PA.

Jenna

Jenna

Re: Brisbin from Texas

JennaScott62 — 2011-04-01 16:43:03Z

Thank you.

Yes, this is the man who married my great grandmother, Sarah Catherine Reynolds, 22 Nov. 1893 in Bell Co., TX. She married under the name of S.C. Craft. Since she remarried in Aug 1895 in Falls Co., TX. am assuming that George Washington Brisbin died before Aug 1895. Do you have an actual date?

Sarah's sister, Mary E. Reynolds 'Ulalla' married Robert Lee Brisbin 5 June 1887. She died abt 1891.

Jenna

Re: Brisbin from Texas

pwalker321 — 2011-04-01 16:41:26Z

I am related through Louisa Juliet Whetstone Brisbins' daughter, Juliet Elizabeth Brisbin, who married my ggfather, William Walker on 8/24/1876, in Coryell Co, Tx. I am sending the Ged file to you.

Thanks,

Pat

Re: Brisbin from Texas

pwalker321 — 2011-04-01 16:34:40Z

Do you mean Mary "Samples"? If so, i found several children, though none born in 1908. Children:
Etta Kathrine Brisbin Shaw (1888 - 1970)*
Cordie Brisbin Rae (1893 - 1988)*
Bennie B. Brisbin (1897 - 1968)*
Minnie Beatrice Brisbin Darwin (1907 - 1929)*
Lourine Brisbin (1912 - 1920)
Do any of these look familiar?

Pat

Re: Brisbin from Texas

judycraig114 — 2011-04-01 16:34:33Z

In my Daughters of the Republic of Texas papers I see I am desended from Louisa Juliet Whetstone Brisbin..Wesley Brisbin,William Brisbin, David Whetstone and Alice W Moore E\Whetstone

Could not open GED send it judycraig@hughes.net

Tks We are related someway..thru the confused Brisbin line...

Re: Brisbin from Texas

pwalker321 — 2011-04-01 16:23:09Z

I have his parents as William Wesley Brisbin and Louisa Juliet Whetstone. I have George Washington Brisbin b abt 1859 Washington County, Texas d 1898 married to Mary Elizabeth Lockley 11-29-1896 Davilla, Milam, Texas b abt 1859 d bef 1900

children Henry, Annie Julia, Alice Mae, Vennie, Martha, Catherine, Robert Wesley, Lee and Fletcher
1860 Census Texas, Washington page 185 - George Brisbane
1870 Census Texas, Washington Precinct 4 page 154
1880 Census Texas, Burleson, Precint 4 page 70C - living with Uncle David Whetstone.

Let me know if this links up with your family.

Pat

Re: Brisbin from Texas

judycraig114 — 2011-04-01 16:20:12Z

Well Brisbins are hard to find. My line is thge Robert Lee Brisbin(Brisbon) they livedd in Millican I do not see your relative in my notes but my notes are gathered from here and there. Thius family is large and hard to trace,
I am looking for a daughter of Robt. and Mary Smaples Brisbin born in Milam..She was married 5 times and is supposed buried up north. My grandmoter told her to leave and not come back (they were sisters) and this ws in about 1970's. She died somewhere in 1980. If you run avross here le me know. Born April 25th 1908.

0

Re: Brisbin from Texas

JennaScott62 — 2011-04-01 16:07:34Z

Do you have any knowledge of George Washington Brisbin? He was married to my great grandmother at one point.

Re: Brisbin from Texas

leonatextor27 — 2011-04-01 05:17:33Z

Hattie brisbin , birth april 25 1908 . death 1980

Re: Brisbin from Texas

leonatextor27 — 2011-04-01 04:48:02Z

Robert Lee brisbon was the brother of George Washington Brisbon also known as Robert Lee Brisbin , go to findagrave also family search.org Plus William Brisbin. Henry L. Brisbin was my grandfather

Re: Brisbin from Texas

judycraig114 — 2011-03-10 02:32:40Z

My grandmother was a Brisbin , Her mother was Mary Samples and I think her dad was Robert Brisbin who was buried inMillican Tx Grabdna was Cordie . I am looking for info her her younger sister Cora Hattie Gladys Brisbin..

Brisbane in FL / originated Michigan

devineserenity — 2010-10-14 21:57:17Z

Hi everyone, this site is amazing! I had heard stories from my great uncle about the Brisbane's and the Brisbin's being related, but I didn't believe it until now. He also told me a story of a "Castle of Brisbin" that is supposed to be located in Scottland. He said they used it for target practice for one of the wars, but the ruins are still there and it is a tourist attraction. Is that true? I cant find any information on this castle. Wow. Neat to really get some great quality true information from your site!!! Love it!!

Re: Brisbin from Texas

leonatextor27 — 2010-09-24 21:56:35Z

HI, My Great grandfather was George Washington Brisbon,Juliet E was his sister I did not see Ged file. I Have found alot of George W. brisbon sisters and brothers But I can not find Juliet E Brisbon I did not know his father was William w brisbon I know him as Wesley. Please tell me about her Did she live along time I know she married Walker Thank you

Re: Brisbin from Texas

pwalker321 — 2010-09-24 13:44:22Z

I have some info as I am related to the Brisbins. My ggmother was Juliet E. Brisbin, Annies' sister, who married William M. Walker. Her parents were William W. Brisbin who married Louisa Juliet Whetstone. I don't have much info on Annie but I am attaching a GED file with all the info I have. Let me know if you can open it.

According to the 1900 census Bell Co., TX; Dawson, John b Sep 1856, marr. 22 yr, b FL; Annie b Mar 1864, 6/6 ch, b TX; Julia b May 1885, TX; John b Apr 1887; Thomas b Feb 1890; Lee b Mar 1892; Dora b Jun 1895; Addie b Mar 1899.

Good luck,

Pat Walker

Re: Brisbin from Texas

leonatextor27 — 2010-09-23 21:58:57Z

I am Leona brisbin , My grandfather was Henry l. Brisbin His father was George Washington Brisbin/Brisbon ,My grandmother was Vinnie Elliott Her father was James m. Elliott I have found alot on familysearch.org If anyone can help me find any thing else I would be very Thankful

Re: I'm a Brisbin

SandraRussell39 — 2010-05-16 23:16:48Z

Hi -
I must be a relative as my family are Brisbins from Haldimand Co., Ont. Canada. I haven't much information about how we got here from the States and there is little mention of American relatives in the family tree. I would love to get copies of the info you have if you could let me know the websites/addresses of where you got your information. My section of the Brisbin tree is on the world web or through Ancestry.com as a public tree. It's called SandraRussell39. Please feel free to access it. I would also like to see the lineage of your family and how we connect.

Thanks, Sandi

Re: Brisbins in Canada

SandraRussell39 — 2010-05-16 23:09:57Z

If you have access to ancestry.com look up my tree SandraRussell39. It is an open tree for people to look for information. My mother was a brisbin and there is a lot of info about the Canadian part of the family. You might find a link there. If you do please let me know as I would love to find our roots from the USA. You may have to go back a few years to find a common ancestor.

Sandi

Re: James Sanks Brisbin

lyndunham1931 — 2010-03-09 04:02:59Z

Matt, good to hear from you. It's been at least 6 years ago since I've been involved with JSB genealogy. Here's a brief biographical sketch from the Montana Historical Society: "James Sanks Brisbin was born at Boalsburg, Pa. May 23, 1837. He received an academy and college education and upon completion of his schooling, he purchased and edited the CENTRE DEMOCRAT, at Bellefonte, Pa. During the same period, Brisbin studied law and was later admitted to the bar of Pennsylvania. He enlisted in the Union Army in 1861, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the First Dragoons. Brisbin subsequently served in both major theaters of the war, as a line officer, staff officer, and organizer of regiments of Negro cavalry. During his
war service, Brisbin attained the commissioned rank of captain and the brevet rank of major general of volunteers. He remained in the regular army after the war, and in 1868 was stationed in the West.

From 1868 until his death in 1892, Brisbin served in the northwestern U.S. as an officer in several cavalry regiments, including the Second, Ninth, First, and Eighth regiments. During his western career, he was a staff officer, battalion or squadron commander, post commander,
and regimental commander; and served at Fort D. A. Russell, Boise Barracks, Omaha Barracks, Camp Stambaugh, Fort Ellis, Fort Assiniboine, Fort Keogh, Fort Custer, Fort Niobrara, Fort Robinson, and Fort McKinney. At the time of his death, 1/1/4/1892, Brisbin was a colonel, in command of the Eight Cavalry Regiment.

He was a prolific writer. His most widely known works are THE BEEF BONANZA and BELDEN, THE WHITE CHIEF. He was a very active publicist and drew heavily upon his experiences and observations in the West to promote the area and its resources. Throughout his career, Brisbin was a constant contributor of articles and letters to Eastern periodicals on a wide range of subjects."

Brisbin was a late bloomer -- he had a living son as recently as the late 1990s. I'll be more specific when I access my records on another computer.

That said, I'd prefer to correspond directly. Please contact me at: lyndunham2@aol.com.

Re: 1815 pa

scosby171 — 2010-03-03 16:56:23Z

I'm in Montrose, Co. Born in Nebraska. Lived in California
most of my life.

Re: Capt. John Brisbin

earthechos — 2010-02-27 04:18:41Z

I have Capt. John as father of one son William, b 1757, with 1st wife,Eliza (Elinor) Adcock;
with His 2nd wife, Isabella Simmons McNabb, there was John, b 1760, Isabella, b 1768, and Elizabeth, b 1770 (with whom he was living at his death in 1822);
and with 3rd wife Mary Wood, Samuel, b 1784.

I don't have a listing for Capt. John with a son named Arthur.

I'm descended from Capt John through his son William,his grandson John, and his great grandson Alexander. I only have the names of William's fisrt 11 children.

Re: Brisbin, Michigan Canada

rchese — 2010-02-24 23:11:11Z

So, do you have any idea where Joseph G. Brisbin would fit into this picture?

Re: Capt. John Brisbin

mattbrisbin28 — 2010-02-23 04:07:45Z

Do you have any info on Arthur Brisbin, son of Capt John? I am looking to see if Hiram Brisbin is the grandson of Capt John Brisbin. There seems to be no info at all about Hiram or Arthur anywhere.

Re: 1815 pa

mattbrisbin28 — 2010-02-22 04:17:06Z

We can do that. What part of the US are you in? I like to see where all of us have gone to. I am in Kansas City.

Re: 1815 pa

scosby171 — 2010-02-21 20:44:11Z

Thanks, I found you on page 61. It's a good reference book
but not as accurate as I would have thought. Katherine had
nine children and 29 grand children. I'm the only one
trying to find our ancesters. Maybe we can swap notes.

Re: 1815 pa

mattbrisbin28 — 2010-02-21 19:11:46Z

I am on page 61. My grandfather was Clio Frances. My great grandfather was Richard Hiram, who was the brother of your Katherine. My father is Stephen Richard and I am Matthew Brisbin.

Re: Brisbin, Michigan Canada

hurttbateman — 2010-02-21 18:16:33Z

I have a note in my BRISBIN file, "Copy of a letter dated at LaColle, Province of Quebec 9FEB1892 on stationary of "Missisquoi and Rouville Mutual Fire Insurance Company" from Willie BRISBIN, grandson of James BRISBIN and Mary WILLSIE, to his own cousin Hiram BRISBIN, setting forth births and deaths of the Children of James & Mary (WILLSIE) BRISBIN. The copy of this letter was recived by William C. BRISBIN of Philadelphia, Penn., in correspondence with the said Hiram BRISBIN in 1941. The said William C. BRISBIN who had done vast research on the family, sent a copy of this letter to my cousin, John Francis BRISBIN (then of Lansing, Michigan, USA), who made it's contents available to to members of the family in Canada and the United States in a circular letter dated 12DEC 12DEC1956"

While I don't have a copy of the letter or the circular, this note does connect the BRISBIN families in Canada to those in Michigan and in Pennsylvania. Also those named are more distant cousins of my BRISBINS in Illinois and later in Kansas.

Re: I'm a Brisbin

hurttbateman — 2010-02-21 17:20:21Z

I have some notes on this family from the "History of Saratoga Co, NY" by Nathaniel B. Sylvester, pub 1878. and also the "Haldimand Papers"of Loyalist Refugees provisioned by the Brittish government during the Revolution. Other information was obtained throught the research of Elva KLAUS and J. TOLLIVER. William served under Ambercrombie and Amherst in the French War. He is said to have been jailed during the revolution. He escaped and fled to Canada, where he appears receiving rations for himself, his wife and seven sons. Vol.168, pg 49 of the Haldimand Papers records that "Wife and son gone into the states for their property" 15SEP1784.