Sutton County Texas Biographies

Sutton County, Texas Biographies

William Lea Aldwell
One of the most prominent business men in Sonora, Texas, is William Lea Aldwell, president of the First National Bank. The responsibility of directing the affairs of an institution as prosperous and successful as is this institution is no light matter, but Mr. Aldwell has proved fully capable of handling the task. He is a leader, not only in the business and financial circles but also in civic and social affairs. Having been thrown on his own resources early in life he has learned to read men and having a natural executive ability, he has been often called upon to accept posts of public service.

William Lea Aldwell was born in Canada, on the 17th of February, 1859. He grew up in Canada and received his education in the public schools of his native land. He was only thirteen years of age when he had to leave school and begin to earn his own living. He worked at various things until he was sixteen years of age and his industry is shown by the fact that he had saved enough money during these two years to start a small country store. He ran this store for three years and made it a paying proposition. Carefully laying aside his money, at the end of this time he found himself in a position to enter business on a larger scale. He now went into the cattle and sheep business, buying stock and shipping to England. After several years in this business he determined to leave Canada, and consequently came to Texas.

It was in 1881 that he settled in Texas, locating in Tom Green county. Here he took up ranching and cattle-raising, following this line of work for several years. During this time he operated in various counties of the state and also extended his operations into Indian Territory and Arkansas. In 1900 he came to Sonora and in company with E. R. Jackson and others, organized the First National Bank. Mr. Jackson was elected president and Mr. Aldwell was made cashier. He held this position until the death of Mr. Jackson when he was elected to fill the vacant president's chair. He has since been active head of the bank and is a power in the financial world of Sonora. The bank does a general banking business and issues foreign exchanges. Mr. Aldwell organized the Eldorado State Bank and was its vice-president until the consolidation of this bank with the First National.

Mr. Aldwell is a member of the Commercial Club of Sonora and is now president of this organization, having filled this office a number of times before. He is a member of the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons, of the Knights of Pythias and of the Maccabees. In politics Mr. Aldwell is an Independent Democrat, believing that the man is of more moment than the party. He, however, takes no active part in the political game, except to cast his vote at the polls. His interest in educational affairs has led him to take an active part in school matters in Sonora. He was at one time president of the school board and it was during his membership that the new school building was erected. In religious matters Mr. Aldwell is a communicant of the Episcopal church.

Mr. Aldwell was married to Miss Winnie R. Harris, at San Angelo, Texas, on the 5th of December, 1884. Mrs. Aldwell was born in Illinois but she was reared in Texas. Four children, two boys and two girls, have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Aldwell, namely, Marjorie, Roy E., George L. and Ida. Roy E. is now cashier in the First National Bank. [transcribed by Janice Rice]

Sam Bass - Story told by Sheriff George W. Smith

Elijah S. Briant
Now one of the leading merchants and citizens of Sutton county, Mr. Briant began his career in this state about thirty years ago as a school teacher, and by progressive steps has won a secure position in business and is one of the men of influence in his community. Elijah S. Briant was born in Simpson county, Kentucky, September 9, 1860, and spent the years of his youth and early majority in that state. His education was in the public schools, and he equipped himself for work as a teacher, beginning that occupation when about twenty years of age. Coming to Texas about 1883, he first located in Coleman county, where he spent two years as a teacher. He then was drawn into ranch employment, and it was along that line that he gradually worked himself into higher and better things in a business way. He finally came to Sutton county, and after two years as a rancher engaged in the drug business. He was a druggist there for about six years, and his present position is manager and secretary of the Sonora Mercantile Company. This business is the largest of its kind in the county and in their stores and warehouses is found everything to satisfy the general and local trade. The firm does a large wholesale and retail business and gives employment to a number of people.

Mr. Briant was married at Ozona, Texas, June 10, 1902, to Miss Myrtle Anna Cusenbary, who was born in this state. Mr. Briant affiliates with no special church, is one of the local officers of the Heralds of Liberty and is a Democratic leader. The first public office which he held in Sonora was that of postmaster, which he occupied for four years, having previously been deputy postmaster for two years. He has also been honored with the position of sheriff of Sutton county, and acted in that capacity for four years. At the present time he is at the head of the county government, being the county judge, and by virtue of that office is also superintendent of the county schools. Among the larger things of life and the diversions from business he enjoys fishing, baseball and is especially fond of reading and good speakers and lecturers.. His opinion of Texas is that with all its vast material resources, there is special reason to be proud of its people, who are liberal, broad-minded and thrifty, and the destiny of the state with such citizenship is sure. [transcribed by Janice Rice]