Finding Descendants of the Sugar Land 95

The following are men who we believe could be buried in the Sugar Land 95 cemetery. To find their names, we cross referenced property records and convict leases to determine who was operating convict labor camps in the area immediately surrounding the cemetery throughout the lease era. We then combed through a database of convict and conduct registers to determine which men were assigned to those camps when they died. Brittney Martin and Hannah Babich created public family trees for each of these men on Ancestry.com. We have also made their GEDCOM files available to download below. Our hope is that this information will make it easier for descendants of these men to find and interact with their stories.

View the family trees we created on Ancestry.com (subscription required)
View a list of convict labor camps in operation throughout the convict lease era
View the database of Texas, U.S., Convict and Conduct Registers, 1875-1954

If you think you might be a descendant of one of the men listed here, email us at findingfamily@sugarlandpodcast.com
Convict labor camp records 1878-80
Convict labor camp records 1880-81
Convict labor camp records 1882
Convict labor camp records 1883
Convict labor camp records 1884
Convict labor camp records 1885
Convict labor camp records 1886-92
Convict labor camp records 1893-95
Convict labor camp records 1896-08
Convict labor camp records 1908
NameYear of BirthDescription from Convict RegisterConvictionConvict NumberLast Recorded Convict Labor CampDate of DeathCause of DeathEstimated Age at DeathCommon Surnames in TreeCommon Residences in Tree (Texas Counties)GEDCOM
James D. Freeman
Louis Smith1855His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 150 pounds and standing 5’8.5” tall.Convicted of stealing a cow in Waller County in July 1874 and sentenced to 5 years3708James D. Freeman 5 Jan 1878Not stated23SmithWallerLouis Smith Family Tree.ged
Nathan Pope1861His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 150 pounds and standing 5’11” tall.Convicted of burglary in Fayette County in November 1879 and sentenced to 5 years8202James D. Freeman 13 Dec 1879Killed while attempint to escape from J.D. Freeman's camp18PopeFayetteNathan Pope Family Tree.ged
John Norton1852His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 155 pounds and standing 5’ 5” tall.Convicted of assault with intent to murder in April 1879 and sentenced to 6 years7533James D. Freeman 16 Dec 1879Pneumonia27NortonBastropJohn Norton Family Tree.ged
Esau Powell1843His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 180 pounds and standing 5’ 9” tall.Convicted of theft in Fayette County in November 1875 and sentenced to 6.5 years4940James D. Freeman 26 Feb 1880Chronic diarrhea37Dickerson, Dockery, Johnson, Jones, Knotts, Lee, McKee, Nickerson, Powell, RobertsHarris, Dallas, Williamson, Fayette, Washington, WhartonEsau Powell Family Tree.ged
William White1853His intake form lists him as a Mulatto Laborer, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5’ 10” tall.Convicted of theft of a mare in Wilson County in December 1879 and sentenced to 5 years8222James D. Freeman 20 Jul 1880Killed while attempint to escape from J.D. Freeman's camp27WhiteWilsonWilliam White Family Tree.ged
Littleberry A. Ellis (#2 and #3)
Garrison Stroud1850His intake form lists him as a Mulatto Laborer, weighing 189 pounds and standing 6’ tall.Convicted of Not Stated in Robertson County in February 1877 and sentenced to 7 years5731Littleberry A. Ellis #29 Sep 1881Caught In Machinery At Camp31StroudRobertsonGarrison Stroud Family Tree.ged
Harry Boone1861His intake form lists him as a Copper-complexioned Laborer, weighing 150 pounds and standing 6’ tall.Convicted of Theft in Washington County in April 1881 and sentenced to 5 years9351Littleberry A. Ellis #227 Sep 1881Dysentery20Boone, Cloud, Holmes, WilkersonWashington, Harris, WilliamsonHarry Boone Family Tree.ged
W. Bonner1847His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5’ 8” tall.Convicted of Theft in Bastrop County in May 1879 and sentenced to 7 years7537Littleberry A. Ellis #230 Dec 1881Pneumonia34BonnerGrimes, Harris, Colorado, Bastrop, FreestoneWatt Bonner Family Tree.ged
Michel Cruse1863His intake form lists him as a Mulatto Laborer, weighing 153 pounds and standing 5’ 6” tall.Convicted of Burglary in Jefferson County in October 1881 and sentenced to 2 years9687Littleberry A. Ellis #28 Feb 1882Tree Fall19CruseLibertyMichel Cruse Family Tree.ged
Henry Thomas1859His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 140 pounds and standing 5' 9" tall.Convicted of Cattle Theft in Victoria County in February 1881 and sentenced to 2 years9215Littleberry A. Ellis #331 May 1882None Listed23ThomasVictoriaHenry Thomas Family Tree.ged
Sebe Froch1822His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5’ 10” tall.Convicted of Theft in Washington County in January 1882 and sentenced to 5 years9967Littleberry A. Ellis #217 Jun 1882Result Of Amputation Of A Limb60FrochWashingtonSebe Froch Family Tree.ged
Manuel Cartinas1857His intake form lists him as a Mexican Laborer, weighing 130 pounds and standing 5’ 2” tall.Convicted of Burglary in Travis County in March 1882 and sentenced to 2 years118Littleberry A. Ellis #25 Oct 1882Congestion Of Brain And Stomach25CartinasTravisManuel Cartinas Family Tree.ged
George Brewer1841His intake form lists him as a Black Teamster, weighing 180 pounds and standing 5’ 10” tall.Convicted of Theft Of Cow in Cherokee County in November 1881 and sentenced to 2 years9807Littleberry A. Ellis #218 Nov 1882Complications Of Illness41Brewer, Frazier, RogersNacogdoches, Cherokee, BrazosGeorge Brewer Family Tree.ged
Jack Maxwell1853His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 175 pounds and standing 5' 11" tall.Convicted of Horse Theft in Washington County in December 1880 and sentenced to 10 years9125Littleberry A. Ellis #221 Dec 1882Congestive Chill29MaxwellWashingtonJack Maxwell Family Tree.ged
Hardy Fuller1853His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 122 pounds and standing 5’ 4” tall.Convicted of Theft Of Yearling in Jackson County in July 1881 and sentenced to 2 years9588Littleberry A. Ellis #229 Dec 1882Meningitis29Fuller, Barnes, Brown, Childs, Dabney, Dennis, Gibson, Green, Griffin, Hardy, Haynes, Hines, Jardon, Parsons, Rabb, Robinson, Ross, Sayles, Taylor, Ward, Washington, Watson, YoungJackson, Victoria, DeWitt, HarrisHardy Fuller Family Tree.ged
Amos Harwell1854His intake form lists him as a Black Farmer, weighing 145 pounds and standing 5' 6" tall.Convicted of Theft Of Yearling in Fayette County in December 1881 and sentenced to 4 years9917Littleberry A. Ellis #320 Jan 1883Apoplectic Fit29Harwell or HowellLee, FayetteAmos Harwell Family Tree.ged
Lloyd Haskell1857His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 180 pounds and standing 5' 6" tall.Convicted of Forgery in Harris County in December 1880 and sentenced to 5 years9171Littleberry A. Ellis #325 Jan 1883Meningitis26HaskellHarrisLloyd Haskell Family Tree.ged
Nathan McKeen1847His intake form lists him as a Black Farmer, weighing 137 pounds and standing 5' 5" tall.Convicted of Cattle Theft in Fayette County in June 1882 and sentenced to 3 years399Littleberry A. Ellis #38 Feb 1883Abscess Of Brain36McKeen, McKenzieFayetteNathan McKeen Family Tree.ged
Willis Henderson1847His intake form lists him as a Black Farmer, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5' 10" tall.Convicted of Cattle Theft in Fayette County in June 1882 and sentenced to 2 years401Littleberry A. Ellis #25 Mar 1883Pneumonia36Henderson, Clark, Johnson, Ollison, Prince, Shaw, Dallas, Tarrant, Kaufman, GonzalesWillis Henderson Family Tree.ged
Simon Valley1853His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5' 7" tall.Convicted of Murder in Montgomery County in February 1883 and sentenced to 10 years860Littleberry A. Ellis #227 Mar 1883Killed By Guard30ValleyMontgomery, HarrisSimon Valley Family Tree.ged
Lewis Davis1859His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 152 pounds and standing 5’ 7” tall.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Murder in Lavaca County in July 1883 and sentenced to 5 years1166Littleberry A. Ellis #226 Oct 1883Congestion Of Bowels24Davis, HollandBrazos, Washington, FayetteLewis Davis Family Tree.ged
Robert Mayberry1856His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 175 pounds and standing 5' 7" tall.Convicted of Horse Theft in Hays County in September 1882 and sentenced to 15 years602Littleberry A. Ellis #31 Feb 1884Pleuropneumonia28Mayberry or MayburyHays, TravisRobert Mayberry Family Tree.ged
James Mischer1863His intake form lists him as a Black Cowboy, weighing 157 pounds and standing 5' 11" tall.Convicted of Horse Theft in Fayette County in December 1883 and sentenced to 10 years1885Littleberry A. Ellis #31 Mar 1884Pleuropneumonia21MischerFayetteJames Mischer Family Tree.ged
Ben Massey1856His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5' 9" tall.Convicted of Hog Theft in Robertson County in July 1883 and sentenced to 4 years1143Littleberry A. Ellis #314 May 1884Congestion Of Brain28Fair, Massey, Prince, Petty, BattleRobertsonBen Massey Family Tree.ged
Ed Wilson1866His intake form lists him as a Black Cowboy, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5' 11" tall.Convicted of Theft in McMullen County in April 1884 and sentenced to 2 years2146Littleberry A. Ellis #329 Aug 1884Malarial Fever18Wilson, Dawson, Fore, Harris, Hillyer, Richards, Robinson, Tisdom, ToliverGoliad, Bee, Victoria, McMullenEd Wilson Family Tree.ged
James Garcia1865His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 145 pounds and standing 5’ 7” tall.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Murder in Guadalupe County in May 1884 and sentenced to 5 years2241Littleberry A. Ellis #228 Oct 1884Not stated19Garcia, Bell, Cleveland, Corley, Harris, Hodge, Richardson, Smith, Thomas, Williams, Wilson, YoungGuadalupe, Nueces, Bexar, Lee, HarrisJames Garcia Family Tree.ged
Bob Butler1859His intake form lists him as a Mulatto Laborer, weighing 170 pounds and standing 6' tall.Convicted of Horse Theft in Fayette County in November 1884 and sentenced to 5 years2616Littleberry A. Ellis #324 Dec 1884Chronic Dysentery25ButlerFayetteBob Butler Family Tree.ged
Charles Smith1863His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5' 9" tall.Convicted of Forged Instrument in Orange County in October 1884 and sentenced to 2 years2503Littleberry A. Ellis #213 Jun 1885Congestion Of Brain22SmithOrangeCharles Smith Family Tree.ged
Tom Weathers1862His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 175 pounds and standing 5' 10" tall.Convicted of Rape in DeWitt County in October 1884 and sentenced to 5 years2547Littleberry A. Ellis #325 Jun 1885Inflammation Of Stomach23Weathers, RobinsonDeWitt, BexarTom Weathers Family Tree.ged
Griffin Andrews1855His intake form lists him as a Black farmer, weighing 162 pounds and standing 5' 8" tall.Convicted of Theft from Person in Bexar County in November 1883 and sentenced to 5 years1876Littleberry A. Ellis #310 Dec 1885Pneumonia30AndrewsBexar, FayetteGriffin Andrews Family Tree.ged
Amos Brackeen1854His intake form lists him as a Mulatto Laborer, weighing 178 pounds and standing 5' 7" tall.Convicted of Theft Of Mare in Lamar County in November 1879 and sentenced to 15 years8095Littleberry A. Ellis #318 Dec 1885Not stated31BrackeenLamarAmos Brackeen Family Tree.ged
Geo Ross1861His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 155 pounds and standing 5' 8" tall.Convicted of Horse Theft in Fort Bend County in February 1885 and sentenced to 5 years2746Littleberry A. Ellis #229 Dec 1885Congestion Of Bowels24RossFort BendGeo Ross Family Tree.ged
Jerry Stokes1849His intake form lists him as a Black Farmer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5’ 9.5” tall.Convicted of Cotton Theft in Fort Bend County in May 1884 and sentenced to 2 years2212Littleberry A. Ellis #324 Jan 1886Not Stated37StokesFort Bend, Galveston, Harris, BrazoriaJerry Stokes Family Tree.ged
Willie Spinks1862His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 130 pounds and standing 5' 8" tall.Convicted of Burglary in Goliad County in November 1884 and sentenced to 2 years2546Littleberry A. Ellis #331 Jan 1886Bilious Pneumonia24Spinks or OpinksGoliadWillie Spinks Family Tree.ged
Mack Kelly1861His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 140 pounds and standing 5' 3" tall.Convicted of Burglary in Austin County in January 1886 and sentenced to 3 years3526Littleberry A. Ellis #316 Feb 1886Syphilis25KellyAustinMack Kelly Family Tree.ged
Bud Rybon1863His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 200 pounds and standing 5' 10" tall.Convicted of Assault To Murder in Orange County in April 1884 and sentenced to 7 years2181Littleberry A. Ellis #316 Mar 1886Congestion Of Liver And Stomach23RybonOrangeBud Rybon Family Tree.ged
Jim Beghen1859His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 198 pounds and standing 5' 10" tall.Convicted of Burglary in Liberty County in September 1884 and sentenced to 2 years2470Littleberry A. Ellis #38 Apr 1886Typhoid Pneumonia27BeghenLiberty, WashingtonJim Beghen Family Tree.ged
William Johnson1847His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 140 pounds and standing 5' 4" tall.Convicted of Assault To Murder in Cass County in March 1886 and sentenced to 4 years3654Littleberry A. Ellis #321 Apr 1886Pleuropneumonia39JohnsonCassWilliam Johnson Family Tree.ged
George Irwin1851His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5' 8.5" tall.Convicted of Theft in Bexar County in January 1885 and sentenced to 2 years2791Littleberry A. Ellis #322 Apr 1886Pneumonia35IrwinBexar, HarrisGeorge Irwin Family Tree.ged
Richard Reed1864His intake form lists him as a Dark Mulatto Laborer, weighing 170 pounds and standing 5' 11" tall.Convicted of Burglary And Theft in Grayson County in 1886 and sentenced to 7 years3647Littleberry A. Ellis #216 Jun 1886Sun Stroke22ReedGraysonRichard Reed Family Tree.ged
Bill Odam1855His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 150 pounds and standing 5' 4.5” tall.Convicted of Theft Of Person in Anderson County in January 1882 and sentenced to 6.5 years9979Littleberry A. Ellis #230 Jun 1886Pneumonia31OdamAndersonBill Odam Family Tree.ged
Henry Mooney1867He died three days after he was received at L.A. Ellis #3 and the sergeant failed to get his description.Convicted of Manslaughter in Gonzales County in July 1886 and sentenced to 2 years4021Littleberry A. Ellis #322 Jul 1886Sun Stroke19Mooney, George, Johnson, NewhouseTarrant, GonzalesHenry Mooney Family Tree.ged
John Williams1863His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 180 pounds and standing 5' 11" tall.Convicted of Attempted Burglary in Harrison County in January 1885 and sentenced to 3 years2681Littleberry A. Ellis #226 Jul 1886Sun Stroke23WilliamsHarrisonJohn Williams Family Tree (1).ged
John Chambers1855His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 139 pounds and standing 5’ 5” tall.Convicted of Theft Of Mule in Lee County in May 1881 and sentenced to 7 years9385Littleberry A. Ellis #228 Jul 1886Pneumonia32Chambers, Brooks, MitchellLee, BastropJohn Chambers Family Tree.ged
Will Gregory1865His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 150 pounds and standing 5' 10" tall.Convicted of Horse Theft in Fort Bend County in February 1855 and sentenced to 5 years2747Littleberry A. Ellis #21 Aug 1886Congestive Fever21GregoryFort Bend, HarrisWill Gregory Family Tree.ged
Jerry Whittaker1859His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 185 pounds and standing 5' 11" tall.Convicted of Horse Theft in Gonzales County in January 1886 and sentenced to 5 years3537Littleberry A. Ellis #39 Aug 1886Congestion Of The Bowels27WhittakerGonzalesJerry Whittaker Family Tree.ged
John Walker1840His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5' 6" tall.Convicted of Cow Theft in Harrison County in September 1885 and sentenced to 2 years3259Littleberry A. Ellis #221 Aug 1886Pernicious Fever46WalkerHarrison, Marion, UpshurJohn Walker Family Tree.ged
Berry Thomas1861His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 150 pounds and standing 5' 5" tall.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Murder And Burglary in Jefferson County in June 1886 and sentenced to 9 years3899Littleberry A. Ellis #23 Sep 1886Wounds Received While Attempting To Escape25ThomasJeffersonBerry Thomas Family Tree.ged
Shed Davis1859His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5' 11" tall.Convicted of Theft Of Hogs in Gonzales County in December 1881 and sentenced to 2 years9938Littleberry A. Ellis #36 Oct 1886Ulceration Of Bowels27DavisGonzalesShed Davis Family Tree.ged
Aaron Darby1865His intake form lists him as a Black Farmer, weighing 169 pounds.Convicted of Horse Theft in Caldwell County in September 1883 and sentenced to 7 years1702Littleberry A. Ellis #229 Oct 1886Heart Clot21DarbyCaldwellAaron Darby Family Tree.ged
Littleberry A. Ellis (#1 and #2)
Peter Brown1863His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5’ 7” tall. It also says his "left eye [is] entirely out and lid closed over it."Convicted of Burglary And Theft Of Property Over $20 Value in Washington County in October 1886 and sentenced to 4 years4131Littleberry A. Ellis #117 Dec 1886Pulmonary Congestion23BrownWashingtonPeter Brown Family Tree.ged
Newton Rollins1855His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 162 pounds and standing 5' 8.5" tall.Convicted of Manslaughter in Houston County in December 1877 and sentenced to 5 years6446Littleberry A. Ellis #15 Jan 1887Pneumonia32RollinsHoustonNewton Rollins Family Tree.ged
Andrew Jackson1851His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 145 pounds and standing 5' 10" tall.Convicted of Horse Theft in Brazos County in July 1875 and sentenced to 15 years4740Littleberry A. Ellis #129 Mar 1887Congestive Fever36JacksonBrazosAndrew Jackson Family Tree.ged
Will Reeves1866His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 185 pounds and standing 5' 10" tall.Convicted of Theft Of Money Of Over The Value Of $20 in Hunt County in January 1887 and sentenced to 2 years4421Littleberry A. Ellis #210 Apr 1887Pneumonia Resulting Of A Relapse From Measles21ReevesHuntWill Reeves Family Tree.ged
Charles Wiggins1865His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 130 pounds and standing 5' 3" tall.Convicted of Theft Of Property Over $20 In Value in Grimes County in December 1886 and sentenced to 5 years4335Littleberry A. Ellis #223 Sep 1887Congestion Of The Lungs22WigginsGrimes, HarrisCharles Wiggins Family Tree.ged
Pink Newman1866His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 135 pounds and standing 6' 5" tall.Convicted of Burglary And Assault With Intent To Rape in Rusk County in August 1887 and sentenced to 19 years4687Littleberry A. Ellis #216 Oct 1887Killed While Attempting To Escape21NewmanRusk, Dallas, CollinPink Newman Family Tree.ged
Wesley "West" Matts1861His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 140 pounds and standing 5' 9" tall.Convicted of Theft of Property Over $20 in Value in Hays County in September 1887 and sentenced to 2 years4704Littleberry A. Ellis #223 Oct 1887Consumption26Matts, Beck, Duirden, Durham, Harper, Marshall, MeltonHays, Angelina, Collin, Tarrant, DallasWesley _West_ Matts Family Tre.ged
Will Hagell1865His intake form lists him as a Dark Mulatto Laborer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5’ 9” tall.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Murder in Wood County in June 1887 and sentenced to 5 years4558Littleberry A. Ellis #120 Jan 1888Pneumonia23HagellBowie, WoodWill Hagell Family Tree.ged
John Varnes1854His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5’ 9” tall.Convicted of Horse Theft in Jackson County in November 1885 and sentenced to 7 years3495Littleberry A. Ellis #123 Jan 1888Pneumonia34Varnes, BarnesJackson, LimestoneJohn Varnes Family Tree.ged
Ike RhodesN/ASergeant failed to get description.Convicted of Theft Of Cattle in Lavaca County in March 1888 and sentenced to 2 years5014Littleberry A. Ellis #15 Mar 1888Heart ClotN/A
Abe Evans1870His intake form lists him as a Brown Farmer, weighing 147 pounds and standing 5' 10" tall.Convicted of Burglary in Gonzales County in January 1888 and sentenced to 4 years4962Littleberry A. Ellis #18 Mar 1888Pneumonia18EvansGonzalesAbe Evans Family Tree.ged
Ben Dixon1865His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 200 pounds and standing 5’ 10” tall.Convicted of Murder 2Nd Degree in Trinity County in February 1888 and sentenced to 5 years4999Littleberry A. Ellis #128 Mar 1888Pernicious Fever23Dixon, CarpenterTrinityBen Dixon Family Tree.ged
Gus ParkerN/AHis intake form lists him as a Mulatto Farmer.Convicted of Swindling Of Property Over $20 Value in Lavaca County in March 1888 and sentenced to 2 years5013Littleberry A. Ellis #124 May 1888Congestive FeverN/AParkerLavacaGus Parker Family Tree.ged
Riley Williams1863His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 140 pounds and standing 5’ 7” tall.Convicted of Burglary And Theft Of Money Over $20 in Fort Bend County in April 1888 and sentenced to 4 years5147Littleberry A. Ellis #126 May 1888Congestion25WilliamsFort BendRiley Williams Family Tree.ged
Henry Corey1859His intake form lists him as a Mulatto Laborer, weighing 156 pounds and standing 5’ 8” tall.Convicted of Robbery in Dallas County in June 1888 and sentenced to 2 years5215Littleberry A. Ellis #127 Jun 1888Killed By Guard M. De Jarnette While Attempting To Escape29CoreyCooke, DallasHenry Corey Family Tree.ged
George Lindsey1866His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 154 pounds and standing 5' 8" tall.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Rape in San Jacinto County in November 1887 and sentenced to 7 years4793Littleberry A. Ellis #229 Jun 1888Killed By Guard A. J. Copeling While Attempting To Escape22Lindsey, Booker, Goffney, JenkinsSan Jacinto, Walker, Harris, MontgomeryGeorge Lindsey Family Tree.ged
Henry Nichols1860His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5' 8" tall.Convicted of Theft Of Horses in Williamson County in August 1887 and sentenced to 12 years4683Littleberry A. Ellis #26 Jul 1888Hyperaemia Of Liver28Nichols, Douglas, Henderson, Shedrick, Tillery, Turner, WilliamsWilliamson, Milam, Cherokee, Tarrant, Kendall, LubbockHenry Nichols Family Tree.ged
Joseph Collins1864His intake form lists him as a Mulatto Laborer, weighing 157 pounds and standing 5’ 9” tall.Convicted of Aiding Prisoners Charged with Felonies to Escape From an Officer in Guadalupe County in May 1888 and sentenced to 7 years5227Littleberry A. Ellis #110 Jul 1888Killed By Guard M. De Jarnette While Attempting To Escape24Collins, MillettGuadalupeJoseph Collins Family Tree.ged
Ben Franklin1849His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 180 pounds and standing 5’ 3” tall.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Murder in Fayette County in June 1888 and sentenced to 5 years5235Littleberry A. Ellis #126 Jul 1888Congestive Fever39Franklin, FarquarFayetteBen Franklin Family Tree.ged
William Hansber1867His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 140 pounds and standing 5' 7" tall.Convicted of Perjury in Williamson County in July 1887 and sentenced to 5 years4680Littleberry A. Ellis #227 Jul 1888Malarial Fever21HansberWilliamsonWilliam Hansber Family Tree.ged
Jordan Lofton1861His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 140 pounds and standing 5' 7" tall.Convicted of Theft Of Property Over $20 In Value in Liberty County in February 1888 and sentenced to 2 years5011Littleberry A. Ellis #22 Aug 1888Sun Stroke27LoftonLiberty, Fort BendJordan Lofton Family Tree.ged
Alex Granville1862His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5’ 5” tall.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Murder in Fayette County in May 1888 and sentenced to 2 years5229Littleberry A. Ellis #17 Aug 1888Typho Malarial Fever26GranvilleFayetteAlex Granville Family Tree.ged
John Hollis1851His intake form lists him as a "Gingercake Brown" Farmer, weighing 130 pounds and standing 5' 4" tall.Convicted of Burglary in Fayette County in June 1888 and sentenced to 2 years5232Littleberry A. Ellis #27 Aug 1888Congestion Of Bowels37
Sam Allen1868His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5’ 8” tall.Convicted of Theft in De Witt County in August 1888 and sentenced to 3 years5341Littleberry A. Ellis #13 Sep 1888Epileptic Convulsion20
Littleberry A. Ellis (#1, #2 and #3)
Jim Shelton1857His intake form lists him as a Brown Railroad worker, weighing 160 pounds.Convicted of Burglary in Colorado County in July 1887 and sentenced to 2 years4634Littleberry A. Ellis #131 Dec 1888Dropsy31SheltonColorado, TravisJim Shelton Family Tree.ged
Jim Moseley1867His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 156 pounds and standing 5' 6" tall.Convicted of Theft Of Two Mules in Dallas County in March 1889 and sentenced to 5 years5637Littleberry A. Ellis #214 May 1889Congestion Of Stomach And Bowels22MoseleyDallasJim Moseley Family Tree.ged
John Davis1862His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5’ 10” tall.Convicted of Burglary in Colorado County in October 1888 and sentenced to 2 years5360Littleberry A. Ellis #116 Jul 1889Congestion Of The Brain27
Morris Gray1848His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 145 pounds and standing 5’ 6” tall.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Murder in De Witt County in August 1888 and sentenced to 2 years5340Littleberry A. Ellis #118 Jul 1889Sun Stroke41
Jerry Nevils1859His intake form lists him as a Black Farmer, weighing 174 pounds and standing 5’ 10” tall.Convicted of Cattle Theft in Walker County in September 1888 and sentenced to 5 years5356Littleberry A. Ellis #121 Jul 1889Sun Stroke30Nevils, Burts, GrayWalkerJerry Nevils Family Tree.ged
Josh Mitchell1866His intake form lists him as a Copper-complexioned Black Laborer, weighing 173 pounds and standing 5’ 9” tall.Convicted of Manslaughter in Lavaca County in March 1889 and sentenced to 2 years5622Littleberry A. Ellis #121 Jul 1889Sun Stroke23
Dempsy Whitfield1839His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5’ 7” tall.Convicted of Burglary in Washington County in November 1888 and sentenced to 2 years5430Littleberry A. Ellis #124 Jul 1889Sun Stroke50Whitfield, Block, Cuney, Estuss, Felder, LatsonWashington, Austin, Dallas, Wichita, HarrisDempsey Whitfield Family Tree.ged
Henry Terry1864His intake form lists him as a Black Cook, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5’8” tall.Convicted of Theft in Galveston County in August 1889 and sentenced to 2 years5878Littleberry A. Ellis #128 Aug 1889Sun Stroke25Terry, Chester, HollandGalvestonHenry Terry Family Tree.ged
George Jessie1864His intake form lists him as a Black Farmer, weighing 158 pounds and standing 5’ 8” tall.Convicted of Burglary And Assault With Intent To Murder in Grimes County in July 1889 and sentenced to 4 years5840Littleberry A. Ellis #14 Sep 1889Heart Disease25JessieGrimesGeorge Jessie Family Tree.ged
Phil Davis1863His intake form lists him as a Black Cook, weighing 163 pounds and standing 5’ 6” tall.Convicted of Burglary And Theft Of Property Over $20 Value in El Paso County in July 1889 and sentenced to 4 years5863Littleberry A. Ellis #112 Sep 1889Paralysis Of Heart26
John Smith1866His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 175 pounds and standing 6' tall.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Rape in Camp County in May 1866 and sentenced to 4 years3853Littleberry A. Ellis #216 Oct 1889Accidently Shot By Guard B. Ervin23
John Williams1864His intake form lists him as a Black Farmer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5’ 7” tall.Convicted of Burglary in Cass County in September 1889 and sentenced to 2 years5913Ellis #1 & 213 Nov 1889Internal Hemorrhage And Dropsy25WilliamsCass, MarionJohn Williams Family Tree.ged
George Baker1864His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 145 pounds and standing 5’ 6” tall.Convicted of Burglary in Austin County in January 1890 and sentenced to 2 years6138Littleberry A. Ellis #129 Jan 1890Killed During Escape Attempt26BakerAustin, WashingtonGeorge Baker Family Tree.ged
Jeff Thomas1864His intake form lists him as a Black Farmer, weighing 162 pounds and standing 5’ 5” tall.Convicted of Theft Of Property Over $20 Value in Harrison County in October 1889 and sentenced to 2 years5928Littleberry A. Ellis #1 and #225 May 1890Abscess Of Liver And Dropsy26
Coleman Cole1862His intake form lists him as a Copper-complexioned Farmer, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5’ 6” tall.Convicted of Robbery in Fayette County in June 1890 and sentenced to 5 years6355Littleberry A. Ellis #116 Jun 1890Congestive Convulsions28Cole, Johnson, PierceFayette, Milam, TarrantColeman Cole Family Tree.ged
West Scott1872His intake form lists him as a Dark Mulatto Farmer, weighing 147 pounds and standing 5’1” tall.Convicted of Theft in Smith County in March 1890 and sentenced to 2 years6218Littleberry A. Ellis #121 Jul 1890Killed During Escape Attempt18
Wm. Stephens1867His intake form lists him as a Negro Farmer, weighing 190 pounds and standing 5’ 7” tall.Convicted of Horse Theft in Austin County in January 1890 and sentenced to 5 years6139Littleberry A. Ellis #131 Aug 1890Dropsy23
Wm. Nichols1864His intake form lists him as a Black Blacksmith And Cook, weighing 162 pounds and standing 5’ 6” tall.Convicted of Theft Of Property Over $20 Value And Burglary in Webb County in August 1889 and sentenced to 5 years5891Littleberry A. Ellis #1 and #24 Sep 1890Congestive Chill26
Davy Smith1865His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 137 pounds and standing 5’ 7” tall.Convicted of Burglary And Theft Of Money Over $20 in Fort Bend County in April 1888 and sentenced to 4 years5146Littleberry A. Ellis #116 Nov 1890Run Over By Tram Car25Smith, Duval, Lawrence, MosesFort Bend, Harris, Washington, DallasDavy Smith Family Tree.ged
Tom Anderson1867His intake form lists him as a Black Farmer, weighing 144 pounds and standing 5’ 6” tall.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Murder in Rusk County in August 1890 and sentenced to 2 years6447Littleberry A. Ellis #130 Mar 1891Dropsy24
Auz Boon1863His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 170 pounds and standing 6’ 4” tall.Convicted of Burglary in Panola County in November 1890 and sentenced to 7 years6541Littleberry A. Ellis20 Jun 1891Sun Stroke28BoonPanolaAuz Boon Family Tree.ged
Loyd Adams1856Died of sunstroke before description was taken.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Murder in Guadalupe County in May 1891 and sentenced to 5 years7139Littleberry A. Ellis29 Jul 1891Sun Stroke35Adams
Tom Lockett1861His intake form lists him as a Black Farmer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 6' tall.Convicted of Theft Of Money Over $20 In Value in Washington County in July 1887 and sentenced to 5 years4645Littleberry A. Ellis #28 Oct 1891Malarial Hematuria Or Black Jaundice30
Will Williams1870His intake form lists him as a Mulatto Farmer, weighing 152 pounds and standing 5’ 11” tall.Convicted of Theft Of A Horse in Bandera County in July 1892 and sentenced to 5 years8301Littleberry A. Ellis17 Jan 1893Pleurisy23
Sam Lee1870His intake form lists him as a Black Hostler, weighing 155 pounds and standing 5’ 8” tall.Convicted of Burglary And Theft in Grayson County in November 1892 and sentenced to 6 years8603Littleberry A. Ellis3 Mar 1893Escape Attempt23
William Crawford1871His intake form lists him as a Black Cook, weighing 180 pounds.Convicted of Forgery in Washington County in April 1892 and sentenced to 2 years7999Littleberry A. Ellis23 Jun 1893Pistol Shot While Escaping22
Wafer O’Dair1870His intake form lists him as a Dark Mulatto Laborer, weighing 178 pounds and standing 6’ 2” tall.Convicted of Rape in Milam County in May 1893 and sentenced to 5 years9356Littleberry A. Ellis8 Jul 1893Sun Stroke23
William Nash1876His intake form lists him as a Black Cook, weighing 151 pounds and standing 5’4” tall.Convicted of Theft Of Property Over $20 Value in McLennan County in April 1892 and sentenced to 4 years8035Littleberry A. Ellis3 Sep 1893Congestion Of Brain17
Hence Simons1864His intake form lists him as a Black Mill Man, weighing 142 pounds and standing 5’ 9” tall.Convicted of Horse Theft in Rusk County in August 1891 and sentenced to 15 years7178Littleberry A. Ellis6 Sep 1893Consumption29Simons, Hill, Hodge, MadkinRusk, Nacogdoches, Henderson, PanolaHence Simons Family Tree.ged
Mack Baldwin1866His intake form lists him as a Copper-complexioned Laborer, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5’ 8” tall.Convicted of Assault with Intent to Murder in Liberty County and sentenced to 5 years 6273Littleberry A. Ellis #14 Mar 1894Escape Attempt28BaldwinLibertyMack Baldwin Family Tree.ged
Jim Glass1873His intake form lists him as a Mulatto Laborer, weighing 181 pounds and standing 5’ 7” tall.Convicted of 2nd Degree Murder in Smith County in October 1894 and sentenced to 10 years11346Littleberry A. Ellis #19 Jul 1895Pernicious Malaria23GlassSmithJim Glass Family Tree.ged
Caswell G. Ellis (#1, #2 and #3)
Will Campbell1877His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 161 pounds and standing 5' 7" tall.Convicted of Horse Theft in Bosque County in March 1893 and sentenced to 10 years9057Caswell G. Ellis14 Apr 1898Slow Continued Malarial Fever Complicated With Pneumonia21
Ed Jackson1877His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5’ 9” tall.Convicted of Theft Of A Horse in Burnet County in November 1897 and sentenced to 2 years15725Caswell G. Ellis #130 Aug 1898Malaria21JacksonBurnet, HaysEd Jackson Family Tree.ged
James Lighthall1865His intake form lists him as a Brown Railroad Worker, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5' 9" tall.Convicted of Horse Theft in Bexar County in March 1892 and sentenced to 10 years7788Caswell G. Ellis #26 Jan 1899Heart Disease34LighthallBexarJames Lighthall Family Tree.ged
Allie Tollison1871His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5’ 9” tall.Convicted of Fraudulently Disposing Of A Mortgaged Property in Lavaca County in November 1897 and sentenced to 2 years15724Caswell G. Ellis #18 Feb 1899Pneumonia28Tollison, Evans, TallisonLavaca, Bexar, GuadalupeAllie Tollison Family Tree.ged
Abe Adams1872His intake form lists him as a Black Hotel Waiter, weighing 150 pounds and standing 5’ 10” tall.Convicted of Theft Of A Horse in Lavaca County in April 1898 and sentenced to 2 years16540Caswell G. Ellis #110 Jul 1899Drowned27
John Blacksom1866His intake form lists him as a Brown Laborer, weighing 154 pounds and standing 5’ 9” tall.Convicted of Burglary in Brazos County in March 1891 and sentenced to 14 years6798Caswell G. Ellis #110 Jul 1899Drowned33BlacksomBrazosJohn Blacksom Family Tree.ged
Phillip Watts1878His intake form lists him as a Brown Laborer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5' 8" tall.Convicted of Arson And Burglary in Navarro County in May 1896 and sentenced to 7 years13630Caswell G. Ellis #110 Jul 1899Drowned21Watts, Bryant, Carroll, FountainNavarroPhillip Watts Family Tree.ged
Joe Miller1875His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 130 pounds and standing 5”7” tall.Convicted of Burglary in Bexar County in November 1897 and sentenced to 2 years15762Caswell G. Ellis #129 Jul 1899Malaria24
Joe Beman1857His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 180 pounds and standing 5’ 10” tall.Convicted of 6 Cases Of Burglary And Theft in Bexar County in October 1897 and sentenced to 12 years15738Caswell G. Ellis #121 Jun 1900Pernicious Malaria43Beman or Beamon or BermanBexarJoe Beman Family Tree.ged
Jack Mitchell1867His intake form lists him as a Dark Brown Railroad Laborer, weighing 150 pounds and standing 5’ 5” tall.Convicted of Theft Of A Horse in Harris County in November 1900 and sentenced to 4 years19734Caswell G. Ellis #112 Nov 1900Pernicious Malarial Fever33Mitchell, Brooks, Brown, Francois, Lincoln, Starks, WilsonHarrisJack Mitchell Family Tree.ged
Lige Johnson1880His intake form lists him as a Dark Brown Laborer, weighing 147 pounds and standing 5' 6" tall.Convicted of Burglary And Theft in Travis County and sentenced to 4 years16556Caswell G. Ellis #117 Dec 1900Pernicious Malarial Fever And Congestive Chill20JohnsonHarris, TravisLige Johnson Family Tree.ged
Dump Miller1881His intake form lists him as a Mulatto Black Laborer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5’ 9” tall.Convicted of Burglary With Intent To Commit Theft in Bexar County in April 1901 and sentenced to 2 years20288Caswell G. Ellis #111 Jul 1901Pernicious Malarial Fever20MillerBexarDump Miller Family Tree.ged
Arthur Robinson1882His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5’ 10” tall.Convicted of Burglary in McLennan County in October 1902 and sentenced to 10 years22134Littleberry A. Ellis #19 Dec 1902Killed By Dog Sgt J. H. Veal While Attempting To Escape20Robinson, JohnsonMcLennanArthur Robinson Family Tree.ged
Ashley Logan1874His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 150 pounds and standing 5' 7" tall.Convicted of Burglary in McLennan County in December 1902 and sentenced to 2 years22364Caswell G. Ellis #215 Jan 1903Congestion29Logan, Bailey, Baker, McLennanMcLennanAshley Logan Family Tree.ged
Mack Allen1873His intake form lists him as a Mulatto Butcher, weighing 160 pounds and standing 5' 8" tall.Convicted of Burglary in Dallas County in September 1896 and sentenced to 12 years14156Caswell G. Ellis #224 May 1903Acute Dysentery30AllenDallasMack Allen Family Tree.ged
Andy Jackson1848His intake form lists him as a Dark Brown Laborer, weighing 170 pounds and standing 5’ 7” tall.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Commit Murder in Panola County in November 1902 and sentenced to 2 years22151Caswell G. Ellis #116 Nov 1903Pernicious Malaria55Jackson, Carr, Clemons, Davis, Edwards, McDowell, Miller, Neal, Smith, StanfordPanola, Smith, GreggAndy Jackson Family Tree.ged
Governor Marshall1873His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 166 pounds and standing 5' 6" tall.Convicted of Arson in Harrison County in April 1899 and sentenced to 7 years17682Caswell G. Ellis #29 Mar 1904Acute Pulmonary Phthisis. After His Death, Sgt Le Ribans Sent In $4.65 Belonging To Him Because Unable To Locate Relatives31MarshallHarrisonGovernor Marshall Family Tree.ged
Henry Walker (Henry Quigly)1880His intake form lists him as a Dark Brown Laborer, weighing 170 pounds and standing 5' 10.5" tall.Convicted of Attempt To Commit Arson in Bastrop County in July 1903 and sentenced to 5 years16897 and 23280Caswell G. Ellis #111 Sep 1905Struck By Lightning At 11.40 Am And Instantly Killed25 Quigley, WalkerBurleson, BastropHenry Quigley (Henry Walker) F.ged
Milas Loveless1882His intake form lists him as a Black Laborer, weighing 163 pounds and standing 5’ 10” tall.Convicted of Theft of Property valued at $30 and burglary in Grayson County and sentenced to 14 years in the state penitentiary19053Caswell G. Ellis #111 Sep 1905Struck By Lightning At 11:40 Am And Instantly Killed22LovelessGraysonMilas Loveless Family Tree.ged
Travis Owens1880His intake form lists him as a Brown Laborer, weighing 150 pounds and standing 5’ 8” tall.Convicted of Sodomy in Lamar County in November 1904 and sentenced to 5 years25975Caswell G. Ellis #113 Dec 1905Pneumonia25Owens, OwenLamarTravis Owens Family Tree.ged
Andrew Blackwell1882His intake form lists him as a Brown Laborer, weighing 165 pounds and standing 5' 6" tall.Convicted of Conspiracy To Commit Rape And Burglary in Lee County in November 1906 and sentenced to 13 years26991Caswell G. Ellis #211 Jun 1907Overheat25Blackwell, Armstead, MannieLee, Hays, BexarAndrew Blackwell Family Tree.ged
Imperial State Farm
George Harterson1858His intake form lists him as a Dark Mulatto Laborer, weighing 145 pounds and standing 6' 1" tall.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Murder in Gillespie County in March 1908 and sentenced to 2 years28281Imperial State Farm1 Apr 1908Senility50Harterson, Hartison, Hardeson, Harderson, Hardison, Jackson, WashingtonGillespieGeorge Harterson Family Tree.ged
Geo McCauley1868His intake form lists him as a Mulatto Laborer, weighing 130 pounds and standing 5' 6" tall.Convicted of Manslaughter in Matagorda County in July 1908 and sentenced to 5 years28702Imperial State Farm15 Nov 1908Syphilis40McCauleyMatagorda, FayetteGeo McCauley Family Tree.ged
Pricopio Armijo1890His intake form lists him as a Mexican Laborer, weighing 135 pounds and standing 5' 5" tall.Convicted of Theft Of One Horse in El Paso County in September 1908 and sentenced to 2 years28836Imperial State Farm2 Jul 1909Sunstroke19ArmijoEl PasoPricopio Armijo Family Tree.ged
Robert Brown1881His intake form lists him as a Brown Cook, weighing 155 pounds and standing 5’ 4” tall.Convicted of Burglary in Harris County in February 1904 and sentenced to 8 years23868Imperial State Farm26 Jul 1909Sunstroke28
Henry Anderson1893His intake form lists him as a Dark Brown Laborer, weighing 137 pounds and standing 5' 7" tall.Convicted of Theft in Leon County in September 1909 and sentenced to 2 years29913Imperial State Farm15 Jan 1910Pneumonia17Anderson, BradyLeonHenry Anderson Family Tree.ged
Dick Pinckney1853His intake form lists him as a Dark Brown Laborer, weighing 130 pounds and standing 5' 6" tall.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Commit Rape in Jefferson County in April 1908 and sentenced to 10 years28406Imperial State Farm16 Feb 1910Killed Attempting To Escape57PinckneyRobertson, JeffersonDick Pinckney Family Tree.ged
Will Johnson1866His intake form lists him as a Mulatto Laborer, weighing 198 pounds and standing 6' 2" tall.Convicted of Assault With Intent To Murder in Brazos County in October 1908 and sentenced to 2 years28843Imperial State Farm24 Jun 1910Tb And Heart Failure44
ABOUT
The Sugar Land podcast is a production of Dot Productions and The Texas Newsroom, a public radio journalism collaboration that includes NPR, KERA in North Texas, Houston Public Media, KUT in Austin, Texas Public Radio in San Antonio and other stations across the state.
Co-hosts: Brittney Martin and Naomi Reed
Editor: Rachel Osier Lindley
Executive Producer: Brittney Martin
Engineer and Sound Designer: Jacob Rosati
Fact Checker: Billy Brennan
Audio Editor: Bennett Smith
Music: JaRon Marshall
Recording Engineer: Jake Perlman
Producer: Rafa Farihah
Managing Editor of The Texas Newsroom: Corrie MacLaggan
Website: Alan Bouzek
SUPPORT
The podcast and website were completed with the support of a grant from Columbia University's Ira A. Lipman Center for Journalism and Civil and Human Rights with funding provided by Arnold Ventures and a grant from the Convict Leasing and Labor Project.
The nonprofit collective Lawyers for Reporters and the SMU Dedman School of Law's First Amendment Clinic provided Dot Productions with pro bono legal assistance.
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