James T. Gillespie

James T. Gillespie was born in 1856. He came to Alpine in 1880 as a Texas Ranger, and enjoyed the area so much he chose to stay after retirement.

On February 14, 1887, with 104 votes, J.T. Gillespie became Sheriff and Tax Collector of the newly designated Brewster County. In 1887 he reviewed records with the State Land Office to determine taxable lands for Brewster County, and some of the unclaimed lands became part of the Big bend National Park system. He is also credited with saving as many county records as he could during the first major fire in February 1888.

J.T. Gillespie died in office during his second term as sheriff in 1890. His deputy, John Rooney, was appointed to serve the remainder of his term.

James T. Gillespie photo courtesy of Carl C. Williams collection