Richard Bratton
The Old Shoe Maker
from "Southeast Corner of Tarrant County Before the Civil War"
by Sallie Hodges McKnight
The life of Richard Bratton on this Texas frontier was preceded by a romance in London, England, when, as a gardener on a gentleman's estate, he fell in love with the gentleman's
daughter. Winning her affection, they embarked on an immigrant ship, found their way to Texas, located near what is now Mansfield, and raised a large family of splendid citizens, among their descendants a commissioner and County Judge of Tarrant County. When such articles could not be bought, Mr. Bratton made to order the necessary supply of shoes, from the tanning of the
leather to the finished article.
Return to Tarrant County Page
Return to Texas Page
Return to Index of States