Abner J. Strobel Collection:

An Inventory of Records at the Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library

Biographical Note

Abner J. Strobel was a celebrated author and historian in Brazoria County, Texas. His family first migrated from England to the United States in 1660; first settling in Albermarle County, Virginia. Mr. Strobel was born September 6, 1858 in Brazoria County on the Drayton Plantation. In his early years he lived throughout the South. He returned to Texas in 1875 and Brazoria County in 1882. At this time he assisted in the management of a sugar and cotton plantation, managed six plantations for Francis, Smith & Co., and served as a tax collector for four years for the County. In his later years he wrote the book entitled The Old Plantations and Their Owners in Brazoria County.

Mr. Strobel’s immediate family suffered greatly as a result of the Civil War. The family left their affluent Lake Jackson Plantation which was sold in 1870 when Mr. Strobel’s mother was nearly destitute.

Mr. Strobel is documented as being Brazoria County’s premiere historian; particularly concerning the county’s early agricultural and industrial growth. He died in his 70s at his home in Chenango, Texas.

References: Strobel, A. J., (1926). The Old Plantations and Their Owners in Brazoria County, Texas. Introduction by R. M. Farrar. Houston : The Union National Bank.

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Scope and Contents

The papers of Abner J. Strobel, lay historian, local politician, plantation manager, expectant oilman and longtime resident of Brazoria County are especially useful for documenting the impact of oil discoveries on the agricultural economy of Brazoria County. Particularly interesting in this regard are a collection of documents relating to the activities of the Union Cooperative Oil and Refining Association in which Strobel was active. Slightly less extensive, but rather significant are several items pertaining to Brazoria County politics at the turn of the century.

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Restrictions

Access Restrictions

None.

Use Restrictions

Permission to publish or reproduce materials from the Abner J. Strobel Collection must be obtained from the Houston Metropolitan Research Center or the appropriate copyright holder. Due to their fragility, the half-tone engravings may be viewed, but not used for any other purpose.

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Administrative Information

Preferred Citation

Abner J. Strobel Collection. Houston Metropolitan Research Center, Houston Public Library.

Acquisition Information

Donated by Mrs. Senath Strobel Gibson, September 9, 1976.

Processing Information

Processed by COC, July 25, 1978. Revisions in processing of correspondence were made by Charles Stephenson and Tammy Jordan, January 6, 2007.

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Detailed Description

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