Suggested edit: Oldest son of James Mann and Margaret Stephenson Mann, he came to Wise County with his parents in June of 1854. They camped on the West Fork of the Trinity River at Cain Crossing, later known as Bobo Crossing, named because Bobo had a gin at this crossing for a time. arriving in Wise County in 1853, with Uncle Sam Woody and Ben Crews, they built the Woody log house, the first house built in Wise County, and went back to Tarrant County, to return the following summer to settle. W.J.'s first schooling was in a log school house in Deep Creek Community, taught by Bob WALKER. He later went to school at Veal Station in Parker County, taught by Bill AKARD. While attending school in Parker County, he stayed with Uncle Bill Woody, who was a brother of Uncle Sam Woody. The five Woody brothers were: Sam, of Deep Creek, Bill and John, who settled near Veal Station, Brice, of Willow Creek area near Boonsville, and Hugh who lived in East Texas. W.J. "Bill" Mann and Martha PERKINS were married in 1877 in Wise County. With a pre-emption claim of 180 acres of land on Rush Creek in Wise County, near a watering place known as Buzzard Springs, they settled down and began their family. Sadly, Martha died with the birth of twins, one of whom survived, and Martha and the other twin are buried in Cottondale.
The following year Bill Mann married Lantie LINDSEY INSMINGER, as her second husband. (Her first husband (and father of her son, Wash,) had been killed in a fight. Bill and Lantie moved onto 160 acres known as the Sam Ewing Place on Garret's Creek. Bill had traded his original farm for this land in 1881.
Children of W.J. "Bill" Mann and Martha PERKINS: J. Lee Mann, 1880
W.J. and Lantie Lindsey Insminger children: Lin Z., 1883; married Luna BOLEY, three girls and five boys; Madline, 1884-1884; Francis Ida, 1885-1887; Dora May, 1887-? ; James Henry, 1889-1972 married Maude READ, five boys and two girls; James Henry’s second wife was Dora CHANDLER from Ringgold, TX ; Charles W., 1891-1953 married Ida SIMPSON, one girl and two boys.; Allie, 1893; married Lilburn COMBS, two boys and three girls.; Bessie Nell, 1895; married Oscar COMBS, one girl and three boys.; R.C. (Dick), 1897; married Thelma WILLIAMS, had two boys.; John Patterson (Pat), 1898; married Lone Estella BUTLER, one son and one daughter.; R.B. (Burley), 1901; married Cuba LEACHMAN, one son and one daughter; Harry H., 1903; married Naomi JONES, second wife, Connie Bell SPARKS, boy and girl.; Thomas Drew, 1905, was married three times, had one child.
Contributor: sidewinder (49348971)

(Published in Amarillo Daily News, September 21, 1926)

W.J. Mann, former sheriff of Wise county and pioneer of Wet Texas, died at his home in that county yesterday following a brief illness, according to word received by friends of the family here last night.

Mann was well known in West Texas cattle and farming circles. He was 70 years old and had lived in the Panhandle country all his life.

Funeral arrangements have not been completed.