J Abijah Brooks (1855-1944) - Texas Ranger. He joined the Texas Rangers in 1883 and became known in the annals of the Texas Rangers as one of the "Four Great Captains," the others being John R. Hughes, William J. McDonald, and John H. Rogers. Brooks was involved in several shootouts in Brown County and the piney woods of East Texas with the Conner gang. In the latter gun battle one ranger was killed and three wounded, including Brooks, who lost several fingers on his left hand.
