In 1847, Francis headed with his parents to Texas in a covered wagon. He went to California in the gold rush and soon after returned to Texas. On March 30, 1850 he registered his brand in Travis County, Texas. The brand was "AR."

He was married to Annie Solemnia "Lady" Bratton on Sep. 3, 1851. Annie was the daughter of Robert Bratton and Nancy McCloskey. She was born on April 19, 1834 near Terre Haute, Vigo, Indiana. She had red hair. She died on April 12, 1864 in Merrilltown, Travis County, Texas and was buried in the Bratton Cemetery.

Mariah Robey (sister-in-law, as she was married to John C. Robey) wrote to a neice on Dec. 7, 1851 that "Asberry and Lady are well. Their wedding was a sort of snached up piece of work. We had an invitation the same evening at sundown. You may be sure we was mightily fixed up. Some of the boys bothered Ab. Made him say yea twice. The old Parson told him he was double married."

Francis enlisted in the Confederate States Army on August 10, 1863 for six months and served as a scout and 4th Sergeant, Company C, 4th Battalion, Cavalry. He died on March 20, 1899 and was buried in the Bratton Cemetery next to his wife.

Francis Asbury Robey

F. A. Robey

F. A. Robey Letter Page 1

F. A. Robey Letter Page 2