This is one of my favorite photos. It shows what I think was a sycamore tree, as this type of tree was most prevalent in the early days. There were no brick buildings being used for any of the businesses during this period. I really think that it was made in the 1850's. This row of building went up in flame one night. The land in the later 1860's was a part of the L.N. Edward farm, they arrived here in 1867, and made an original plat of the town from sections of his farm.

The business area was made up of so called "squatters" and when they found out the land and buildings didn’t belong to them. These people had been forced to move and settle west of the Mississippi River, and were not aware of the acquisition of land to be legal. This area was part of Fannin County until the 1840's.

One such family was the Starr family. The following is an obituary in an early day Aubrey newspaper:

Mr. J. J. Starr, age 80 years 2 months and 1 day, quietly passed away Friday morning May 13 at 2:50 a.m. at the home of his son John Starr, who lives southeast of Aubrey. He came to Texas from Texas County, Missouri about 48 years ago, and has made his home near Aubrey most of the time.

He had no especial affliction to take him away, but his body worn with the toil and cares of life was unable to hold the spirit that was longing for the freedom of a celestial home.

He is survived by his sons, W.J. Starr of Celina, Rev. R.J. and John Starr of Liberty community, Bob and Hubert Starr of Fort Worth.

Funeral will be held at Belew Cemetery at 11:30 Saturday morning, conducted by Rev. Owens of Lights Ranch.

Mr. Starr has been totally blind the past five years, but has been patient to the afflictions having faith to believe that his eyes would come back some day and open in a brighter place.

For the past few years he has made his home with his son, John Starr and wife, who have been entering in their efforts to make his last days of earth the most peaceful and happy.

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