James Sidney Talley was born near Washington-on-the-Brazos and moved to Ochiltree County in 1901. As sheriff from 1908 to 1944, he used free-wheeling methods and never carried a gun. It was said that his generosities kept him poor. At retirement, he held the record for longer continuous service than any other Texas sheriff. An expert judge of livestock, he also ranched throughout his career. In his retirement years, he did considerable welfare work. He was a Mason and married Mamie Richardson.