James Sanks Brisbin (May 23, 1837 – January 14, 1892) was an American educator, lawyer, historian, author and soldier.

[2] When the American Civil War began in 1861, Brisbin enlisted in the Pennsylvania volunteer services that April as a private.

In this battle, Brisbin received two wounds, one in his side and the other in an arm,[5] and was praised by his superiors for his performance during the fight.

[5] In 1863 he very briefly led the cavalry forces in the Federal Department of the Susquehanna,[6] and was wounded in a leg during combat near Greenbrier, Virginia, on July 26.

[7] Brisbin was promoted to colonel on March 1, 1864, and organized the 5th United States Colored Cavalry.

Gen. Albert L. Lee during the Red River Campaign,[3] and was again wounded during the Battle of Mansfield in Louisiana on April 8, this time in the right foot.

Brisbin was in command of the 2nd Cavalry of General John Gibbon's Montana Column at the time of the Little Big Horn campaign.

Brisbin also penned the then-bestselling "Beef Bonanza" which urged investment in Open Range Cattle.