John Williams
Mullin, Mills County, Texas
Marker Inscription
(February 6, 1804-August 4, 1871) One of the earliest permanent settlers of Brown and Mills counties, North Carolinian John Williams migrated to this area in 1855 and helped start the local cattle industry. Williams Ranch settlement grew up around his homestead, and Herd Pen Branch of Mullin Creek took its name from his roundup pens. Married to Annie Epley, he had five sons, William L., George W., John T., James D., David A., and one daughter, Elizabeth C., all pioneers of the community.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A North Carolinian by birth, John Williams came to this stretch of central Texas in 1855 and became one of the first permanent settlers of what are now Brown and Mills counties. He helped establish the region's early cattle industry, and the settlement of Williams Ranch grew up around his homestead while nearby Herd Pen Branch took its name from his roundup pens. With his wife Annie he raised six children who became pioneers of the community in their own right.
Why it matters
Williams represents the anonymous ranching pioneers whose homesteads and cattle operations turned the open central Texas frontier into settled country.
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Related people
- · John Williams
- · Annie Epley Williams
Themes & tags
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