Robert McAlpin Williamson came to Texas from Georgia in 1826. He co founded a newspaper and edited two others, practiced law, and was a major in the Texas Rangers. He fought in the Texian Army alongside Sam Houston, traveled early Texas as a circuit riding judge, served on the Texas Supreme Court, and was elected Senator for the brand new state of Texas. He believed that Texas counties should be named for Texas heroes; Williamson County is named for him.