King County was created on Aug. 21, 1876, from Bexar County, whose diamond-shaped boundaries had extended from the Rio Grande to the Panhandle to El Paso. It was named for William King, who died at the Alamo. Its chief industry was ranching, reflected in the famous cattle brands 6666, Pitchfork, S M S, and Matador. With a population of only 173 in 1890, formal organization was aided by petitions signed by itinerants, and the names of favorite horses were also added. Organization came on June 25, 1891. In establishing the county seat, cowboys voted for Guthrie, which won over Ashville, the choice of the ranchers.