Ohio native William A. Waugh found gold in California in 1849 and settled near the Cibolo Creek Crossing on the Laredo-San Antonio Road in 1856, before La Salle County was created. During the border raids called the Cortina War, he served briefly as a Texas Ranger. He was also a merchant, district court clerk, and justice of the peace. The father of three daughters and a son, Waugh contributed significantly to progress in this locality.