A native of New Jersey, Reading Wood Black founded the town of Encino, later renamed Uvalde, in 1855. The following year he was instrumental in the formation of Uvalde County. An active civic leader and supporter of education, Black served as County Judge, County Commissioner, and State Representative. Because of his opposition to secession, he was led to live in Mexico during the Civil War. Black was killed in Uvalde at the age of 37.