James Bradford Pier, a native of Circleville, Ohio, came to Texas in 1835 with his wife Lucy (Merry). They settled in this area near the site of the early Texas town of Travis. Pier served in the Texas Army during the War for Independence and was detailed as a rear guard at the camp opposite Harrisburg during the Battle of San Jacinto. In later years he was a farmer, stock raiser, teacher, and merchant. He served as Justice of the Peace of Austin County and was the first postmaster of the Travis community. Pier is buried in the nearby Travis Cemetery.