John Wheeler Bunton, born in Sumner County, Tenn., migrated to Texas in 1833. He signed the Texas Declaration of Independence, helped draft a constitution, and fought in the Siege of Bexar and the Battle of San Jacinto to secure freedom for his new homeland. A lawyer, rancher, and owner of extensive lands, he served in the 1st and 3rd congresses of the Republic of Texas. He lived in Austin and Bastrop counties before settling in Hays County near Mountain City. Originally buried in Hays County, he was reinterred in the state cemetery in Austin in 1932.