The Menefee family traces its lineage to colonists who entered America in 1623. Wm.L. Menefee, ancestor of this branch of the family, migrated to Texas in 1830, signed the Declaration of Independence in 1836, and served on the commission that selected the capital site at present-day Austin. He served six terms in the congress of the Republic of Texas and one term in the state legislature. His sons, H.F. and the Rev. W.O. Menefee, were early settlers in Johnson County. The family produced many jurists, soldiers, political leaders, and ministers, and its reunion, begun in 1890, has been held here since 1891.