Soon after Williamson County was founded in 1848, pioneer settler Jacob M. Harrell, a blacksmith, built a log schoolhouse for use by his neighbors at Moss’ Spring on Lake Creek, believed to be the first school in the county. Later, Samuel L. Makemson and Dr. D. F. Knight opened another log cabin school north of Brushy Creek. As the area developed, efforts were made to provide a complete community educational program. Early college training was offered by the Greenwood Masonic Institute, established in 1867 and later operated by local Presbyterian churches and by the city as Round Rock Institute. The first publicly supported school for Round Rock students opened in 1878. A second college, Trinity Lutheran, operated from 1904 to 1929. In 1913, residents voted to incorporate Williamson County Common School District No. 19 as the Round Rock Independent School District, and area school administrator M. G. York was chosen as the first superintendent of the new school system. Under the direction of superintendents including O. F. Perry from 1939 to 1957 and Noel Grisham from 1957 to 1979, the district became noted for rapid growth and quality education.