DUANE
Duane's take
Here's the story as the official marker tells it — James B. Williams, Williamson County. Now, some men wander into history quiet-like, and some men arrive on Christmas Eve with a wagon train full of kin.
James B. Williams was the second kind. Born in 1821 in Madison County, Kentucky, James didn't make the journey to Texas alone — not by a long shot.
When he came, he brought his new bride, Sarah Coffey, and the whole outfit rolled in together: his father Isaac leading the way, brothers David, John R., and Kelse riding alongside, and other kin filling out the train behind them. That is not a family moving. That is a family arriving.
And they picked a date to remember. December 24th, 1848 — Christmas Eve — the Williams clan settled into the Berry's Creek area. Whatever that first winter held, they were here.
James didn't stay put for long, though. In the 1850s he was over in San Saba County, and during that same stretch he was riding with the Texas Rangers — specifically the company of his uncle, Captain John Williams. He served in that company from 1854 all the way through 1862.
Eight years alongside a man who shared his blood and his name, out on the Texas frontier. When the ranging was done, James B. Williams put down roots for good in Glasscock Valley, north of Georgetown.
That became his permanent home. He and Sarah raised thirteen children there. Thirteen.
James B. Williams lived from 1821 to 1891 — a pioneer of this region, the marker says plainly. And sometimes plain is exactly right.
The man came in on Christmas Eve with his whole family at his back, served the frontier, and filled a valley with his people. That's a life that doesn't need much embellishment.
What the marker says
(1821-1891) A pioneer of this region. Born in Madison County, KY. With bride, Sarah Coffey, came to Texas in wagon train led by his father, Isaac, and including brothers David, John R., Kelse, and other kin. Moved to Berry's Creek area on Dec. 24, 1848. Served in Texas Rangers company of his uncle, Capt. John Williams, 1854-1862. Lived in San Saba County, 1850s. Permanent home was in Glasscock Valley, north of Georgetown. Williams had thirteen children. Recorded - 1973