Beloved Texas patriot, Ranger, lawyer, judge, newspaper editor, and Williamson County’s namesake. The Republic of Texas appointed Major Williamson to organize the first three companies of Texas Rangers. He sat as judge of the Third District Court and as a member of the Supreme Court of the Republic of Texas. Williamson was elected to both the House of Representatives and the Senate of the Republic. He later served as a state Senator.

Known affectionately as Three-legged Willie (given name Robert Williamson) due to the wooden leg he used following an illness when he was 15. His right leg drew up at the knee and could not support him. Thereafter, he wore a wooden leg, leaving his useless foot extended behind him. A lawyer at 19, he fought with the cavalry at the Battle of San Jacinto. He was a enthusiastic supporter of Texas statehood.