Jack was a legislator and soldier in Texas. He was born in Georgia in 1806 and after completing his studies at the University of Georgia, he practiced law in Alabama. He moved to Texas with his younger brother Patrick and became embroiled in Texas politics. When Patrick was arrested in the Anahuac Disturbances, William wrote the resolutions against the actions of the Mexican officials. These resolutions became part of the call to arms against Mexico. He joined the Texas Army and was commissioned a major by Stephen F. Austin and sent to Bexar, where he participated in the Grass Fight. He joined Houston’s Army and fought in the Battle of San Jacinto. After the war he served briefly as Secretary of State under President Burnet before returning to Brazoria, where he served one term as a Congressman and three as a Senator in the Republic of Texas Congress. He died of yellow fever, sixteen days after his brother died from yellow fever, in 1844. Jack County was named in honor of Patrick and his brother William.
