(1808-1864) Thomas J. Shannon came to Texas in 1839 and settled in what became Grayson County in 1845. Elected first Grayson County representative to the Texas Legislature, he worked for relocation of the county seat to the present site of Sherman. Shannon earned the name "Father of Sherman" after donating land for the townsite. His daughter Julia named the first streets. A pioneer stockman, Shannon imported Durham cattle, a gift from Queen Victoria, in 1848. Recorded - 1983