Mississippi native Joseph D. Sayers (1841-1929) came to Bastrop County with his family in 1850. After serving in the Civil War, he returned to Bastrop and opened a law office with George W. Jones. An active political leader, Sayers served in a number of elected offices, including state senator, Lt. Governor, U. S. congressman and Governor of Texas. He and his brother-in-law George Walton established a 3998-acre ranching operation here in 1868. The Sayers-Walton Ranch house was built prior to 1880 and served as the Walton home until 1899, when the land was subdivided and sold. (1982)