Tom Williams arrives in Nacogdoches, Texas in 1836 and so begins the saga of a family, which over several generations, encounter hardship, heartbreak and joy as they build a life for themselves on the Texas frontier. By 1845, the Republic of Texas has been annexed as a state of the United States and Tom's family has grown. He and his wife Effie have five surviving children. The two oldest boys, Clovis and Claude, are polar opposites, but by the time of the Civil War, the two have established a flourishing freighting business. Illness, slavery, continued tensions with Mexico, and a harsh environment tests even the sturdiest frontiersman. But through resolve, devotion and determination the Williams' dynasty prevails.