J. F. Gault, father of Judge Gault, was one of McCulloch County' s most progressive citizens, being the founder of Placid, a flourishing community in the northern part of the county.  Mr. Gault also served two terms as county commissioner, and his name along with other county officials at that time is stenciled on the iron bridge spanning the Colorado River on Highway 10 between Brady and Brownwood.
    Mr. Gault was a staunch Baptist, and was instrumental in the erection of Baptist Church buildings at both Placid and Milburn.  He was always found foremost in all progressive movements for the advancement of religious and civic enterprises.