North Carolina native William Hooks (1818-1894) lived in Florida and Georgia before moving to Texas in 1849. He settled here on his survey in 1852. Soon after, he set aside land at this site for a burial ground. It was originally used for family members and for residents of the adjacent area known as Pigeon Roost Prairie. William Hooks took a personal interest in the cemetery; he built coffins, dug graves, and maintained the grounds. After his death, it was administrated by his two youngest sons, Bud (d.1933) and Ben (d.1949).