Hampton and Mary Pratt were pioneer Sabine County residents and among the very first founders and settlers of Hemphill. They came from Alabama and established the first general merchandise business in Hemphill in the late 1850’s. Hampton Pratt was among the first members of the local masonic lodge, and the Pratt family were early members and supporters of the First Baptist Church. In 1861, Hampton Pratt joined the Confederate Army and served in the First Texas Infantry Regiment. The Pratts reared five children, all born in Hemphill: Dreighton Pratt, Sr., Ella Pratt Youngblood, Emily Pratt Toole, Edward Pratt, and Jennie Pratt Brooks.