The Deming’s Bridge community developed around a wooden bridge built over the Tres Palacios River at this site in 1857 for Edward A. Deming, who owned land along the west side of the stream. The crossing became a natural gathering place for settlers in western Matagorda County, and Tres Palacios Baptist Church, the site of many community activities, was established on the east side of the river. The Deming’s Bridge Post Office opened in 1858 with Edwin A. Deming as postmaster until it was discontinued in 1866, then reinstated in 1872, renamed Hawley in 1899, and closed again in 1903 when it was moved to the new settlement of Blessing 2 miles west. A Masonic Hall established in 1874 was also moved to Blessing after the railroad was located there and caused a population shift. Hawley Cemetery began as a two-acre tract called Deming’s Bridge Cemetery, where those buried include brothers and noted cattle ranchers Abel Head “Shanghai” Pierce and Jonathan Edwards Pierce. Jonathan Pierce donated land to enlarge the cemetery and helped change its name in 1898 to honor Texas Senator Robert B. Hawley.