Tennessee native James Azle Steward came to Texas prior to 1860, and he and his wife, Mary E. Fowler Steward, were among the early settlers of this area. A well-known, respected pioneer physician, Steward gave land for a townsite in 1883, and the settlement, previously known by several different names at various times, was renamed Azle. He was also instrumental in the establishment of Ash Creek Cemetery, and Azle Christian Church was built on land donated by the doctor. A Mason, he was buried in Ash Creek Cemetery.