Cook Cemetery

Ranger , Eastland County, Cemeteries of TX

Submitted by Jeff Clark

Cook Cemetery is located approximately eight miles south of Ranger, Texas, in Cook Canyon. Its oldest marked grave is that of Etta Ainsworth, dated 1881. Most of the marked graves date from the late 1800s through the 1930s. The cemetery was used less and less through the years as the area communities of Chaney and Salem disappeared, and due to the poor condition of the road into Cook Canyon up until the last few years.

There are 30 marked graves with readable names, 27 additional graves marked with unreadable field stones, and an additional 55 graves believed to be onsite. The first deed to the cemetery was recorded in 1871, and many additional burials from the late 1800s are believed to have taken place here. The cemetery site is 1.25 acres.

The cemetery is fenced and surrounded by some of the prettiest country in Eastland County. Though deeded to the Cemetery Association, the cemetery is surrounded by private property. The land owner has been very gracious in allowing access, but prefers that entry to Cook Canyon be made from the Ranger side. The road into the canyon, though better than it has ever been, can still be tough going immediately after a rain.

For those with information on Cook Cemetery, the individuals and families resting therein, or the history of the area (stories or pictures), please email Jeff Clark at jdclark3312@aol.com. Jeff is working on collecting information on the area from the late 1800s through the 1930s for publication.