A town named after Dr. J. H. Avinger

The first Avingers were three brothers who came to America from Germany before the Revolutionary War, Landing in New York, they made their way to the colony of South Carolina, where reference is made in a history book account of the battle of Utah Springs, S. C., to a “widow’ Avinger.” Reports indicate families by the name of “Avinger” still-living in Southern Germany. It is possible that the early spelling of the name was “Ebinger”.

H. S. Avinger, after whom the town of Avinger, Texas was named, was born 9 March 1833, on a farm in Orangeburg, S. C., near the present small town of Vance. He attended the Jefferson School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pa., graduating at the age of 19. When 22 years of age he journeyed by ship to New Orleans by river boat via Shreveport and up Cypress Bayou to Jefferson, Texas then 20 miles inland over the-Jefferson-Clarksville road to a settlement called “Young’s Chapel” He arrived in the spring of 1855. Young’s Chapel was located four miles west of Hickory

Young’s Chapel was located four miles west of Hickory Hill and three miles west of the present town of Avinger. Both communities are now a part of greater Avinger. The community consisted of a Methodist Church (moved to Avinger in the 70’s), a general store operated by Alfred Abernathy and three dwellings. Dr. Avinger obt¬ained board and lodging, in the home of Rev. Thomas Young, for whom the town was, named. He returned to South Carolina in the spring and married Mattie Hooker. They returned to East Texas in the spring of 1857 and lived in Young home. The Rev. Thomas Young is the grandfather of Mrs. George Alford who still lives in Avinger.

Dr. Avinger bought the entire James Anders Survey, 640 acres, on 8 Jan. 1860, and built a large log house on the approximate site of the present John Avinger house. This house was remodeled in 1879 and remained in excellent condition until des¬troyed by fire on 18 June 1928. The lumber was cut in his own mill and planed by hand. His son, L. H. Avinger planed much of this lumber under the “big Oak tree” still standing until a few years ago. The Avinger Springs were located at the foot of the hill near the old home place and was once dammed to provide a Mill Race. L. H. Avinger learned to swim in the pool when a friend threw him out of the boat in 12-foot water. L. H., Carrie and Julie were the three Avinger children.

A largo orchard on the Avinger place covered the area extending from the present Henry Sturdivant and Esta McCain residences to the W. A. McCain home and the Methodist Church grounds on the East and South sides of the block. M.D. Avinger, a younger brother of Dr. Avinger, arrived from South Carolina in 1860 and constructed a house about 50 yards East of the present Dean Yarborough house. This house was later occupied by the Fowler family until a portion was ripped off by a tornado, 15 April 1921. The old well on the place is still being used

On 22 June 1870, M. D. Avinger married Nanny Fritch at Hickory Hill. Their children Charley, Josh, Harry, Dud, Ollie, Hallie, and Andy. Still living are Charlie, of Newsom; Josh, of Dallas, and Haliie of Wichita Falls, Texas.

Dr. Avinger built his first store north of the present Bill Bishop home and established a General Merchandise concern with emphasis on drugs. The nearest other business north from his store was a blacksmith and carriage shop operated by an old Negro named Ned Cameron.

Ned’s wife was famous for her ginger bread and “Sweat potato beer”. The Hickory Hill community one mile south consisted of a Presbyterian and Baptist church, Post Office* and a general store or two. Residents of this vicinity were L.A. Pattillo, Davis Hendricks, M.D. Avinger, and Thos. M. Kimball.

Kit, a half-brother to Dr. and M.D. Avinger, arrived from South Carolina in the 70’s. He came to Hickory Hill via the new Eastline and Red River Railroad, then under construction from Jefferson to points west. The rail was completed to one-half mile of his destination. His first home was built on the present site of the W. L. Montgomery home, where he lived until he sold it to Fred Hall. His next residence was the present home of Mrs. Alice Haynes, and he opened a grist mill near this house. The old cement footing that served as a foundation for his engine is still visible. He was a natural carpenter and many of his sturdy articles are in use today. Kit Avinger died in the house now occupied by Barney Jackson.

When the Red River and Eastline railroad (later known as the Sherman, Shreveport and Southern) reached Avinger farm in 1877, Dr. Avinger, supplied the lumber from his sawmill, built and gave them free, the first depot. The new station was called “Avinger” in his honor and he was made the first agent. One of the first engines ( a narrow gage, wood burner with two and a half foot driver wheels) carried the name Dr. J. H. Avinger on the cab instead of the usual number. The depot was located about where the bank is now and he moved his store to about the same site as the present Afford store.

Dr. Avinger’s store and depot were the first two buildings in Avinger. Hickory Hill Post Office was moved to Avinger on 23 Oct. 1877, and in to Dr. Avinger’s store on 16 Jan. 1878. Catherine Avinger, daughter of the doctor, became the first postmistress at this time.

The rails were extended to the Hearne place, three miles north of town and n turn¬table erected. M. D. Avinger also built a building about this time, on

M. D. Avinger also built a building about this time, on the site where the Bishop Station is now located. A fine well of water and a big Oak tree which stood for many years are remembered. The tree was used as a hitching post for horses and teams. The building later housed the post office when M. D. Avinger succeeded his nephew as postmaster on 27 August 1886.

The contributions of the Avinger family to the progress of this community will ever be remembered by the citizenship.