Dr. Hamilton Jacob Avinger

This week’s Cass County Pioneer is physician and entrepreneur whose legacy is deeply intertwined with the founding of Avinger, Texas. Dr. Hamilton Jacob Avinger was born on March 9, 1833, in Orangeburg County, South Carolina.

After graduating from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he relocated to the Young’s Chapel settlement near Hickory Hill in Cass County, Texas. There, he established a medical practice and apothecary shop in 1855.

Dr. Avinger played a pivotal role in the development of the area. When the East Line & Red River Railroad (later the Sherman, Shreveport, & Southern and now Louisiana & Arkansas Railroad) was constructed in the 1870s, he persuaded the railroad to establish a depot on his land. He donated lumber from his own mill to build the depot, and it was established in 1877.

Dr. Avinger was the first depot agent. In addition to being a physician and entrepreneur, he was also a politician. Dr. Avinger represented Cass County in the 13th Texas Legislature in 1873-1874. This service fell at a critical time in Texas history, as it marked the end of Reconstruction rule in Texas following the Civil War.

Next, Dr. Avinger donated two acres of land for the site of Young’s Chapel and the front portion of Avinger Cemetery, where his family graves are now located. With the addition of a hotel, also donated by Dr. Avinger, the community was a bustling stop for railway travelers. The town was officially platted in 1877, and named in honor of Dr. Avinger, ensuring his family’s name would be preserved in the region’s history. Tragically, Dr. Avinger’s life was cut short in 1881. Despite his untimely death, his contributions to the community were significant, and Avinger, Texas, stands as a testament to his vision and dedication.

Cass County Pioneer Profile by:

Misty Golden

Texas A&M-Texarkana Graduate Student

Reach out to my office — P.O. Box 825 • Linden, TX 75563 Phone: 903-756-5181, Ext. 0 • Fax: 903-756-5732