William P. Avant
(1826-1863) Alabama born William Avant grew up in what is now Henderson County after coming to Texas with his parents in 1834. At the age of 14, he served with his father, Durham, as a Texas Ranger. In 1849 he was issued a land grant in the Mercer colony (NE of present-day Athens) and settled there with his wife, Rutha, and their children. Involved in the building of the road from Athens to Palestine, Avant later enlisted in the Confederate Army and died after one year of service.
32.2731° N, 96.1783° W
Where to Find It
Tool Cemetery (CR 2436)
Nearby Markers
- <0.1 mi S Durham Avant Tool
- 0.1 mi SW Providence Baptist Church of Tool Tool
- 5.3 mi NW Buffalo Seven Points
- 6.3 mi E Lee Powell Simpson
- 6.4 mi E Payne Springs Methodist Church and Cemetery Eustace
- 6.6 mi NE Site of Centerville Gun Barrel City