Avinger Cemetery
Ca. 1876, to ensure construction of the East Line & Red River Railroad across his property, Dr. Hamilton J. Avinger donated land for a railroad depot, a Methodist church and this cemetery, establishing a new community bearing his name. Avinger immigrated to Texas from South Carolina in 1855 and first settled in the community of Youngs Vhapel (3 mi. N). Other family members soon joined him, establishing lumber mills and other commercial properties.
Two earlier area settlements, approximately four miles apart, existed prior to the founding of Avinger. After the East Line & Red River Railroad Station was established here, many residents of the Youngs Chapel and Hickory Hill (1 mi. S) communities moved to Avinger. The new settlement soon became a shipping point for produce and lumber and grew steadily throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The earliest known burial in the cemetery is of Alice Rhyne (d. 1877), a victim of a typhoid fever epidemic. Others interred here include veterans of conflicts dating to the Civil War as well as those who made vital contributions to the town of Avinger.
As the population of Avinger increased, residents used the burial ground as a community cemetery; it has never been affiliated with a particular church. Community residents have long cared for the graveyard, a treasured institution. The 1936 Study Club of Avinger maintained the burial ground from 1959 until 1963, when the Avinger Cemetery Association organized. Today, the Cemetery Association continues to care for this burial ground, which remains as a record of the early pioneers and leaders of Avinger.
Historic texas cemetery – 2002
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The Johnson Space Center, located in Houston, played a crucial role in the development of the U.S. space program. It was here that NASA trained its astronauts and mission control teams, and it continues to be an important center for space research and exploration today.
The county was named after Lewis Cass, a statesman and politician from Michigan who served as Secretary of State under President James Buchanan. In its early years, Cass County saw rapid growth, fueled by the discovery of rich mineral deposits, including lead, zinc, and coal. The county became an important center for the mining industry and attracted numerous settlers and investors seeking economic opportunities.
Cass County played an important role during the Civil War, as it was strategically located between the Confederate and Union forces. The county experienced both Union and Confederate occupation during the war, and many of its residents enlisted in both armies. The war left a lasting impact on the county, with many buildings and properties destroyed or damaged.
After the Civil War, Cass County experienced a period of slow recovery, but it gradually rebounded with the development of agriculture, particularly cotton and timber industries. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century brought another wave of growth and prosperity to the county. Today, Cass County continues to thrive as a rural community with a strong agricultural base and a rich historical heritage.
Cass County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cass County, Texas.
- 1848 - Cass County is established as a county in Texas.
- 1850s - The population of Cass County booms with the discovery of oil in the area.
- 1861-1865 - Cass County sends many soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
- 1880s - The railroad arrives in Cass County, further boosting its economy and population.
- 1930s - The Great Depression hits Cass County, leading to economic struggles for the community.
- 1950s - The construction of Lake O' the Pines brings recreational opportunities to Cass County.
- 1970s - Cass County experiences a decline in population due to the decline of the oil industry.
- 2000s - Cass County focuses on diversifying its economy and promoting tourism.