Tool in Henderson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Durham Avant

(1798-1862)

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026

1. Durham Avant Marker

Inscription. A native of North Carolina, Durham Avant came to Texas in 1834 with his wife, Susan (Winsett), and after a time they settled in present day Henderson County. Avant served as a Texas Ranger and in 1850 helped survey and determine a central location for the Henderson County Seat. He later opened a hotel in the new county seat of Athens. His death came shortly after he enlisted in the Confederate army with his son William.

Erected 1984 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10341.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Law Enforcement • Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil.

Location. 32° 16.375′ N, 96° 10.699′ W. Marker is in Tool, Texas, in Henderson County. It can be reached from Church Road 0.4 miles south of South Tool Drive (Texas Highway 274), on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1016 Church Rd, Kemp TX 75143, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

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Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: William P. Avant (here, next to this marker); Providence Baptist Church of Tool (within shouting distance of this marker); Baker Cemetery (approx. 7.1 miles away); Prairie Point Church and Cemetery (approx. 7.3 miles away); Mabank (approx. 7.7 miles away); Roddy Lodge No. 734, A.F. & A.M. (approx. 7.9 miles away); First Presbyterian Church of Mabank (approx. 7.9 miles away); First Baptist Church of Mabank (approx. 8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tool.

Durham Avant Marker and headstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026

2. Durham Avant Marker and headstone

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026

3. Durham Avant Marker

Marker is on the left; William P. Avant marker (10342) is on the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 1, 2026, by Jeff Leichsenring of Garland, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.