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

William P. Avant

(1826-1863)

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026

1. William P. Avant Marker

Inscription. 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.

Erected 1984 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 10342.)

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

Location. 32° 16.376′ 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

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is in the American South

and in the Piney Woods.

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: Durham 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.

William P. Avant marker and headstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026

2. William P. Avant marker and headstone

Photographed by Jeff Leichsenring, August 31, 2026

3. William P. Avant Marker

Marker is on the right; Durham Avant is on the left

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 6 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.