Avis interviews at Wichita Falls Golden Jubilee
(C. Avis Catalog entry #660)
Taken from the Golden Jubilee compilation of pioneer interviews (p. 17, 18):
PIONEERS REMEMBER
Interviews from the GOLDEN JUBILEE
CELEBRATION
HELD IN WICHITA FALLS, TX
September 25, 26 and 27, 1932
Written by the PIONEERS
Compiled, edited and transcribed by Mary Anna (Renfro) Kearby
Published by N. T. G. A. – 1998
Name: DAVE AVIS
Address: Route 6, Wichita Falls, Clay Co., TX
Place of Birth: Wichita Falls, TX
Date of Birth: 9 Sep 1887
Place of residence prior to coming to Wichita Falls territory: No entry
Date of arrival in Wichita Falls territory: No entry
Place of residence on arrival in Wichita Falls territory: No entry
Remarks: Livestock raising.
Name: F. PINERAVIS
Address: 1105 Taylor St., Wichita Falls, TX
Place of Birth: Montague, TX
Date of Birth: 17 Dec 1885
Place of residence prior to corning to Wichita Falls territory: Montague, TX
Date of arrival in Wichita Falls territory: About 10 Dec 1886
Place of residence on arrival in Wichita Falls territory: On Avis ranch located north of Holiday creek
from the Havener swimming pool, a few years after that the family moved on the corner of 16th and
Austin Streets.
Remarks: Finished the grammar schools of this city, finished years business college at Bowie, TX.
Went to work for the First National Bank of this city on or about 1905, on or about 1st of 1911
bought half interest in the Avis Hardware Company located on Indiana Ave. in this business for
about seven years, played the oil game thereafter until January 1st, 1932, since then have been with
the Star-Micks Furniture Company.
Was married to Miss Lena Matlock of Nocona, TX, March 7th, 1912, have one child Camille Avis,
who is now 19 years of age.
I am the oldest son of J. D. Avis and wife who are both living, now residing in Wichita Falls, who have
lived in this county since 1882.
Name: J. D. AVIS
Address: 1318 - 10th St, Wichita Falls, TX
Place of Birth: Montague, Montague Co., TX
Date of Birth: 1861
Place of residence prior to cxraiing to Wichita Falls territory: Montague
Date of arrival in Wichita Falls territory: Sep or Oct 1882
Place of residence on arrival in Wichita Falls territory: Camped on Holiday Creek above where White
Sanitarium now stands. Fall and winter of 1882 and spring of 1883.
Remarks: Have been a member of Masonic order since Feb 1884. Have received all the degrees from
the first to the 33rd inclusive. Have served as member of City Council years ago, also as County
Commissioner. Have served eight years as Legislator from this district. Have been engaged in the
grocery, hardware and also oil business. During all the time the cow business was my principal
business, in which I am still engaged. Drove trail herds from 1881 to 1900 inclusive.
Name: MRS. J. D. AVIS
Address: 1318 - 10th St, Wichita Falls, TX
Place of Birth: Virginia
Date of Birth: 22 Jan 1865
Place of residence prior to corning to Wichita Falls territory: Grayson Co., TX, then Montague
Date of arrival in Wichita Falls territory: Aug 1885
Place of residence on arrival in Wichita Falls territory: Two miles south of Wichita Falls, TX
Remarks: Came here and lived on ranch until 1900 when moved to town to educate children.