This information was found in the vertical files of the Genealogy Department of the Longview Public Library.

THE AVINGER CITIZEN
Sepcial Historical Edition
June 18, 1954

STURDIVANT FAMILY

James E. Sturdivant and Ann Coopwood Sturdivant came from Tennessee in about 1840. They operated the first Inn and Stagecoach stop out of Jefferson on the old Jefferson and Clarksville road. It was a large white structure located 2 1/2 miles south of Avinger where the Wilson McNeil house is located today.

Other children in the James E. Sturdivant family included Marshall K. who became one of Hickory Hill's first doctors; W.C.; Alice Bruce Orr; Ella Sturdivant Young; and Anna E. Sturdivant. It was Anna who gave two recently freed negroes, "Uncle Jack and Aunt Lucinda" the surname "Linwood". She was a school teacher and had read the name in a novel. The name appealed to her and she gave it to the freed slaves. Many descendents of Uncle Jack and Aunt Lucinda "Linwood" bear the name today.

Dr. Sturdivant studied under Dr. Avinger and took his place. Dr. Starnes later took Dr. Sturdivant's place.