Homesite of Samuel Cartmill Hiroms

Austonio was first nicknamed Pearville. Aldrich's county history says the name came from pears that some residents used in distilling or brewing liquor, and that residents tired of it took the matter to the Crockett Chamber of Commerce, which offered a $10 prize for a new one. Aldrich credits Miss Isbell, who lived east of Crockett; the Handbook of Texas and Texas Escapes credit Ruth Tucker in a 1930 contest. All agree the name blends Austin and San Antonio. The Handbook adds a consolidated school in 1931 and a post office in 1932.

What the plaque says

Homesite of Samuel Cartmill Hiroms One of the community's pioneer settlers, Samuel Cartmill Hiroms (1836-1920) was born in Polk County. His parents were among Stephen F. Austin's "Old Three Hundred" colonists. Hiroms taught school and served as Polk County surveyor. He served in the Confederate Army during the Civil War (1861-1865). After his first wife died, he married Emily Ann Johnston (1853-1948) in 1869 and moved his family to Houston County. In 1878 Hiroms settled here in the Creek community, which later became Austinio. He received land for his teaching services and was an early leader in the Methodist church. (1978)

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Fort Boggy State Park — 20 mi
  A 1,847-acre park in Leon County named for a settlers' palisade of 1840, with a 15-acre lake, short trails and the story of Tennessee farmers, the Keechi and a Ranger captain.

More markers nearby

• Creek Cemetery — 1.9 mi
• William Calvert Hallmark — 4.9 mi
• Site of the Town of Alabama — 5.5 mi
• Old Shiloh Methodist Church and Campground — 5.5 mi