Alexander Avera was born in Jefferson County, Georgia, on October 3, 1830, graduated from Oglethorpe Medical College in Savannah, Georgia, and became a beloved physician and the founder of the town of Avera. As a Lieutenant, he formed a company and served with honor in the War Between The States. In 1885 he donated the land for the town, which was named in his honor. He gave liberally of his time, skill, and means in the service of others, and it was said of him that he loved his fellow man.