AUSTIN, Texas – Some of Austin’s first businesses and major accomplishments were the results of hard work done by the African-American community, including a successful grocery store from the 1800s.
- Opened a grocery store in 1872
- Considered a community leader
- Often lended money to poor farming families
Edward H. Carrington was born on September 27, 1847, in Virginia to Leonidas Davis Carrington and Harriet Russ.
Carrington and his parents were slaves in Virginia and after emancipation the family moved to Austin. In 1872 Carrington opened a grocery store, called the E. H. Carrington store. The business was located at 522 E. Sixth St. He operated the store until 1907, when his son-in-law Louis D. Lyons took over.
Carrington was considered a community leader and often loaned money to poor farming families. Additionally, he worked with the Friends in Need fund to help cover funeral expenses for the needy. In 1900, Carrington attended the Austin Emancipation Day Picnic, and he was known as being the first African-American in Austin to sign a deed for his own property.
The E. H. Carrington store building was still standing on Sixth Street in Austin in the early 21st Century and had undergone several renovations. In the early 1970s the Junior League of Austin restored the building and used it for a thrift shop. In 2002, a conglomerate called “The Carrington Group,” purchased it. Carrington was considered a pillar of the African-American community in Austin throughout his life.
Carrington died in Austin on May 17, 1919.