John_Avery,_Jr.

John Avery Jr.

John Avery Jr.

American politician (1739–1806)

John Avery Jr. (September 2, 1739 – June 7, 1806) was an American politician who served as the first Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Quick Facts 1st Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth, Preceded by ...

Family

Avery was a direct descendant of Dr. William Avery from Barkham, Berkshire, England, who emigrated to Dedham, Massachusetts, in 1650.[5]

Early life

Avery was born to John and Mary (Deming) Avery on September 2, 1739.[3]

Family life

Avery married Mary (Polly) Cushing in April 1769;[3] they had ten children.[4]

Sons of Liberty

Avery was a member of the Sons of Liberty.[6]

Massachusetts Secretary

Avery had served as Deputy Secretary of the Province of Massachusetts Bay under Samuel Adams.[2] Avery defeated Adams at the polls to be the first Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.[2]

Death

Avery died on June 7, 1806.[4]

Notes

  1. [1]
    Roberts, Oliver Ayer (1901), History of the Military company of the Massachusetts, now called the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company of Massachusetts 1637–1888. Vol. II – 1738–1821, Boston, MA: Alfred Mudge & Son, Printers, p. 196
  2. [2]
    Commonwealth of Massachusetts (1922), The Acts and Resolves, Public and Private, of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, Volume XXI, Boston, MA: Commonwealth of Massachusetts, p. 498
  3. [3]
    Carter, Jane Greenough Avery (1893), Genealogical Record of the Dedham Branch of the Avery Family in America, Plymouth, Massachusetts: Winslow W. Avery, p. 144
  4. [4]
    Carter, Jane Greenough Avery (1893), Genealogical Record of the Dedham Branch of the Avery Family in America, Plymouth, Massachusetts: Winslow W. Avery, p. 145
  5. [5]
    Carter, Jane Greenough Avery (1893), Genealogical Record of the Dedham Branch of the Avery Family in America, Plymouth, Massachusetts: Winslow W. Avery, p. 19
  6. [6]
    Carter, Jane Greenough Avery (1893), Genealogical Record of the Dedham Branch of the Avery Family in America, Plymouth, Massachusetts: Winslow W. Avery, p. 147
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