John Avery Jr.
American politician (1739–1806)
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John Avery Jr. (September 2, 1739 – June 7, 1806) was an American politician who served as the first Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.
Preceded bySamuel Adams[1]
(as Secretary of the Province of Massachusetts Bay)[2]
(as Secretary of the Province of Massachusetts Bay)[2]
Succeeded byJonathan L. Austin
Preceded byJohn Lowell[1]
Succeeded byNone
John Avery Jr. | |
|---|---|
| |
| 1st Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth[1] | |
| In office January 1,[2] 1780[1] – June 7, 1806[1] | |
| Preceded by | Samuel Adams[1] (as Secretary of the Province of Massachusetts Bay)[2] |
| Succeeded by | Jonathan L. Austin |
| Deputy Secretary of the Province of Massachusetts Bay[2] | |
| In office June 21, 1776[2] – January 1, 1780[2] | |
| Preceded by | John Lowell[1] |
| Succeeded by | None |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 2, 1739[1] |
| Died | June 7, 1806 (aged 66)[1] Boston, Massachusetts[1] |
| Spouse | Mary Cushing[3] |
| Children | Mary, Sarah, Deborah, John, Betsey, Lucy, Peggy Cushing, Lucy, Mary A. Smith, Thomas Hancock[4] |
| Alma mater | Harvard College, 1759[1][3] |
| Signature |  |
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
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]
