John Avery Jr.

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

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 (1806-06-08) (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

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]