Lieut. James Avery, Esq.

Sources

• The Groton Avery Clan, by Elroy McKendree Avery and Catherine Hitchcock (Tilden), Vol. I, p. 159

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• HISTORY OF THE TOWN OF STONINGTON, County of New London, Connecticut, from its first settlement in 1649 to 1900, by Richard Anson Wheeler, New London, CT, 1900, p. 203

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Born May 27, 1697, at Groton, New London Co., Conn., and baptized August 29, 1697 at the First Church of New London.

James-5 married Dec. 13, 1719, at Groton, Elizabeth Smith, daughter of Nehemiah and Dorothy (Wheeler) Smith. She was born Nov. 17, 1700, at Groton. He was a tythingman, 1730; constable, 1733, justice of the peace from 1736 to 1741, deputy to the general court, 1736, 1737, commissioned lieutenant of the first military company of Groton, Oct. 1738 (Conn. Col. Rec., 8:195). His commission, signed by Gov. Talcott, is in the possession of the family. He was a member of the school committee, 1745; deacon of the First Church of Groton, 1748.

In his will, dated April 30, 1759, he mentioned wife, Elizabeth; sons,

1. James,
2. David,
3. Peter,
4. John and
5. Aaron, to each of whom he gave a farm, and among whom he divided his swords and arms, giving to James his 'Silvered Helter Swoard;' daughters,
6. Elizabeth Starr,
7. Prudence Avery, and
8. Hannah Avery

(New London Wills, G:367). 

He died May 2, 1759, at Groton, Elizabeth his wife died April 17, 1761, at Groton, New London Co., Conn.