Migration of the AVERY Brothers

Fifty years ago [in 1827] 2 brothers started from the granite hills of New Hampshire and journeyed over the mountains with their worldly goods packed on a one-horse wagon. In about 8 days their journey [westward] was accomplished and they arrived in the vicinity of Boonville [NY] and located in the south western part of Leyden near the place of the late Harvey Dewey.

After a residence of about two years, one of the brothers went back to the old homestead with the intention of soon again rejoining his brother in this state. While gone East he was taken sick and was given up by the doctor to die of consumption and so gave up the intention of returning to this then new country.

The other brother has resided in this town ever since and has seen twelve children grow up to adult years and can now number 36 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren - 60 descendants in all - mostly settled in this vicinity. After an absence of 48 years, the younger brother, having recovered from his illness and accompanied by his wife [Martha] and son [Charles], arrived in this village.

During the past 2 years, five of the seven brothers and sisters of this first family have passed away, leaving these 2 brothers, one 78 and the other 72 sole survivors. These 2 meet again in Boonville, probably for the last time to talk over the past and recall the joys and sorrows of the last 3 score and 10 years. The father and mother of these 2 brothers lived to the ages of 85 and 88 years respectively and all have reached ages showing them a family of remarkable longevity. Jonathan Avery, Sr. and Asa Avery are the names of the 2 brothers above mentioned.

The above news article was supplied by Janet Palmer Fentress,
a descendant of Esther Avery, daughter of Jonathan Avery Sr.