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Note: From Gardner's History of Calhoun County: CHAUNCEY H. AVERY. One of the best known and most successful farmers in Calhoun county is Chauncey H. Avery, whose farm in located in Newton township. Mr. Avery is a natural farmer, one of the kind that is born, not made, and he feels that if he were to be taken away from his farm, he would be utterly lost, and would find it impossible to adjust himself to new surroundings, so firmly is the love of the soil and the life of the farm ingrained in his nature. Such a man is a valuable acquisition to any community for no man who has not something innately fine and big in his nature can care for the smell of fresh earth just turned up by the plow, or love the birds and the little wild things of the woods. Recognizing therefore, the fineness of Mr. Avery's character, is neighbors have accorded him the fullest measure of respect and admiration. Scadekuk, on the Hudson river, in New York state was the scene of Mr. Avery's birth, the date being the 5th of May, 1848. He was the son of William Avery, who was born at Mattewan, new York. Here he employed in a cotton factory, and here he spent his entire life, dying in 1852. He married Sarah Waite of Norwich, New York. The Avery family dates back to the early part of the sixteenth century, and since coming to America, have lived for the most part in the state of New York. William and Sarah Avery were the parents of three children, namely: William Louis, Chauncey, and Margaret, who is now Mrs. Franklin. After the death of the father and husband, Mrs. Avery moved back to the home of her girlhood, Norwich, N.Y, and after a time she was re-married to Benjamin Franklin, who was a prominent farmer of the section. The early life of Chauncey Avery was spent in the state of New York, mainly in the town of Guilford. He received a fair amount of education, but his heart was set on becoming a farmer, and as soon as he had an opportunity he took up this occupation, although he was little more than a boy. he soon added a dairy business to his farm, and rapidly became known as one the successful young men of the county. He followed the combined business of farming and dairying until 1871 when he determined to try his fortune in the west, and migrated to Michigan, locating in Calhoun county. The farm which he selected was situated in Burlington township, and here he lived for three years. That he was successful was proven by the fact that when he returned to New York state, he was able to buy a farm. He lived here for over fifteen years, but the charm of the Michigan country drew him back, and in 1891 we find him again in Calhoun county, searching for a place to locate. He finally found a farm that suited him in Athens township. This farm of one hundred acres was located three miles to the north of Athens, and here he lived for three years. He then moved to a farm in Newton township, later removing to his present home, on the Costes farm. Mr. Avery is not in very good health, and is not able to do as much of the active work on the farm as he would, but his is the head that plans and the hand that directs. For this reason, not knowing when he may have to give up farming altogether, he has not bought his present place. In 1870, Mr. Avery was married to Lena A. Wood, the daughter of Dewain and Lucinda (Reynolds) Wood, of Smyrna, Chenango county, N.Y. In politics, Mr. Avery is a Democrat, and is an ardent supporter of the party. He is not a member of any religious denomination but attends church regularly as his health permits. Mr. and Mrs. Avery are the parents of nine children, all of whom are alive. Jessie is now Mrs. Button, of Leroy township; Fidelia is Mrs. Worth, of Athens township; Harry is a contractor and lives in Toronto, Canada; Clarence lives nearby in Battle Creek, where he owns the largest livery in Battle Creek; Mae, also resides in Battle Creek, as the wife of Mr. Davis; Maude is Mrs. Hayes, of Athens township; Bertha married Mr. Lehman and Grace is the wife of P.C. Farman of Leroy township. 1860 Census Gersham Woolcott, 61, farmer, b. Conn Mary, 41, house keeping, NY Lydia, 28, house keeper, NY Chancy H. Avery, 11, NY
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