Son of Rev. Henry and Elizabeth GREEN AVERY

Married 16 May 1865 to Sarah Pauline WOOLFOLK
Children; Ella Carola, Charles Henry, MaryBelle, Frank Mason.



Clinton Missouri, Nov 28 1903 - Death of James M. Avery - A Prominent Citizen Succumbs to Attack of Pneumonia - It is our sad duty to chronicle the death after a brief illness of James M. Avery, one of the best known residents of Clinton, where his life was spent and where his property interests are extensive. The suddenness of Mr. Avery's death was a shock to his fellow citizens, few of whom knew of his illness until after his death. The community feels most keenly the loss of such a man and in its grief, extends to the bereaved wife and children in this hour of profound sorrow, the sincerest sympathy. Mr. Avery's death resulted from an attack of pneumonia involving both lungs. On Thursday afternoon last he did some open air work about his home and was chilled through when evening came on. The next morning he was feeling very badly and the family physician, Dr. Britts was called early in the day. He foresaw the danger and employed every means to avert the attack of pneumonia but without avail. Sunday his children were telegraphed for. The disease made rapid progress, and early Monday morning it was seen that his life was likely to pass away at any time. He expired at 9:15. There were by his bedside his wife and his youngest daughter, Mrs. W. J. Livingston, of Windsor. Mr. Avery was the son of Rev. Henry Avery, a pioneer of Henry county. He was born in Tebo township June 7, 1838, being consequently 65 years, 5 months and 15 days old at the time of his death. His early life was spent on a farm, and in 1853 he entered Murritt College, in Spencer, Tennessee. Leaving this school in 1856, he farmed until the early 60's when he engaged in the horse and mule business. In 1865 he entered into the mercantile business in Clinton, the firm being known as Avery & Doyle. In 1870 he became one of the organizers of the Clinton Savings Bank, and when in this was succeeded in 1872 by the First National Bank, he became Cashier of the institution, continuing at this post until 1875, when he went to Moberly to engage in the baking business with Col. J. L. Woolfolk, the firm being known as Avery & Woolfolk. He returned to Clinton in 1879, and from that time until two years ago was largely and actively interested in the First National Bank, and its successor, the Citizens Bank, holding prominent positions in its management. He finally disposed of his interest in the institution and devoted himself to his large property interests here and at Memphis, Tennessee, where with his sons he had developed an extensive suburban property. Mr. Avery was married June 16, 1865, to Miss Sallie M. Woolfolk. To them were born four children all of whom are living - Ella C., wife of Judge R. E. Lewis, of Colorado Springs; Mary Belle, wife of W. J. Livingston, of Windsor, and Charles H. and Frank, of Memphis, Tennessee. He was prominent in Baptist church circles, holding an official position for many years. In the community, Mr. Avery was recognized as a business man of sound principles, upright in his dealings with his fellow man. With his profound affection for his family and his home there existed also a love of plants and flowers that is a blessing possessed by few men of affairs. His memory will be long cherished by the whole community. The funeral of the late James M. Avery was held on Wednesday afternoon at the Baptist church. Interment in Englewood cemetery.