Newspaper Editor, Author, Diplomat. He was trained as a wood engraver and relocated to California in the 1849 Gold Rush. He was a gold miner and owner of a general store until 1856, when he established a weekly newspaper in North San Juan, the Hydraulic Press. In 1860 he became Assistant Editor of another paper, the Marysville Appeal, and in 1861 was appointed California's State Printer. In the late 1860s Avery joined the San Francisco Bulletin, and in 1872 became Editor of the Overland Monthly. Avery was one of the founders of the San Francisco Art Association and School of Design. He was also an author and graphic artist, and his works include "Californian Pictures in Prose and Verse" and "California as I Saw It." In 1874 he was appointed US Minister to China, and he was still serving at the time of his death.

Newspaper Editor, Author, Diplomat. He was trained as a wood engraver and relocated to California in the 1849 Gold Rush. He was a gold miner and owner of a general store until 1856, when he established a weekly newspaper in North San Juan, the Hydraulic Press. In 1860 he became Assistant Editor of another paper, the Marysville Appeal, and in 1861 was appointed California's State Printer. In the late 1860s Avery joined the San Francisco Bulletin, and in 1872 became Editor of the Overland Monthly. Avery was one of the founders of the San Francisco Art Association and School of Design. He was also an author and graphic artist, and his works include "Californian Pictures in Prose and Verse" and "California as I Saw It." In 1874 he was appointed US Minister to China, and he was still serving at the time of his death.

Bio by: Bill McKern