Margaret AVERY

Margaret married David/Daniel LESTER on 14 Jan 1760 in Groton, New London Co., Connecticut. David/Daniel (son of Capt Jonathan LESTER and Deborah ALLYN) was born in 1736 in Groton, New London Co., Connecticut; was christened on 7 Nov 1736 in First Congregational Church, Groton, Connecticut; died on 23 Feb 1776 in Groton, New London Co., Connecticut. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

1. Christopher LESTER, Esq. was born on 10 Sep 1763 in Groton, New London Co., Connecticut; died on 6 Jun 1827 in Groton, New London Co., Connecticut.

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Christopher Avery was an important man in the colony. He became town clerk after the death of his father and held the office over forty years, until his own death in 1768. April 27, 1736, he was one of a committee to prepare a memorial to the general assembly asking for a more commodious ferry. In October, 1736, he and his brother, Humphrey, with others, petitioned against the officers chosen for the northeast company of Groton. Among the reasons given for their objection were that some of the officers were young men; that some belonged to the church of England; that the church at Groton was having trouble about the church of England. The general assembly, however, confirmed the officer (Military Docs., 2:269). The general assembly commissioned him captain of the second company of the Groton train-band, 1735; lieutenant-colonel of the eight militia, 1739, and colonel of the sam regiment, 1746, (Conn. Col. Rec., 8:3, 280 & 9:256), succeeding Ebenezer Avery. In 1739, he was appointed on a committee to get ten good cannons, guns for a sloop, and gunpowder for new London, for coast defense; they were authorized to spend 1100 pounds for that purpose. In October, 1755, he was on a committee to get new carriages for the New London cannons; in march, 1756, he was one of the committee to receive and transport all warlike supplies to Lake George in the war against the French.....

He was equally prominent in other lines. He was deputy from Groton, 1736 to 1764 inclusive, and was speaker in 1751. He was justice of the peace from 1732 to 1768 and, during many of the terms, made one of the quorum. He was a member of the committee to audit the books of the colony in 1744 and 1746. he had some modern ideas concerning taxation for, in conjunction with his brother, Humphrey, and Christopher Avery of the North Parish, he petitioned the general assembly that the unimproved lands should be taxed. he was one of the first proprietors of the Susquehanna company, having become one in 1754.

The tombstones of Christopher Avery and his first wife are standing in the Starr cemetery, Groton.

Mary, wife of Christopher Avery died August 14, 1754, in the 56 year of her age.

Christopher Avery, Esq., Colonel of the 8th regiment of militia, departed this life, Jan'y 17, 1768, aged 71 years.

Christopher married Mary LATHAM on 25 Jun 1719 in Groton, New London, Connecticut. Mary (daughter of William LATHAM and Hannah MORGAN) was born on 18 Feb 1698/9 in Groton, New London County, Connecticut; died on 14 Aug 1754 in Groton, New London County, Connecticut; was buried in Starr Cemetery, Groton, Connecticut. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Fact: Daughter of William Latham and Hannah Morgan

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Like his brothers, Samuel Avery was an extensive land owner. He bought the rights of his brothers, Thomas and John, in their grandfather's land on the General neck, in 1685. In 1693, he received from his father, James Avery the homestead farm on which his father was then living. Uncas, the Indian chief, deeded to him several hundred acres of land, the consideration being an Indian woman, Betty, who was one of the captives taken by James Avery in the King Philip war. Samuel Avery spent most of his life on his farm in Groton and there his children were born. He calls himself husbandman and merchant. he early took a leading part in Groton affairs. In December, 1705, he and his brother James were members of a committee to make up the accounts with New London. Upon the legal organization of the town, December 1, 1705, he was made first townsman and moderator; he held that office until his death. He was one of the committee authorized in 1706 to sell two hundred acres of the town's land to pay its debts. When the schoolmaster was engaged, May 28, 1706, to tach the children in the different houses until the school-house was built, he was to teach first in Mr. Samuel Avery's house. April 12, 1710, Samuel Avery was one of the commission to allot lands. March 20, 1715-16, he was a member of a committee to seat the meeting-house. He was town clerk from 1718 until his death, and justice of the peace from 1719 to 1722 inclusive. In the division of the Nawayunk (Noank) lands, he received lot No. 35.

He also took an important part in the affairs of state, being deputy to the general court from New London in 1693, and from Groton in 1709, 1716, 1718 and 1719. He possessed the same military spirit as his brothers, being commissioned ensign by the general court in May, 1705, lieutenant in may, 1710, and captain in May, 1716.

May 15, 1717, he was witness to a deed given by his father to his brother James....

Samuel Avery, the youngest of four brothers, was the first of them to die, May 1, 1723. he was buried in Ledyard, then the northern part of Groton. His widow, Susannah Avery, was in full communion "at the ordination" of the First Church of Groton, Nov. 22, 1727. She died Oct. 2, 1747, at Groton.

Samuel married Susannah PALMES on 25 Oct 1686. Susannah (daughter of William PALMES and Anne HUMPHREY) was born on 1665 or 1666 in Ardfinan, co. Tipperary; died on 02 Oct 1747 in Groton, New London Co., Connecticut. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Immigration: 1679, To Boston

William married Hannah MORGAN on 30 Jun 1698 in Groton, New London Co., Connecticut. Hannah (daughter of Capt James MORGAN and Mary VINE) was born on 08 Jun 1674 in New London, New London, Connecticut, USA; died on 21 Apr 1727 in Groton, New London Co., Connecticut. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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Captain James Avery is often spoken as the founder of the family or clan that we call the Groton Averys. That he was the only child of Christopher Avery is plainly seen by the following entry on the books of the county court of New London, Connecticut, November 24, 1683:

"Capt. James Avery appearing in this Court and there Declaring himself the only sonn & Heir of his Father Mr. Christopher Avery deceased and that there was neither sonn or Daughter but himself was sole heir and he desiring this court would so constitute him and give him power of administration upon the said estate of his father deceased. This Court having duly considered what hath been alleadged do approve of the same and judge the said Capt. James Avery to be the right and full heir to the said estate and do give him power of administrator to the estate of Mr. Christopher Avery his deceased father,

Attest Charles Hill rec."

James Avery came to America with his father and lived at Gloucester for several years. He married November 10, 1643, as appears by the records of Gloucester:

"James Avery married Joane---- November 10, 1643."
That her name was Joanne Greenslade is learned from her letter of dismissal from the church at Boston to the one at Gloucester in 1644. The first volume of admissions of the First Church of Boston contains what little information we have been able to glean concerning Joane Greenslade. On page 63 is a list of six names of which hers stands third among the admissions as follows:

"The 18th day of ye 4th Moneth 1643 Joan Greenslade, a single woman."

On page 66 of the same volume is an entry showing her dismissal to the church of Gloucester: "the 17th day of ye 1at Moneth 1644 Our Sister Joan greenslade now ye wife of one James Averill of Gloster had granted hir by ye Churches silence Ires of Recomend to ye Church at Gloster."

She, however, seems to have retained her connection with the First Church at Boston, for on page 97 of the book of admissions is the record:
"oe Sister Joan Avery with ye Consent of ye whole church was dismist unto ye church of christ at Pekot on ye 31 of ye 6th mo 1651.".....

He soon became active in military affairs and is generally spoken of by the title of ensign, lieutenant, or captain. The region in which he lived was formerly the chief seat of the formidable Pequot tribe that, a few years before, had been almost exterminated by the English. The Pequot Fort, taken in 1637 by Captain John Mason in command of the Connecticut troops and their Mohegan and Narragansett allies, was on the Mystic River, on the eastern line of Groton. After the Pequot War, a few survivors of that once dreaded tribe still lived in the haunts of their fathers, with the Narragansetts on the east and the Mohegans under their sachem, Uncas, near by on the west. In 1657, the Narragansetts made a wild foray and Uncas fled from the blood and fire that marked their course. He took refuge in a fort and was besieged by his unrelenting foes. but, just in time, "Lieutenant James Avery, Mr. Brewster, Richard Haughton, Samuel Lothrop, and others well armed, succeeded in throwing themselves into the fort; and the Narragansetts, fearing to engage in a conflict with the English, broke up the siege and returned home." The legislature approved the measures that had been taken for the protection of the faithful ally of the English.....

In 1668, James Avery and Cary Latham were chosen by the town to settle the boundary line with the sachem, Uncas. The L15 that secured the desired formal deed was paid by James Avery and two others in consideration of which each received 200 acres of land from the town. Captain Avery's services seem to have been often called for by the town and by individuals in the settling of such controversies. In 1678, the commissioners, granted Captain Avery five pounds "for his good service in assisting in the government of the Pequots for sundry years."........

James Avery represented New London as deputy to the general court for many years. The record runs as follows: May, 1659, Oct. 1660; Oct. 1661; Oct., 1664; May and July 1665; May and Oct 1667; April and May 1668; May and Oct., 1669; May, 1675. Oct 1675, he was reported as absent. He was serving his country elsewhere-raising troops for the Indian war that terminated in the great swamp fight of December 19, 1675. We find him again a member of the general court 1676; also May and Oct., 1677; May, 1678; Oct., 1679; Oct., 1680 oct., 1682; May, 1683, May and July, 1684; May and Oct., 1685; Oct., 1686......

In studying the record of those days, the careful student is strongly impressed with the fact that Capt. James Avery was a very remarkable man. Living as he did in stirring times, he was a leader among strong men, enjoying their confidence and respect because he deserved them. Especially is it to be noted that, although the state took cognizance of affairs that we now call private and interfered in the details of family life and personal relations in a way that would not now be tolerated, he was never censured or "presented" for any shortcoming or alleged dereliction of duty or propriety. Eminent in all the relations of life, his descendants look upon him with pride and affection as one SANS PEUR ET SANS REPROCHE.

James married Joanna GREENSLADE on 10 Nov 1643 in Gloucester, Essex Co., Massachusetts. Joanna was born about 1622 in Devonshire Co., England; died on 16 Apr 1693 in Groton, New London Co., Connecticut; was buried in Avery-Morgan Cemetery, Groton, New London Co., Connecticut. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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He was fifteenth in descent from Edward I, King of England. William was the nephew of Edward Palmes, husband of Lucy Winthrop (daughter of Governor JohnWinthrop, Jr. of Connecticut). William Palmes, who never lived in America, had a will that was probated in Ireland in 1678. His widow and her four children are mentioned in papers dated Feb. 1678/79 which belonged to Major Edward Palmes, who was William's uncle.

William married Anne HUMPHREY. Anne (daughter of Maj. Gen. John HUMPHREY and Elizabeth PELHAM) was born on 17 Dec 1625; was christened on 17 Dec 1625 in Fordingham, Dorset; died on 17 Dec 1693. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events and Attributes:

• Fact: Son of Cary and Elizabeth Latham

Joseph married Mary ? in 1668 in New London, Connecticut. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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"History of James Morgan": Capt. James b. 3 Mch., 1644, so. of James, m. "Mary Vine of Old England," Nov. 1666, died 8 Dec 1711, age 68. His wife Mary died in 1689, of the "throat distemper," so called, a terrible epidemic which prevailed throughout the country that year, especially in the months of July and August, visiting nearly every family and carrying consternation and death in its trail. She was born in England in 1641, and was 48 years old when she died. After her death he married 2nd wife Hannah (?), born in 1640, who d. in 1711, aged 71, a few days only before his own death, but after the date of his will, in which he calls her his "dear and loving wife."

His will is dated in Groton 25 June, 1708, and approved in the probate 22 Jan. 1712. In it he bequeaths to his "dear and loving wife Hannah Morgan," his "horse and chaise," barn, and orchard by it, and "the lower field this side of the cross fence which joineth south brook," to enjoy during her life. To his son James, his "field"; one half the barn and all his land at home, subject to the joint control and use of his widow, so long as she so remained. Also to James a lot "in the plain," near the salt marsh, "on the north side of the island." to his son William, "the land he has already a deed of," and 100 acres and one little island in Packanacock plain," that is, my sons Jas and Wm shall have equally." To his "four daughters, Mercy, (record of birth says Mary), Hannah, Elizabeth and Jerusha," all his cattle, horses and sheep, to be equally divided between them. to his "grandson James Morgan," his saddle bridle and short gun, and to his "grandson Wm Morgan" his musket.

He was an active member and one of the two first deacons of the first church in Groton; was the principal magistrate, and transacted the chief part of the civil business around him, for many years. At the first town meeting held after the town was incorporated, in Dec. 1705, he was the moderator, and was chosen first townsman or selectman. he was moderator of nearly every town or society meeting until near his death in 1711, and after that for many years his place as moderator was supplied by his two sons Deacon James and Lieut. John, sometimes the one acting and sometimes the other. He was chosen captain of the first "train band" in Groton, in 1692, under an order of the Governor and Council, authorizing a military company to be formed there, and had been then two years a captain and commander of the "dragoon" force of New London county, under a special commission from the General Court.

Like his father he was one of the Deputies to the General Court from New London from 1689 to 1700, and afterwards one of the first Deputies from the new town of Groton, in 1706; and for several years was a Commissioner to advise and direct the Pequot tribe of Indians in the management of their affairs.

The military titles of these early days, even down to that of ensign, or sergeant, were esteemed as marks of high distinction, and from their peculiar importance, and the care and caution with which the officers were chosen, very justly so. These infant plantations were surrounded by hostile tribes of Indians, overwhelming in numbers; exposed constantly to the inroads of prowling bands, often irritated and always treacherous, and their very existence as well as peace and safety, depended much upon the personal character, the wise sagacity, prudent counsel and conduct, and the cool intrepidity of these chosen military guardians. Hence it was the early practice, when the leading officers of these "train bands" were to be chosen, to open the proceedings by solemn proclamation and prayer, and sometimes a special sermon for the occasion was prepared and preached to the company by their minister.

Capt. James lived and died upon the old patriarchal homestead of his father James...

James married Mary VINE in Nov 1666 in New London, New London, Connecticut, USA. Mary was born before 1641 in England; died on 08 Dec 1689 in Groton, New London Co., Connecticut; was buried in Avery-Morgan Cemetery, Groton, New London Co., Connecticut. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]