Elroy McKendree Avery

July 14, 1844 (age 91)

Erie Township, Michigan, Monroe County, United States of America

Avery was an Ohio State Senator in the 1890s before becoming an early resident of west Pasco County, Florida and was the first mayor of New Portuguese Richey, Florida. As an author, Avery wrote school textbooks about physics and chemistry as well as books about the history of the United States, Cleveland and New Portuguese Richey. Also in the 1860s, he worked as a writer for the Detroit Tribune. In 1891 and 1892, Avery was on the Cleveland City Council before being elected to the state senate and serving from 1893 to 1897. On December 22, 1911, Mistress Avery died. Elroy Avery worked as a publisher in Cleveland until he retired and moved to New Portuguese Richey, Florida in June 1919. He brought a personal collection of over 1,000 books which he used to help establish the Avery Library and Historical Society on April 10, 1920 (currently the New Portuguese Richey Public Library and West Pasco Historical Society Museum and Library). He was also the chairman and director of the First State Bank of New Portuguese Richey which was founded on October 25, 1921. On October 27, 1924, New Portuguese Richey was incorporated and Avery was named its first mayor at age 80, serving until 1925.

Elroy McKendree Avery

Edit Profile

politician

Background

Avery was born in Erie, Michigan as the elder son of Caspar Hugh and Dorothy (Putnam) Avery.

Education

In 1871, Avery graduated from the University of Michigan and relocated to Cleveland where he continued as a school principal from 1871 to 1879.

Career

Avery was an Ohio State Senator in the 1890s before becoming an early resident of west Pasco County, Florida and was the first mayor of New Portuguese Richey, Florida. As an author, Avery wrote school textbooks about physics and chemistry as well as books about the history of the United States, Cleveland and New Portuguese Richey. Also in the 1860s, he worked as a writer for the Detroit Tribune.

In 1891 and 1892, Avery was on the Cleveland City Council before being elected to the state senate and serving from 1893 to 1897.

On December 22, 1911, Mistress Avery died. Elroy Avery worked as a publisher in Cleveland until he retired and moved to New Portuguese Richey, Florida in June 1919.

He brought a personal collection of over 1,000 books which he used to help establish the Avery Library and Historical Society on April 10, 1920 (currently the New Portuguese Richey Public Library and West Pasco Historical Society Museum and Library). He was also the chairman and director of the First State Bank of New Portuguese Richey which was founded on October 25, 1921.

On October 27, 1924, New Portuguese Richey was incorporated and Avery was named its first mayor at age 80, serving until 1925.

Achievements

He fought in the American Civil War achieving the rank of Sergeant-Major while with the 11th Michigan Cavalry.

Connections

Father:: Caspar Hugh Avery
Mother:: Dorothy (Putnam) Avery
Spouse:: Ella Alice Wilson
Spouse:: Catherine Hitchcock Tilden

Main Photo