From the History of Lorain County, 1916:
William Carlos Avery, known as Carlos, was one of the sturdy pioneers who helped to develop the communities of Lorain County, and his first purchase of land was ninety-six acres, while later he bought ninety-eight more. After clearing up his land and living in a style of utmost simplicity for some years he had prospered so as to build for his family a substantial brick house, and he spent the rest of his days in comfort. While his wife was a member of the Congregational Church, he was a regular attendant of the Methodist, and he not only went to church on Sundays and other meeting days, but he carried his Christianity into his everyday life, and he also made his children attend church and encouraged them to similar piety. In the early days he took his family to church in an ox cart. He was an unusually fine type of the early settler, and was well read and educated beyond the standard of the men of his time. In politics he was a democrat, but his chief interest was in promoting the good of his home locality, particularly the schools. He served as a school director for a number of years, and led the movement for the erection of one of the first schoolhouses in Pittsfield Township.
From the obituary of William Carlos Avery:
William Carlos Avery died December 27, 1892, as a result of injuries sustained from a fall December 8, at the age of 84 years, 11 months, 2 days. He came to Pittsfield in 1844 and settled on the same farm on which he died. In all relations of his life he performed his part well. As a husband he was self sacrificing and indulgent to a marked degree. As a father he bound his children to him by the tenderest of ties. As a neighbor all that knew him can testify to his benevolence and kindly disposition. As a Christian, he has left the impress of his earnest Christian life on his associates. For more than thirty two years he has been an earnest, devoted Christian worker, although not connected with any church. He was an attendant at the Methodist Church and ever did his work well. His wife Martha died in 1906 and they were buried in the Association Cemetery - south cemetery Pittsfield.
