EBENEZER PUNDERSON AVERY settled, about 1790, on the so-called Royal Grant, in Herkimer County, New York, where he built and operated a grist mill, which was then believed to be farthest west of any mill for grinding corn on the American continent. After a few years he located at Pompey, where the remainder of his life was spent. Peculiarly fitted by nature for a pioneer, Mr. Avery was among the first in any enterprise to improve the minds, morals or physical condition of his fellow men; the Church, school and public library found in him an ardent supporter. His patriotism secured him a place as Captain of the Militia; his integrity as administrator for many a widow and orphan; and his love of justice made him frequently the arbiter in the disagreement of his neighbors. His inventive facilities were large, and he was almost constantly employed in building grist mills, fulling mills, carding machines, tanneries, cider mills, and threshing machines. At least three of his children, William, Cyrus and Samuel, inherited his bent for mechanics. (Source: "The Averys' of Groton", pp. 254-258; The Pompey Reunion, pp. 254-258), Groton, New London, Connecticut). (Source: Bement Chronicles in America, 1928, pp. 158-159)
Ebenezer Punderson Avery, a boy patriot, helped to care for the wounded at the Massacre of Fort Griswold. (Source: DAR Record No. 148316, 154693, 155686) 130 |