Edward Avery (judge)

Edward Avery was born February 20, 1790, in Stamford, Connecticut. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in 1810 from Yale University.[1] He studied law and was admitted to the bar in Connecticut in 1813.[2] He traveled to Europe in 1816.[2] In 1817, he became the second lawyer to locate in Wooster, Ohio.[1][3]

In 1819, Avery was appointed prosecuting attorney of Wayne County, Ohio, and served until 1825.[1][3][4][5] He was elected to the Ohio State Senate in 1824 and served one two-year term. His re-election in 1826 was contested in the Senate, and his seat given to his opponent.[6]

After he complete his service in the Senate, Avery returned to his practice in Wooster. In 1832 he was one of four trustees of the town, and was a school examiner. He also mentored law students.[1]

On January 15, 1847, the Ohio General Assembly elected Avery to a seat on the Ohio Supreme Court to a seven-year term that began February 6, 1847.[1] The judges traveled to each county in the state in those days. The job was arduous, and Avery's health gave out. He submitted his resignation March 1, 1851, and was replaced by the legislature on March 17, 1851.[1]

After returning to Wooster, Avery retired from law practice.[1][2][5] He helped establish the College of Wooster and was generous in giving to it.[1][5] He guarantee the notes to establish the non-denominational Wooster Cemetery.[1] He was an elder in the Presbyterian church.[1][3][5]

Avery married Jane Galbreath of Steubenville, Ohio November 25, 1823[1] or December 28, 1823.[3] She died in 1824, and Avery married Gennette Marie Sherwood on February 3, 1834.[1] Gennette had no children.[1]

Avery died June 27, 1866, at Wooster.[1][2][3][4] He was buried at Wooster Cemetery next to his two wives and daughter.[1]