William Avery (circa 1622 [a] -March 18, 1686) represented Dedham, Massachusetts, in the Great and General Court. [2] He was also a selectman, serving eight terms beginning in 1664. [3]
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Avery was a blacksmith, medical doctor, and original proprietor of Deerfield, Massachusetts. [2] Avery was the first educated physician in Dedham, [1] though it is not known when exactly he began practicing. [4] [b] He sold some land to Joshua Fisher. [6]
He was a member of the First Church and Parish in Dedham. [2] Avery built his house next to the Old Avery Oak, which was named for his family. [7]
With his wife, Margret, he emigrated from England. [2] After her death in 1678 he moved to Boston [2] where he became a bookseller. [1] His second wife was Mrs. Mary Tapping ( née Woodmansey). [1] She died in 1707. [1] He had a son, also named William, who was a blacksmith. With his wife, Margret, he emigrated from England. [2] After her death in 1678 he moved to Boston [2] where he became a bookseller. [8]
Avery died on March 18, 1686, and is buried at the King's Chapel Burying Ground. [1] For having donated £60 to establish a Latin school in Dedham, the Avery School was named for him. [1] [9]