AVERY, Almeron Myron

AVERY, TONGUE, ADAMS, BROWN

Posted By: Sharon R Becker (email)
Date: 2/2/2014 at 10:57:59

HISTORY of CERRO GORDO COUNTY, IOWA
WHEELER, J.H. Vol. II. Pp. 717-19. Lewis Pub. Co. Chicago. 1910

BIOGRAPHY ~ ALMERON MYRON AVERY

Widely known as a prominent and prosperous agriculturist of Portland township, Almeron M. Avery also superintends the management of his father's estate in Mason township, known as “Averydale.” He is one of the most extensive farmers and stock raisers of Cerro Gordo county, and is numbered among its citizens of good repute and high standing. A son of Myron K. Avery, he was born June 7, 1868, in Boone county, Illinois.

A Pennsylvanian by birth, Myron K. Avery was born at Tunkhannock, Wyoming county, August 20, 1826. Going with his parents to Boone county, Illinois, in 1838, he there grew to manhood. In 1850, following the lure of the bright and shining metal, he crossed the plains to California, where he dug for gold for fourteen months, using the pick and shovel to little advantage. He subsequently made some money in ranching and teaming, remaining on the Pacific coast four years in all. Returning to Illinois, where he had previously bought forty acres of land, he continued a resident of Boone county until the spring of 1884, when he moved with his family to Missouri. Two years later he settled in Cerro Gordo county, Iowa, which has since been his home. Buying land in Mason township, he began raising thoroughbred stock, including the better grades of horses, cattle and hogs, and improved one of the finest estates in northern Iowa. He is now living retired from active pursuits in the village of Portland, his estate being well managed by his son Almeron. He married Abigail Tongue, who was born in Cortland county, New York, December 9, 1830, and died at her home in Portland, Cerro Gordo county, December 9, 1898, at sixty-eight years of age.

Living in Boone county, Illinois, until sixteen years of age. Almeron M. Avery obtained his early education in the district schools. Going with the family westward in 1884, he spent two years in Missouri, in 1886 coming with his parents to Cerro Gordo county. He ably assisted his father in the improvement of the land he bought in Mason township, and after a few years bought his present farm in Portland township. Since the retirement of his father from active pursuits, in 1895, Mr. Avery has had the entire charge of both estates, operating altogether two hundred and sixty acres of as rich and productive land as can be found in this part of the state. “Averydale” is a model farm for a stock raiser, being well supplied with pure water from Lime creek and from an overflowing well on the place. Mr. Avery makes a speciality (sic) of raising fine stock, an industry in which he has in reality been engaged since he was fifteen years old. At one time he was an extensive breeder of thoroughbred Shire and Percheron horses but is now devoting his time to the raising of Duroc-Jersey hogs, handling about one hundred and fifty a year; to breeding Shropshire sheep, keeping about one hundred, and having also a herd of Shorthorn cattle numbering about seventy-five. The farms superintended by Mr. Avery are among the best to be found in their appointments and improvements; the buildings being substantial and commodious, the new barn on the Mason township estate being a facsimile of the original one, which was destroyed by fire in 1898.

Mr. Avery married, in November [26], 1890, Gertrude C. Adams, a daughter of J. R. and Mary (Brown) Adams, pioneer residents of Mason City. Her parents are now living in Los Angeles, California, although they retain their home in Mason City. They have three children, Mrs. Avery, and two sons, Arthur and Earl, both of Mason City, Iowa. Six children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Avery, namely, Lloyd Everett, Ruth Mary, Russ Clifton, Merrill Kasson, Bertrand Adams and Alice, but the latter lived only four brief years. Politically Mr. Avery is a Prohibitionist. Socially he belongs to the Yeoman of America. Religiously he is a member of the Baptist church.

NOTE: Almeron M. Avery was born on June 7, 1868, and died on August 27, 1953. Gertrude Clifton (Adams) Avery was born on January 17, 1869, and died on May 26, 1955. Alice Laverne Avery was born on April 10, 1904, and died on October 27, 1908. They were interred at Elmwood-St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City IA.

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2014