Thomas Nash Avery (1837 - 1914)

Born 1 Jan 1837 in Highland Falls, Orange, New York, United States

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 20 Sep 1914 at age 77 in Matawan, Monmouth, New Jersey, United States

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Biography

Census

1870 Census:^[1]

Household Role Sex Age Birthplace

Thomas Avery Male 33 New York

Eliza Avery Female 32 New York

Kate Avery Female 10 New York

James Avery Male 8 New York

Grace Avery Female 6 New York

Notes for Thomas Nash Avery: ^[2]

THOMAS NASH AVERY This history of a country is no longer a record of wars and conquests, but is the account of industrial and commercial development, leading to the upbuilding and progress of various sections, the united forces of which form the prosperity of the nation. Along the Jersey coast are many important industries and among these is numbered that conducted and owned by the Cliffwood Brick Company, of which Thomas N. Avery is the president. Entering upon his business career in a very humble capacity, he steadily worked his way upward and with marked ability has extended the enterprise which has contributed not alone to the individual success of the stockholders, but has in large measure increased the material prosperity of this locality. Mr. Avery was born at Highland Falls, Orange county, New York, January 1, 1837, his parents being King and Hannah (McClellan) Avery. King Avery, the father of our subject, was a loyal soldier of the War of 1812, and his discharge, bearing the date of February 25, 1819, is in the possession of his grandson, James D. Avery. In the common schools of his home district Thomas N. Avery pursued his education, and in early life,-following his inclinations, which seemed to tend in that direction-he learned the carpenter's trade, at which he worked for some time. In 1877 he became interested in the manufacture of brick on the Hudson river, which he has continued subsequently in New Jersey with almost phenomenal success. The excellent clay beds found at many places along the Jersy coast offer splendid opportunities for brick manufacture, and the industry has become a very important one. Mr. Avery purchased a plant owned by Watson Stillwagon, which was then turning out three million bricks annually. under the skillful management of Mr. Avery the output has been increased almost fifteen fold. The increased business is due to two causes, the excellence of the product sent out and the reliability of the company, whose business integrity is never questioned and whose word is as good as any bond that was ever characterized by signature or seal. Of Mr. Avery, the president, it might be said , as it was of Goldsmith's village preacher, that "e'en his failings leaned to virtues side." His honesty is proverbial, and he has never been known to overreach any one even in the smallest business transaction. In 1857 Mr. Avery was united in marriage to Miss Eliza Carroll, and their home was blessed with six children: Catherine who married Charles Carman, secretary of the Clifford [sic] Brick Company; James D.; George, who is now deceased; Grace, the wife of Frank M. Dain, of Peekskill, New York; Thomas, who also has passed away; and Elizabeth, the wife of Dr. H. S. Cooley, of Perth Amboy. Mr Avery and his family attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal church of which he has been a long and faithful member, and for a number of years he has served as trustee. He has never been prominent in political circles, preferring to devote his entire attention to his business interests, in which he has met with very gratifying success. His enterprise and determination have enabled him to overcome all obstacles and difficulties, and his transactions have ever been conducted according to the strictest commercial ethics. His example is certainly well worthy of emulation, and all who know him entertain for him the highest regard. (end of article)

[sic] should be Cliffwood Brick Company

Sources

1. ↑ "United States Census, 1870," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M8VR-RBL : 12 April 2016), Thomas Avery, New York, United States; citing p. 42, family 333, NARA microfilm publication M593 (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.); FHL microfilm 552,576.
2. ↑ The New Jersey Coast in Three Centuries, History of the New Jersey Coast with Genealogical and Historic-Biographical Appendix William Nelson, Ed., (NY and Chicago: The Lewis Publishing Company, 1902), Monmouth Co. Library - Eastern Branch, Broad St. (Rte. 35 N), Shrewsbury, NJ 07701. Vol. 3, Pgs 175-6.

• "United States Census, 1900," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:M9FB-PSC : accessed 19 December 2020), Thomas N Avery in household of Charles Carman, Martawan Township Martawan borough, Monmouth, New Jersey, United States; citing enumeration district (ED) 129, sheet 10A, family 208, NARA microfilm publication T623 (Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, 1972.); FHL microfilm 1,240,986.
• Find A Grave, database and images (https://www.findagrave.com : accessed 20 November 2019), memorial page for Thomas Nash Avery (1 Jan 1837–19 Sep 1914), Find A Grave Memorial no. 193354349, citing Rose Hill Cemetery, Matawan, Monmouth County, New Jersey, USA ; Maintained by pbfries (contributor 46951237) .