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This page contains family news items and updates regarding our family history. So please keep me updated on any changes to your family status and be sure to come back to this page often to see the updates. In time I hope to incorporate family pictures at this site. Click on photos to enlarge.
MARY E. AVERY: BRANCH 1 - September 11, 2010
  You may recall some earlier communications about the new cemetery stone for Mary E. Avery. She was the first of William W. Avery and Susannah’s children to be born and the first to die. She was laid to rest in Southwick Cemetery, Junius, New York nearly 170 years ago and an engraved stone marked her resting place. In recent years the stone no longer stood in place and the years of exposure to the elements has long worn away any engraving that identified that this was Mary’s resting place. I got a call last year asking if I knew if the stone marked the location of an Avery Family member. From my visits to the cemetery with Carolyn Hill I knew that it belonged to Mary. As far back as 1987 Carolyn and I had spoken about the poor condition of her stone. Now knowing who the stone belonged to, several New York family members set out to redo Mary’s stone. Many of you helped with the expenses and I thought you would like to see the ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures of Mary’s new stone. I asked them to engrave the message “A Child Never To Be Forgotten” on her stone which hopefully will survive at least another 170 years.
I am sorry to report that Vada (Avery) Scheuerman passed on August 27th 2010. Vada attended the New York Avery Family reunion. She grew up as an Avery and attended school with Carolyn Hill whose mother was an Avery. Vada never believed she wasn’t related to all the Avery’s in the Waterloo/Seneca Falls New York area. She once told me that if she wasn’t related to them, then she would simply adopt them as her family. She will be missed by all that knew her.
TAYLOR E. SANBORN: BRANCH 4 – 5 JUN 2010
 Taylor with his mother Cindy, brother Tanner and father Tim following his graduation from Zumbrota-Mazeppa High School in Minnesota. Taylor graduated with Scholastic Honors as well as lettering in golf all 4 years of high school, plus lettering 2 years in basketball and cross country.
Taylor was also awarded a FFA State Degree which is the highest FFA award given to a high school student.
This fall, Taylor will attend the University Wisconsin/Stout where he plans to major in Golf Enterprise Management and Business Administration.
Old Homestead is Restored! May 18, 2010
 The “Old Homestead” ancestral home in Seneca Falls, NY, was built by William W. Avery and Susannah Gilbert in approximately 1840 - nearly 170 years ago. For most of that time the home has been lived in by descendants of William and Susannah. John Avery was the last of the Averys to live there and for many years he did all he could do financially to keep up with the structural maintenance which needed considerable attention. John reached a point where he finally had to sell the Old Homestead in 2008 I think. It was my understanding it was sold to a neighbor interested in the additional land that was a part of the homestead. I assumed that within a short time, the house would basically fall to the ground as it died of old age. It would be a very sad moment in the history of our family. Remember that 17 of our ancestors were born in that house and several died there.
 Well I am pleased to tell you that the old house lives on – an important tribute to everyone in our family, even if it is not occupied by our family any more. I don’t know anything about the remodel of the home, but it certainly looks like a proud, stately building as a beautiful job was done in restoring it.
JEANIE SOZANSKY: Branch 8 - May 3, 2010
 Jeanie Sozansky is from Branch 8, Generation 5. She will be graduating in May from Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. She has been accepted into the Global Scholars Program at St. George’s University School of Medicine, which is a program that educates students about practicing medicine in underdeveloped areas in addition to providing them with a top-notch education in medicine. She will be spending her first year of medical school in Newcastle, England, her second year on the island of Grenada, and her last two years in the United States. She is applying for a scholarship with the Air Force and if she is selected, she plans to become a practicing physician in the United States Air Force, which would give her an excellent opportunity to make humanitarian mission trips.
MATTHEW RYAN KLEIN: Branch 4 - September 28, 2009
 Matthew Ryan Klein was born to Jennifer Maples and Paul Klein in Santa Rosa, California. Matthew is in Branch 4, Generation 7. He is now the youngest child in our Avery Bloodline and is William and Susannah Avery’s great, great, great, great, great, great grandchild.
Matthew’s father Paul is in the building trades and his mother is a receptionist for Air Monitor, a company that helps control temperature in sensitive work areas.
RYAN AVERY NELSON: Branch 6 - September 10, 2009
 The newest member of the Avery Family has just arrived. Ryan Avery Nelson was born to Erin (Avery) Nelson and Todd Nelson in Louisville, Colorado. He weighed in at 7 pounds, 14oz. Ryan tracks his Avery heritage from Branch 6 – Generation 6. He joins his older brother Ben, who was born in 2006 and his proud grandparents – John and Kate Avery of Albuquerque, New Mexico.
BRADEN A. AVERY: Branch 4 - July 2009
 On June 12th 2009, Braden Avery, Branch 4/Generation 6 graduated from Oakmont High School, in Roseville, California. He plans on attending Sierra College this fall. While in high school he lettered in both varsity baseball and football He was selected to play in his region’s baseball All Star game which was held the day following his graduation and a proud grandma and grandpa got to watch.
Braden has an interesting summer job. He is part of a security team for the Oakland Raiders at their summer training camp in Napa, California. He gets to mingle with the players and he says the best part is “eating the same food as they do”.
LAINEY SORENSEN: BRANCH 4 - May 2009
 Lainey Sorensen is from Branch 4 – Generation 6 of our family. She graduated from Pine Island High School in Pine Island, Minnesota in 2009. During her high school career, she played volleyball, softball, and gymnastics. She is a talented artist and loves music and traveling to California. This summer she will continue to work at Outback Steakhouse and in the fall Lainey will attend Rochester Community and Technical College. Later she will transfer to a 4-year college where she hopes to pursue pre-Med.
CAMERON PELL: BRANCH 2 - July 18, 2008
 Cameron ‘CAM’ Pell graduated on June 8, 2008 from Eaton Rapids High School in Eaton Rapids, Michigan with Scholastic Honors during all 4 years of high school. He earned his Alpha Beta pins and was a member of the National Honor Society. In addition, Cam belonged to the Interact Club which helped tutor younger students needing help. At graduation, Cam was selected to receive two college scholarships
As if this wasn’t enough accomplishment, Cam also earned 10 varsity letters participating in 3 sports for 3 years - Football, wrestling and baseball. He and his brother Trent played on the same baseball team. Quite a record young man!
CINDY (Avery) SANBORN: BRANCH 4 - July 12, 2008
 Cindy lives in Mazeppa, Minnesota and has worked for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester for the past 22 years. She graduated with scholastic honors last December to earn her AAS (Applied Associates in Science) degree in Health Information Management/Technology. This past May she also passed her National Board exam earning her RHIT (Registered Health Information Technologist) credentials.
Currently Cindy works in Mayo’s Cancer Registry Department where they maintain a national database that tracks cancer patients. This information is used by Physicians and Public Health officials to improve patient care, track survivor success rates for various types of cancer treatments and to identify potential participants for clinical drug trials.
MICHAEL COLE MILLER: BRANCH 4 - June 6, 2008
 Michael, better known as ‘Mikey’ to friends and family, is from Branch 4, Generation 6 of our Avery Family line. He is pictured here with his grand parents – Judy and Ron Crossman of Sun Valley, Nevada following his graduation from Piner High School in Santa Rosa, California on May 30, 2008. Coincidently, May 30th was also Grandma Judy’s birthday, so it was an all around special day.
While attending high school, Mikey has also attended culinary classes. He plans on attending Santa Rosa Junior College and later will transfer to a 4 years college to earn a degree in culinary arts. While attending high school, he worked part time for Old Navy.
KATRINA SORENSEN: BRANCH 4 - May 15, 2008
 Meet Katrina (Katie) from Branch 4 – Generation 6 of our family. She graduated with honors from Pine Island High School in Pine Island, Minnesota and is a member of the National Honor Society. During her senior year she was a starter in basketball, volleyball and softball. She also received the Director’s Award in Band playing the saxophone. In the fall she will start at the University of Minnesota where she has declared English as her major as she would like to write for magazines.
Katie has a summer job at the Mayo Clinic through the Cancer Center. She is an avid reader and loves to travel and to do new things like sew, knit and rock climb.
COUSINS BORN THE SAME DAY: BRANCH 4 - JANUARY 9, 2008
 Not only were they born the same day, they were born in the same hospital and shared the same hospital room, and they are both from Branch 4 – Generation 7. Landon Hunter Klein was born to Jennifer Marie Maples and Paul Francis Klein. Austin Jonathan Deurloo was born to Nichole Renee Maples and James Edward Deurloo. They were born at Sutter Medical Center in Santa Rosa, California on January 9, 2008. They are pictured here with Great Grandpa, Ron Crossman. Landon (on the left) and Austin become the 10th and 11th Great, Great, Great, Great, Great, Grandchildren of William and Susannah Avery.
NICHOLE MAPLES: BRANCH 4 - October 15, 2007
 Nichole (Nikki) Maples married James Deurloo. They were recently married in Santa Rosa, California by a Justice of the Peace. Nikki is an Emergency Response Dispatcher for the City of San Francisco. James works for the Forestville Fire Department and he is also an EMT Ambulance Driver for the City of Ukiah, California. They will make their home in Forestville.
JEANIE MARIE SOZANSKY: Branch 8 - August 10, 2007
 Jeanie is from Branch 8, Generation 5. She was born in Kokomo, Indiana and graduated Valedictorian of Eastern High School in Greentown, Indiana. She has just started college, studying Applied Biology at Rose Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, IN. Jeanie wants to be an Ophthalmologist. She is also on the women’s soccer team at her college.
JUDY & RON CROSSMAN - Branch 4: July 25, 2007
 Judy (Avery) and Ron Crossman will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in Reno, Nevada on July 28th. Judy is from Branch 4, Generation 4 of the Avery Family and is the sister to Avery Family Historian – Bill F. Avery.
Ron and Judy met in high school and married 30 days after they graduated. Both are retired. Judy was born in Oakland, California and Ron in Amsburry, Massachusetts. They have 3 children, 8 grand children (and 2 great grandchildren on the way).
MARK MILLER - BRANCH 8: WRITES FIRST BOOK, July 2007
 Mark Miller (Branch 8 - Generation 4) has written and published his first book. The book is titled “Meerkats Don’t Fly” and is the tale of a young Meerkat who perseveres in the pursuit of his dreams. Click on the image of the cover at left to visit the website Mark created for his new publishing company (www.goodturnpublishing.com), and to read more about the book. Click here to read about Mark and the book as covered in Mark’s local newspaper. The book is available through Mark’s website and www.wellesleybooksmith.com and will be available through other online bookstores within the next few months.
ASHLEY DAWN AVERY - BRANCH 4: July 30, 2007
 Ashley Avery is from Branch 4, Generation 6 of our Avery family line. She just graduated from Waseca High School in Waseca, Minnesota this past June. Ashley was recognized by her school for the good scholastic record she achieved during her high school years. She has been very active in her school’s team sports – including softball and volleyball. In August Ashley will attend Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota where her classes will focus on her interest in Public Relations.
KAITLYN BREANNA AVERY – BRANCH 4: July 30, 2007
 Kaitlyn Avery is from Branch 4, Generation 6 of our Avery family line. She just graduated from Oakmont High School in Roseville, California and received numerous scholastic achievement awards – including a scholarship for theatrical work, both in school and in her local community theater. Kaitlyn will attend Sierra College in Rockland, California this fall. Her initial classes include English, Calculus, the Humanities and Social Science.
KELLY DIANE AVERY - BRANCH 4: JUNE 17, 2006
 On June 17, 2006, Kelly Avery (Branch 4 - Generation 5) married Michael Paulson in Dodge Center, MN. Kelly is the daughter of Evan and Betty Avery of Merced, California. Kelly is an Administrator for the Mayo Clinic Cancer Center in Rochester Minnesota and Mike works for AgReliant Genetics as a Corn Specialist.
KARA H. DAVIS - BRANCH 3: OCTOBER 20, 2006
 Kara Heather Davis of Charlotte, Michigan is from Branch 3, Generation 5 of our Avery Family. Kara married Brian Daniel Margraf who was born in Tiffin, Ohio. The wedding and reception was at the V.F.W. in Charlotte, Michigan.
The wedding was officiated by Jerry Carpenter.
Kara is a hairdresser and Brian is a mortgage broker for Greenstone Farm Services.
HELEN SOZANSKY - BRANCH 8: OCTOBER 15, 2006
 Our family has lost a very special lady. Helen Lou (Chalker) Sozansky (seen pictured here with her granddaughter, Jeanie) passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 9, 2006 in Seneca Falls, New York. Helen was from Branch 8, Generation 3 of our family. She will be buried at Spring Brook Cemetery next to her husband Tony who died in 2000.
Helen was a very active member of her Methodist church and was also a volunteer for the Meals on Wheels program. But many of her family and friends will remember her for her bowling activities. She is survived by her son Wayne A. and Nina Sozansky of Greentown, Indiana; a brother Maurice “Johnny” and Doris Chalker of Seneca Falls, two grand children Jeanie and Kate as well as a number of nieces and nephews.
Rest in Peace Helen, we will miss you.
BILL F. AVERY - BRANCH 4: JULY 1, 2006
 In July 2006 Sue and I traveled to California to visit family. While we were there, we had lunch with my first cousin (once removed) Janelle (Avery) Willing from Granite Bay, California who I have not seen for years, and I also got to meet for the first time her two children, Jaci and Jack. Joining me in the picture from left to right are Jaci, Janelle, and Jack Willing and two of our grand children, Kaitlyn and Braden Avery from Roseville, California. Looks like Sue is missing, but she took the picture.
KATHRYN ANN KITA - BRANCH 3: JUNE 6 2006
 Kathryn is the daughter of Carol (Dowding) and Joseph Kita. She is from Branch 3 – Generation 6 of our Avery family. She graduated on June 4, 2006 from Olivet High School, in Olivet, Michigan. Kate will be attending Kellogg Community College in the fall to attain her nursing degree. In high school, Kate was in 21st Century Health at Calhoun Area Technology Center and part of her training was taking courses at Kellogg Community college and doing rotations at various different health care facilities around the Battle Creek, Michigan area. We wish Kate success in her educational goals.
KYLE GRAYSON AVERY - BRANCH 6: JUNE 5 2006
 We welcome another new Avery member to our Family. Kyle Grayson Avery was born on May 30th 2006 in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Kyle is from Branch 6, Generation 6. His parents are Andy J. and Suzan (Blotter) Avery of Santa Fe. We met Kyle’s grandparents, John G. Avery and Kate of Albuquerque, New Mexico at both the Michigan and New York Family Reunions.
BRITTANY JEANNINE CROSSMAN - BRANCH 4: JUNE 5, 2006
 Brittany is the daughter of Ronald Alan and Kelly (Cato) Crossman. Brittany graduated from Santa Rosa High School in Santa Rosa, California this past month. She plans to attend Santa Rosa Jr. College before heading to Heald’s College to earn a degree in nursing. Brittany is from Branch 4, Generation 6 of our Avery family. We all wish Brittany success in her educational goals. There is such a great need for nurses.
DAVID PATRICK MILLER - BRANCH 8: APRIL 1, 2006
 We welcome another new Avery member to our Avery Family. David Patrick Miller was born on March 22, 2006 in Hagerstown, Maryland and according to Grandmother Carol Miller, “Everyone is happy and healthy”. David is in Branch 8 and Generation 5.
David was welcomed to his new world by his parents Alan Avery Miller and Amy (Martz) Miller, two sisters, Emily, Jolene and brother, Joseph. Father Alan works for a scientific calibration company that works on governmental machinery. With 4 children under the age of 6 ½, Amy is very much a full time mother. They also are involved with their photo business, Suddenflower Photography.
It is interesting to note that David Patrick Miller and his 4th cousin, Benjamin Scott Nelson born just a few weeks earlier are actually from different generations. The main reason for this is William W. and Susannah Avery had their 8 children spread over a period of 20 years. David’s uncle, Mark Miller is the Webmaster for our Avery Family Web site.
BENJAMIN SCOTT NELSON - BRANCH 6: MARCH 29 2006
 Proud parents Erin Joy (Avery) and Todd Nelson welcomed their first child to our ever growing Avery Family on March 8, 2006 in Boulder, Colorado. Benjamin and his family are doing fine. Benjamin is from Branch 6, Generation 6. His grandparents are John and Kate Avery of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Most of us had a chance to meet John and Kate, as well as Erin at our New York Family Reunion in 2004. Congratulations to Erin and Todd.
LAURA IRWIN - BRANCH 2: JANUARY 28, 2006
 In October 2005, Laura Ann Irwin (Branch 2 - Generation 6) married Greg Dostich in Richmond, Virginia. Laura was born in Parma, Ohio in 1980. Laura is a Senior Marketing Analyst for Circuit City and Greg graduated from the University of Richmond in 2004 with a B.S. in Business/Finance. He currently works for Carmax as an Expansion Planning Analyst. The newlyweds are busy working with their new home in Glen Allen, Virginia. Laura’s great, great, great, great grandmother, Emeline Avery was the first of the William and Susannah Avery children to leave their Seneca Falls, New York home and move to Michigan to homestead land. We wish Laura and Greg the very best in their new life.
WAYNE CHALKER - BRANCH 8: JANUARY 28, 2006
 It was with great sadness to learn about the death of Wayne Chalker (Branch 8 – Generation 3) on January 17th 2006 in Melbourne, Florida. He will later be buried in Tyre, New York near family that preceded him to the Lord’s House. Wayne worked for years as a Customer Service Representative for New York State Electric and Gas.
He leaves his wife Marie of nearly 60 years. They had 3 daughters, Beverly, Kathleen and Nancy and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by everyone in his family and by his many, many friends. To quote the person that knew him best…. “Wayne was a sweet and gentle man that everyone loved.” Rest in Peace, Wayne.
KRISTI HICKS - BRANCH 3: OCTOBER 18, 2005
 August 20, 2005 was a very special day for the Virginia and Darrell Hicks family as their daughter, Kristi Hicks/Davis married Brian Charles Klaiss at the Olivet Church of Christ in Bellevue, Michigan.
Kristi is a Certified Health Aide and tends to her patients in East Lansing, Michigan. Brian is a truck driver involved in new home construction.
Kristi’s great, great, great grand parents are William W. Avery and Susannah Gilbert.
JEFFREY A. HARKNESS HEADED TO IRAQ: SEPTEMBER 3, 2005
 Meet Lance Corporal, Jeffrey Adam Harkness who just turned 19. He lives in Bedford, New Hampshire and has been assigned to Iraq for a tour of duty.
Jeffrey has an interesting connection to the Avery Family. I am sure that most of you remember the name Blanche (McDonald) Hisler from our family reunions. In 1925, Blanche married Harry T. Hisler. About the same time, Harry’s brother married Leota Schroth. For over 75 years Blanche and Leota were as close as sisters, even long after they both lost their husbands. Jeffrey is a great grandson of Leota Hisler.
Interestingly, Leota Hisler died on December 13th 2002 in Florida and less than 24 hours later, Blanche Hisler died on December 14th 2002 at age 99 in Michigan. Their closeness in life was echoed by the timing of their passing.
I know we all will want to send Lance Corporal Jeffrey Adam Harkness and his family our prayers and best wishes for a quick and safe return. I will try to get his address while in Iraq as I know he would appreciate receiving some cards and letters from family members.
ANDREW (ANDY) JOHN AVERY - BRANCH 6: JULY 13, 2005
 Andy Avery married Suzan E. Blotter in Ridgway, Colorado on June 4, 2005. Andy is the son of John and Kate Avery of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Most of us met John and Kate during the Avery Family Reunion in Charlotte, Michigan in 2002. His Great, Great Grandfather, Jeffrey Gilbert Avery built the old homestead we toured during the reunion. We also met John and Kate, as well as their daughter, Erin J. Avery during the 2004 Avery Family Reunion in Waterloo/Seneca Falls, New York.
Andy is a Mechanical Engineer at Intel in Rio Rancho and Suzan works in a salon in Santa Fe.
To add a personal note, we are looking forward to a visit from John and Kate Avery in August here in Arkansas. We plan to play some golf and tour Clinton’s new Presidential Library in Little Rock while they are here.
THE OLD HOMESTEAD UP FOR SALE: June 8, 2005
I recently was told that the old ‘Homestead’ is up for sale. This place was built by William W. Avery in about 1840 and it has been in our family for nearly 160 years. But the years have taken its toll on the old house and it needs a lot of attention. John Avery, the current owner has put a tremendous amount of his time and his own personal resources to try and keep up with the needed restoration. But with a slow down in his garage business, John feels that the time has come to sell the old homestead and I know this was a difficult decision for him.
We all owe John a debt of thanks for all he has done over the years to try and keep the old homestead in our family. I know for some of you the old homestead played a part in your life while growing up. For others of us, we were fortunate enough to have the chance to visit this family treasure. We will never forget this old place – it is very much a part of all of us.
If you would like to write to John, you can reach him at: 928 Birdsey Rd., Waterloo, NY 13165.
THE OLD HOMESTEAD: April 22, 2005
Over the past 160 years the old homestead has lost much of its original looks and perhaps even some its stately charm because of remodeling and other changes that have been made to make sure it would survive these many, many years. This place has been home and work place for many in our family over the years. As a child, it was a place to play and a place for chores. But more than anything, the old homestead was a stately beacon of love that always drew family home where it provided warmth and comfort for all.
Yes, the old homestead has seen it share of changes over the years, but no amount of transformation could ever change the family memories and sounds that are hidden within the walls of this place. The sounds of love and happiness, the sounds of work and hard times, the sounds of 17 of our ancestors who came into this world within the walls of this home. The sounds of children playing and laughing and the sounds of teaching and learning, the sounds of friends and neighbors that would come to visit and the sounds of a thousand dinner times – and yes, even the sounds of death are part of this place. All these sounds are buried deeply within the history of this old place, and all of us that are a part of William and Susannah’s family are a product of that history.
Just to be able to say “you were there” makes you a part of the Avery Family history that has passed through this old house in the past 160 years. The old homestead will not survive forever, but hopefully the sounds, the memories and the history of our family will live on forever within the words of the family Story Tellers.
MARK MILLER - March 26, 2005
 A very special thanks goes to Mark Miller for his work in putting together this website. I met Mark and his mother Carol at our New York family reunion in 2004. Mark lives in Massachusetts and has four children, Matthew, Joanna, Amy, and Daniel. A fifth child, Jonathan went to be with the Lord in 1984. Mark is a cousin to many of us. He is a third cousin to me, meaning we share the same great, great grandparents - in our case, William W. Avery and Susannah Gilbert. First cousins always share the same grand parents, second cousins share the same great grand parents etc. So if you get a chance, give Mark a big thanks for all his efforts on our behalf. (Bill asked that I include a photo; sorry the best I could find was this one from 8th grade.)
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