"21. Benjamin4 Avery (James3, James2, Christopher1) was b. 1696. at Groton; … Benjamin4 Avery was given the right to build a pew in the gallery, July 4, 1720. He was lister, 1731, 1732; fence viewer, 1733, 1735, 1737, 1749; surveyor, 1737, 1745; selectman, 1755-1758. … March 16, 1617 [probably 1717], James Avery deeded land at the head of Poquonock Cove to his loving son, Benjamin. This land had belonged to his honored father, Capt. James Avery, and 'butted' on his brother Samuel's land (Groton Deeds, 2:391). Benjamin Avery owned (Dec. 6, 1754) two shares in the Wyoming company that claimed land in Pennsylvania on the Susquehanna. Benjamin4 Avery's will, made Jan. 9, 1769, and probated Jan. 4, 1773, mentioned his wife Thankful; sons, Benjamin, Daniel, Solomon, Denison; daughters, Abigail Smith, Anna Avery; two oldest unmarried daughters, Sarah and Mary; two other daughters, Lucy and Thankful; two youngest daughters, Deborah and Hannah; daughter, Mercy, to be cared for during her natural life (Stonington Wills, 2:38). His tombstone is standing in the Avery-Morgan burying-ground: 'In memory of Benjamin Avery, who died Dec. 5, 1772, in ye 76 year of his age.' This determines the year of his birth and makes him the youngest child." His wife, Thankful, was buried by his side."
