The eldest daughter Mary Avery: Mary Avery was born April 5, 1667 at Manokin in Somerset Co., Maryland. By far the largest number of descendants of Captain John Avery trace their descent from this daughter. Mary Avery married Hercules Shepheard shortly before the death of her father John Avery in November of 1682. Mary was between 15 and 16 years old at the time of the marriage, and Hercules Shepheard was about twice her age. Hercules had come to Sussex Co, Delaware from Accomack Co., Virginia around 1680.
The last record found of Hercules Shepheard appears in December of 1694, and he would die intestate not long after this date. His widow Mary (Avery) Shepheard would be the administratrix of his estate and would be married to her second husband Richard Hinman by 1698.
Mary Avery, after the death of her first husband Hercules Shepheard, had married Richard Hinman shortly before 1698. Mary would have been about 30 years old at the time of this 2nd marriage and had at least two children by her second husband. John Hinman, the eldest, was given a gift of land by Mary Hinman in 1707. The deed book read: "Mary, wife of Richard Hinman, gives to her son John Hinman, from natural love and affection, by deed of gift, land belonging to her father John Avery". (This son was very likely the John Hinman whose will was probated in Sept. of 1727). Mary's second son Richard Hinman made his will in 1741. In the will he states that he is the owner of Horse Island and marsh lands in Rehoboth Bay. This island in Rehoboth Bay was the property and last residence of Captain John Avery at the time of his death in 1682.
