John was a veteran of both the Mexican War and the Civil War. He was one of three survivors of both wars from Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. When the Mexican War broke out, he enlisted in Company A, 1st Pennsylvania Volunteers. He fought in several battles. He earned a sword while serving in the Mexican War.
He married Eliza Louise Sutton in 1840.
In 1866, although getting up in years, he promptly volunteered for the Civil War in Company A, 102nd New York Infantry Volunteers and served throughout the war.
Colonel Thomas B. Van Buren recruited a regiment known as Van Buren Light Infantry with the Companies of A, B. C, D, E, F, G, H, and K. In March 1862, Captain Avery's Company A, long with the other seven companies served at and near Washington, D.C. during the war. The regiment served with different brigades and divisions until the end of the war. The veterans were mustered out under Colonel Harvey S. Chatfield July 21, 1865 at Alexandria, Virginia.
John was born in 1816 in Pittsburgh and died of injuries he received when he was hit by and electric streetcar at the age of 83. John was buried with full Military Honors in Versailles Cemetery in McKeesport, Pennsylvania.
His regiment is noted on the New York monument at Gettysburg Battle Field, pictured below.
