Avery, Rufus G., Alexander, N. Y., the oldest of a family of thirteen children born to Rufus G. and Keziah I. (Goodwill) Avery, was born in the town of Stafford, Tolland County, Conn, October 21, 1824. His brothers and sisters were as follows: Sarah, John G., Marygenett, Daniel G., William C., George E., James M., Julia M., Bradley C., Emma L., Martha E. and Charles B. His father was born in the town of Hebron, Tolland County, Conu., February 4. 1795, and died in Alexander, N. Y., July 16, 1879. His mother was born in the town of Willington, Conu., December 15, 1802, and died in Alexander, August 2, 1879. Mr. Avery began his schooling in the public schools of his native town and at the age of ten his parents removed to Darien, remaining there for two years, then removed to Attica, and after a residence of two years in that place settled in Alexander in 1838. Mr. Avery's first business experience was in the capacity of clerk in the store of E. G. Moulton of Alexander, in whose employ he remained for two years. From 1843 to 1868 he was engaged in the wholesale and retail tobacco business in Buffalo, then entered the employ of the Buffalo and Washington Railroad, and with that road and the Buffalo and Southwestern was employed as a conductor for a period of ten years. During this service, however, he owned and operated a hotel at Alexander for two years, then gave up the hotel and railroad business and removed to his farm, since which time he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, although for the last few years he has lived a semi retired life. On October 26, 1847. he married Helen M., daughter of Capt. Uriah P. B. and Mehitable (Page) Monroe; they had two children; Florence L . wife of Ellis R. Hay, and Walter P. B. (deceased). Mr. Avery has never held or aspired to political office, and is a member of Attica Lodge, No. 462. F. & A. M. Personally he is of a very social nature and enjoys the respect and esteem of all who know him.

Source: Our County and its people, a descriptive work on Genesee County, New York, Edited by: F. W. Beers, J.W. Vose & Co., Publishers, Syracuse, N. Y. 1890