John Averill (son of Job Averill, Jr. and Sara Whittmore) was born Jan 12, 1753 in Pownalboro, Lincoln County, (Alna) , ME, and died Jul 05, 1838 in Montville, Waldo County, ME. He married (1) Priscilla Tuckerman. He married (2) Mary Stewart on Apr 20, 1774 in Pownalboro, MA, daughter of James Stewart.
Notes for John Averill: John was a farmer and shipbuilder. He lived at Alna (Sheepscot?) until 1783 or 1784, and afterward for a time at Montville, Me., and last at Alna.
The First United States Census - 1790 mentions John "Averal" of Pownalborough Town as the head of a family consisting of three boys under sixteen years, and five females, probably his wife and four daughters.
New Milford Town Records mention a John Averell as among the surveyors of Highways, June 25, 1794; and surveyors of lumber and cutters of staves, April 6, 1795. Nov. 30, 1814.
John Averell deeds land to his son Ezekiel, 2nd, which land is now (1897) occupied by his great-grandson, Emery Averell. It was bounded in part by the land of William Averell, 2nd., and Nathan Newell's Lane. This transfer was witnessed by John's sons, James 2nd., and Guy.
It is stated that royal ancestry may be claimed through this line, as James Stewart (Mary's father) was a lineal descendant of the Royal Family of Stuarts.
The old homestead of John Averell, his second house is still standing (1897) in Alna, near that of Deacon Enos Averell and his old work shop is a land mark which stands in Sheepscot (1897) back of the residence of a venerable and interesting old lady, Mrs. Sargent, who was a pupil in the old schoolhouse of Elizabeth Averell, daughter of John.
A witch story comes down through John's descendants which Mrs. Flitner has kindly given us. It relates to John's first home.
"In those days there was a grand time at "raisings," and much New England "rum and molasses" was imbibed, and an abundance of good things eaten. To the raising of John Averell's first house, a witch in the town was not invited, and she became very indignant over this slight. The day came; everything was ready, the feast prepared, and when the frame of the large two story house was up, the old witch put in an appearance. She cast her evil eye on the timbers raised so high, and at once something happened! A gust of wind came down suddenly and violently on the whole structure and swept it over! Not a cloud or sign in the heavens indicated a storm, so it had to be credited to the witch's power."
Mr. Averell then put up a smaller house, which became the family homestead mentioned above.
This John Averill and his family were very musical, furnishing the choir and playing instruments in the old meeting house of Alna years before most churches allowed it.
August 18, 1788, this John was appointed guardian of David Averell's son Simeon Averell or Avery, who also settled in Montville for a time.
SOURCES:
1. "Averell, Averill, Avery," by Clara Avery, Pages 315, 316, 319 2. International Genealogical Index, V4.02
More About John Averill: Pedigree: "Averell, Averill, Avery Family," by Clara Avery.32
More About John Averill and Mary Stewart: Marriage: Apr 20, 1774, Pownalboro, MA.
John Averill (b. Jan 12, 1753, d. Jul 05, 1838)
Notes for John Averill: