John Avery Jr.John Avery Jr. was an American politician who served as the first Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.FamilyAvery was a direct descendant of Dr. William Avery from Barkham, Berkshire, England, who emigrated to Dedham, Massachusetts, in 1650.Early lifeAvery was born to John and Mary Avery on September 2, 1739.Family lifeAvery married Mary Cushing in April 1769; they had ten children.Sons of LibertyAvery was a member of the Sons of Liberty.Massachusetts SecretaryAvery had served as Deputy Secretary of the Province of Massachusetts Bay under Samuel Adams. Avery defeated Adams at the polls to be the first Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.DeathAvery died on June 7, 1806.