Another pioneer of Comanche-co. and one of our best known and most highly respected citizens is gone! At 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, 1901, C. T. Avery died at his home in this city, and as the news was borne to the various parts of the county there came to each and all a peculiar sense of sorrow, for each felt the loss of a faithful friend, a good citizen and an upright and honorable man.

On the 5th of last February Mr. Avery was seized with quite a severe attack of the grippe, and he had scarcely been well a day since then. For several weeks he was troubled with what seemed to be an attack of rheumatism, coupled with some stomach trouble and the grippe, but no serious apprehensions were entertained. About six weeks ago he went to Wichita and placed himself under the care of a competent physician of that city. Mr. Avery was finally informed that the principal cause of his sickness was Bright's Disease and that the case was a serious one. It was finally decided to take him to Eureka Springs, his wife accompanied him, hoping that he might find relief from the use of the waters at that place. He seemed to grow better for a time, but on last Sunday the attending physician announced the presence of serious heart and lung complications and advised that he be brought home immediately. Accordingly the homeward trip was made. When he arrived Monday evening he was feeling very feeble, and he continued to sink, with only an occasional revival of strength, until the death summons came on Wednesday.

Funeral exercises were conducted at the family residence at 3 p.m. on Thursday, July 4. Rev. W. L. Roberts, of the Presbyterian church, was in charge of the exercises, Rev. J. C. Fisher of the M. E. church assisted. A large number of the neighbors and friends of the deceased was present. Burial took place in the city cemetery one mile east of town.

Charles Thomas Avery was born in East Lyme, Connecticut, on December 8, 1849. On November 24, 1877, he was married to Mary R. Hough. In the latter part of the year 1877 Mr. and Mrs. Avery moved to Caldwell, Kansas, where they lived until April, 1885, when they moved to Comanche-co. They had made this county their home ever since.

Mr. Avery had long been identified with the business interests of Coldwater. Much of his time was given to real estate matters. He had accumulated several thousand acres of good ranch property and had built up a beautiful home in this city. In every relation of life C.T. Avery was regarded as a worthy example of what constitutes an honorable and successful business man. His integrity was unquestioned and every one who knew him was his friend. His devotion to his family and his attachment for his home were proverbial. For several years he had been a member of the Presbyterian church and he died with implicit faith in Christ as his Savior. A wife, one daughter, Miss May, and three sons, Willie, Charley and Arthur, are left to feel keenly the loss of a devoted, sympathetic and loving husband and father and to them the sincere sympathy of many friends is extended.

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Gravestone for Charles Thomas Avery
Crown Hill Cemetery, Comanche County, Kansas.
Photo by Bobbi (Hackney) Huck.

Gravestone for Martha Hough Avery
Crown Hill Cemetery, Comanche County, Kansas.
Photo by Bobbi (Hackney) Huck.

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Thanks to Shirley Brier for transcribing and contributing the above obituary!

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This page was last updated 17 Jan 2004.