J.D. Avery with 2 oxen and house, photograph, Buckland Mass.
J.D. Avery with 2 oxen and house, photograph, Buckland Mass.
Item Information
Title:
J.D. Avery with 2 oxen and house, photograph, Buckland Mass.
Description:
Great size, famous Avery Oxen of Buckland, Mass.James D. Avery was the son of David and Prudence (Dean) Avery. He was born in 1848 in Charlemont, Mass., where he secured his early education. According to The History of Buckland 1779-1935, author Fannie Shaw Kendrick writes that J.D. Avery came to Buckland in 1872 and immediately took front rank in the business life of the town, many times selectman, rendering valuable services as an assessor, a county commissioner for many years, a successful business man and responding generously to every call for financial aid. Avery was also president of the Deerfield Valley Agricultural Society and served as County Commissioner. Kendrick also tells us, For fifty years he made his home in Buckland, carrying on most successfully a large farm and became especially well known as a breeder of fancy stock. His big oxen were famous, exhibits for many years at the New England County Fairs. Mr. Averys stationary from the 1900's describes one of his oxen as, The Largest and Handsomest Ox in the world. Jerry actual weight 4,365 lbs; height 17 Hands; girth, 10 ft 3 in; length 15 ft 11 in from tip to tip; a pure bred Holstein; Product of New England; A marvel of gigantic grace and beauty. The stationary includes multiple quotes from newspapers, including this one from Toronto World: If there is one show above another that should receive the attention of visitors the massive Holstein Ox, owned by Mr. Jas. D. Avery, should certainly receive that consideration. The size of the animal being a near approach to an elephant. The exhibition is not essentially for persons interested in cattle, but should be seen by every lady and child visiting the grounds.
