James Deane Avery of Buckland Massachusetts 1897 World's Largest Oxen

Photo From Buckland Historical Society James Deane Avery was the son of David and Prudence (Deane) 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 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. 

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. James m Emma Packard and 2nd Maria M. Joselyn 

David Avery son of Amos Avery and Eunice Avery Avery born 1/19/1805 and died 4/29/1905 Photo from Kevin Avery

Amos L Avery, JR 1807-1809 son of Amos Store front 1880 Photo from Millbrook House News Blog

 

The Avery Oxen From Bellingham City Site--Thoroughbred Holsteins and almost full brothers in blood, bred by Joseph Ray of Bellingham, Mass. Given by him when a few days old to Walter E. Cook of same place, who was then a lad of 10 years and who trained and worked them as long as he owned them. He also exhibited them every year at the N. E. Fair in Worcester and at leading Fairs in other places, nearly always winning first prize. They were purchased of him by their present owner in May, '93; at that time they weighed 4100 pounds. Since that time they have been worked constantly at farming and lumbering. For a year past their work has been light—just enough for proper exercise. They were campaigned through the Fairs in '93 and '94 as draft oxen and never met their equal. Won $75 as prize at Vermont State Fair in 1894, and $50 prize at Valley Fair in Brattleboro, Vt. Have drawn 11,061 pounds on a drag, eight feet, at one pull, in the dirt, and on dead level—a feat never accomplished by any other team. They are now 7 years old, weigh 6100 pounds, I7 hands high, girt 9 feet, 4 inches; measure 14 feet, 9 inches from tip to tip and each ox weighs in the same notch. J. D. AVERY, Owner

Another Photo from Buckland HIST Buckland Grange float pulled by oxen and horses, Buckland, Mass. Two oxen with J D Avery and four horses pulling a float in a parade heading south on State Street on the Buckland side of the Deerfield river in the village of Shelburne Falls, Mass. The float, decorated with flowers, has Buckland Grange on the side. In the background is the Odd Fellows Building McCusker's Market and the Shelburne Falls Wine Merchant shops. To the right is a lower brick building and to the right of that is the Buckland Town Office building, a wooden structure. A man in a white outfit and hat stands at attention next to the horses, while another, in darker clothing, appears to be holding the reins. A woman holding flowers and wearing a tiara sits upon the float which is decorated with ribbons and flags.

House of Captain Oliver Avery and David Avery from Scrapbook Collection of Avery Family

From Los Angles Times August 1897