CHARLES F. AVERILL. To place on record the principal events in the life of an honored and honorable man is the present privilege of the biographical writer. The subject of this sketch, who in 1892 moved upon his valuable farm of two hundred and eighty acres located on section 29, Blissville Township, Jefferson County, is an educator of considerable note, but was obliged to resign his position as Principal of the Ashley schools on account of failing health.

William W. and Mary J. (Carlisle) Averill, the parents of our subject, were born in Norwich, Canada, and Syracuse, N. Y., respectively. The father emigrated to the States in 1835, and located in Michigan, where he is still residing. For a time he followed farming pursuits, but afterward was engaged in the furniture business at Coopersville, that state. He is now living in retirement with his estimable wife in Grand Rapids.

Charles F. Averill obtained his primary education in the common schools of Coopersville, and after completing the high school course entered the Agricultural College at Lansing, from which he was graduated in 1889. After leaving college he accepted the position of Principal of School No. 6, in Grand Rapids, where he remained thus engaged until the fall of 1892, when he was chosen Principal of the Ashley (ILL.) Schools. After spending one year in this county, Mr. Averill's health began to fail very perceptibly, and he was advised to retire from the schoolroom and engaged in farming pursuits. He has a model farm of two hundred and eighty acres and, although not a farmer of very many years' experience, superintends the operation of his estate in a most admirable and profitable manner.

The lady whom Professor Averill married August 27, 1890, was Miss Mary B., the daughter of Andrew and Sarah (Campbell) Welch, natives respectively of Ohio and Kentucky. Their union has been blessed by the birth of a daughter, Bernice E., who was born June 6, 1891.

Religiously, Mrs. Averill is a devoted member of the Congregational Church, and takes an active part in the good work near her home.

Socially, the Professor is connected with Lillie Lodge No. 390, K. P., of Grand Rapids, lie is a Democrat in politics and, although not in any sense an office-seeker, is liberal spirited and ever ready to aid in all matters of public enterprise.