The Fairfield Ledger
Fairfield, Iowa
Wednesday December 25, 1912
Pg. 6
Mrs. AVERILL Has Passed Away
The Times (sic. Los Angeles TImes newspaper of Los Angeles, California) announces the death of Mrs. Anna S. AVERILL in Los Angeles, Ca., the 15th inst. Mrs. AVERILL was a daughter of Rev. A. S. WELLS (sic. Rev. Ashbel Shipley WELLS and his wife Sophia HASTINGS WELLS), a pioneer resident of Fairfield, and was for many years a resident of this city. She was a student and a scholar, a teacher of unusual ability, a woman of great talent. Although she has been absent from Fairfield for thirty years, all our older people will remember her and will sorrow at her death. The Times says:
Mrs. Anna S. AVERILL died at the Columbia hospital last evening at 5:30 o'clock from natural weakness after having lingered between life and death for several days. She was eighty years old and her end was as peaceful as if she had been a child sinking into sleep. As she passed away she was surrounded by all her near relatives.
Mrs. AVERILL was a most delightful and gentle little woman, who, notwithstanding her great age, was active in educational, church and club work up to the time she was taken to the hospital a week or more since.
She was a native of Michigan, but prior to coming to Los Angeles in 1880, lived with her husband, N. S. AVERILL (sic. Norman S. AVERILL) in Iowa, where he was engaged in mercantile business (sic. located in Fairfield, Iowa). AVERILL, the familiarly known secretary of the board of education of this city, died two years ago (sic. January 28, 1911).
When they came from Iowa they purchased a ranch at Garden Grove and Mrs. AVERILL became a school teacher at that place. Later they disposed of the ranch and moved to the city, purchasing a home on Rockwood street, where they remained. Mrs. AVERILL taught in the city schools and her husband at first became an employee in the county offices and later was elected secretary of the board of education. Prior to this time, Mrs. AVERILL had served a term as assistant superintendent of the city schools.
During the entire thirty-two years of her residence here, she was very active in all lines of literary work and was greatly beloved by all who knew her. The AVERILL club was organized and named in her honor. She was author of two volumes of fiction, "Anna MASON, or The Temple of Shells," and "The RUSSELL Family."
She and her husband celebrated their golden (sic. 50 years) wedding in March, 1908, when they received hundreds of their friends. The sunny life of both made their existence one of the great delight to themselves and to those around them. After the death of Mr. AVERILL, there seemed nothing that Mrs. AVERILL cared to live for, though she never ceased her activities. When she was taken to the hospital a few days ago, she said she wanted to go and never expressed the slightest desire to get up again.
She leaves one son, G.E. AVERILL (sic. George E Averill), a sister, Mrs. J.H. STEVER (sic. Mrs. Juliet Hastings WELLS STEVER, widow of GEORGE STEVER), and a niece, Mrs. F.N WILKINSON, all of this city, and another sister, Mrs. H.E. JORDAN (sic. Harriet Eliza WELLS JORDAN, widow of Albert Rufus JORDAN), of Colorado Springs, who arrived here on Thursday and has been with Mrs. AVERILL constantly since.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed and will be announced later. The executive committee of the AVERILL Study club will hold a meeting today to arrange for attending the services.
-------
Transcriber note: Norman S Averill and Anna (a/k/a Arena) Sophia WELLS Averill were married on March 23, 1858 in Jefferson County, Iowa; this marriage was officiated by Anna's father, Rev. Ashbel Shipley WELLS, V.D.M. The couple lived in Fairfield for a time, then removed to live in the Los Angeles, California area around 1878-1880. They celebrated their 50th Wedding anniversary there on March 23, 1908. The following items were submitted to the Fairfield Ledger:
Fairfield Ledger
Wednesday, March 11, 1908
Page 7 Col. 2
Golden Wedding Anniversary
Los Angeles, Cal. Papers announce that Mr. and Mrs. Norman S. AVERILL of that city will celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary March 23d. Members of the First Congregational church will give them a reception in the church, and, as Mrs. AVERILL is a member, active or honorary, of every woman's club in the city, these organizations will join in the affair. Mr. and Mrs. AVERILL were formerly residents of Fairfield, leaving here for California about thirty years ago. The husband has been secretary of the Los Angeles board of education for many years, while the wife has been both a member of the board and a teacher in the city schools.
~~~~
Fairfield Ledger
April 29, 1908
Pg. 8
A Golden Wedding Anniversary
A clipping from a Los Angeles, Cal., paper (sic. the Los Angeles Times) has recently come to THE LEDGER with an account of the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Norman S. AVERILL, which was celebrated the 24th ult. It was an affair so unique and these good people have so many friends among the older people of Fairfield that it is presented herewith:
One of the most beautiful and memorable of occasions was the golden wedding celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Norman S. AVERILL, last evening. When this man and woman with snowy heads had clasped hands in the presence of a throng of admirers and friends, Rev. Warren F. DAY, pastor emeritus of the First Congregational church, asked: "Norman, have these fifty years of married life been worth living? Were you back a half a century, would you repeat the vows with which, in 1858, you wedded Anna?" and the radiant old gentleman answered: "I would."
"Anna," said the minister to the lovely old lady in the soft white bridal gown, "have these fifty years brought what they promised when you stood at the altar with the man of your choice, in the bloom of your early womanhood? Were you once more on that memorable 23rd of March in 1858, would you trustfully repeat with Norman your mutual marriage covenant?" "I would do the same thing over," she replied sweetly. Then continued the minister, with a ring of gladness in his voice: "Friends, here is wedded life kept in perennial freshness by mutual fidelity, and a home whose indwelling spirit has made it as the rock, washed whiter, but unshaken by shocks. In the presence of God and of this listening assembly, I declare that true marriage is not, has not been, and will not be a failure. On this husband and on this wife, blessed of God, and beloved of man, may the smile of the Lord rest forever more. We have met in no ordinary circumstances, and in the thronging of memories most precious. We are here to celebrate a golden wedding.
"The flail and the flintlock, with a thousand fashions, have had their day, and fled before the more fitting. But not so marriage; not so home. Passion flashes. Love lasts. Listen! This groom and bride, with their record of fifty years, are still in their honeymoon. You felt it when you entered their presence. It is in the atmosphere. Beloved, 1858 and 1908, with all the throbbing years between, greet you. This floral coronation whispers to you of your Father's benediction. In the corporation of this distinguished company, this city and southland, citizen and official, the school and the scholarly club, the social circle and the church, with other personal fellowships, greet you: congratulate you." Rev. Dr. William HORACE offered a prayer, and then the bridegroom kissed his bride, and the all the people applauded for very joy.
The celebration began at 8 o'clock, when Mr. and Mrs. AVERILL took their places on a palm-sheltered platform, starred over with electric lights, and on which were placed two gold-rimmed chairs. With them were their son and daughterinlaw (sic. spelled as one word in the original text), Mr. and Mrs. G. Edward AVERILL, Mrs. AVERILL's sister, Mrs. J.H. STEVER (sic. Juliet Hastings WELLS STEVER, widow of George STEVER), Mrs. Francis WILKINSON, a niece, and Mr. and Mrs. William F. MARCHALL of Monrovia.
The strains of the Swedish wedding march heralded a procession of fifty white-gowned girls and men. As they marched they sang, and in passing the venerable couple cast before them a branch of golden acacia for each happy year that made up the tale of the half-century. The song ended, friends crowded around the bridal couple, and showered congratulations and good wishes upon them.
Sixty organizations, to which Mrs. AVERILL has been allied during her years of educational and literary work in this city, were represented. The Church Work society gave the couple a purse of fifty odd dollars, Mrs. ATSATT making the speech of presentation. Mrs. DEWEY of the Y.W.C.A. board presented the same sort of gift. Mrs. D.G. STEPHENS, on behalf of one of the early study classes formed by Mrs. AVERILL, presented $100 in gold. The Shakespeare Alumnae of the Wednesday Morning club, through Mrs. Henry BRETT, gave a gold alumnae pin, and the club's offering was an appropriate sentiment illuminated and framed in gold. The ushers of the church, thirty-three in number, presented framed congratulations. The board of education passed resolutions at its regular meeting last evening and then adjourned to offer congratulations in person. Nearly every leading educator in Los Angeles, as well as prominent workers in every good cause,were present at the reception.
-----------
Memorial for son George E Averill . A link from his memorial to his parents has been requested but not provided as of January 18, 2011.
Fairfield, Iowa
Wednesday December 25, 1912
Pg. 6
Mrs. AVERILL Has Passed Away
The Times (sic. Los Angeles TImes newspaper of Los Angeles, California) announces the death of Mrs. Anna S. AVERILL in Los Angeles, Ca., the 15th inst. Mrs. AVERILL was a daughter of Rev. A. S. WELLS (sic. Rev. Ashbel Shipley WELLS and his wife Sophia HASTINGS WELLS), a pioneer resident of Fairfield, and was for many years a resident of this city. She was a student and a scholar, a teacher of unusual ability, a woman of great talent. Although she has been absent from Fairfield for thirty years, all our older people will remember her and will sorrow at her death. The Times says:
Mrs. Anna S. AVERILL died at the Columbia hospital last evening at 5:30 o'clock from natural weakness after having lingered between life and death for several days. She was eighty years old and her end was as peaceful as if she had been a child sinking into sleep. As she passed away she was surrounded by all her near relatives.
Mrs. AVERILL was a most delightful and gentle little woman, who, notwithstanding her great age, was active in educational, church and club work up to the time she was taken to the hospital a week or more since.
She was a native of Michigan, but prior to coming to Los Angeles in 1880, lived with her husband, N. S. AVERILL (sic. Norman S. AVERILL) in Iowa, where he was engaged in mercantile business (sic. located in Fairfield, Iowa). AVERILL, the familiarly known secretary of the board of education of this city, died two years ago (sic. January 28, 1911).
When they came from Iowa they purchased a ranch at Garden Grove and Mrs. AVERILL became a school teacher at that place. Later they disposed of the ranch and moved to the city, purchasing a home on Rockwood street, where they remained. Mrs. AVERILL taught in the city schools and her husband at first became an employee in the county offices and later was elected secretary of the board of education. Prior to this time, Mrs. AVERILL had served a term as assistant superintendent of the city schools.
During the entire thirty-two years of her residence here, she was very active in all lines of literary work and was greatly beloved by all who knew her. The AVERILL club was organized and named in her honor. She was author of two volumes of fiction, "Anna MASON, or The Temple of Shells," and "The RUSSELL Family."
She and her husband celebrated their golden (sic. 50 years) wedding in March, 1908, when they received hundreds of their friends. The sunny life of both made their existence one of the great delight to themselves and to those around them. After the death of Mr. AVERILL, there seemed nothing that Mrs. AVERILL cared to live for, though she never ceased her activities. When she was taken to the hospital a few days ago, she said she wanted to go and never expressed the slightest desire to get up again.
She leaves one son, G.E. AVERILL (sic. George E Averill), a sister, Mrs. J.H. STEVER (sic. Mrs. Juliet Hastings WELLS STEVER, widow of GEORGE STEVER), and a niece, Mrs. F.N WILKINSON, all of this city, and another sister, Mrs. H.E. JORDAN (sic. Harriet Eliza WELLS JORDAN, widow of Albert Rufus JORDAN), of Colorado Springs, who arrived here on Thursday and has been with Mrs. AVERILL constantly since.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed and will be announced later. The executive committee of the AVERILL Study club will hold a meeting today to arrange for attending the services.
-------
Transcriber note: Norman S Averill and Anna (a/k/a Arena) Sophia WELLS Averill were married on March 23, 1858 in Jefferson County, Iowa; this marriage was officiated by Anna's father, Rev. Ashbel Shipley WELLS, V.D.M. The couple lived in Fairfield for a time, then removed to live in the Los Angeles, California area around 1878-1880. They celebrated their 50th Wedding anniversary there on March 23, 1908. The following items were submitted to the Fairfield Ledger:
Fairfield Ledger
Wednesday, March 11, 1908
Page 7 Col. 2
Golden Wedding Anniversary
Los Angeles, Cal. Papers announce that Mr. and Mrs. Norman S. AVERILL of that city will celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary March 23d. Members of the First Congregational church will give them a reception in the church, and, as Mrs. AVERILL is a member, active or honorary, of every woman's club in the city, these organizations will join in the affair. Mr. and Mrs. AVERILL were formerly residents of Fairfield, leaving here for California about thirty years ago. The husband has been secretary of the Los Angeles board of education for many years, while the wife has been both a member of the board and a teacher in the city schools.
~~~~
Fairfield Ledger
April 29, 1908
Pg. 8
A Golden Wedding Anniversary
A clipping from a Los Angeles, Cal., paper (sic. the Los Angeles Times) has recently come to THE LEDGER with an account of the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Norman S. AVERILL, which was celebrated the 24th ult. It was an affair so unique and these good people have so many friends among the older people of Fairfield that it is presented herewith:
One of the most beautiful and memorable of occasions was the golden wedding celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Norman S. AVERILL, last evening. When this man and woman with snowy heads had clasped hands in the presence of a throng of admirers and friends, Rev. Warren F. DAY, pastor emeritus of the First Congregational church, asked: "Norman, have these fifty years of married life been worth living? Were you back a half a century, would you repeat the vows with which, in 1858, you wedded Anna?" and the radiant old gentleman answered: "I would."
"Anna," said the minister to the lovely old lady in the soft white bridal gown, "have these fifty years brought what they promised when you stood at the altar with the man of your choice, in the bloom of your early womanhood? Were you once more on that memorable 23rd of March in 1858, would you trustfully repeat with Norman your mutual marriage covenant?" "I would do the same thing over," she replied sweetly. Then continued the minister, with a ring of gladness in his voice: "Friends, here is wedded life kept in perennial freshness by mutual fidelity, and a home whose indwelling spirit has made it as the rock, washed whiter, but unshaken by shocks. In the presence of God and of this listening assembly, I declare that true marriage is not, has not been, and will not be a failure. On this husband and on this wife, blessed of God, and beloved of man, may the smile of the Lord rest forever more. We have met in no ordinary circumstances, and in the thronging of memories most precious. We are here to celebrate a golden wedding.
"The flail and the flintlock, with a thousand fashions, have had their day, and fled before the more fitting. But not so marriage; not so home. Passion flashes. Love lasts. Listen! This groom and bride, with their record of fifty years, are still in their honeymoon. You felt it when you entered their presence. It is in the atmosphere. Beloved, 1858 and 1908, with all the throbbing years between, greet you. This floral coronation whispers to you of your Father's benediction. In the corporation of this distinguished company, this city and southland, citizen and official, the school and the scholarly club, the social circle and the church, with other personal fellowships, greet you: congratulate you." Rev. Dr. William HORACE offered a prayer, and then the bridegroom kissed his bride, and the all the people applauded for very joy.
The celebration began at 8 o'clock, when Mr. and Mrs. AVERILL took their places on a palm-sheltered platform, starred over with electric lights, and on which were placed two gold-rimmed chairs. With them were their son and daughterinlaw (sic. spelled as one word in the original text), Mr. and Mrs. G. Edward AVERILL, Mrs. AVERILL's sister, Mrs. J.H. STEVER (sic. Juliet Hastings WELLS STEVER, widow of George STEVER), Mrs. Francis WILKINSON, a niece, and Mr. and Mrs. William F. MARCHALL of Monrovia.
The strains of the Swedish wedding march heralded a procession of fifty white-gowned girls and men. As they marched they sang, and in passing the venerable couple cast before them a branch of golden acacia for each happy year that made up the tale of the half-century. The song ended, friends crowded around the bridal couple, and showered congratulations and good wishes upon them.
Sixty organizations, to which Mrs. AVERILL has been allied during her years of educational and literary work in this city, were represented. The Church Work society gave the couple a purse of fifty odd dollars, Mrs. ATSATT making the speech of presentation. Mrs. DEWEY of the Y.W.C.A. board presented the same sort of gift. Mrs. D.G. STEPHENS, on behalf of one of the early study classes formed by Mrs. AVERILL, presented $100 in gold. The Shakespeare Alumnae of the Wednesday Morning club, through Mrs. Henry BRETT, gave a gold alumnae pin, and the club's offering was an appropriate sentiment illuminated and framed in gold. The ushers of the church, thirty-three in number, presented framed congratulations. The board of education passed resolutions at its regular meeting last evening and then adjourned to offer congratulations in person. Nearly every leading educator in Los Angeles, as well as prominent workers in every good cause,were present at the reception.
-----------
Memorial for son George E Averill . A link from his memorial to his parents has been requested but not provided as of January 18, 2011.
The Fairfield Ledger
Fairfield, Iowa
Wednesday December 25, 1912
Pg. 6
Mrs. AVERILL Has Passed Away
The Times (sic. Los Angeles TImes newspaper of Los Angeles, California) announces the death of Mrs. Anna S. AVERILL in Los Angeles, Ca., the 15th inst. Mrs. AVERILL was a daughter of Rev. A. S. WELLS (sic. Rev. Ashbel Shipley WELLS and his wife Sophia HASTINGS WELLS), a pioneer resident of Fairfield, and was for many years a resident of this city. She was a student and a scholar, a teacher of unusual ability, a woman of great talent. Although she has been absent from Fairfield for thirty years, all our older people will remember her and will sorrow at her death. The Times says:
Mrs. Anna S. AVERILL died at the Columbia hospital last evening at 5:30 o'clock from natural weakness after having lingered between life and death for several days. She was eighty years old and her end was as peaceful as if she had been a child sinking into sleep. As she passed away she was surrounded by all her near relatives.
Mrs. AVERILL was a most delightful and gentle little woman, who, notwithstanding her great age, was active in educational, church and club work up to the time she was taken to the hospital a week or more since.
She was a native of Michigan, but prior to coming to Los Angeles in 1880, lived with her husband, N. S. AVERILL (sic. Norman S. AVERILL) in Iowa, where he was engaged in mercantile business (sic. located in Fairfield, Iowa). AVERILL, the familiarly known secretary of the board of education of this city, died two years ago (sic. January 28, 1911).
When they came from Iowa they purchased a ranch at Garden Grove and Mrs. AVERILL became a school teacher at that place. Later they disposed of the ranch and moved to the city, purchasing a home on Rockwood street, where they remained. Mrs. AVERILL taught in the city schools and her husband at first became an employee in the county offices and later was elected secretary of the board of education. Prior to this time, Mrs. AVERILL had served a term as assistant superintendent of the city schools.
During the entire thirty-two years of her residence here, she was very active in all lines of literary work and was greatly beloved by all who knew her. The AVERILL club was organized and named in her honor. She was author of two volumes of fiction, "Anna MASON, or The Temple of Shells," and "The RUSSELL Family."
She and her husband celebrated their golden (sic. 50 years) wedding in March, 1908, when they received hundreds of their friends. The sunny life of both made their existence one of the great delight to themselves and to those around them. After the death of Mr. AVERILL, there seemed nothing that Mrs. AVERILL cared to live for, though she never ceased her activities. When she was taken to the hospital a few days ago, she said she wanted to go and never expressed the slightest desire to get up again.
She leaves one son, G.E. AVERILL (sic. George E Averill), a sister, Mrs. J.H. STEVER (sic. Mrs. Juliet Hastings WELLS STEVER, widow of GEORGE STEVER), and a niece, Mrs. F.N WILKINSON, all of this city, and another sister, Mrs. H.E. JORDAN (sic. Harriet Eliza WELLS JORDAN, widow of Albert Rufus JORDAN), of Colorado Springs, who arrived here on Thursday and has been with Mrs. AVERILL constantly since.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed and will be announced later. The executive committee of the AVERILL Study club will hold a meeting today to arrange for attending the services.
-------
Transcriber note: Norman S Averill and Anna (a/k/a Arena) Sophia WELLS Averill were married on March 23, 1858 in Jefferson County, Iowa; this marriage was officiated by Anna's father, Rev. Ashbel Shipley WELLS, V.D.M. The couple lived in Fairfield for a time, then removed to live in the Los Angeles, California area around 1878-1880. They celebrated their 50th Wedding anniversary there on March 23, 1908. The following items were submitted to the Fairfield Ledger:
Fairfield Ledger
Wednesday, March 11, 1908
Page 7 Col. 2
Golden Wedding Anniversary
Los Angeles, Cal. Papers announce that Mr. and Mrs. Norman S. AVERILL of that city will celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary March 23d. Members of the First Congregational church will give them a reception in the church, and, as Mrs. AVERILL is a member, active or honorary, of every woman's club in the city, these organizations will join in the affair. Mr. and Mrs. AVERILL were formerly residents of Fairfield, leaving here for California about thirty years ago. The husband has been secretary of the Los Angeles board of education for many years, while the wife has been both a member of the board and a teacher in the city schools.
~~~~
Fairfield Ledger
April 29, 1908
Pg. 8
A Golden Wedding Anniversary
A clipping from a Los Angeles, Cal., paper (sic. the Los Angeles Times) has recently come to THE LEDGER with an account of the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Norman S. AVERILL, which was celebrated the 24th ult. It was an affair so unique and these good people have so many friends among the older people of Fairfield that it is presented herewith:
One of the most beautiful and memorable of occasions was the golden wedding celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Norman S. AVERILL, last evening. When this man and woman with snowy heads had clasped hands in the presence of a throng of admirers and friends, Rev. Warren F. DAY, pastor emeritus of the First Congregational church, asked: "Norman, have these fifty years of married life been worth living? Were you back a half a century, would you repeat the vows with which, in 1858, you wedded Anna?" and the radiant old gentleman answered: "I would."
"Anna," said the minister to the lovely old lady in the soft white bridal gown, "have these fifty years brought what they promised when you stood at the altar with the man of your choice, in the bloom of your early womanhood? Were you once more on that memorable 23rd of March in 1858, would you trustfully repeat with Norman your mutual marriage covenant?" "I would do the same thing over," she replied sweetly. Then continued the minister, with a ring of gladness in his voice: "Friends, here is wedded life kept in perennial freshness by mutual fidelity, and a home whose indwelling spirit has made it as the rock, washed whiter, but unshaken by shocks. In the presence of God and of this listening assembly, I declare that true marriage is not, has not been, and will not be a failure. On this husband and on this wife, blessed of God, and beloved of man, may the smile of the Lord rest forever more. We have met in no ordinary circumstances, and in the thronging of memories most precious. We are here to celebrate a golden wedding.
"The flail and the flintlock, with a thousand fashions, have had their day, and fled before the more fitting. But not so marriage; not so home. Passion flashes. Love lasts. Listen! This groom and bride, with their record of fifty years, are still in their honeymoon. You felt it when you entered their presence. It is in the atmosphere. Beloved, 1858 and 1908, with all the throbbing years between, greet you. This floral coronation whispers to you of your Father's benediction. In the corporation of this distinguished company, this city and southland, citizen and official, the school and the scholarly club, the social circle and the church, with other personal fellowships, greet you: congratulate you." Rev. Dr. William HORACE offered a prayer, and then the bridegroom kissed his bride, and the all the people applauded for very joy.
The celebration began at 8 o'clock, when Mr. and Mrs. AVERILL took their places on a palm-sheltered platform, starred over with electric lights, and on which were placed two gold-rimmed chairs. With them were their son and daughterinlaw (sic. spelled as one word in the original text), Mr. and Mrs. G. Edward AVERILL, Mrs. AVERILL's sister, Mrs. J.H. STEVER (sic. Juliet Hastings WELLS STEVER, widow of George STEVER), Mrs. Francis WILKINSON, a niece, and Mr. and Mrs. William F. MARCHALL of Monrovia.
The strains of the Swedish wedding march heralded a procession of fifty white-gowned girls and men. As they marched they sang, and in passing the venerable couple cast before them a branch of golden acacia for each happy year that made up the tale of the half-century. The song ended, friends crowded around the bridal couple, and showered congratulations and good wishes upon them.
Sixty organizations, to which Mrs. AVERILL has been allied during her years of educational and literary work in this city, were represented. The Church Work society gave the couple a purse of fifty odd dollars, Mrs. ATSATT making the speech of presentation. Mrs. DEWEY of the Y.W.C.A. board presented the same sort of gift. Mrs. D.G. STEPHENS, on behalf of one of the early study classes formed by Mrs. AVERILL, presented $100 in gold. The Shakespeare Alumnae of the Wednesday Morning club, through Mrs. Henry BRETT, gave a gold alumnae pin, and the club's offering was an appropriate sentiment illuminated and framed in gold. The ushers of the church, thirty-three in number, presented framed congratulations. The board of education passed resolutions at its regular meeting last evening and then adjourned to offer congratulations in person. Nearly every leading educator in Los Angeles, as well as prominent workers in every good cause,were present at the reception.
-----------
Memorial for son George E Averill . A link from his memorial to his parents has been requested but not provided as of January 18, 2011.
Fairfield, Iowa
Wednesday December 25, 1912
Pg. 6
Mrs. AVERILL Has Passed Away
The Times (sic. Los Angeles TImes newspaper of Los Angeles, California) announces the death of Mrs. Anna S. AVERILL in Los Angeles, Ca., the 15th inst. Mrs. AVERILL was a daughter of Rev. A. S. WELLS (sic. Rev. Ashbel Shipley WELLS and his wife Sophia HASTINGS WELLS), a pioneer resident of Fairfield, and was for many years a resident of this city. She was a student and a scholar, a teacher of unusual ability, a woman of great talent. Although she has been absent from Fairfield for thirty years, all our older people will remember her and will sorrow at her death. The Times says:
Mrs. Anna S. AVERILL died at the Columbia hospital last evening at 5:30 o'clock from natural weakness after having lingered between life and death for several days. She was eighty years old and her end was as peaceful as if she had been a child sinking into sleep. As she passed away she was surrounded by all her near relatives.
Mrs. AVERILL was a most delightful and gentle little woman, who, notwithstanding her great age, was active in educational, church and club work up to the time she was taken to the hospital a week or more since.
She was a native of Michigan, but prior to coming to Los Angeles in 1880, lived with her husband, N. S. AVERILL (sic. Norman S. AVERILL) in Iowa, where he was engaged in mercantile business (sic. located in Fairfield, Iowa). AVERILL, the familiarly known secretary of the board of education of this city, died two years ago (sic. January 28, 1911).
When they came from Iowa they purchased a ranch at Garden Grove and Mrs. AVERILL became a school teacher at that place. Later they disposed of the ranch and moved to the city, purchasing a home on Rockwood street, where they remained. Mrs. AVERILL taught in the city schools and her husband at first became an employee in the county offices and later was elected secretary of the board of education. Prior to this time, Mrs. AVERILL had served a term as assistant superintendent of the city schools.
During the entire thirty-two years of her residence here, she was very active in all lines of literary work and was greatly beloved by all who knew her. The AVERILL club was organized and named in her honor. She was author of two volumes of fiction, "Anna MASON, or The Temple of Shells," and "The RUSSELL Family."
She and her husband celebrated their golden (sic. 50 years) wedding in March, 1908, when they received hundreds of their friends. The sunny life of both made their existence one of the great delight to themselves and to those around them. After the death of Mr. AVERILL, there seemed nothing that Mrs. AVERILL cared to live for, though she never ceased her activities. When she was taken to the hospital a few days ago, she said she wanted to go and never expressed the slightest desire to get up again.
She leaves one son, G.E. AVERILL (sic. George E Averill), a sister, Mrs. J.H. STEVER (sic. Mrs. Juliet Hastings WELLS STEVER, widow of GEORGE STEVER), and a niece, Mrs. F.N WILKINSON, all of this city, and another sister, Mrs. H.E. JORDAN (sic. Harriet Eliza WELLS JORDAN, widow of Albert Rufus JORDAN), of Colorado Springs, who arrived here on Thursday and has been with Mrs. AVERILL constantly since.
Funeral arrangements have not been completed and will be announced later. The executive committee of the AVERILL Study club will hold a meeting today to arrange for attending the services.
-------
Transcriber note: Norman S Averill and Anna (a/k/a Arena) Sophia WELLS Averill were married on March 23, 1858 in Jefferson County, Iowa; this marriage was officiated by Anna's father, Rev. Ashbel Shipley WELLS, V.D.M. The couple lived in Fairfield for a time, then removed to live in the Los Angeles, California area around 1878-1880. They celebrated their 50th Wedding anniversary there on March 23, 1908. The following items were submitted to the Fairfield Ledger:
Fairfield Ledger
Wednesday, March 11, 1908
Page 7 Col. 2
Golden Wedding Anniversary
Los Angeles, Cal. Papers announce that Mr. and Mrs. Norman S. AVERILL of that city will celebrate their fiftieth wedding anniversary March 23d. Members of the First Congregational church will give them a reception in the church, and, as Mrs. AVERILL is a member, active or honorary, of every woman's club in the city, these organizations will join in the affair. Mr. and Mrs. AVERILL were formerly residents of Fairfield, leaving here for California about thirty years ago. The husband has been secretary of the Los Angeles board of education for many years, while the wife has been both a member of the board and a teacher in the city schools.
~~~~
Fairfield Ledger
April 29, 1908
Pg. 8
A Golden Wedding Anniversary
A clipping from a Los Angeles, Cal., paper (sic. the Los Angeles Times) has recently come to THE LEDGER with an account of the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Norman S. AVERILL, which was celebrated the 24th ult. It was an affair so unique and these good people have so many friends among the older people of Fairfield that it is presented herewith:
One of the most beautiful and memorable of occasions was the golden wedding celebration of Mr. and Mrs. Norman S. AVERILL, last evening. When this man and woman with snowy heads had clasped hands in the presence of a throng of admirers and friends, Rev. Warren F. DAY, pastor emeritus of the First Congregational church, asked: "Norman, have these fifty years of married life been worth living? Were you back a half a century, would you repeat the vows with which, in 1858, you wedded Anna?" and the radiant old gentleman answered: "I would."
"Anna," said the minister to the lovely old lady in the soft white bridal gown, "have these fifty years brought what they promised when you stood at the altar with the man of your choice, in the bloom of your early womanhood? Were you once more on that memorable 23rd of March in 1858, would you trustfully repeat with Norman your mutual marriage covenant?" "I would do the same thing over," she replied sweetly. Then continued the minister, with a ring of gladness in his voice: "Friends, here is wedded life kept in perennial freshness by mutual fidelity, and a home whose indwelling spirit has made it as the rock, washed whiter, but unshaken by shocks. In the presence of God and of this listening assembly, I declare that true marriage is not, has not been, and will not be a failure. On this husband and on this wife, blessed of God, and beloved of man, may the smile of the Lord rest forever more. We have met in no ordinary circumstances, and in the thronging of memories most precious. We are here to celebrate a golden wedding.
"The flail and the flintlock, with a thousand fashions, have had their day, and fled before the more fitting. But not so marriage; not so home. Passion flashes. Love lasts. Listen! This groom and bride, with their record of fifty years, are still in their honeymoon. You felt it when you entered their presence. It is in the atmosphere. Beloved, 1858 and 1908, with all the throbbing years between, greet you. This floral coronation whispers to you of your Father's benediction. In the corporation of this distinguished company, this city and southland, citizen and official, the school and the scholarly club, the social circle and the church, with other personal fellowships, greet you: congratulate you." Rev. Dr. William HORACE offered a prayer, and then the bridegroom kissed his bride, and the all the people applauded for very joy.
The celebration began at 8 o'clock, when Mr. and Mrs. AVERILL took their places on a palm-sheltered platform, starred over with electric lights, and on which were placed two gold-rimmed chairs. With them were their son and daughterinlaw (sic. spelled as one word in the original text), Mr. and Mrs. G. Edward AVERILL, Mrs. AVERILL's sister, Mrs. J.H. STEVER (sic. Juliet Hastings WELLS STEVER, widow of George STEVER), Mrs. Francis WILKINSON, a niece, and Mr. and Mrs. William F. MARCHALL of Monrovia.
The strains of the Swedish wedding march heralded a procession of fifty white-gowned girls and men. As they marched they sang, and in passing the venerable couple cast before them a branch of golden acacia for each happy year that made up the tale of the half-century. The song ended, friends crowded around the bridal couple, and showered congratulations and good wishes upon them.
Sixty organizations, to which Mrs. AVERILL has been allied during her years of educational and literary work in this city, were represented. The Church Work society gave the couple a purse of fifty odd dollars, Mrs. ATSATT making the speech of presentation. Mrs. DEWEY of the Y.W.C.A. board presented the same sort of gift. Mrs. D.G. STEPHENS, on behalf of one of the early study classes formed by Mrs. AVERILL, presented $100 in gold. The Shakespeare Alumnae of the Wednesday Morning club, through Mrs. Henry BRETT, gave a gold alumnae pin, and the club's offering was an appropriate sentiment illuminated and framed in gold. The ushers of the church, thirty-three in number, presented framed congratulations. The board of education passed resolutions at its regular meeting last evening and then adjourned to offer congratulations in person. Nearly every leading educator in Los Angeles, as well as prominent workers in every good cause,were present at the reception.
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Memorial for son George E Averill . A link from his memorial to his parents has been requested but not provided as of January 18, 2011.
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