Those brave men who in the years of their country's struggle for the perpetuity of its government institutions bravely laid aside all personal interests and went forth to offer their lives, if need be, that the unity of the Republic might be preserved are always deserving of a prominent place, not only in the history of their locality, but in the history of the nation. The subject of this review, David B. Averill, of Liberty township, deserves even more credit than the average veteran of the Civil war for the part he took in that fierce, sanguinary and most remarkable struggle.

Although but little more than fourteen years of age at the commencement of hostilities, so eager was he to take part in the conflict that his relatives and friends were with difficulty able to restrain his youthful ardor.
Several times during the first two years of the war he attempted to enlist, but his boyish face and youthful figure prevented his acceptance. The examining board declared that it was yet too early in the war to commence fighting battles with babies. A good deal discouraged, but by no means disheartened, he waited, tried again and on the 1 4th of September, 1863, had the satisfaction of being enrolled in Company E., Tenth Michigan Cavalry.

David B. Averill, who resides on a part of section 33, Liberty township, was born in York township, Medina county, Ohio, December 15, 1846. His parents were Edward and Mary (Branch) Averill, the former an industrious, energetic and thrifty farmer. He and his wife were the parents of six children, two sons and four daughters. In 1856, when the subject was ten years old, the family moved to Allegan county, Michigan, and settled in Dorr township. There the mother died when she had reached her seventy-second year. The father now resides in Allegan county, aged eighty years. In Dorr township the subject continued to reside until September 14, 1863, when he succeeded in enlisting in the United States army. Several of the years previous to this he had spent in school and was possessed of a very fair-education. He continued in the service until after the close of the war, being mustered out November 11, 1865, at Memphis, Tennessee. With his regiment he participated in many of the battles of the closing years of the war. At the battle of Flat Creek Bridge, May 24, 1864, he, with a number of others of his regiment, was captured by the Confederates. However, he remained in the hands of the enemy only about twenty-four hours. Abiding his opportunity he succeeded in giving his captors the slip and was gratified in being able to reach the Union lines in safety. He and his company participated in the engagement at Greenville, Tennessee, October 12, 1864, which resulted in the death of the rebel guerrilla General Morgan. His company was a part of the troops engaged in the last Stoneman raid, during March and April, 1865. They started from Knoxville, Tennessee, went through the Carolinas and portions of Virginia and were constantly occupied in marching and fighting the greater part of three months. The life of a soldier was by no means distasteful to Mr. Averill. The excitement was to him a constant stimulant and the hardships endured seemed to have little effect on the rugged constitution of the boy. When the war was over and others were rejoicing in the prospect of an early return to their peaceful rural homes, it was almost with regret that Mr. Averill laid down his arms and accepted his discharge. He was neither blood-thirsty nor in love with sanguinary strife, but the excitement of camp and field, the constant change of scenery on the march and even the very danger that constantly threatened his life was fascinating to the imaginative youth.

On leaving the service Mr. Averill returned to Allegan county, Michigan, where he engaged in farming and where he continued to reside until about twelve years ago. May 28, 1868, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary C. Weaver, a daughter of Bradley C. and Sally M. (Butler) Weaver. He was a native of Connecticut, she of Pennsylvania. They settled in Genesee county, New York, where they remained a number of years, then moved to Kent county, Michigan, settling in Byron township. They were the parents of five children, of whom Mrs. Averill is the oldest. She was born in Byron township, Kent county, June 20, 1848, where she was reared, educated and grew to womanhood. After their marriage the subject and wife settled on a farm in Allegan county where they continued to reside until 1891, when they moved to Wexford county and settled on a tract of land in section 33, Liberty township. This they have improved and made a desirable, valuable farm, and there they have continued to reside ever since. They are the parents of two children, viz: Harry M. and Elias L. The farm upon which the family resides consists of eighty acres, sixty acres of which, is well improved and under cultivation.
Although a resident of Wexford county only about twelve years, Mr. Averill has been honored by the voters of Liberty township with the office of supervisor three years, justice of the peace one term and township treasurer two years. At present he holds a commission from the chief executive of the state as a notary public. He is a. member of Oliver P. Morton Post No. 54, Grand Army of the Republic, at Manton, and has served as commander of the post. The Grand Army and the Grange are the only secret societies to which he belongs. He is master of Rose Hill Grange No. 949, Patrons of Husbandry. In politics he has always acted with the Republican party, for he considered the success of its principles and policies most essential to the welfare of the country. In every movement for the benefit or development of the township of his residence he is always in the forefront. He is a worthy man and an enterprising citizen, whose life in every place he has lived and every calling in which he engaged has been productive of much good, not only to his immediate family and friends but to the communityand the state.