The Biographical Dictionary of America/Avery, Alphonso Calhoun

AVERY, Alphonso Calhoun, jurist, was born at Morganton, N.C., Sept. 11, 1835; son of Col. Isaac T, Avery, and grandson of Col. Waightstill Avery, a signer of the Mecklenburg declaration of independence. He was graduated at the University of North Carolina in 1857; studied law under Chief-Justice Pearson, and was admitted to the bar. He served as 1st lieutenant and captain in the 6th North Carolina regiment, 1861-’62; was promoted assistant inspector-general with the rank of major in Hill's division. Army of Northern Virginia and afterward served on the staff of Breckenridge Hood and Hindman. He was taken prisoner and held until 1865, when he resumed practice in Morganton, He was a member of the state legislature in 1866; of the state constitutional convention in 1875; judge of the superior court of his district, 1878-'88, and justice of the state supreme court. 1888-'96.