Benjamin Parke Avery (1828–1875) was an American journalist, poet, essayist, printer, and diplomat. He served as a U.S. Department of State’s chief of mission for China in 1874.
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Biography
Avery arrived in California aboard the Aurora in 1849. He worked as a prospector for a while before buying a drug store in the mining town of North San Juan, California, and then a newspaper.
He became part owner and editor for the Marysville Appeal. A newspaper he established in San Francisco was also contracted as state printer for California. He was friends with Charles Crocker and Leland Stanford.
He served as a U.S. Department of State’s chief of mission (now known as ambassador) for China in 1874.
Death and legacy
He died in Peking (now Beijing) on November 8, 1875. His death received newspaper coverage and tribute.
After his death, Edward Bosqui wrote a reminisce about him and Ina Coolbrith dedicated a poem to him. The California Historical Society has a collection of his papers.