T. E. Averill, a native of Canada West, was born September 13, 1841, and is the son of Thomas and Anna (Flewuelling) Averill. At the age of eight years his parents removed to Macomb County, Michigan, where he spent his early life. he was trained to agricultural pursuits, and was educated in the public schools. At the age of seventeen years he began to learn the carpenter's trade, which avocation he followed for six years. His life has been somewhat varied since he abandoned his trade. In 1863 he came to Davenport, Iowa, and engaged in the carpenter's trade; he then removed to De Witt, Clinton County, where he followed the same trade for a time; here he also engaged in the insurance business. From this point he removed to Lincoln, Illinois, where he managed a hotel, the Sherman House, for one year. He then sold this and returned to Iowa, settling at Wheatland, Clinton County; here he resided two years, engaged in the fruit-tree business. After his stay in Wheatland he went to Marshall County, and farmed four years. He then removed to Newton, Jasper County, where he embarked in the general merchandise trade; this he continued three years, and the next six years was employed in farming. In the spring of 1882 he came to Shelby County, and settled on a farm of 200 acres in Greeley Township, which he had purchased in the winter of 1879 and 1880. This was wild land, but has since been brought to such an advanced state of cultivation that it is one of the finest farms in the county. Mr. Averill had made his own improvements in buildings, probably reaching $3,000 in value. He has a fine system of water-works, supplying water to live-stock and for domestic purposes. The farm is known as Pleasant Ridge Stock Farm, and is situated one and a half miles from Defiance. Mr. Averill also operates a dairy in connection with his other farm work. He makes a specialty of high grades and fine breeds of cattle, and takes an active interest in the improvement of all kinds of live-stock. He is a supporter of the Republican party, and is at present serving as justice of the peace in his township. He has served on the board of education, and is a member of the Farmers' Alliance. Mr. Averill was married October 14, 1865, to Miss Lucinda Porter, a daughter of Matthew H. and Sarah (Carl) Porter, who was born in Putnam County, Illinois, May 14, 1839. They are the parents of four children - Carrie B., wife of Robert Crisp; Thomas M., Ida M. and Edwin H.; the last three are residing at home. Mr. and Mrs. Averill are worthy and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal church.