George Avise

DOB Conflict

1682 or 1690

Settled in Old Man's Creek, New Jersey around 1741

There are many traditions in regard to George Avise, Sr., but the following history can be found at the Moravian College at Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. It is based on the diaries of the Ministers that served the Moravian Church on Old Man's Creek.

George Avise was born in the west of England and brought to America when he was eight years old. He served an apprenticeship in shoemaking prior to settling in West Jersey.

He married twice and fathered thirteen children. When the Moravian Brethren came to New Jersey, he gave them ground to build a church at Old Man's Creek. The first church was destroyed by fire. It was rebuilt on the same ground of brick in 1785, where it still stands today. He sold the Moravian Body ground for a cemetery near the church. Here a number of Avises are buried. For several years no services have been held in the old church with the exception of one or two memorial services conducted by the Gloucester Historical Society, present-day caretakers of the property.

Came from England with his parents to Philadelpia PA in 1698

From S. Pearl Avise 1975: We became interested in the George Avise family and its lineage through the inquiries of two cousins who visited our home in 1958. Lula (Avise) Hubbard of Macomb, Illinois and Ella (Avise) Thompson of Alliance, Nebraska stopped over with us and interested us greatly with the ancestry, but as Ralph was busy making a living we were unable to do much about it.

On his retirement Ralph and I made a trip to the east coast to visit that part of New Jersey first settled by George Avis when he left Pennsylvania. We also visited that area. As we traveled with our camp trailer and sought camping locations, we asked if any Avises still lived around the area and were able to contact several.

In our search, we found that if one has a Moravian background, it is well worth their time to consult the old Moravian records at their college in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.

The old church organization in lower Gloucester County, on the road from Swedesboro to Sharptown, New Jersey, was begun by a band of Moravians who came to that community and who built a log church in 1714. They numbered twenty-nine members - among that early group: the Holsteins, Lynches, Lloyds, Van Immens, Woods, and Avis's.

George Avis furnished the land for this early church and graveyard, dedicated August 31 1749. This first edifice burned and was replaced by a brick building (still standing) in 1786. Services were held there until 1837 when it was deeded to the Episcopal Diocese.

Today it is under the care of the Gloucester County Historical Society, who placed a plaque there on August 31, 1907. To perpetuate this old church, a trust fund has been set up for its care and maintenance.

Avise Book, Pages 9 & 10 Will of George Avise, Sr. 1782:

In the name of GOD, Amen. I, GEORGE AVISE, Sr., of Woolwich in the county of Gloucester, State of West Jersey, the 14th day of October 1782, being in perfect mind and memory, but somewhat indisposed, thanks be given to God for his unspeakable gift, and well knowing that it is appointed unto all men to die; do therefore make and ordain that my last will and testament, in manner and form following; vis; Imprima; It is my mind and will that all my debts and funeral expenses be paid by my executors hereafter named. Item. I give and bequeath to my wife, Jane Avise, one feather bed and furniture, one cow, one horse, and 20 pounds in gold or silver money, and also give unto her my plantation whereon I now live, that is to say while she remains my widow, and no longer, and that I give her in lieu of a dowery. I give George Avise, Jr., my son, ten pounds on proviso that he comes to demand it himself of the English, to be paid out of my estate. I give and bequeath to my son John Avise the sum of five pounds, to be paid out of my estate as hereinafter mentioned. I give, devise, and bequeath to my son, William Avise, his heirs and assigns forever, after my wife's decease, or her changing her condition, alll my plantation where I now dwell, containing 140 acres of land, he paying the proportion of legacies, which lands I purchased of Peter Justic. Item. I give and assign forever, all that plantation, the John Lights plantation, containing 120 acres which I purchased of William Michael, he paying an equal proportion of my legacies according to the quantity of land, and no more. Item. I give and bequeath to James Avise five shillings becasue I have made a deed to him for his house and land already. Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter, Ann Cole, five shillings because of her having her portion already. Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Sarah the sum of five pounds to be paid in gold or silver as aforesaid. Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Hannah Burding the sum of five pounds in gold or silver as aforesaid. Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter Rachel Johnson the sum of ten pounds in gold or silver as aforesaid. Item. I give and bequeath to my son Joseph and his heirs and assigns forever, that tract of land which I purchased of William Souder containing fifty acres. Item. I give and bequeath to Rebecca Avise the sum of ten pounds in gold or silver to be paid to her as aforesaid. Item. I give and bequeath to my daughter, Jane Avise, the sum of ten pounds in gold or silver money to be paid when she comes to the age of 18. I give and bequeath to the Moravian or the United Brethren ten pounds for the spread of the Gospel. I hereby constitute and appoint my Trusted friend William Griest, my son John Avise, and my beloved wife Jane Avise my executors in this my last will and testament.

George Avise [XXX] his mark.

Witnesses: John Light; John Huffman; Martin Catt; Joseph Hugg, Surrogage; Bowes Feed, Registrar

Sworn to me at Woodbury, Nov. 16 1785

From Avise Book, Pages 10 & 11:

George Avise paid 100 Pounds for the 120 acres which he bought of William Mickle in 1755.