Benjamin Parke Avery (1828–1875) was an American journalist, poet, essayist,[1] printer,[2] and U.S. ambassador to China.[3][4] He died in Peking.[5]
Avery arrived in California aboard the Aurora in 1849. He worked as a prospector for a while before buying a drug store in North San Juan and then a newspaper in the mining town.[2]
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.[1]
He was friends with Charles Crocker and Leland Stanford.[1] His death received newspaper coverage and tribute.[1]
After his death, Edward Bosqui wrote a reminisce about him. Ina Coolbrith dedicated a poem to him. The California Historical Society has a collection of papers related to him.[6]