The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 1084 A photograph of the Vineyard of Averill Beavers, Kennewick, appears in this publication. AVERILL BEAVERS. Among the popular government officers is Averill Beavers, who is filling the position of postmaster of Kennewick. In the discharge of his duties he has ever been prompt and efficient and is popular with the public. He was born in Exeter, Scott county, Illinois, August 1, 1866, of the marriage of William A. and Mary E. (Smith) Beavers, the former of whom followed agricultural pursuits throughout his life. He has now passed away but is survived by his widow, who resides at Pittsfield, Illinois. Averill Beavers received his early education in the public schools of his native state, subsequently graduating from a business college at Jacksonville, Illinois. He then read law and was admitted to the bar of the state in 1889, when but twenty-three years of age. He practiced in Pittsfield, Illinois, for about three years and in 1892 he was elected to the position of state's attorney, serving in that capacity for four years. In the spring of 1898 he went to Alaska, where he remained for two years. Upon his return he located in Seattle, where he practiced law until 1912, when he came to Kennewick. Here he turned his attention to grape growing and developed a large vineyard of thirty-two acres. He owns his water plant and has invested over thirty-five thousand dollars in this property. On December 20, 1916, he was appointed postmaster of Kennewick and was inducted into the office February 14, 1917. Ever since he has had full charge of the federal building and has proven himself a most capable official who readily understands the wants of the public. He has instituted new systems into mail delivery which have proven of benefit to the public. Personally he has many friends, as he comes in contact with practically all of the residents of his town and neighborhood. Mr. Beavers was united in marriage to Miss Ida Armstrong, of Taylorville, Illinois, a daughter of Dr. L. C. and Josephine Armstrong, both of whom are prominent residents of that place. Mr. and Mrs. Beavers are very popular in the social circles of Kennewick. Mr. Beavers has always taken an active interest in the development of the valley and has shown this particularly in developing his wonderful vineyard, which is the largest in the valley. It is a modern vineyard and many are those who come to inquire of him as to his methods and procedures and ask his permission to look over the establishment. In fact it has made his name known far and wide in this section. In his political affiliations Mr. Beavers is a democrat, steadfastly supporting the principles and candidates of the party, his influence being felt in its councils. He attends the Christian Science church and is a member of the Kennewick Commercial Club, in the proceedings of which he takes an active and helpful interest, readily supporting its measures and projects for trade and industrial expansion. He is prominent in fraternal orders, being a member of St. John's Lodge, A. F. & A. M., of Seattle and he is also a chapter Mason and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. As a leader in grape culture, as a lawyer, as a government official and, last but not least, as a citizen, Mr. Beavers stands high among his fellows and all who know him speak of him in the highest terms, there being many who consider it an honor to call him friend. ******************************** Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in January 2008 by Jeffrey L. Elmer. Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.