John Avery Jr. (September 2, 1739 – June 7, 1806) was an American politician who served as the first Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.

Avery was a direct descendant of Dr. William Avery from Barkham, Berkshire, England, who emigrated to Dedham, Massachusetts, in 1650.

[3] Avery married Mary (Polly) Cushing in April 1769;[3] they had ten children.

[6] Avery had served as Deputy Secretary of the Province of Massachusetts Bay under Samuel Adams.

[1] Avery defeated Adams at the polls to be the first Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth.