He represented Wentworth South in the Legislative Assembly of Ontario from 1879 to 1898 as a Liberal member.
He was born in Binbrook Township, Wentworth County, Canada West in 1851, the son of Israel Awrey who was the son of a United Empire Loyalist of Irish descent and Elizabeth Rymal, whose uncle Jacob Rymal took part in the Upper Canada Rebellion.
Awrey was president of the Provincial Farmer's Institute, served on the board for the Central Fair Association and was a district representative in the Agriculture and Arts Association of Ontario.
Awrey represented Ontario at the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893.
[1] Awrey, a geographical township in Sudbury District, was named after him.