Colonel John W. Avery, (April 2, 1814 – March 24, 1891) was a well-known merchant from Brooklyn, New York who was in business there for over fifty years. He volunteered during the American Civil War to join the Union Army. He became a respected Union officer, reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel. He is best known for being an aid at the funeral for United States president Zachary Taylor and as one of the first Wholesale Grocer in New York City.