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AVIS, JOHN CHANDLER BANCROFT, LL.D., diplomat, was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, December 29, 1822. His parents were John and Eliza (Bancroft) Davis. His father was a leading lawyer, who served for four terms as governor of Massachusetts, was a member of the United States house of representatives six terms, and of the United States senate three terms; and his mother was a sister of the eminent historian, George Bancroft.

He studied in the public schools of his native city, was graduated from Harvard college in 1840, studied law, and in 1844 commenced the active practice of his profession in which he continued until 1849, when he went to London to become secretary of the United States legation, to which position he was appointed by President Taylor; and he held this position until 1852 when he resigned and returned to this country. He practised law in New York for several years; but impaired health caused him to spend two years in Southern Europe. Upon his return he located at Newburgh, New York. In 1869 he was elected a member of the state legislature, but before the expiration of his term he resigned in order to accept an appointment by President Grant as assistant secretary of state. While holding this office he was arbitrator in the controversy regarding the territory in Africa which was claimed adversely by the governments of Great Britain and of Portugal; and he served as the American secretary of the Joint High Commission in its consideration of matters in dispute between this country' and Great Britain growing out of the Alabama claims. He resigned his position as assistant secretary of state in order to prepare and manage the case of the United States before the tribunal at Geneva by which the award for the "Alabama Claims" was made. Returning to this country he was again appointed assistant secretary of state. Seven months later he was appointed minister to Germany, which position he held from 1874 to 1877. He was a judge of the United States Court of Claims, 1878-82, and in the year last named resigned, at the personal solicitation of President Arthur, to become assistant secretary of state, in which capacity he