Howard-Rush County IN Archives Biographies.....Ayres, Thomas 1820 - ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/in/infiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com April 15, 2006, 12:41 am Author: Jackson Morrow THOMAS AYRES. Distinctively one of the notable men of his day and generation in Howard county, and for many years a leader and authority in lines of endeavor requiring wide intelligence, mature judgment and a high order of business ability, it is fitting that the career of the honorable subject of this sketch be outlined in this connection and that a tribute to his worth as a citizen be accorded him. Eighty-eight years have elapsed into the inexorable past during the lifetime of our venerable subject, who wears the crown of glory befitting old age—a silvery head of hair. The period of time embraced in the life of Mr. Ayres includes the most momentous events, most phenomenal growth and development in all the annals of human history. A life of such length, however devoid of tragic event or startling feature, is not without its lessons of value, and it is hoped that the following brief outline of a protracted and useful career and the honest tribute to honest, manly worth, may be read with profit by the young man whose achievements are still to be wrought out and whose destiny is yet a matter for the future to determine. Thomas Ayres was born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, March 2, 1820. the son of Thomas and Frances (West) Ayres. The subject's father moved to Nicholas county, Kentucky. He came from Virginia to the Blue Grass state, and his wife came from one of the Carolinas. He was a man of many sterling qualities and made a gallant soldier in the Indian wars. He was called from his earthly career in Nicholas county, Kentucky, about 1837, after a busy life on the farm. William Ayres, his brother, lived in the same neighborhood. The subject's parents reared a family composed of two sons and two daughters, the only one living in 1908 being our subject. Thomas Ayres worked on his father's farm, attending the common schools in the meantime, receiving such education as those early times afforded. In 1847 he left Kentucky and came to Rush county, Indiana. After remaining there a short time he returned to his native locality, sold the old home place and brought his widowed mother, her husband having died a short time previous, back to Indiana. Mr. Ayres was united in marriage May 28, 1848, to Nancy Cross. She was born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, in 1826. She has proven a most praiseworthy helpmeet and worthy companion of our subject and her life has been filled with good deeds, her example having been uplifting and wholesome. Mr. and Mrs. Ayres lived in Rush county, Indiana, until November, 1880, when they moved to Howard county. They had started life with nothing, but being industrious and energetic they accumulated from the start and in time were enabled to purchase a good farm in Rush county, where they lived in comfort for many years. Upon coming to Howard county Mr. Ayres bought one hundred and sixty acres of good land in Liberty township. This farm, which he still looks after, shows that a man of unusual insight into modern scientific agricultural methods had given it his careful attention, having made it one of the most desirable places in the township. The dwelling and outbuildings are comfortable and substantial, having been well kept. Seven children have been born to the subject and wife, five of whom are living in 1908, namely: Jacob, John, J. H., Mary E., Sarah I.; Minnie and Elizabeth are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Ayres moved to Greentown in March, 1883. He bought a square in Greentown, but later sold it. However, he still owns property in this place, also in Kokomo, in addition to his farm in Liberty township. Mr. Ayres has not only been thrifty but he has been able to do the communities where he has lived much good by giving of his time to their advancement. Starting as he did with nothing, and having never received aid from any one, the liberal competence he has shows that he has been a man of unusual business ability and also has exercised rare soundness of judgment throughout his career, so that in the golden evening of their lives this eminently worthy and honorable couple are spending their closing days in comfort and peace as a result of the industry and thrift of their earlier years. They are loyal members of the Christian church. They are perhaps the oldest wedded couple in Howard county, having been married over sixty years—years of harmony and happiness in the highest degree. Fraternally Mr. Ayres is a Mason and he has always tried to live up to the noble precepts set by this sublime order. Our subject was formerly a Democrat, having cast his first vote for James K. Polk, but for many years he has been a Republican. Notwithstanding the fact that he has always been popular in his community, he has never held public office, preferring to keep the even tenor of his way aside from the public gaze. It would be hard to find within the borders of Howard county people of more beautiful characters and more worthy of the undivided respect and esteem than Mr. and Mrs. Ayres. Their cozy and nicely furnished home in Greentown is the gathering place for numerous friends and admirers, and they are especially well liked by the young people, who delight in according them the praise due such worthy characters. Additional Comments: From: HISTORY OF HOWARD COUNTY INDIANA BY JACKSON MORROW, B. A. ILLUSTRATED VOL. II B. F. BOWEN & COMPANY INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (circa 1909) File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/in/howard/bios/ayres188bs.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.poppet.org/infiles/ File size: 6.0 Kb