Horace Mitchell Ayer

http://www.dxhansen.com/SSHubbard2-o/p7.htm#i152

Father Bela Ayer b. 1 Oct 1783, d. 9 Jun 1842 Mother Susannah Rogers3 b. 8 Oct 1783, d. 21 May 1862

Appears on charts: Pedigree for Minnie Lois Ayer Biography* According to Bev McLaughlin (see Schuknecht e-mail) Horace was born at St. Armands, Mississquoi Co., Quebec, Canada. According to the 1880 Columbia Co. History, he was born in Vermont. Bev explained to Schuknecht that the border betweeen VT (East Berkshire) and Freligghsburg/St. Armand Canada is an area of about 4 miles... so the family could well have been back and forth.

Note there are variations in the records on how this last name is spelled: Ayer, Ayers, and even Air

In the 1860 US Census for Lodi, Columbia Co., WI - H.M. Ayres is listed as a Merchant, with real estate valued at $4,000 and a personal estate valued as $2,000. Although his place of birth is listed as "Canada" in this census... other records indicate that he was born in Vermont.

History of Columbia Co., Wisconsin, 1880, Biographical sketches in the Town of Lodi:

Horace M. Ayer. Police Justice and Justice of the Peace. Lodi; was born in Vermont in 1822; he removed from Vermont to Sauk Prairie, Sauk Co., Wis., in 1843; came to Columbia Co. in the fall of 1846, and settled in what was then Sec. 19, town of Lodi, now West Point. He resided there till the spring of 1851, when he came to the village of Lodi; he engaged in the mercantile business till 1871; was Postmaster from the spring of 1853 until the spring of 1861; he has been Justice of the Peace since 1852, except two years, when he refused to serve as such. He was married to Sarah A. Rider, who was born in Ashtabula, Ohio in 1827. They have had nine children, eight of whom are living - Edward A., Delia, Minnie, Susie, Douglass, George W., Horace M. and Nellie; the oldest son, Albert H., died suddenly in Denver, Colo., April 16, 1880 in his 31st year.

Nellie Storms to Will Hubbard: You have reason to be proud of your Grandfather Ayer for he played a very important part in the early history of Wisconsin. When your Uncle Frank and I went to California we called on an old neighbor that had lived just down the street from our house. His name was John Foot (His daughters brought him in and he greeted us with, "so this is little Nellie Ayer)" He said he had been down to the Wisconsin river when the Ryder family got off the boat. He had seen them at prayer meeting back in Ohio when my mother had come in church with the family. In 1851 your grandfather left the farm, and bought lots in Lodi. He built a store and a house next door to it and commenced merchandising. He was elected justice of the peace in 1851 and held that office as long as he lived. Many a couple were married in our front parlor and many law suits were held in his office that joined the house. He was postmaster from 1853 until 1861 under the adminstration of Franklin Pierce and James Buchanan. He was very devoted to his Baptist church and the Masonic Lodge. With our large family and many friends that were always with us, I wonder how mother & he could do it. There was nearly always a guest at our table and it was an open house to the whole community. During the time of depression when men were without work or money it was very annoying to us children to have a tramp brought in to eat with us. I am making too long a story of this, but you should be very proud of your grandfather and grandmother too for her part was not too easy. I have made a long story of this - but the half has not been told. Birth* 19 Mar 1822 St. Armand, Missisquoi, Quebec, Canada, On Tuesday morning at 9 o'clock2,4,5,6,3,7 Employment* bt 1835 - 1839 Freligsburg, Lower Canada, Worked in a printing office in Freligsburg for 4 years between 13-17 years of age. Left this work on the account of poor health and the advice of his Doctor.7 Employment bt 1841 - 1842 Taught in district schools when 19 and 20 years old Education* 1842 Bakersfield, Vermont, Attended an Academy in Bakersfield Vermont when he was 20.7 Residence* 1843 Sauk Prairie, Sauk Co., Wisconsin, Horace Mitchell Ayer went ot Wisconsin in Oct. 1843. He lived with his brother Samuel Ayer who had come to Wisconsin earlier and was living on a farm that he had taken up in Sauk County Wisconsin.2,7 Land Tx* 1844 Black Earth Valley, Berry, Dane Co., Wisconsin, Took of a claim in the country of Black Earth Valley and the town of Berry, then called Half Way Prairie, breaking the land in the summers but keeping his home in Sauk Prairie. Residence 1846 Lodi, Columbia Co., Wisconsin, This year (1846) Mr. Thomas with a family of unmarried sons and daughters located near Chrystal Lake, and other emigrants came from Canada and the eastern states - Ira Polley, H.M. Ayer, Dr. Drew, Alonzo Waterbury, Harlow Kelsey, John Newman, and Mr. Baldwin8 Marriage* 4 Oct 1848 West Point, Columbia Co., Wisconsin, License issued 3 October 1848, Marriage on 4 October 1848. Presided over by Aaron Chatfant, Justice of the Peace, Bride=Sarah Ann Rider4,9,10,11,12 Residence 1850 West Point, Columbia Co., Wisconsin, Farmer; Real Estate valued at $1,30013 Employment bt 1851 - 1871 Dry Goods Business: "Ayer and Bradley"7 Residence a 1851 Moved from West Point into the Town of Lodi in 18517 Employment a 1852 Lodi, Columbia Co., Wisconsin, From 1852 up to (at least) 1895, was Justice of the Peace7 Religion* a Apr 1852 Baptist Church, Lodi, Columbia Co., Wisconsin, The first meeting to consider organization [of the Baptist Church] was held at the house of H.M. Ayer in April, 1852, and in the following month articles were signed by ....

In January, 1853, the church invited Elder Joseph Bowman to become its pastor. A church building was completed in 1867.14,15 Employment a May 1852 Lodi, Columbia Co., Wisconsin, Appointed a Notary Public in May 1852, an office which he was reappointed to by each governor through at least 1895.7 Residence 1860 Lodi, Columbia Co., Wisconsin, Merchant; Real Estate Valued at $4,000; Personal Estate valued at $2,00016 Residence 1870 Lodi, Columbia Co., Wisconsin, USA, "Out of Business"; Real Estate valued at $3,000; Personal Estate valued at $1,00017 Employment 20 Jun 1872 Lodi, Columbia Co., Wisconsin, In 1872 Lodi obtained a village charter covering the area embraced by Section 27, and on June 20th of that year held its first election. H.M. Ayer was elected Police Justice. Employment bt 1873 - 1883 Lodi, Columbia Co., Wisconsin, For some 10 years, after he failed in business, he was engaged in the cheese business, shipping to A.A. Ayer of Montreal, Canada7 Residence 1880 Lodi, Columbia Co., Wisconsin, USA, He was the census taker for this Enumeration District!18 Employment a 1883 Lodi, Columbia Co., Wisconsin, engaged in selling farm machinery "in a small way"7 Biography 1895 Extracted from a hand-written record in a notebook belonging to H.M. Ayer which has “Ayer Genealogy” written on the cover. The notebook, in 2005, is in the possession of Ayer’s Great-Granddaughter, Francie (Hubbard) Schulz.

A short sketch of the life of H.M. Ayer written by himself in 1895.

H.M. Ayer was born in the township of St. Armand Lower Canada March 19th 1822. he lived there until 1835 when his parents moved to Berkshire Vermont and he went to the Village of Freligsburg L.C. to work in a printing office he being 13 years old. He worked in a printing office 4 years not having attended school since he was 13. on account of poor health he was advised by the Doctor to leave the printing office which he did and went to his home in Berkshire, worked on a farm summers and attended district school winters. He attended an academy at Bakersfield Vt. when he was 20, taught district schools when 19 & 20 years old, two winters came went to Wisconsin in 1843 when 21 years old in October.

He came to Sauk Prairie near Honey Creek and lived with his brother Samuel R. the winter of 1843. In spring of 1844, he in company with his brother Samuel & Mr. Barns took a journey of observation in Dane County looking over the country of Black Earth Valley and the town of Berry then called half way Prairie, finding good farming lands on and near half way prairie they each made claims and settled there he breaking prairie summers making his home mostly on Sauk Prairie. In 1846 he after viewing the country in town of West Point Columbia County settled there remaining on a farm near Gibralter Bluff. He remained there until 1851 when he sold his farm to Peter Vanchers and moved to Lodi commenced selling goods, a part of the time in company with H.C. Bradley under the firm of Ayer & Bradley. He was Postmaster of Lodi from 1853 to 1861 under the administrations of Franklin Pierce and James Buchanan. 8 years.

In 1871 he failed in business through the rascality of Wm. S. Rathburn who through misrepresentations induced him to engage in the milking business where he sunk $10,000 which caused his failure. Since he has never been able to regain his former financial standing, for some ten years he was engaged in [?]ging cheese and shipping to A.A. Ayer [?] of Montreal Canada.

Since 1880 he has been engaged in selling farm machinery in a small way. He was elected a justice of the peace in April 1852 and held the office continually since (now 1895) he was also appointed a Notary Public by Gov. L.J. Lowell in May 1852 which office he has also held continually since having been reappointed by each Governor since upon the expiration of his said office (now 1895) over 42 years.

of Montreal Canada.

Since 1880 he has been engaged in selling farm machinery in a small way. He was elected a justice of the peace in April 1852 and held the office continually since (now 1895) he was also appointed a Notary Public by Gov. L.J. Lowell i of Montreal Canada.

Since 1880 he has been engaged in selling farm machinery in a small way. He was elected a justice of the peace in April 1852 and held the office continually since (now 1895) he was also appointed a Notary Public by Gov. L.J. Lowell in May 1852 which office he has also held continually since having been reappointed by each Governor since upon the expiration of his said office (now 1895) over 42 years.

of Montreal Canada.

Since 1880 he has been engaged in selling farm machinery in a [Added in another hand…]

(H.M. Ayer’s wife was Sarah Ann Ryder born Apr 6, 1827 – died 1915 (about)7 Death* 3 May 1895 Lodi, Columbia Co., Wisconsin, Obituary in the Lodi Enterprise, May 10 1895:

A PIONEER RESIDENT GONE

H.M. Ayer, One of Lodi's Oldest Settlers, died last Friday.

About 9:30 o'clock last Friday, May 3, H.M. Ayer dropped to the floor in the old Excelsior mill, where he was at work storing cutters for the summer months. Two men - George Reese and James Fairman - were working with him at the time, and after moving Mr. Ayer to the doorway of the building, Mr. Fairman hurried up town for medical aid. Dr. H.J. Irwin was soon examining the body of the stricken man, but no trace of life could be found, death having been instantaneous. It was but a few moments after death came to Mr. Ayer that a large crowd had gathered, and in a very short time the sorrowful tidings was spread throughout the community where the deceased had for so long a time made his home. The sad news caused a pall of sorrow and gloom to spread over the village, for not a man was better known than the deceased. He was on friendly terms with everybody, and was respected by both young and old.

A coroner's jury was summoned and an inquest held, the verdict being that death came from an attack of apoplexy, resulting from heart disease."

H.M. Ayer was one of the pioneers of Lodi. He was born at St. Armand, Canada, March 19 1822 and came to Wisconsin in 1843, locating on Sauk Prairie near Honey Creek. In 1846 the deceased move to West Point, where he resided until 1851, when he removed to Lodi and engaged in mercantile pursuits, carrying on a dry goods business for twenty years. In 1871, owing to a misrepresentation in regards to business matters, Mr. Ayer met with financial reverses, losing a large amount of money. For forty-three years the deceased held the office of justice of the peace in Lodi.

Mr. Ayer became a member of Lodi Valley Lodge No. 99, F.& A.M., December 16, 1858, and for a long term of years had held the office of secretary in this lodge. He was also an old member of Perseverance Lodge, I.O.G.T, and was a charter member of the Lodi Baptist Church.

Deceased was united in marriage to Miss Sarah A. Ryder, October 4, 1848, who, with eight children, survive to mourn the loss of a kind husband and a most affectionate and indulgent father. The children are Edward Ayer, of California; Douglas Ayer, Lodi; George Ayer, Verona; Horace M. Ayer, Jr., Omro; Mrs. F.V. Hubbard and Miss Sue E. Ayer of Waseca, Minn; Mrs. Nellie Storms of Hunter, N.D., and Mrs. George L. Chaffee, of Lodi. All the children were present at the funeral except Edward Ayer and Mrs. Nellie Storms.

The funeral was held from the late residence of Mr. Ayer at 1:30 o'clock Sunday afternoon, and from the Baptist church at 2 o'clock, Rev Abbott assisted by Rev. Bowman, officiating at the services. Large delegations of Masons from Poynette and Prairie du Sac were present. The interment was in Mt. Pleasant cemetery, and was conducted by the Masonic Lodge. A large concourse of friends were present at the last sad rites, thus showing the respect and esteem in which their fellow townsman was held.

They sympathy of the entire community goes out to the sorrowing relatives in their bereavement.4,14,6,19 Burial* 5 May 1895 Mt. Pleasant, Lodi, Columbia Co., Wisconsin14,20 Family Sarah Ann Rider b. 6 Apr 1827, d. 2 Oct 1917 Marriage* 4 Oct 1848 West Point, Columbia Co., Wisconsin, License issued 3 October 1848, Marriage on 4 October 1848. Presided over by Aaron Chatfant, Justice of the Peace, Bride=Sarah Ann Rider4,9,10,11,12 Children Albert Henry Ayer b. 2 Jun 1849, d. 16 Apr 1880 Edward Azro Ayer+ b. 21 Feb 1851, d. Feb 1913 Harmon Chandler Ayer b. 16 Jan 1852, d. 16 Feb 1853 Delia Jane Ayer+ b. 10 Jan 1855, d. 1923 Minnie Lois Ayer+ b. 25 Sep 1856, d. 4 Oct 1936 Susie E. Ayer b. 8 Mar 1859, d. 1920 Douglas Ayer+ b. 4 Mar 1860, d. 28 Nov 1927 George William Ayer+ b. 15 Jun 1861, d. 15 Dec 1928 Horace Mitchell Ayer b. 27 Jul 1863, d. 27 Dec 1944 Sarah Ann Ayer b. 16 Jul 1866, d. 6 Jun 1868 Nellie Ayer+ b. 11 Feb 1868, d. 13 Apr 1952 Citations [S18] 1860 US Census, WI, Lodi, Colubmia Co., WI. [S19] The History of Columbia County, Wisconsin (Western Historical Co., 1880). [S482] Nellie Ayer Storms Earl Ayer Chaffee. 21 March 1944, now in possession of Judy Mastin, Orange CA. (2004). [S57] Patti Gottschall Schuknecht to Dixie Hansen. 15 September 1999, at Pinecrest Farm, W 11588 Chrislaw Rd, Lodi WI53555-9616; e-mail address: e-mail address. (1999). [S69] Natalie Gagnon to Dixie Hansen. 4 October 1999, 38 Prescott St. [S80] Forwarded by PG Schunecht in March 2000. Prepared by Beverly Ayer McLaughlin, 4901 Little Oak Lake, #185; Sacramento, CA 95841. [S496] Horace Mitchell Ayer, A Records of the Ayer Family, unpublished notes, Initial Entry 22 April 1892. [S436] J.E. Jones., A History of Columbia County Wisconsin A Narrative Account of Its Historical Progress, Its People, and Its Principal Interests (1914, Vol 1, Chicago and New York, The Lewis Publishing Company), p 268. [S68] Obituary: Ayer, Sarah A., Lodi Enterprise, Lodi, WI (5 October 1917). [S69] Natalie Gagnon to Dixie Hansen. 4 October 1999, 38 Prescott St. McLaughlin note: marriage date either 1 or 4 October 1848. [S434] Horace M. Ayer & Sarah Ann Ryder, Marriage Certificate, 4 Oct 1848, Columbia Co. / Vol 2: page 196,, #570. [S446] Simeon Ryder, Columbia Co., WI; 7 December 1880. [S22] 1850 US Census, Wisconsin. [S67] Obituary: Horace M. Ayer, Lodi Enterprise, Lodi, Wisconsin (10 May 1895). [S436] J.E. Jones., A History of Columbia County Wisconsin A Narrative Account of Its Historical Progress, Its People, and Its Principal Interests (1914, Vol 1, Chicago and New York, The Lewis Publishing Company), p 272. [S18] 1860 US Census, WI. [S77] 1870 US Census, WI,, Page 11. [S15] 1880 US Census, WI, ED 27, Page 21. [S123] Gravestone reads:

AYER HORACE M. 1822-1895
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SARAH A. 1827-1917. [S122] Gravestone located by Dixie Hansen on 7/2/99 and photographed. It's in the NE section of the cemetery.

5 small stones which are immediately adjacent read: Harmon, Father, Mother, Sarah, Delia.