Alice Wadsworth Ayer

Other Events:

• Name: Alice Wadsworth Williams
• Census: 5 Jun 1880, Ashland, Virginia
• Census: 6 Jun 1900, Brooklyn, New York
• Census: 18 Apr 1910, Brooklyn, New York
• Census: 12 Jan 1920, Brooklyn, New York

Notes:

Biography:
After she got married she moved to Cuba coming back for the birth of her first two children. Her second child, Jane, developed a curvature of the spine while a small child and Alice felt it was because of the milk in Cuba. She convinced her husband to move permanently back to the U.S. about 1904. Her death certificate says she was born in Richmond (Ashland is a suburb).

Census:
Daughter, 31 Rail Road.

Census:
Daughter-in-law, 35 Cambridge Place.

Census:
Daughter-in-law, 35 Cambridge Place.

Census:
Wife, 315 Westminster Road.

Buried:
Lot 24465, Section 139

Alice married George Washington Aurelio Williams on 20 Oct 1897 in Brooklyn, New York. George (son of Ramon Oscar Williams and Angela Luciana García) was born on 2 Dec 1872 in Havana, Cuba; died on 2 Nov 1938 in 57 Pondfield Road West, Bronxville, New York; was buried on 9 Nov 1938 in Green-Wood Cemetery, Lot 24465 Sec 139, Brooklyn, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Married:
From the Brooklyn Daily Eagle:
[CENTER:]WILLIAMS—AVER[:CENTER]
The marriage of Miss Alice Wadsworth Ayer, daughter of Colonel and Mrs. Ira Ayer and George A. Williams, son of Ramon O. Williams, former United States consul to Havana, was celebrated yesterday afternoon at the home of the bride's parents, 37 Cambridge place. The Rev. Dr. Joseph France, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Johnstown, N. Y., and uncle of the bride, performed the ceremony. The decorations were in pink and green and the bridal couple stood beneath a canopy formed of pink roses and foliage.
Miss Clementine Ayer, sister of the bride, acted as maid of honor and Robert A. Williams, brother of the groom, was the best man. The ushers were Ernest Baldwin and Lord Mead, both of Orange, N. J. The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a gown of white satin and, point lace, with tulle vail caught with orange blossoms and carried bride roses. The maid of honor's costume was of white swiss with trimming of pink satin ribbon and she carried pink roses,-
Mrs. Ayer, mother of the bride, wore heliotrope poplin and point lace and Mrs. Williams, the groom's mother, wore black satin.
A reception followed the ceremony. After i their wedding tour Mr. and Mrs. Williams will live at 37 Cambridge place. Among those present were:
Colonel and Mrs. Samuel R. James of Schenectady, the Rev. Dr. and Mrs. Joseph France, Mrs. Emma Jourgenson, Mr. and Mrs. Henry S. Beard, Mr. and Mrs. Ramon O. Williams, Mrs. John D. Lord of Baltimore; Miss Julia F. Ayer, Miss Jennie Ayer, Miss Edith L. Ayer, Dr. and Mrs. Ira Ayer, Miss Mattie Jorgensen, Mr. and Mrs. William Disbrow, Miss Grace James, Clemence James.

1. Ramon Oscar Williams was born on 12 Jul 1899 in Brooklyn, New York; died on 27 Oct 1952; was buried on 29 Oct 1952 in Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York.
2. Jane Ayer Williams was born on 31 Jan 1902 in Brooklyn, New York; died on 6 Jun 1998 in Norwalk, Connecticut; was buried on 1 Jul 1998 in Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York.
3. Angela Lucia Williams was born on 13 May 1907 in Brooklyn, New York; died on 19 Jan 2010 in Essex Meadows, Essex, Connecticut; was buried in River View Cemetery, Essex, Connecticut.

Other Events:

• Census: 13 Sep 1850, Evans, New York
• Education: Between Sep 1853 and Dec 1854, Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania
• Military: Between 1855 and 1861, New York
• Education: 1859, Lima, New York; The school is the predecessor of Syracuse University.
• Education: Between 1860 and 1861, Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania
• Census: 15 Aug 1860, Evans, New York
• Milit-Beg: 14 Jun 1861, Camp Wilkins, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• Milit-End: 11 Jun 1864, Washington, District of Columbia
• Census: 18 Jul 1870, Norfolk, Virginia
• Census: 5 Jun 1880, Ashland, Virginia
• Census: 11 Jun 1880, Baltimore, Maryland
• Census: 6 Jun 1900, Brooklyn, New York

Notes:

Biography:
The following is from a book called "Marital Deeds of Pennsylvania" written by Samuel P. Bates. It was published in 1874 by T. H. Davis & Co in 1875. The book contains biographies of many of the more prominent people that fought in the Civil War from Pennsylvania.
Ira Ayer, Jr., Colonel of the Tenth Reserve regiment, was born in Erie county, New York, on the 14th of July, 1836. He was son of Ira and Julia M. (Wadsworth) Ayer. At the opening of the Rebellion he was a student of Allegheny College. Without waiting for authority he called together his fellow-students, and having had some training in the Sixty-seventh militia, of which his father was Colonel, commenced drilling them. Though earnest in his appeals his company failed of acceptance, until the Reserve corps was authorized, when it was mustered as Company I of the Tenth. He was first in action at Dranesville. He seems to have had a poetic appreciation of valor; for when General Ord, who commanded in the battle, came galloping forward, leading Easton's battery into action, he thus records his impressions: "Just then Ord came dashing up. `Make way for my artillery,' he shouted, and without slackening his speed dashed by, while his `war-dogs' followed close behind. The General was an old artillerist, and knew well how to value this arm of the service. The scene was, I think. the most animated that I witnessed during the war. He was mounted on a beautiful bay, and as he rode up, his eyes flashing fire and every lineament of his countenance betokening courage, his presence inspired all with confidence."
In the battle of Beaver Dam Creek he was sent forward with his company to occupy the skirmish line, and remained in this advanced position during the entire engagement, the regiment ??quitting itself in the most gallant manner. "About ten o'clock," he says, "the roar of artillery had ceased. In our advanced position we could hear distinctly the movements of the enemy, and the cries and shrieks of the wounded and dying, as lay where they had fallen or were being moved from the field." In the battle of the following day, at Gaines' Mill, he received a gunshot wound in the right side and a severe contusion of the right arm. "Colonel Warner," he says, "mustered the regiment on the 30th, and I shall never forget the glow of soldierly pride with which he commended the company's bravery, and viewed its thinned but still compact ranks." And now came the change of base, with infinite discomfort to the wounded and worn-out soldiers. But a place of rest had not been gained before the enemy attacked, now at Charles City Cross Roads. The Reserves felt the first shock and were terribly scourged, but suffered no diminution of gallantry. In the Seven Days of this contest Captain Ayer's company lost more heavily in killed and wounded than any in the division. As it was the representative of one of the prominent colleges in the State, the fact may be regarded as significant.
At Bull Run, Captain Ayer received a severe wound. Passing over this field nearly a year afterwards the recollection of the battle were brought vividly to his mind and he thus wrote to a friend: "A little farther on we came to the scene of our last year's operations. There is the very field where we lay, Thursday night, August 28th, all day under a hot sun, covered a little from the enemy. This was near Groveton. Yonder is the wood where our regiment made a charge to take a rebel battery, but without success, and there is the field where they shelled us after dark, throwing their missiles very accurately, but, as it happened, without effect. That was Friday evening, the 29th; and there is the field where our regiment stood picket the same night. Passing on a little farther we come to the house hear which we lay Saturday, before we were ordered into the engagement. But here to the right is the very spot where the regiment fought. There fell Captain Hinchman, of Company A, and it is said that he is buried in that little rail enclosure. Here, too, fell Tryon and Pearl; and Phelps, out Lieutenant, a bold and dashing officer, was shot through the breast. No better men graced the ranks of the Union army. On this same ridge the rebel bullet struck my arm, and another went through my hat. The former made a sad hole in my canteen, causing all my cold coffee to run out. The boys in going over the field to-day found what they asserted to be the self-same canteen; but they were mistaken, for I carried it off with me." His wound was a severe one, fracturing the left forearm. At Gettysburg, while reconnoitering, he was fired at by two sharpshooters from an unexpected quarter, but was not hit. Turning suddenly back, a third shot was fired, which just grazed his side, making a deep abrasion, and would have done certain execution had it not been fired at the instant of his turning away, carrying him out of aim after the missile had actually left the piece.
He had been promoted to the rank of Major on the 18th of October, 1862, and on the 18th of December, 1863, was advanced to Lieutenant-Colonel and placed in command of the regiment. When it entered the Wilderness campaign it went with the free step and resolute mien of the best trained and organized soldiers. It had not penetrated far before the old foe was met. In a letter dated May 6th, the second day of the battle, he says: "Our division had been rapidly ordered forward, preparatory as was supposed to a charge upon the enemy's works. I was leading my regiment my regiment into line when hit by a bullet from the one of the enemy's sharpshooters, which passed through the large bone of my leg, causing a very painful though I hope not dangerous wound. I was compelled to leave the field at once, which I did after exhorting my men to do their duty."
For more than a year after the Reserve corps had completed its period of service and been mustered out he was disabled. He was brevetted Colonel for this action, and was warmly complimented by Generals Crawford and Fisher. Only by wounds, however, was he kept from the field, possessing a good constitution and actuated by real patriotism. In person he is six feet in height, well formed, and of fair complexion. At college he manifested a strong liking for mathematics and natural science, and later in his course for lingual studies. Strictly temperate--of tobacco and spirituous liquors abstemious--he was little affected by temptation, as the habits of youth are strengthened and firmed by time.
Colonel Ayer was married on the 21st of December, 1863, to Miss Jennie James, whose mother had, during the war, ministered at the bedside of many sick and dying soldiers, evincing a patriotism as sincere and fervid as the man who bore the musket and met face to face the foe. She watched at the side of one of the brave men of Ayer's company, Edwin B. Pier, a scholar of promise, and after his death wrote a most touching letter, descriptive of the Christian fortitude of the departed young soldier. When Ayer next visited Washington, he called upon the family to tender his acknowledgments for the kindness shown his beloved companion-in-arms, and then for the first time met the daughter. The acquaintance ripened into esteem, and finally resulted in their marriage. At the close of the war, Colonel Ayer settled in Virginia, and now resides at Norfolk, where he holds a responsible position in the civil service of the General Government.
The following is the Civil War record of Ira Ayer, Jr. rebuilt from his military records and other sources.
June 14, 1861 - Ira Ayer, Jr. enlisted as Capt. "to fill an original vacancy" in Co I, 10th Reg't Pennsylvania Reserve Corps for a period of three years.
July 21, 1861 Harrisburg, PA - reported for duty.
Sept. & Oct., 1861 - Muster roll - present.
Nov. & Dec., 1861 - Muster roll - present.
Jan. & Feb., 1862 - Muster roll - present.
Mar. & Apr., 1862 - Muster roll - present.
May. & June., 1862 - Muster roll - present.
Aug. 29&30, 1862 - Wounded at Bull Run.
July. & Aug., 1862 - Muster roll - absent - wounded.
Sept. & Oct., 1862 - Muster roll - absent - wounded in hospital.
Oct. 27, 1862 Buffalo - Letter from Doctor "To whom it may concern...the arm of Capt Ayer...tho doing well, it would be injurious if not dangerous to attempt to use it for at least twenty days yet."
Nov. & Dec., 1862 - Muster roll - present.
Jan. & Feb., 1863 - Muster roll - present commanding Regiment.
Apr. 10, 1863 - Special Muster roll - present.
Apr. 22, 1863 - Promoted to Major.
Mar. & Apr., 1863 - Muster roll - present.
May 1, 1863 Washington, DC - Individual Muster-out roll - age 25.
May 13, 1863 Washington, DC - Individual Muster-in roll - age 25.
May. & June., 1863 - Muster roll - present.
Jul. & Aug., 1863 - Muster roll - present.
Sept. & Oct., 1863 - Muster roll - present.
Nov. & Dec., 1863 - Muster roll - absent on leave.
Dec. 13, 1863 - From [Manenton] Junction applied for a pass to Alexandria for three days to transact private business.
Dec. 15, 1863 - Went on leave.
Dec. 18, 1863 - Printed Special Order 560. War Department Adjutant General's Office, Washington,
December 18th, 1863. (Extract)
27. The leave of absence granted Major Ira Ayer, 10th Pennsylvania Reserves, in Special Orders, No. 551, December 12th, 1863, from this Office, is hereby extended fifteen days.
By order of the Secretary of War:
Signed by E. D. Townsend, Assistant Adjutant General. Dec. 21, 1863 Washington - Ira and Jennie got married.
Jan. 15, 1864 - Returned from leave.
Feb. 27, 1864 - Promoted to Lieut. Colonel to replace retiring Lt. Col. J. B. Knox. Took Oath of Office as Lieut. Colonel in Bristow Va.
Jan. & Feb., 1864 - Muster roll - present.
Mar. & Apr., 1864 - Muster roll - present.
May 6, 1864 - Wounded by "minie ball" in right leg at Wilderness.
May 12, 1864 - Admitted to a hospital (stamp says 3rd Div G. Alexandria, Va). Record says age: 28, Nativity: New York, Married, Residence: Washington, DC, wife: Jennie Ayer of 13th St. Washington, DC, Rank: Lt. Col. from Army of the Potomac. Back says Patient was received at 12ock at Night and transferred the Next Morning 7ock. no description of wound taken.
May 13, 1864, Transferred to Washington, DC [Seminary] Hospital. No date - Treated at Vol. Officers Hospital for G. S. W. (gun shot wound) Leg.
June 11, 1864 - Discharged. "this records that the above named officer was discharged the service June 11, 1864, by reason of the muster out of the field and staff on that date, he being at the time absent wounded." He was in Gent. Hospital in Washington, DC.
June 22, 1867 - Appointed Colonel by Brevet for "gallant conduct at the battle of the Wilderness, Virginia. To date from March 13, 1865."
According to tradition, he had a stillborn twin brother. According to himself, he was 5'11", had a light complexion, light hair, and blue eyes. He was a student at Allegheny College at the start of the Civil War studying to become a minister. He enlisted with 100 other students and was unanimously elected the captain of the Company. After training them very quickly they fought throughout the war during which time he was seriously wounded several times. After he was wounded in the leg he was treated at Seminary General Hospital in Georgetown, DC. He got married during the last year of the war. After the war he again served in the army from 1865 through 1867 and was stationed in the West. Part of that time he served on the Bureau of Refugees, Freed men, and Abandoned Lands. In 1869 he was appointed to the Treasury Department. According to an obituary (source unknown), he was always given the most important and delicate investigations. He was stationed in Norfolk, VA around 1871-5 (listed in city directories from 1872-1875/6). His daughter Alice said that she was born there and some pictures of the family were printed there. However, his family spent much of the time living in Richmond and Ashland with his in-laws. Between 1886 and 1888 he was special agent in charge of San Francisco. After that he was made statistician for the Treasury Department for the tin-plate industry, under the operation of the McKinley law. Then he worked to establish the rate of "drawback" on merchandise exported from this country. From about 1888 until the time of his death he was stationed at the port of New York. In 1892 in President Benjamin Harrison's fourth annual message to Congress he mentioned Ira by name while referring to a report done by Ira on the tin industry. He said "The report of Ira Ayer, special agent of the Treasury Department, shows that..." In 1900 he was renting a house at 37 Cambridge Pl., Brooklyn, NY. His wife and all his children were living there except Ira, III and Alice. They were both married at the time. He had a servant living there name Lena Curtis. Because of his war injuries he received a pension from 1875 until his death. For more information on his accomplishments during the Civil War see the section on him.

Census:
Son.

Military:
He served as 1st Lieut. as of May 26, 1855 in the New York 67th Regiment, 32nd Brigade, 8th Division. This seems to have been a part time army because he was attending school off and on during this period.

Census:
Son.

Milit-Beg:
He was mustered in as Captain of Company I of the Tenth Reserve Regiment.

Milit-End:
He was still in the hospital at the time.

Census:
Boarder, listed as a Special Agent of the Treasury Department, however, his name is spelled Eyre and it says he was born in Massachusetts.

Census:
Head, 31 Rail Road.

Census:
Boarder, 139 Edmondson Avenue, US Treasury Agent.

Census:
Head, 37 Cabridge Place.

Buried:
Lot 31286, Section 193. Tombstone erected by a veteran’s group in 2009. Inscription:
Ira
Ayer Jr
Col
39 PA Inf
Civil War
1836
1903
Wounded at
Second Bull Run
&
The Wilderness

Ira married Mary Jane 'Jennie' James on 21 Dec 1863 in Corner of G and 14th Streets, Foundry Methodist Episcopal Church, Washington, District of Columbia. Mary (daughter of William James and Jane Francis) was born in Aug 1838 in Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales; died on 25 Jan 1907 in 37 Cambridge Place, Brooklyn, New York; was buried on 28 Jan 1907 in Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Ayer
• Name: Jennie James
• Census: 1841, Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales
• Immigration: 1850, Boston, Massachusetts
• Census: 1851, Hampton, New Brunswick, Canada
• Census: 7 Jul 1860, Richmond, Virginia
• Census: 5 Jun 1880, Ashland, Virginia
• Census: 6 Jun 1900, Brooklyn, New York

Notes:

Biography:
The 1900 census says that she had six children all of whom were still alive. According to tradition, her pension application, and a biography of her husband, her name was Jennie but the census identifies her as Virginia. At the time of her husband's death she received a life insurance settlement of $5,800 of which $3,800 had to go to settle debts. She received a pension until her death.

Census:
Daughter.

Immigration:
On the ship Juliet bound from London to Boston, their final destination was New Brunswick, Canada.

Census:
Daughter.

Census:
3rd Ward.

Census:
Wife, 31 Rail Road.

Census:
Wife, 37 Cabridge Place.

Buried:
Lot 31286, Section 193

Other Events:

• Census: 1830, Evans, New York
• Census: 1840, Evans, New York
• Census: 13 Sep 1850, Evans, New York
• Census: 15 Aug 1860, Evans, New York
• Census: 25 Jun 1870, Evans, New York
• Census: 14 Jul 1880, Evans, New York
• Adopted: 2 Jan 1884

Notes:

Biography:
As a child he lived on what he described as the most beautiful farm on the Merrimac River. In 1827 he was a Lieutenant of the 48 th Regiment of Infantry, New York Militia. By 1837 he had reached the rank of Colonel and in 1838 served in the Patriot War. He recruited and trained a Company of men for the Civil War. They were the first to be trained and report for service and became Co. A, 116, Reg. N.Y. Vol. They served through the entire war. In 1850 he had two people born in Ireland living with him. They may have been to help on the farm. In 1860 his wife's Uncle Joseph Davenport was living with along with a boy who was attending school and who's occupation was listed as Serving. In 1850 his farm was valued at $2650 and by 1870 his real and personal estate was valued at $7000. He was the town supervisor between 1857 and 1858.

Census:
Head, 1 male 20-29, 1 female under 5, 1 5-9 and 1 20-29.

Census:
Head, 1 male under 5, 1 10-19, 30-39, 1 female 5-9 and 1 30-39.

Census:
Head, his farm was valued at $2,650.

Census:
Head, his farm was valued at $4,500.

Census:
Head, his property was valued at $7,000.

Census:
Head.

Buried:
Capt. Jra Ayer
Born
Dec. 26, 1802
Died
July 28, 1889
Co. A N. Y. V. I

Ira married Julia Mariah Wadsworth on 26 Dec 1828. Julia (daughter of Nancy Davenport, daughter of John Wadsworth) was born on 27 Oct 1808 in Massachusetts; died on 14 Aug 1861; was buried in Forest Ave Cemetery, Angola, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Julia Mariah Ayer
• Census: 13 Sep 1850, Evans, New York
• Census: 15 Aug 1860, Evans, New York

Notes:

Biography:
It's not clear that Julia's father was John Wadsworth. She was born in Massachusetts a year before her parents got married. John was born in New York where he lived all his life.

Census:
Wife.

Census:
Wife.

Buried:
Julia M.
Wife of
Ira Ayer
Died Aug. 14, 1861
Aged
52 Yrs 8 Mos & 17 Ds

Other Events:

• Census: 1841, Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales
• Immigration: 1850, Boston, Massachusetts
• Census: 1851, Hampton, New Brunswick, Canada
• Census: 7 Jul 1860, Richmond, Virginia

Notes:

Biography:
According to Alice Ayer Williams and Clementine Ayer Morse he was the younger son of the Earl of Carmarthen. I have not been able to prove this. He came to America and settled in Richmond, VA. He was in the shipping business between Canada and Liverpool (his wife wrote a poem while sailing from St Johns, New Brunswick and Liverpool). He was also involved in shipping to China and other eastern ports. Most of the beautiful and valuable things that he collected during his travels were lost when Richmond was burned during the Civil War. During the war he and his family moved to Washington because he was a Union man. At the time of his daughter Jennie's wedding they were living at 302 13th St in Washington. His son, Samuel, said (in his 1904 Civil War Pension application) that there were nine children of which four were still alive.

Census:
Head, Corn Street, Mine Merchant.

Immigration:
On the ship Juliet bound from London to Boston, their final destination was New Brunswick, Canada.

Census:
Head, Farmer.

Census:
3rd Ward, Baptist Minister living with "Rev? John Francis".

Died:
Obituary:

Died at Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia,
on Friday, February 28th, 1873, at 4:30 P. M.,

Col William James,

In the 66th year of his age,

The many warm friends of Colonel William James, of Ashland, Hanover County, Virginia, in Washington, will hear with deep regret that after a lingering illness of five weeks, he died at this residence in Virginia, of heart disease, in his 66th year.
Colonel James was extensively known in this city and throughout the South. He was a strong Republican, and has filled many offices of trust and responsibility. He was the first collector of internal revenue for the Richmond district, and by his uprightness and strict integrity won the esteem and respect of all the citizens in his district.
He was a gentleman of great refinement of manners, kindness of heart and integrity of character, and was a pure-minded christian, and passed to his reward “like a shock of corn fully ripe.”
He was the father of Samuel R. James, Esq., formerly connected with the Census Bureau, in this city, but more recently of the Petersburg “Index.”
The funeral services were held at the Foundry M. E. Church, in Washington.


Buried:
Lot 58, Section N
William
James.
Died
Feb. 28, 1873
Aged
67 Years

William married Jane Francis. Jane (daughter of William Francis) was born about 1811 in Wales; died on 17 Apr 1883 in 124 Willoughby Ave., Brooklyn, New York; was buried on 19 Apr 1883 in Glenwood Cemetery, Washington, District of Columbia. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Jane James
• Census: 1841, Newport, Monmouthshire, Wales
• Immigration: 1850, Boston, Massachusetts
• Census: 1851, Hampton, New Brunswick, Canada
• Census: 7 Jul 1860, Richmond, Virginia
• Census: 5 Jun 1880, Ashland, Virginia

Notes:

Biography:
According to Samuel James' pension application, Jane had 9 children, 4 of whom were still alive in 1904 (Samuel, Jennie, Hannah, and Emma).

During the Civil War she helped the wounded and dying in hospitals. She often wrote letters to the families of the soldiers that died. She is mentioned in the biography of her son-in-law Ira Ayer, II because after writing a letter to the family of a soldier from Ira's regiment Ira came to thank her. This is when Ira and Jennie met. According to Alice Ayer Williams and Clementine Ayer Morse she is one of the few woman mentioned in "Deeds of the Civil War" (this book may have been "Martial Deed of Pennsylvania). She crossed the Atlantic 24 four times and Jennie was born on one of those trips. Below is a poem she wrote during a particularly rough passage. The ship was traveling from New Brunswick to Liverpool when it encountered a terrible storm.

STANSAS
Written on board the "Lillies"
on a passage from St John NB for Liverpool

In the "Lilies" from the port of "St John" we set sail.
Towed out by the steam boat, with a southerly gale,
Around the bluff headlands where the winds wildly blow
Away! far away! to the Eastward we'll go
II
Three cheers 'from the gallant ship soon rose on high
And rang through the vapour that obscured the sky,
But twill soon clear away and Norwesters will blow
Bound away to the East ward in the "Lillies" we'll go,
III
Night soon came on and the winds wilder blew
We stood by and up our top gallants did clew
While the tempest tossed ship lay rolling to and fro
Bound away to the East ward in the "Lillies" we go
IIII
We beat down the bay for two days or more
Till the winds drove us down on the bold Yarmouth shore
Our foresail to pieces while we "ware ship" is rent
But another good sail in it's place soon is bent,
V
The wild "Petite "passage" lay under our lee
Either we must run through it or lost we shall be
Either we must run through it from the frost and the snow
Or away to the Eastward we never shall go
VI
So now then Lay aft-every soul of our crew
Stand by your "Clewgarnets" your mainsail up Clew
Jump start your main Jack and let your wheel flow
And flying away to the passage we go.
VII
We near it hope in each sailors heart now beats high
Alternately "luff" and "Keep away" is the cry
We clear it. We fly from the frost & the snow.
And in triumph away to the Eastward we go.
VIII
But still there Cape Sable looms out on our lee
Board your main tack and we'll stand out to sea
And now let the west winds more wildly blow
For before them in triumph to the Eastward we go
IX
Still wilder and wilder the good west wind blows
Think our good starboard anchor is adrift from the boat
And our boatswain washed away with a wild [Gyfar - may be Gybe or Jibe]
Still away far away far away to the Eastward we go
X
Our anchors secured we snugged every sail
And ran 'fore the fury of that western gale
Away from New Brunswick and the [ice] & the snow
In the wild Ocean "Lillies" to the Eastward we go

We run fore the fury of that western sea
Till our bulwarks are stove and life boats washed away
But the west wind is Blowing. so let each sheet flow
And away! far away! to the East ward we go.

Let her ride o'er the foam let her bend to the blast
Thirteen knots are counted as each hour is past
Blow good wind and we fly from the frost and the snow
And in triumph away to the East ward we go

But Hark! the ship popps she is struck by the sea
Our wheel is all smashed and taffrel rail washed away
Our foresail is split [Dump] and up it blew
As flying wildly away to the Eastward we go

Lay aft with your tackles lay aft all our crew
Quick with your helm up before we come to
There away she goes off 'fore her deadly foe
Like lightning away to the East ward we go

These lines are most respectfully dedicated to the Captain & passengers of the ship "Lillies" and will be concluded on arrival in the Mersey.

-- Clew-garnet is the tackle used to furl the lower square-sails.
-- "Till the bulwarks are stave" means till the bulwarks are broken.
-- Taffrel rail or taffrail is the rail around transom of a ship.

Census:
Wife, Corn Street.

Immigration:
On the ship Juliet bound from London to Boston, their final destination was New Brunswick, Canada.

Census:
Wife.

Census:
3rd Ward.

Census:
Head, 32 Rail Road.

Died:
She died while visiting the family of her daughter, Emma. She had been there six months.

Buried:
Lot 58, Section N
Blessed are the
dead who die in
the Lord.
Jane F. James
Died Apr. 17th 1883
Aged 72 Years.

Other Events:

• Census: 1820, Eden, New York

Notes:

Biography:
He bought a farm in Haverhill about 1796 on the Merrimac River. In about 1811 he sold the farm and moved his family in a covered wagon to Erie County, NY and built a log cabin on a 430 acre farm outside of Buffalo. His gravestone still exists and reads:
In Memory of
James Ayer,
formerly of Haverhill
Massachusetts, who died
March 13, AD. 1839,
aged 73 years 1 month
& 13 days
Blessed are the dead who died in the
Lord

Census:
Head, 110201-120100 1 male under 10, one 10-15, 2 16-25, 1 45 and over, 1 female under 10, 2 10-15 and 1 26-44.

Buried:
In Memory of
James Ayer
formerly of Haverhill
Massachusetts who died
March 13, AD 1839
aged 73 years 1 month
& 13 days

James married Sarah Bradley on 14 Dec 1794 in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Sarah (daughter of Enoch Bradley and Mary Low) was born on 1 Feb 1774; died on 7 Dec 1844; was buried in Evans Center Cemetery, Evans Center, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Sarah Ayer

Notes:

Biography:
Her gravestone still exists and reads:
Sarah B. Ayer,
Wife of
James Ayer,
Died Dec. 7, 1841,
Aged 70 Y'rs. 10 Mo's.
& 7 days.
The righteous ...

Other Events:

• Name: Nancy Wadsworth

Notes:

Biography:
In 1860 she was listed in the Buffalo census as a house keeper living in the house of a butcher named Henry Lamn and his wife Sarah. Sarah was probably the daughter of Nancy because Sarah was the same age as Nancy's daughter Sarah.

Died:
There are several different death dates floating around but some letters for Ira, Jr clearly show she died in January.

Buried:
Inscription:
Nancy Davenport
Wfie of
John Wadsworth
Died
Apr. 8, 1863

married Jane Spencer. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Jane James