Martha Mitchell

Other Events:

• Name: Martha Ayer

Martha married Richard Ayer on 14 Jun 1753 in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Richard (son of Peter Ayer and Lydia Perley) was born on 23 Jan 1727 in Haverhill, Massachusetts; died in 1781. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Biography:
He lived in Haverhill.

Peter married Abigail Eaton on 1 Nov 1787. Abigail died on 16 Dec 1815 in Haverhill, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Biography:
He was a yeoman and lived in Haverhill.

Richard married Mehitable Shepherd in Oct 1786. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Abiah West

Abiah married Thomas West on 27 Dec 1786. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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]

Notes:

Biography:
He lived in Vermont.

Other Events:

• Name: Abigail Bradley

Abigail married Caleb Low Bradley on 17 Nov 1811 in Haverhill, Massachusetts. Caleb (son of Enoch Bradley and Mary Low) was born on 22 Feb 1780; died on 2 Aug 1821; was buried in Second West Parish Cemetery, Haverhill, Massachusetts. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Biography:
His gravestone still exists and reads:
Low B. Ayer
Son of
James & Sarah B.
Ayer.
Died Sept. 18, 1844,
Aged 48 Yrs. 8 Mo.
& 19 days.

Other Events:

• Name: Martha Dart

Family/Spouse: Moses Dart. Moses was born on 14 Oct 1793 in Danby, Vermont; died in 1875 in Hamburg, New York; was buried in Prospect Lawn Cemetery, Hamburg, Eire County, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Biography:
Their gravestone still exists and reads:
Goreham P. Ayer
Consort of
Frances Abell Ayer,
Died Oct. 4th, 1870
Aged 69 Y'rs., & 10 Mo's.
Frances A. Ayer,
Born
Sept. 29th 1812.
Died
Sept. 20th 1875.

Family/Spouse: Frances Abell. Frances was born on 29 Sep 1812; died on 20 Sep 1875; was buried in Angola, Erie Co., New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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]

Ira married Bessie E Cronkite on 14 Oct 1869 in Evans Center, New York. Bessie was born in Jan 1841 in New York; died in 1910; was buried in Forest Ave Cemetery, Angola, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Low Beal

Notes:

Biography:
Her gravestone still exists and reads:
Mary L. Ayer,
Wife of
Nicholas Beal
Died Nov. 25,
1853,
Aged 49 years
& 5 d's
In the full hope of a blessed
immortality.

Family/Spouse: Nicholas Beal. Nicholas was born on 29 Aug 1797; died on 18 Oct 1843. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Sarah Bradley Black

Notes:

Biography:
According to the censuses, her husband was a shoemaker and she was a tayloress.
I don't believe she had any children, at least none that survived.
In Reminiscences, her brother Ira said of her:
In the balance of my writing may be found the names of Sarah Black11 Ira Ayer and family. Mrs. Sarah Black experienced religion soon after the return of her Sister Martha from Hamburg. Sarah had a full benefit of Martha's experience which was a great help to her. Martha told her that faith and repentance was the ground work to build on, though in the days of early youth, she seemed to understand the way, and embraced it as a foundation, to build for her present good and everlasting welfare. Sister Sarah Black proved to be a sister in the church well fitted to fill every place where she could do good. Her seat would be filled at the preaching, her voice would be heard at the prayer meeting; and at the class meeting. She had a good story to tell. Her motto was, it must be done; her exhortation was to her Brethren and Sisters onward. If Meeting House was to be built, or buildings to be repaired, she and her worthy husband Joe Black, also a devoted Christian were always ready to share her portion of the expense and a little more. She is now seventy eight years of age, ready to go when the Master calls.

Family/Spouse: James Black. James was born about 1801; died on 1 Jan 1865. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Henrietta Atwood

Notes:

Biography:
Some say Lucy Ann Atwood buried in the same cemetery was their daughter but I've found no evidence of that.
Her gravestone still exists and reads:
In
Memory of
Henrietta,
wife of Darius R. Atwood
who died Aug. 29th,
1832 in the 22nd
Year of her
age.

Family/Spouse: Darius R. Atwood. Darius was born in 1804; died on 17 Nov 1834; was buried in Evans Center, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Biography:
According to his brother he lived on their father's farm. In 1850 and 1860 it was valued at $6000 and $7000 respectively. He recruited, trained, and was captain of a Company that fought in the Civil War as did his brother Ira. His company was Company K, 116th Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry. He died of disease in camp during the Civil War. Post No 202 of the Grand Army of the Republic (Union veteran's organization) named themselves the James Ayer Post in his honor. His brother Ira was a member. A memorial book by the James Ayer Post to Ira Ayer gave the following description of James Ayer:
Captain James Ayer was the youngest brother of Captain Ira Ayer. He was born in what is now the town of Evans, August 14th, 1813, and died in camp at Baton Rouge, La., May 22, 1863.
I have heard it stated at various times, though I am not prepared to substantiate the fact from any records, that James Ayer was the first white male child born within the present limits of the town of Evans. His early life, like that of his older brother, developed military ability.
When a young man he was Captain and afterwards, by successive promotions, Major, Lieutenant-Colonel and Colonel of a Regiment of New York State Militia.
He resided all his life in the town and upon the same farm where he was born.
As a citizen he was honored and beloved by all. In a long acquaintance with him and with those among whom he resided I never heard other than words of esteem spoken of him as a neighbor, a friend and earnest and exemplary Christian citizen.
Like his brother he had been called to pass through great affliction.
A short time before he offered his services to his country he buried his wife and was left with two motherless children of tender age to care for.
He, however, did not falter in his convictions of duty and receiving authority to recruit a company he soon found himself mustered into the service as Captain of Company "K," One Hundred and Sixteenth Regiment, New York Volunteer Infantry. He was an efficient officer and had he lived would undoubtedly have gained promotion, as he had the entire confidence of his superior officers.
In the service he exhibited the same spirit of kindness and solicitude for others welfare that had ever been a prominent trait in his life and character and the more intimately the members of his company came to know him the stronger was their attachment to him as a friend and their admiration of him as an officer.
A few days before we left Baton Rouge on the Port Hudson campaign, he was taken sick and much against his wish compelled to remain in his tent, not wishing to go to the hospital.
... His symptoms, however, grew more alarming. He was taken with fever, followed by inflammation of the bowels and at 5 P.M. of May 22nd he passed away.
... After the war had ceased his remains were removed from Southern soil and placed by the side of his beloved wife in the town where he was born.

James married Marcy Hathaway Terry in 1839. Marcy was born on 6 Feb 1810 in Evans Center, New York; died on 4 Jan 1862; was buried in Forest Ave Cemetery, Angola, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Sarah Jane Amsdell

Notes:

Biography:
Connection of Jane Dart to Sarah Jane Amsdell:
The only record of Jane Dart is her birth given by Bolt in "Genealogy of The Dart Family in America" and her father died in Hamburg, New York. Many of the family members lived in Hamburg.
The 1950 census lists Sarah J Amsdell in Hamburg with the same age as Jane Dart. The family moved to Townsend, Ohio where Sarah died. She was usually listed as Sarah J Amsdell but on her grave stone she was Sarah Jane Amsdell.
Sarah Bradley Ayer Black was the last surviving child of James and Sara Bradley Ayer and Sarah Black had no children. According to a notice in the local paper her will named 23 people. 22 of them were known nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. The last was Jane Amsdell of Townsend, Ohio. There were no Jane Amsdells living in Townsend that I could find, just Sarah Jane. Jane Dart was Sarah Black's niece.

Died:
Obituary:
Norwalk Evening Herald May 15, 1905
Mrs. Sarah Amsdell was called from her earthly home Sunday morning, her death occurring at the family residence No. 51 Milan Street. Mrs. Amsdell had been ill but 4 days and death was due to old age.
The deceased saw born in Hamburg, New York in 1820 and came to Ohio in 1861.
She was the wife of Philander Amsdell who preceded her to the grave several years ago.
Mrs. Amsdell has been a resident of Norwalk for the past 9 years during which time she had drawn around her a large circle of friends who learned to love her for her true womanly traits of character.
Mrs. Amsdell is survived by a daughter, Mrs. J. M. Chaffee of this city and 2 sisters, Mrs. Julia Platt of Buffalo New York, mother of Rev. Ward Platt and Mrs. Carrie Hunt of Iowa. Two sons, James and John passed away several years ago.
She is also survived by 5 grandchildren: Mrs. Fred Cole of this city, Mrs. Frank Hickey of Glenville, Philip McGuckin of this city, Miss Myrtle McGuckin of Cleveland and Mrs. Louie Seeley of Wakeman.
Mrs. Amsdell dearly loved her 2 great grandchildren, the 2 children of Mr. and Mrs Fred Cole and she often said that her comfort in life was loving these little ones.
During her illness the 2 little ones came to her bedside and taking her hands in theirs begged their grandman to "wake up and talk to them".
Mrs. Amsdell was a true Christian in every respect. She joined the Methodist Church when she was quite young and found much comfort and joy in her religion.
The funeral services will be conducted by Rev. H. S. Powell at the family residence No. 51 Milan Street, Tuesday morning at 10 o'clock.
Interment will be at Townsend Center.

Sarah married Philander Amsdell about 1841 in Hamburg, New York. Philander was born in 1819 in New York; died on 26 Jun 1883 in Ohio; was buried in East Townsend Cemetery, Townsend, Ohio. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Mary Littlefield

Mary married Leason C Littlefield about 1849 in Ohio. Leason was born on 17 Jan 1820 in Ohio; died on 14 Sep 1891 in Ovid, Michigan; was buried in Maple Grove Cemetery, Ovid, Michigan. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Family/Spouse: Maria M. Titus. Maria was born about 1829 in New York; died after 1880. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Julia E. Platt

Julia married William Case Platt on 3 Jul 1852 in Oneida County, New York. William was born in 1828 in New York; died in 1864; was buried in Prospect Lawn Cemetery, Hamburg, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Biography:
From An Illustrated History of Spokane County:
G. P. Dart, a pioneer of 1883, is a native of Hamburg, New York, born August 11, 1833. He early took charge of a shingle mill, the first ever erected in that part of the country. In 1853 he removed to Dayton, New York, where lie was engaged in the manufacture of shingles for the ensuing six years. He then went to Chilicothe, Missouri, purchased a large tract of land and engaged in lumbering, farming, stock raising, etc. In 1883 he came to Spokane county as traveling salesman for the Westinghouse Threshing Machine Manufacturing Company and two years later he engaged in the agricultural implement business for himself in this city, subsequently adding the general agency of the Park & Lacey Machinery Company of Portland, Oregon. In 1889 he opened a lumber yard in Spokane, having mills at Loon Lake. Dart Siding and one near Half Moon prairie, at the same time engaging in real estate brokerage with Mr. C. Hunt and in the implement business with Mr. McCart. He retired in 1893 to his farm near Trent, but in 1897 returned to Spokane, where he has since resided. Mr. Dart long held a leading rank among the business men of eastern Washington. His versatility and capacity for supervising many different enterprises were marvelous. Fraternally he is identified with Spokane Lodge. No. 34, F. & A. M.. with Royal Arch Chapter, No. 2. of Spokane, and with the A. O. U. W., of Dayton, New York. He was married at Dayton, New York, in May. 1847, to Miss Emma Markham, a native of that state, and they have had four children : Hazel J., wife of Clare Hunt, head surveyor on the Colville Indian reservation, and Leonard O.. grocer in this city: also Nettie, deceased, buried, in Dayton, New York, and Ward, accidentally drowned in the St. Jo river April 16, 1894, on his twenty-first birthday.

Gorham married Emma Markham in May 1847 in Dayton, New York. Emma was born on 6 Jan 1832 in New York; died on 13 Oct 1911; was buried in Greenwood Memorial Terrace, Speokane, Washington. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Caroline Hunt

Caroline married Milfred Hunt about 1857. Milfred was born in Jan 1829 in New York; died after 1900. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Moses married Abby M Knapp on 4 Jul 1876. Abby was born in Feb 1855 in New York; died in 1933; was buried in Prospect Lawn Cemetery, Hamburg, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Lavinia Barr
• Name: Vinnie Ayer

Lavinia married George W Barr on 8 Aug 1858. George was born on 16 Dec 1832 in Sherburne, Chenango Co., New York; died in 1912. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

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]

Notes:

Biography:
He is Ira, Jr.'s stillborn twin brother. According to family notes Ira, Jr. had a stillborn twin brother. According to the Ayer memorial stone at Forest Avenue Cemetery, Ira, Sr. had two children name Lowe Bradley. There is a grave with dates for only one Lowe Bradley. According to Iris Barr, granddaughter of Ira, Sr., Ira, Jr. had a twin brother called Low Bradley (no word on his death). So, I assume that the first Lowe Bradley Ayer was Ira's stillborn twin brother.

Other Events:

• Name: Sarah Cecilia Tifft

Sarah married Simon E Tifft on 20 Sep 1863 in Evans Center, New York. Simon was born on 27 May 1840 in Nassau, Rensselaer County, New York; died on 26 Sep 1898. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Julia Maria Austen

Julia married James Stewart Austen on 21 Aug 1865. James was born in 1831 in Godalming, England; died on 12 Aug 1898; was buried in Los Angeles National Cemetery, Los Angeles, California. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Biography:
The 3 January 1884 edition of the Buffalo Express said:
Judge Hammond yesterday granted an order of adoption authorizing Mr. and Mrs. Ira Ayer to adopt Lolah B. Cash. Mr. and Mrs. Ayer have no children and Lolah is motherless. The child will be hereafter known as Lolah B. Ayer.
The Buffalo Courier on the same day said the child was 12 years old.
I couldn’t find a Lolah B. Cash in the area, but I did find in the 1880 census Viola Cash of Evans, New York, age 10, the oldest of 6 children (the rest boys) and living with her parents Ashley and Sophia. Sophia died 9 March 1883, but Ashley lived until 1897. As the newspaper said, Lolah was motherless, not necessarily fatherless.
But it couldn’t have been Viola because her 1913 obituary from Nebraska says:
Viola Sophia Cash was born at Evans Center, NY, September 11, 1870, passing to her reward Monday, September 1, 1913. When but twelve years of age she lost her mother, and came to Nebraska in the year 1885 to make her home with the family of her uncle, Ambrose Cash, at Rising City.
The confusing thing is that a 19 March 1885 issue of the Buffalo Courier lists heirs to the estate of William Thompson (likely Lolah’s maternal grandfather). It lists Lolah B Cash and four of her brothers (one had died) from Evans and Louise M. and Viola Sophia Cash of Rising City, Nebraska.
So, maybe there was a Lolah B and a Viola Sophia. And it turns out there was. I found on the web a genealogy that said there was. There were 6 children in 1880, one died in 1882 and Lolah B. Cash was born on 7 March 1883, 2 days before her mother’s death. That makes the only conflict the fact that Lolah was listed as being 12 years old (the age of Viola) when she was actually almost 10 months old.
This makes much more sense. Ira and Bessie probably took care of Lolah

Other Events:

• Name: Emily Bourne

Notes:

Biography:
Emily was the second wife of Rowland Hill Bourne. She had no children and is buried with her husband in Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York

Emily married Rowland Hill Bourne on 9 Nov 1858 in Plaguimines, Louisiana. Rowland was born on 11 Jan 1812 in Port Republic, Virginia; died on 4 Aug 1886; was buried on 14 Apr 1902 in Green-Wood Cemetery, Brooklyn, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Biography:
From the 27 April 1887 San Jose Murcury:
[COLOR:68,68,68,255,255,255]A GOOD MAN GONE.[:COLOR]
[BOLD:][COLOR:68,68,68,255,255,255]Death of G. P. Beal—His long Residence in California.[:COLOR][:BOLD]
[COLOR:68,68,68,255,255,255]G. P. Beal, an old and highly esteemed resident of San Jose, died at his home on Sunol street at 1:30 o'clock yesterday morning. He came here twenty-three years ago from Placer county, where at the time of his death he retained mining interests. His family consists of a wife and four children— Edward H., Irving P., Flora E. and Etta L.[:COLOR] [COLOR:68,68,68,255,255,255]He was a native of New York Et 57 years of age. Mr. Beal's birthplace in New York was Evans, near the city of Buffalo. He came to California in 1854 and located in Nevada county where he remained, however, but a few months. His home for a number of years and until he left that part of the State in 1864 was in Placer county at Dutch Flat. In 1864 he came to San Jose where he subsequently resided. It was during a visit to the East in 1859 that Mr. Beal married. His death came from the effects of Bright's disease from which he suffered severely for some months preceding. He was a man of high character, broad intelligence and humane impulses and by all who knew him was regarded as a model citizen, worthy of the sturdy, strong and noble Revolutionary stock from which he came. By his family and intimate friends his passing away will be profoundly mourned. The funeral will take place to-day at 1:30 [:COLOR][SCAP:][COLOR:68,68,68,255,255,255]p. m.[:COLOR][:SCAP]

Gorham married Helen Lenora Hawks on 14 Sep 1859 in Erie County, New York. Helen was born on 27 Jun 1834 in Angola, New York; died in 1923. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Marietta H Barrell

Marietta married John Judson Barrell about 1850. John was born in 1833 in New York; died on 24 Oct 1864. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Sarah Curtis

Notes:

Biography:
It's not likely she had any children.

Sarah married Romaine J Curtis in 1870 in Erie County, New York. Romaine was born about 1840 in Ohio; died after 1900. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Biography:
From "Our County and It's People":
Ayer, J. J., Evans was born in Evans on the farm where he now lives and where his grandfather, James Ayer, settled in 1811 and raised a large family, one of whom was James, the father of J. J. Ayer, who remained on the homestead and was a farmer until 1862, when he entered the army as captain of Co K 116th N. Y. Vols. He died in service in 1863 and left one son and one daughter. J. J. Ayer has always been one of the leading farmers of the town and for the last two years has been one of the assessors and has always taken an active interest in the affairs of the town. He married for his first wife Ellen Knight, who died and left one son and two daughters, Lynn, Clara and Maud ; his present wife was Mary A Banis.

Family/Spouse: Ella M. Knight. Ella was born on 13 Aug 1851; died on 27 Jan 1885; was buried in Forest Ave Cemetery, Angola, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

James married Mary Banis on Yes, date unknown. Mary was born in 1847 in New York; died in 1939; was buried in Forest Ave Cemetery, Angola, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Other Events:

• Name: Clara Meissner

Clara married Carl August Meissner on 8 Nov 1883. Carl was born on 19 Sep 1859 in Statin Island, New York; died on 13 Oct 1930 in Steubenville, Ohio; was buried on 15 Oct 1930 in Staten Island, New York. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]