Charles T. Ayres (1847 - 1925)

AYRES, RAYMOND, SQUIER

Posted By: Barry Mateer (email)
Date: 12/21/2021 at 15:16:29

Osceola Sentinel , Osceola, Iowa
March 12, 1925 , page 3

Chas. Thomas Ayres was born September 18, 1847, at Akron, Ohio, into the home of Mr. and Mrs. Justin Ayres, Charles being the third of six children.

In September, 1867, Mr. Ayres moved to Iowa, where he has since resided, with the exception of three years, 1888 to 1891, which were spent in South Dakota, where the deceased was employed in the milling business.

February 16, 1879, Mr. Ayres was united in marriage to Miss Eleanor Raymond, of Osceola, Iowa. To this happy union three children were born: Mrs. G.R. Squier of San Francisco, California; Romeyn B. Ayres, of Clarke county, Iowa, and Raymond Ayres of Des Moines, Ia., who survive their deceased parent.

The deceased leaves to mourn their loss his good wife, her aged mother, Mrs. Raymond, three children, and five grandchildren; Mildred Squier, Florence, Elizabeth and Daniel Ayres, and Dorothy Marie Ayres, besides a host of friends who will sadly miss his genial smile and kindly word.

In 1901, Mr. Ayres with other business men and farmers, organized the Osceola National Bank. He was elected president of the bank and he helped establish, and as such has continued until his death. A man above the average in intelligence, our departed brother possessed a keen intellect and wit. He was a great reader of the better class of literature. He enjoyed the confidence of all the citizens with whom he had business dealings.

Mr. Ayres built up a high-class herd of registered cattle, being Clarke county’s first farmer to undertake the breeding of registered cattle and horses.

On Tuesday morning, March 3, 1925, having boarded the train for Des Moines, Mr. Ayres was suddenly stricken and died, after 77 years, 6 months and 15 days of life, this good neighbor, citizen, husband and father passed to the other shore. Another influential life has left us.

March 5, 1925
Osceola Sentinel , page 1

C.T. Ayres well-known pioneer of this city, banker, farmer and breeder of fine horses, died suddenly Tuesday morning about 8:30 while on his way to Des Moines to look after business interests. Mr. Ayres was forced to run to catch his train and it is presumed that the overexertion brought on apoplexy causing his almost instant death. When the morning train to Des Moines left the station, Mr. Ayres took a seat by the side of Evan Freeman of this city. They passed the usual pleasantries incident to such an occasion and when the train reached a point about a half mile from the station Mr. Ayres suddenly slumped forward in his seat. Examination proved that he was dead. The train was backed and the body was removed to the station. Roy A. Downs, business associate and personal friend of the deceased man, was called by telephone and arrived at the station as the body was being taken from the train. He immediately took charge of the affairs and attempted to get in touch with Romeyn Ayres. Failing in this he left word at the various places he might be found and left for the Ayres home to notify Mrs. Ayres. She has born up well under the shock of her sudden bereavement although almost prostrate by grief.

Few men have enjoyed the wide acquaintanceship and friendship as has C. T. Ayres. He was the youngest son of Justin Ayres, one of the pioneer farmers of the county. He camo to this county in 1868, being then 21 years old. Father and son were partners in their farming venture and succeeded very well in their chosen line of business. He was a thorough student of the host means to be adopted in successful farming and was a lover of fine horses, being at one time one of the largest breeders in the county. His love of horses was never put aside for the automobile and he always kept a fine team of driving horses for his personal use.

On February 18, 1879, Mr. Ayres was married to Nellie Raymond. To this union were born three children, Lizzie Squier who resides in the west, Romeyn of this city and Raymond of Des Moines.

The deceased man has been a continuous resident of the county all these years and has had at all times the highest respect and confidence of all the people with whom he has dealt. At the time of his death he was president of the Osceola National Bank and while his participation in the bank's affairs was not active he took a keen interest in the business affairs of the county in which he made his home. He has never been an aspirant to public office but has held many positions of trust and favor with organizations interested in the farmers’ welfare.

Funeral services will be held at the Presbyterian church Sunday afternoon at 2:00 o'clock. Word has been received that the daughter, Mrs. Squier, will be here in time for the funeral.

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