William S. Ayers 1844-1921 Civil War Veteran

AYERS, STONEMAN, SCOVILLE, VANDERLAS, KING

Posted By: Dorothy Gosse (email)
Date: 5/12/2011 at 21:24:36

- After a long and useful life W. S. Ayers passed away
at his home in this city on Sunday morning, Sept. 18.
He was born in Louisa county near Columbus Junction
on 30th of March 1844. When three years of age his
mother died and after that sad event he was taken by
his father to Carroll county, Illinois. Here he grew to
manhood, working on the farm during the summer
seasons and attending district school in the winters.
In 1865, on the 27 of February, he enlisted in the 7th
Illinois Cavalry and served until mustered out on the
9th of October 1865.
- In February, 1867 he came to Byron township, Buchanan
county, Iowa. He was united in marriaged with Elizabeth
A. Stoneman on the 8th of December, 1868. They settled
on a farm which Mr. Ayers had purchased on Pine Creek
and there they resided until November 1904 when they
moved to Oelwein. Nine years later Mrs. Ayers passed
on to her eternal home.
- Five children came to bless the home of Mr. and Mrs.
Ayers, four of whom survive the passing of their devoted
father. They are Mrs. Maud E. Scoville of Anoka, Minn.;
Mrs. Gertrude Vanderlas, at home; Mrs. Blanche J. King of
Fairbank and Miss Nelle at home. One brother, John Ayers
of Valentine, Nebraska and six grandchildren also remain
to cherish his memory.
- He was a member of Griffith post Grand Army of the
Republic and served for some time in the capacity of
Commander.
- Funeral services were conducted from the Methodist
church Tuesday afternoon. The remains, in charge of the
G. A. R. post, lay in state from 12 to 2:30. The W. R. C.
attended the funeral in a body and the American Legion
was well represented. Interment was in Woodlawn cemetery.

Oelwein Daily Register - 20 Sep 1921
Note: burial in Woodlawn Cemetery