Francis Henry Ayers lived in Dakota City, in 1900 and was buried in in the Dakota City Cemetery. He was born 1832 and died in 1907. Here’s a little look at his life.
Frank, his friends called him that, was born when Andrew Jackson was president. He was born in Charles, Missouri1, presumably St. Charles. His father was born in Connecticut and moved west to Missouri, where he met Frank’s mother2.
As a young man, he eventually moved to Fort Madison, Iowa. Where he enlisted in the Grand Army of the Republic, on November 16, 1861. He mustered in as a Private in Company G of the 4th Iowa Cavalry3.
Ayres was sent home on sick furlough June 14, 1862, discharge recommended. He was discharged July 16, 1862 in St. Louis for disability4.
He applied for his pension on Jan 7, 1876. His application is #212519, and his certificate #190234. After his death, his wife applied for her widow’s pension on Jan 19, 1907. Her application is #86139, and her certificate #6324655.
He married Harriet Elder in 1863. He was known to work as a tinsmith. According to the 1900 census it was recorded that he could read, write, and speak English. He owns his own home. It is a home and not a farm. Those residing in the house are Francis Ayres age 68 head of house. His wife is Harriett A. Ayres age 56. James W Elder a brother-in-law is 58. George Ayres age 2 is a grandson. (from the 1900 census)7.
He died on January 5th, 1907. He lived a low key life, but a life of service to his country.
1Ancestry.com. U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.
2Year: 1900; Census Place: Dakota, Dakota, Nebraska; Roll: 920; Page: 2; Enumeration District: 0068.
3Ancestry.com. U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2012.Historical Data Systems, Inc.; Duxbury, MA 02331; American Civil War Research Database
4Ibid.
5Ancestry.com. Nebraska, U.S., Grand Army of the Republic, Burial Records, 1861-1948 [database on-line]. Lehi, UT, USA: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc., 2021.
6Year: 1900; Census Place: Dakota, Dakota, Nebraska; Roll: 920; Page: 2; Enumeration District: 0068.