John W. Ayers

John W. Ayers - one of the pioneers of Paulding county, is the son of John Ayers, who emigrated from Pennsylvania in the early settlement of Ohio, locating in the eastern part of the State, near Bethlehem, Stark County, where, in 1818, the subject of this sketch was born. In 1832 he removed west to Harding county, and in 1837 to Putnam county; finally, in October, 1840, John W. located in Paulding county, and settled down to work at his trade as a carpenter and joiner. Times becoming dull, he concluded to study law, and entered the office of D. U. Harrington, studying for two years, after which he went to Lucas county, where the Supreme Court was in session, where he was admitted to practice law. Being an expert with his rifle, he was considered one of the best hunters in the State. In May 1846, he was married to Sarah S. Hankins, who was born in New Egypt, New Jersey, in November 1828. Shortly after his marriage he was elected to the office of Prosecuting Attorney of Paulding county, which office he has filled at different times for over twenty years. In 1864 and 1865 he represented the Northwestern District of Ohio, then composed of Williams, Defiance and Paulding counties, in the House of Representatives. He has now retired from the practice of law, and is engaged in mercantile pursuits. He resides on his farm, which is a large one, and adjoins the village of Charloe. His wife died in July 1880. Their family were: Mary, Emma, Ney; Murat, born December 4, 1852; Florence, January 26, 1859; Calvin, August 14, 1860; Allie, October 26, 1863. Mr. Ayers has been Justice of the Peace for twenty-four years. His postoffice address is Charloe, Paulding county, Ohio.