Polk Co. IAGenWeb

AYERS, G. K. - Is the oldest son of W. F. Ayers, who came to Fort Des Moines from Ohio, in October, 1845, and settled here by permission of Captain Allen, now deceased, and is one of the oldest settlers now living in this city. Young Ayers was employed in improving a claim on section 9, which belonged to his father. This land has since been known as Hoxie's addition to Des Moines. At the age of twenty-two years he entered into partnership with his father, put up a steam saw mill on the west side of the river it being the first circular saw mill in the county and in the fall of 1856 they built a steam flouring mill. This mill was burned in 1861, and since that time Mr. Ayers has divided his time between milling and agricultural pursuits. In the winter of 1879-80, in connection with several enterprising gentlemen, he built the guclose works in this city, Mr. Ayers taking charge of the milling part of the enterprise. On the 5th of July, 1857, he was married to Miss Eliza Raling, a native of Ohio. They have three children living: Allie M. (wife of G. W. Penn), Anna F. and Lillie. Have lost one son, Harry L.