Polk Co. IAGenWeb

AYRES, SAMUEL A. - Dealer in chinaware and crockery, was born March 12, 1835, in Lee county, near Ft. Madison. His father had settled there in 1833, and our subject was amongst the first white children born at that place. He was raised on a farm and received a common school education. When fifteen years of age he went to Muscatine and was engaged as a clerk in a general store. There he remained about four years and then went to St. Louis, graduating from the Jones Commercial College. From that city he went to Kansas City; remained one year and then came to Des Moines, in December, 1854, when he took a position as clerk in a real estate office, continuing therein for two years.. He went west to Council Bluffs and Sioux City and remained about two years. After his return he enlisted in company D, Second Iowa, in April, 1861. Was out about one year and then left his regiment at Pittsburg Landing, being discharged on account of disability. On his return from the army he was book-keeper for about three years in the State Auditor's office; under Cattell. and was then appointed Deputy Auditor, serving under Elliott for six years, and under Russell for four years. He commenced his present business in April, 1878. He was married in Henry, county, this State, in December, 1866, to Miss Minnie Menifee, a native of Virginia. He has the honor of being the first male child born in the Territory of Iowa. They have two sons and two daughters: Mary Y., Edgar S., Minnie, and Samuel N.