The Middlebury register and Addison County journal. [volume] (Middlebury, Vt.) 1883-1885, 1885-05-22
FRANCIS A. AlRES.

DIED.--In Wcybrdgc, May 10, Francis Asbury
Ayres. aged 70 years, months and days.
Mr.. Ayres was born in Royalton, VT, March 3,
1907, and was one of the family Oi eight boys and
one girl. The family removed TO Weybridge and
lived near the monument until 1928, when they
removed to the north part, near where he has al
ways since lived. Mr.. AyTcs shortly engaged in
the leather business and the manufacture OF
boots and shoes, These, IN connection with his
farming, made tor him very busy life, which
was continued until Il few years since, when the
weight OF years compelled hum to retire
lie was married in early life TO Miss Maria
Gulley OF Addison, with whom he has carried the
burdens Of life as they have come to them. She
was hepmate indeed, and survives him. Their
family consists of one son, Rev Watson Ayres
of the y. Il. Methodist conference and six daugh
tiers. Their eldest child died 80 years agu,and no
two OF the grandchildren have died. Very little
sickness has come to them in these years.
Mr.. Ayres' conversion was at the age OF ia
years, God making use of his eldest brother to
influence him and draw MIN "tO the way" He
was baptized at Middlebury by Rev. Noah Lev
ings and received into the NJ +. church at that
place. Shorty liter he was transferred to the
church at this place and continued thus up to his
deatl. Amid all the dark hours as well Is the
joyous ones the church has had the utmost conf
dence IN his lalthiulness and ability, placing and
keeping him among those at the helm. lie was
class leader ~ years, trustee and steward 4S
years and was at his dealh the oldest church
member IN town. lie was ever true To the trust
reposed i'll him. AT no time duriug these long
years did he attempt to rid himself OF the burden,
for at times 1t has been truly burden, and not
till the in1rmlties OF age rendered 1t impossible
for him t. attend the sanctuary did he resign 1t to
younger hands. His religion was remembered
at home well as at the church. And, ably sus.
tanned by his companion, they trained up their
children in the way they believed in. The FAM.
ly altar remained Tor 81 years, and during his
last sickness even when too feeble to kneel ne
prayed sitting in his chair. The seed thus sown
returned To them after many days, and together
they were blessed in the conversion OF ali of their
children, the son standing upon the walls OF Zlun
declaring the revealed truths OF Christ in an ac.
ceptaDle manner
Mr.. Ayres' health has ever been better than
IS usual, but Tor year or two has been fail
ing gradually, ending IN a partial stroke of par
aysls, caused by sOtcning ofthe brain. lie
needed no preparation, and 80 long as reason
remained gave "A powerful evidence of the grace
promised TO those who are faithful to the end
viewing with JOY the apparent nearness of the
crossing over. Two brothers only survive him
of his fathers family. They reside in New YOrS
The town has hOnored him above many. lie
was selectman six consecutive years and repre-.
sented the town in the general assembly in the
years 1850 aud 81 with general acceptance
The funeral was held at the NJ +. church on the
Tuesday flowing his death L. +. Bennett ollici
N2ting assisted by Rev. Elizabeth Delevan.