The Cecil Whig., 1886-07-17
A NEW PRESIDING ELDER.
L. w. Njib


\. w. Nib
! The Rev. Thomas O. Ayres of Denton
/ Caroline county, on Monday last assumed
his duties as presiding elder of Dover dis
trict OF the Wilmington Nj. f. Conference
Bishop Mallalieu made the appoint
ment on last Friday from Boston. The
Martindale of Dover, j. Il. Quigg Of
Smyra and II. u. Thompson of + aston
were candidates for the place, but on
June 81, at a meeting ot the preachers
association, Mr.. Ayres WAS chosen by a
vote that was afterward male unanimous
for the honor, and his name 18th this
potent recommendation Was sent to
Bishop Mallaheu. His predecessor, the
Rev. y. w. Miby, died at Harrington,
Delaware, about a month ago.
Presiding Elder Ayre> was born in
Queen Anne's county, Md, and was As
years old May 21th last. He was the
eighth child Of a family of niue. His pa
rents were James and n Iucy (Hlrwood)
Ayres. His father WAS Of English de-
scent and his mother, on her fathers side,
of Irish extraction. She was married i'll
her 18th year, and died aged rs, in 1870.
when Thomas was only four years old.
Thomas had few advantages of educa-
ton He commenced attending school
at years of age, but went only at inter
walls After the death of his moth 4r he
was employed on farm. When seven
teen years OF age he went to smyrna and
harness making. He became a good
workman and was employed for Il year
after his apprenticeship expired. At the
end of this year he bought out his en-
ployer and began business in his own
name. at which he continued until 1861.
During all these years he employed all
his leisure time in study. When the war
broke out he enlisted, and became an or
derly sergeant in Company y, Sixth Reg
iment Delaware Volunteers. He served
the term of the regiment, and on July l,
1864, he re-eulisted in the Seventh rcgl-
ment, Delaware infantry, serving as First
Lieutenant Of Company f. On Decem
tain of Company II, Ninth regiment,
Delaware infantry, and was honorably
discharged at tie end of the war when
he resumed his trade at Smyrna.
In 1859 he became a member of the NJ.
+. Church at Smyrna. During the next
nine years he was successfully class
leader. exhorter and local preacher and,
while giving all needful attention to his
busino SIS. he was stIil earnestly applying
himself to preparing for the ministry OF
the Gospel. He first served the Church
occasionally on Smyrna Circuit and was
received into the rank as a travelling
preacher ill 1870. He was appointed to
Millsboro', and served as pastor of that
charge for three years. and in 1876 was
appointed to the Pocomoke City church
for two years; then he became pastor of
Asbury VI. f. Church, Cristield, for Two
years. In 1SS2 he was made pastor of
the NJ. f. Church at East New Market.
During the past sixteen months he has
been pastor of the NJ. f. Church at Den
ton.
lie is an original thinker, and, as "a
speaker, is forcible and popular He has
been very successful as tinancier in
church matters, and largely engaged i'll
building up churches and church prop
erty. He has been very active in the
temperance cause, and been bold and
fearless worker in behalf of local option.
In 1868 he joined the Good Tcmp!ars,
and year later was made Grand Worthy
Chief Templar of the State OF Delaware
for one year. As au Odd Fellow, he has
passed all the chairs. and has been del
egate to the Grand Lodge OF the State
In 1861 lie married Rebecca T.. daughter
OF JOS. and phube y. Disch, OF Smyrna.
They have had nine children, only three
of whom survive.