Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1892-09-29
COMRADE AYARS GOMpLIMENTED.
Elected Junior Vice-commander,
National Encampment, C. A. r.


National Encampment, C. A. r.
Delaware Honored by His Selection--His |
Honorable Career ms II Soldier--LocaI G.. |
A. Il. Men Delighted at His High Favor.
At the national encampment of the
Grand Army of the Republic, Thurs
day, great honor was conferred on the
Department Of Delaware in the selection
of Peter b. Ayars of this city for junior
vice.commander The position is Of con-
siderable importance, there being only
two higher offices in the gift of the
large organization. The new junior
vice commander was candidate for
the position year ago, but was de-
feated.
Mr.. Ayars was born al Bridgeport, N.
j., April 18th, 1Si2. When the late war
broke out he was 10 year. old and u
blacksmith's apprentice. His patriotism
was unbounded and he sought enlist
ment IN New Jersey regiment, but all
the companies were full and he was re-
fused admission. Going to Philadelphia
he enlisted in the 32d regiment, Penn.
sylvania Volunteer Infantry, subsc-
quently designated as the Doth. The
regiment was organized in Philadelphia
July Goth, 1861, and was designated as
the 09th January 18th, 1862. He Joined
Company y as n private and enlisted
for term of three years, at the conclu-
sion of which he re.enlisted. His
bravery attracted attention and he was
gradually promoted until he became
captain of the company, and finally he
was made adiutant of the regiment.
He was in active service nearly all the
time the war lasted.
The regiment served in the Third
brigade, Third division, of the Army of
| the Potomac, from November, 1861, to
March, 1863, was engaged in the de.
fence of Washington until July of the
latter year and served in the Second
brigade, First division, Third army
corps, of the Army of the Potomac,
until April, 1864, and in the First
brigade, Third division, Second army
corps, of the Army of the Potomac,
until June, 1865. Companies A, B and
G moved to Washington August Sth,
1861, and the other companies Of the
regiment went there August gath of that
year. Mr.. Ayars fought in So battles
and participated in several skirmishes
lie was wounded three times. On one
occasion he received flesh wound in
|
sion he received flesh wound in the
left thigh. AT the battle of Sailors
Creek, fought April 9th, 1865, three DAYS
before the surrender of General Lee, he
was seriously wounded. He was during
that engagement in command of the
regiment and was scaling breastworll
when he was shot in the left arm. That
battle was the last one in which he took
part His arm was so badly injured it
had to be amputated.
Soon after the war ended he removed
to Chester and was in business there for
a year. He has resided in this city dur
ing the last 25 years. Shortly after
coming here he learned telegraphy but
did net accept employment as tclegra-
phcr For several years after his re-
moyal to Wilmington he was employed
on the p, w. g. b. railroad. During the
last two years he has been deputy col
lector of port and for 13 years preced-
ing his appointment to that position he
was Il letter-carrier.
He is one of the most popular and
prominent Grand Army men in this
State. lie is adiutant of Admiral S. f.
DUPONT Post and was commander Of the
Department of Delaware in 1SS9-90 lie
has been member of the Grand Army
OF the Republic a long time. Being a
past department commander he has a
voice in the proceedings at the national
encampment. His friends are greatly
rejoiced over his elevation to the office
of national junior vice-commander.
In the contest for the exalted position
Mr.. Ayars was opposed by Past De-
partment Commander j. g. Bigger, of
Dallas, Tex; Commander Minton, OF
Kentucky, and Comrade Kennedy, OF
California. Two ballots were neces.
sary to reach determination, and on
the second Mr.. Ayars received 3S9 out
of the GAO votes cast and was elected.
NJ. b. Fowler, of this city, chief clerk
for the Wilmington and Northern Rail
road Company, was named as the Della.
ware member OF the National Counci
of Administration. He is assistant
quartermaster-g general OF the Depart
ment of Delaware.