The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1909-12-10
DAVID j. AYREs.


- . The elements We're
So mix'd in him that Nature might
stand up,
And say to all the world, This was a
man.
The words of Shakespeare naturally
come to mind on learning of the death
of large-hearted, broad-minded, popu-
lar David j. Ayres, which occurred in
Pittsburg yesterday. The community
was surprised as we'll as saddened by
the news of his demise, as previous
advices concerning his condition had
been uniformly favorable for several
days. 1t was generally known that he
had been quite i'll, bu. all were en-.
couraged to believe that the crisis was
past and were hopeful that he would
soon regain at least fair measure OF
health No one was prepared for the
announcement that he was no more.
Mr.. Ayres was born in Kentucky
and was an ideal representative OF the
best type of Kentucky gentleman. He
was naturally and insttnctiyely and
habitually true to the traditions of his
family and state. In early life he came
with his parents to Missouri and later
to Keokuk, which has been his home
ever since. Here he engaged in
business career which was character
lied by uninterrupted success through
! out. He was man of pleasing adj
dress, strong personality and great
force of character and he took position
/ as leader IN the community almost
/ from the first. This distinction was
his until the end He enjoyed the
confidence and respect of all who
knew him and was trusted and trust
worthy adviser and friend. In token
4 of the esteem in which he was held
I he was elected mayor of Keokuk and
later was appointed postmaster. Still
later he served his ward as its repre-
sentative in the city council. HIS
election as alderman attested his pop
ularity outside of party lines. Al
though an uncompromising Democrat
he was honored with handsome ma
iority in strong Republican ward
: His public service was IN keeping witt
his successful career in private life
He brought to the discharge OF hi
official duties the same careful, atten
j ton to details, industry, good iudg
S ment and fidelity to the interests com
/ mitted to his care that made him al
e honor to the business world.
e Had Mr.. Ayres chosen a public II
stead of commercial career he woul
undoubtedly have won high honor
6 and wide distinction. Even as it was
: he was widely known as one of tn
!, strong men Of the state and nation
! One could scarcely go anywhere an
let it be known he was from Keoku
without being asked concerning Dayi
J.. Ayres. Some knew him by reaso
Of his connection with st. Johns Epi
= copal church, of which he was IL
20 many years vestryman. Other
- knew him as the longtime head
Is the firm of T. R. j. Ayres & Son
- Still others had come in contact vii
Il, him in the state and national conve
tions of his party Mention OF h
name was always accompanied by e
n pressions of appreciation of hiI
st. Whenever he was known he was +
lg spected, esteemed and admired.
in David j Ayres will be serious
~ missed from Keokuk. He was fam
nd lar figure on the streets, where he w
halted every few feet by frien'
eager to greet him and pay their re
is poets to him. Sorrow over his demi
a is widespread in the community, WIFI
he has lost one of its most promine
ed and useful members. All Keok'
mi mourns with the bereaved family.