Project Ayer
The Ayer and James Families and the Civil War
Project Ayer is a collection of documents (several
hundred) relating to the family of Ira Ayer, Jr. The bulk of the documents
are letters to and from the family from between 1845 and 1899. The people
involved are Ira, his parents, siblings and children and the family of his wife,
Jennie James. There are two main parts to Project Ayer. The primary
part includes most of the documents and they are listed below.The second part is a collection of documents relating to Ira Ayer, Jr's time with the Freedmen's Bureau. He was stationed in Georgia and Virginia from 1866-8.
The third part is a collection of a couple hundred documents relating specifically to the settlements of the estates of Ira's mother-in-law, Jane Francis James and her son Clemens (or Clements) James. Those documents are in a section called Ayer vs. James.
Related Documents:
- Cast of Characters: Check here.
- Family descriptions: Ayer and James.
-
History of the
10th
Pennsylvania Reserves (the regiment that Ira Ayer, Jr. was
in)
including history by Samuel
Bates.
- The flag of the Allegheny College Civil War Company by Jonathan Helmriech, Ph.D. (the Company of Ira Ayer, Jr.).
- Photo Albums for the Ayer and James families
- Documents and Newspaper articles for Ira Ayer I and Ira Ayer II.
- "Reminiscences of the Life of a Pioneer", an autobiography by Ira Ayer, I and a memorial to him by his GAR company
- A history of the James family from the 19th century
- Vital Records for the James family
- Ayer vs. James: The settlement of the estates of Jane F. James and her son Clemens James
Table of Contents for this summary document:
Table of Contents for the detailed documents:
|
Item |
Date |
Type |
Description |
Summary |
Transcriber |
|
Malcolm_004 |
7-Jan-45 |
Letter |
From: Lucretia L. Page Bradley |
Letter of condolences to the children of James and Sarah Ayer on the death of her sister-in-law Sarah Bradley Ayer and their brother Low Bradley Ayer who died a few month before. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0851 |
27-Aug-53 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr |
Ira just arrived at school again. I think the year is 1853. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0271 |
11-Sep-53 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Vinnie |
Ira talks about being elected to a position in
a society he belongs to. It seems to be a forensic
society where members debate topics and recite speeches.
Ira asks Vinnie for the best speech she can find from |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0881 |
4-Nov-53 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: My most darling loveliness (Vinnie) |
Ira writes to Vinnie thanking her for sending written material that he used in a presentation before the school. He then says he will come home soon and would like in introduce Vinnie to a friend. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII00041 |
16-Nov-53 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr
Where: To: Vinnie |
Ira talks about his deceased brother Lowe. At the end he talks of going home to visit the family. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0841 |
8-Jan-54 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Vinnie |
Ira tells Vinnie about his
trip from home back to school. He also asks her advise
on his writing to a girl he fancies named |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0021 |
17-Feb-54 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr
Where:
To: Vinnie |
Ira is angry Vinnie has not written in a long time. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0071 |
17-Feb-54 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr
Where: To: Vinnie |
Ira writes the second letter of the day to Lavinia. His first letter asked her why she hadn’t written and her letter was angry about him not responding to a letter she wrote that he never received. Ira talks at length of how he has just found God. He also tells Lavinia of news he has from home. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0171 |
15-Apr-54 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Vinnie |
Ira talks of his trip from
home to school. His stage was able to make better than
seven miles an hour from |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0721 |
11-Jun-54 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Vinnie |
Ira continues to try to get Vinnie to share his views on religion. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0831 |
25-Jun-54 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Vinnie |
Ira opens with Spanish or Latin I think and tell how he is doing and about graduation ceremonies that he attended. He did well in school and his roommate will visit during summer vacation. |
Bill |
| 26-May-55 | Event | Ira Ayer, Jr gets rank of 1st Lieutenant | Sixty-Seventh Regiment - Thirty Second Brigade - Eight Division - NY Infantry | ||
| 8-Jun-55 | Event | Ira Ayer, Jr gets his commission | Ira is listed through the 1861 edition of the NY AG report. | ||
|
AyerIraII0031 |
22-Aug-59 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr
Where: To: Vinnie |
Ira is just settled in at a new school. He is very happy and says it is much better than Alleghany (however, he ends up back at Alleghany in a year and very happy there). |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0321 |
22-Oct-59 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Brother George |
Ira congratulates George on the birth of his baby Iris and asks George if he can pay back the money that he lent Vinnie. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0331 |
4-Dec-60 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Sister and Brother (Vinnie and George) |
Ira is happy to be back at Allegheny. He is very impressed with the new headmaster (Loomis). |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0531 |
9-Feb-61 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Brother and Sister |
Ira says all is well, does his lecture on religion, and begs Vinnie to write more. |
Bill |
|
Item |
Date |
Type |
Description |
Summary |
Transcriber |
|
|
12-Apr-61 | Event |
|
||
|
AyerIraII0511 |
2-May-61 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Brother (George) |
Ira thanks his brother-in-law George for offering him a commission saying that he had formed a company of his own. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0381 |
20-May-61 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: S. P. Bates |
Ira asks Samuel Bates to get the Governor to personally assure that his Allegheny Company will be accepted. |
Bill |
| 11-Jun-61 | Event |
The Alleghany Company
leaves |
They went by Canal boat to |
||
| 14-Jun-61 | Event |
Ira Ayer, Jr is
mustered in as Captain at |
|||
| 1-Jul-61 | Event |
Company moved 12 miles
up river to |
|||
|
AyerIraII0371 |
6-Jul-61 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Mother |
Ira writes to his mother knowing that she does not have long to live. |
Brad |
|
AyerIraII0361 |
7-Jul-61 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: To: Mother |
Ira writes a poem saying good bye to his mother. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0471 |
8-Jul-61 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Vinnie |
Ira writing his sister that
he is comfortable and enjoying |
Brad |
|
AyerIraII0481 |
17-Jul-61 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Brother |
A short letter to George saying that Ira may have to move out soon for MD. He said he included a newspaper clipping on his regiment. He is enjoying camp life better than he expected. |
Brad |
| 21-Jul-61 | Event |
The First |
|||
|
AyerIraII0491 |
5-Aug-61 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Brother |
Ira writes about hoping to
see George in camp (he has not enlisted yet). It is very
hot in camp and they are waiting for orders to move. He
really enjoyed |
Bill |
| 14-Aug-61 | Event | Julia Mariah Wadsworth Ayer, Ira's mother dies at age 52 | Wife of Ira, I and mother to Ira, II | ||
|
AyerIraII0011 |
20-Aug-61 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Big Falls To: Vinnie |
Ira writes about protecting
the |
Brad |
|
AyerIraII0521 |
26-Sep-61 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Camp Tenally To: Brother George |
Apparently George has just
enlisted as an officer. Ira asks if George will bring
Vinnie to |
Brad |
| 25-Oct-61 | Event | Samuel R James enlists with Battery A, 5th US Artillery | He served as a 2nd Lieutenant. As a volunteer he was not paid. He was awaiting a commission that he claims was personally promised by E M Stanton, the Secretary of War. | ||
|
AyerIraII0501 |
17-Nov-61 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Vinnie |
Ira speaks eloquently about the weather and the war. |
Bill |
| 20-Dec-61 | Event | Ira Ayer, Jr. and his company see action for the first time at Dranesville | |||
|
Item |
Date |
Type |
Description |
Summary |
Transcriber |
| 24-Feb-62 | Event | Having not received his commission, Samuel R James resigned | |||
|
AyerIraII0261 |
4-Mar-62 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Brother George |
Ira writes to George telling him of life in camp and about the family back home. Ira, Sr. bought a piano for the young girls. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0411 |
4-Mar-62 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Vinnie |
Ira tells Vinnie how blessed he is and remembers the death of their mother. Ira is sitting on a General Court Martial. |
Bill |
| 17-Mar-62 | Event |
Samuel Reginald James
is Mustered into the 1st NY Artillery in |
This is his second time in service | ||
|
AyerIraII0061 |
29-Apr-62 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Camp at ?? Station To: Vinnie |
Ira congratulates Vinnie on the birth of her son. Then he talks of where he is and of Uncle Joseph and hopes for an early peace. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0101 |
11-Jun-62 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Camp at Union Landing To: Vinnie |
Ira had just marched 7 miles
in the pouring rain from |
Bill |
| 26-Jun-62 | Event | Ira Ayer, Jr. sees action at Beaver Dam Creek | |||
| 27-Jun-62 | Event | Ira Ayer, Jr. sees action at Gaines’ Mill and receives the first of his three wounds. |
From Martial Deeds: At Gaines’ Mill, he received a gunshot wound in the right side and a severe contusion of the right arm. It is also where Edwin Pier was mortally wounded, and event that ultimately led to the meeting of Ira Ayer, Jr. and Jennie James. |
||
|
JamesWilliam0151 |
12-Jul-62 |
Letter |
From: William James Where:
To: Wm B. Pier Esqr |
Copy of a letter about the death of Mr. Pier's son Edwin. This is the letter that led Ira Ayer, Jr. to meet Jennie by visiting the James to thank them for taking such good care of Edwin . |
Bill |
| 11-Aug-62 | Event |
ra Ayer, Sr. marches
into |
Since it was the first company recruited, it was named Company A. | ||
|
JamesJaneF0021 |
19-Aug-62 |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: Mrs. Lincoln |
Jane writes a letter thanking the President for helping her husband get a job at the Treasury Department, offering her condolences for the death of Willie Lincoln, talks of her son who was drowned, her husband’s poem written for Willie Lincoln, her work with the dying in a military hospital, and asks for help finding a job in the Agriculture Department. |
Bill |
| 22-Aug-62 | Event |
Ira Ayer, Sr. is awarded a ceremonial sword by his company. |
|||
|
AyerIraII0091 |
22-Aug-62 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Vinnie |
He just traveled from
Fortress Monroe to |
Bill |
| 26-Aug-62 | Event | Samuel Reginald James, 1st Lieut. is wounded at Manassas Junction | This is the injury that ended his military carrier. According to the doctor’s report “I do hereby certify that I have carefully examined this officer and find that on the night of the 26th in a charge made upon his battery by a body of Rebel Cavalry at Manassas Junction. He was injured by his horse which was shot falling upon – Thereby causing him to spit blood. And that in [] thereof he is in my opinion unfit for duty. I further declare my belief that he will not be able to resume his duties in a less period than 15 or 20 days! | ||
|
AyerIraII0601 |
28-Aug-62 |
Letter |
From: ?? White Where: Lower Salem, Washington Co., OH To: Capt. Ayer |
The father of Samuel White tells Ira that his son was not able to make it home alive. He talks of his son’s love for Ira. |
Bill |
| 30-Aug-62 | Event |
Ira Ayer, Jr. is
wounded at |
From Martial Deeds: At Ira will be out on leave until December. |
||
| 4-Sep-62 | Event | Capt. Ira Ayer, Sr. musters in. |
He musters in the company he
recruited as Company A of 116th |
||
| 4-Sep-62 | Event | Capt. James Ayer, Jr. musters in. |
He musters in the company he recruited as Company
K of 116th |
||
| 18-Oct-62 | Event | Ira Ayer, Jr. is promoted to Major | |||
| 24-Oct-62 | Event | Samuel resigns for the 2nd time | |||
|
AyerIraFile0022 |
27-Oct-62 |
Letter |
From: Dr. John Crouyn, MD Where: Buffalo To: To whom it may concern |
||
|
AyerIraI0111 |
Nov-62 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Sr Where: Head Quarters 116th Reg Camp Chapin To: Secretary of the Erie County Savings Bank |
Ira gives his daughter Lavinia authorization to withdraw money from his savings account. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0401 |
16-Dec-62 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Vinnie |
Ira has stopped on |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0441 |
22-Dec-62 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Camp of 10th Regt PRC To: Vinnie |
Ira returns to his regiment
four months after receiving a wound in his arm. He is
surprised to find that a couple weeks earlier he had been elected major by
the other officers (records show this happened two months earlier).
Ira discusses the politics of the election, how badly his regiment
had been devastated in the last battle (probably |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0051 |
28-Dec-62 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Camp of 10 Regt PRC To: Vinnie |
Ira speaks eloquently about the reasons for fighting and about “the Flag”. He discusses a few other topics including the condition of his arm. |
Bill |
|
Item |
Date |
Type |
Description |
Summary |
Transcriber |
|
AyerIraII0451 |
6-Jan-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Head Quarters 10th Regt PRC To: Sister |
Ira writes about being put in
charge of the Regt while the colonel is on leave. He
also writes of returning from home a few weeks ago and |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0251 |
10-Jan-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
Camp of 10th
To: Vinnie |
Ira talks of meeting George, his father’s thoughts of resignation, and his grandmother’s illness. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0211 |
16-Jan-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Head Quarters 10th Regt PRC To: Vinnie |
Ira says he is about to break
camp and cross the |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0861 |
27-Jan-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Head Quarters 10th Regt PRC To: Vinnie |
This letter is hard to read, but seem just to reprimand Vinnie for not writing. |
|
|
AyerIraII019/20/221 |
1-Feb-63
|
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Head Qurs 10th Regt PRC To: Vinnie |
Ira thanks Vinnie for a very nice, long letter, asks about some sickness that the kids (especially the boy) have had. Ira asks if he had been too severe with the family when home last (recovering from a wound). He also worries friends felt snubbed because he didn’t meet with them. He talks a little of aunt Sarah and begs Vinnie to hire a girl to help around the house. Ira offers to pay. He also talks of sending money to the younger sisters and will send extra to cover the cost of going to their grandmother’s funeral. Ira talks of Amanda's poetry, Emma (not sure who she is because it's too early for Emma James, and being stationed in DC to regroup. He also talks of his promotion to command the regiment. He talks of meeting the doctor. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0231 |
13-Feb-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Head Quarters 10th Regt PRC at Miner’s Hill, Va To: Vinnie |
Ira talks of how nice is tent
is. It is only a few miles from |
Bill |
| 1-Mar-63 | Event |
Capt. Ira Ayer, Sr.
resigns his commission and leaves |
Ira, who was 60 years old, had not been well for a while. |
Bill |
|
|
AyerIraII0421 |
11-Mar-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Camp of 10th Regt PRC To: Sisters |
Ira talks to his younger
sisters of their father’s resignation and how Ira will meet him in |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0241 |
20-Mar-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
Camp of 10th
To: Brother George |
George is taking a leave of absence to take care of his family. Ira is still waiting for his father to come through DC. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0871 |
3-Apr-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
Camp of 10th Regt PRC, To: George |
Ira talks of little George’s illness, his meeting with his father and a mass meeting in the chambers of the House and Senate. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0811 |
7-Apr-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
Camp of 10th Regt PRC, To: Sister Sady (Sarah) |
Ira says he is happy that Sarah sent a nice letter to Cousin Sarah. He refers to Sarah’s course of study and tries to address some issues concerning Sarah without mentioning the issues. He is glad she is seeing Simon Tifft, her future husband. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0181 |
5-May-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Capital Hill Barracks To: Brother George |
Ira’s Regiment is stationed
in |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII079/781 |
8-May-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Capital Hill Barracks To: Sister Sady (Sarah) |
Ira counsels Sarah on opening up to accept her intuition to allow Simon Tifft to date her. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0751 |
11-May-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: Capital Hill Barracks To: Julia |
Ira apologizes in his way for not writing, talks of Julia’s desire to leave school and his discussions with a friend doctor who has a daughter of an age appropriate for marriage. |
Bill |
| 22-May-63 |
Event |
Capt. James Ayer, Jr.
dies in camp in |
|||
|
AyerIraII0971 |
14-Jun-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
Camp of 10th Regt PRC Near To: Vinnie |
Ira asks to keep the their
father and sisters from hearing about “a certain young lady in |
Bill |
| 1-Jul-63 | Event | The Battle of Gettysburg begins and Ira Ayer, Jr. sees action | |||
|
AyerIraII0391 |
16-Jul-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
In Camp near
To: Mrs. James |
Ira either thanks Jane for introducing him to her daughter or thanks her for approving their intension of getting married. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0561 |
1-Aug-63 |
Letter |
From: Juo. F. McLaren Where:
To: Major |
McLaren is in |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0771 |
29-Aug-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
In Camp at Rappahannock To: George |
Ira tells his brother-in-law
about his camp and the hopes for finishing the campaign soon.
They are riding high after the great victory at |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0741 |
9-Sep-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Sadie (Sarah Ayer) |
Ira tells Sadie about Jennie and talks about Sarah’s marriage. He also hopes that Julia will soon get married. |
Bill |
|
JamesJaneF0291 |
18-Sep-63 |
Letter |
From: Jane F James Where:
To: Major Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jane thanks Ira for his
letter, discussed how people are doing and invites Ira to visit |
Bill |
|
JamesWilliam0061 |
27-Oct-63 |
Letter |
From: William James Where:
To: Major Ira Ayer |
This letter is 3 1/2 pages of
a sermon followed by a note. William said that he talked
to the War Department. They said that when Ira is ready
to come to
|
Bill |
|
AyerIraFile0032 |
13-Dec-63 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: To: Major Robert A McCoy |
Ira requests a three day pass to go to Alexandria to transact important private business (get married). | |
| 18-Dec-63 | Event | Ira Ayer, Jr. is promoted to Lieutenant-Colonel | Ira is placed in charge of the Regiment. | ||
|
AyerIraFile0042 |
18-Dec-63 | Special Order | From: E. D. Townsend, Assistant Adjunct General, War Department | Ira his three day pass to get married gets extended to 18 days. | |
|
AyerIraII0121 |
21-Dec-63 | Announcement | Wedding announcement for Ira and Jennie |
Bill |
|
|
JamesWilliam0011 |
25-Dec-63 |
Letter |
From: William James Where:
To: Major & Jennie Ayer |
William writes to Ira and Jennie on their honeymoon. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0591 |
27-Dec-63 |
Letter |
From: John. F. McLaren Where:
To: Major Ira Ayer, Jr |
Sergeant Major McLaren is reporting the status of the regiment to Ira while Ira is on his honeymoon. He also says that he had tried to visit with Ira. |
Brad |
|
JamesWilliam0101 |
31-Dec-63 |
Letter |
From: William James Where:
To: Major & Jennie Ayer |
William tells Ira and Jennie while on their honeymoon to say that Jane is very sick and is afraid of dying. Jane wants them to come home right away. |
Bill |
|
Item |
Date |
Type |
Description |
Summary |
Transcriber |
|
AyerJennieJames0051 |
18-Jan-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Love letter, no news |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0061 |
21-Jan-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Love letter, not much news |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0081 |
25-Jan-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Love letter. Mother is improving and Jennie is hoping for a boy. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0071 |
29-Jan-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Love letter. Jennie is beginning to see signs of her pregnancy. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0101 |
1-Feb-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Love letter |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0091 |
3-Feb-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Love letter and talks about Ira’s dad and hopes for children. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0011 |
7-Feb-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie asks Ira not to continue in the army after the war. She talks of raising little Ira (it turns out to be Jane) in Evergreen Cottage after big Ira can rest after years of toil. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0111 |
9-Feb-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
A short letter to accompany a package of food and other items for Ira. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0121 |
10-Feb-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Sam suggests that it would be a good time for Jennie to visit Ira since he is comfortably situated. She will bring her guitar. |
|
|
10-Feb-64 |
Event | Ira Ayer Sr. arrives in Evans with the body of his brother James and three other Evans men. | I don't know where he met the bodies. | ||
|
AyerJennieJames0131 |
15-Feb-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie heard that no passes were to be given to wives. Jennie bought more music. |
|
|
AyerIraII0801 |
18-Feb-64 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
Head Qu 10th Regt PRC, To: Vinnie |
This is the 1st letter to Vinnie since getting back from NY after visiting after the marriage. Ira talks of Guerilla fighting, someone named Amanda and Jennie. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0141 |
18-Feb-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie remembers last summer when they were falling in love and says she hopes she will not be able to ware the same dresses (she is pregnant). She kept a diary when they were in NY for their honeymoon. |
|
|
AyerJennieJames0151 |
23-Feb-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie does not want to raise the family in Washington or any city. She wants to live in the country, I think Evans. |
|
|
AyerJennieJames0161 |
24-Feb-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Went for a walk with Bessie and Mrs. Pierpont lives nearby. |
|
|
AyerIraFile0052 |
27-Fet-64 | Oath of Office | Who: Ira Ayer, Jr, Lieut. Colonel | ||
|
AyerJennieJames0171 |
28-Feb-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie suggests sending seeds to Ira Sr. from the Agricultural Dept suggesting that Jane got a job there. |
|
|
AyerJennieJames0181 |
1-Mar-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie received money and valuable papers from Ira. The papers may have to do with his promotion. She said their children will prize them highly. She hopes he will stay at Manassas and she will send a photo of herself in the next letter. |
|
|
AyerJennieJames0191 |
3-Mar-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie talks of missing Ira, saving money, and the she is not showing with the baby yet. |
Bill |
|
JamesWilliam0021 |
10-Mar-64 |
Letter |
From: Jane James Where:
To: Dearest Children (Ira and Jennie) |
This is the first part of a letter. I haven't found the end yet. Jane sent a trunk of cloths and kegs of Oysters. |
|
|
JamesJaneF0131 |
19-Mar-64 |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: Children |
Jane writes to Jennie and Ira in camp. William has had pneumonia. She talks of Hannah, Emma, Samuel, Clements, John, and Bessie. She asks of Ira’s father. She asks if they need anything and asks them to write to Jennie’s siblings. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0271 |
22-Mar-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Parents, sisters & brothers |
While in camp with Ira, they are awoken two nights in a row with orders, the second time the regiment left in the morning to protect the railroad. No confederate troops were seen. |
Bill |
|
JamesJaneF0151 |
6-Apr-64 |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: Children |
Jane writes to Jennie and Ira in camp. She worries about them and wants Jennie to write to Jennie’s siblings and friends. Jane also tells them of all the people who wish them well. |
Bill |
|
JamesJaneF0141 |
11-Apr-64 |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: Children |
The family tried to get passes to visit Ira and Jennie in Manassas but were denied. William is trying to talk to the Secretary of War. They believe that the Army is about to move and that Jennie should come home. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0041 |
19-Apr-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie is back from Manassas and this is at least the second letter she has sent. She talks of gardening and missing missing being together in the tent. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0031 |
23-Apr-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Hugh visits Jennie after recently being with Ira. Jennie talks about how she is satisfied with the Ira's sleeping arrangements now that he is sleeping alone. Ira sends Jennie dried flowers from the garden. Jennie's appetite is good and she is not suffering from Morning Sickness. Jennie’s mother Jane if feeling better and looking better than Jennie has seen her in years. Emma is also better and Mr. Laub and Jennie are sick. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0201 |
25-Apr-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Nice love letter. Jane and Emma were sick but glad to hear nice words from Ira. Ira's sister Julia is very sick. I get the feeling that Jennie thinks Julia will die. Julia lives another 7 years to age 26. Jennie had a talk with Samuel telling him he should look to Ira as an example. Samuel agreed. The flowers Jennie brought home from camp are doing will. "Burnside's Army passed through the city creating much excitement. |
|
|
AyerJennieJames0021 |
28-Apr-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie asks Ira if she should send him a copy of the letter she wrote to his father. She is glad to hear the camp is getting well defended and sorry to hear about the uprising in the 6th Regiment. She hopes Ira will not have to move because of it. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0211 |
30-Apr-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie was in pain, similar to pain she had felt when she was with Ira in Manassas. In a letter from the 26th Ira had implied he might have to move out and go further away. In a letter from the 27th it seemed he would not. Jennie talks of Ira cultivating flowers in camp five days before he almost dies in battle. |
|
|
AyerJennieJames0221 |
1-May-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie writes very well about how worried she is about Ira. Ira must have written that he was breaking camp to fight the impending battle. She is still having pain, but not as bad. The pregnancy is going well. A friend has noticed that Jennie is pregnant. She will start telling people. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0231 |
3-May-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Love letter |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0241 |
5-May-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Ira is in Culpeper, VA on the eve of battle. Washington is about to empty out for the summer. Ira had invited Jane to go to Evans for the summer but she didn't want to go further than Baltimore. |
Bill |
| 6-May-64 | Event | Ira Ayer, Jr. is wounded in The Wilderness |
Ira is hit in the leg by a mini-ball. From Martial Deeds: In a letter dated May 6th, the second day of the battle, he says: “I was leading my regiment into line when hit by a bullet from one of the enemy’s sharpshooters, which passed through the large bone of my leg, causing a very painful though I hope not dangerous wound. I was compelled to leave the field at once, which I did after exhorting my men to do their duty.” |
||
|
AyerJennieJames0251 |
8-May-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie is worried about Ira and doesn't know he has been wounded. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0261 |
11-May-64 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie is worried because she
has not heard from Ira since the start of the |
Bill |
|
AyerIraFile0062 |
12-May-64 | Note |
Ira arrives in a
hospital in |
||
| 11-Jun-64 | Event |
Ira Ayer, Jr. is mustered out |
Ira was still in General Hospital, |
||
| 13-Jul-64 | Event | Ira Ayer, Jr. is released from the hospital | He was in the hospital for over two months. | ||
|
JamesJaneFFile0214 |
15-Jun-64 | Event |
Congress recognizes Jane and others |
For their work on the "Home for the Relief of Friendless Woman and Children |
|
|
JamesWilliam0051 |
1-Aug-64 | Check |
From: William James: To: C Cainniack, Junior |
Check for $50.00. The back says "Aug 3rd Satisfied in full by Maj Ira Ayer, Jr, C Caunniack, Jr |
|
|
JamesJaneF0111 |
6-Aug-64 |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: Children |
Jane talks of an accident the William had when he took Jennie and Ira to the station for their trip to NY. |
Bill |
| 28-Aug-64 | Event | Jennie Ayer born | |||
|
AyerIraII057/611 |
30-Aug-64 |
Letter |
From: Wm M Slater Where: ? To: Col Ira Ayer |
A former subordinate of Ira's tells him of news of other former subordinates in battle and asks for Ira's recommendation for a promotion. |
Bill |
| 12-Sep-64 | Event | Samuel James is turned down for a position in the Veteran Reserve Corps | A board found him "deficient in Disability, General Education, Intelligence, Knowledge of Tactics and Service". | ||
| 19-Jan-65 | Event | Ira Ayer commissioned Captain in the Veteran Reserve Corps | Ira does not muster in until after two promotions | ||
|
AyerIraII0671 |
20-Jan-65 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: George and Vinnie |
Ira apologizes for taking so long to write and brings them up to date on the family. Ira is waiting for his commission but will likely be only a Captain due to a lack of openings. Ira talks of listening to some famous people speak. |
Bill |
|
JamesWilliamLOC0013 |
23-Jan-65 |
Letter |
From: William James Where:
To: Abraham Lincoln |
Letter requesting an appointment as tax collector of Virginia. He doesn't get it for a year. He talks of his dedication to the Union and his hatred of slavery. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0631 |
Probably early '65 |
Letter |
From: E. J. Hill Where:
To: Ira Ayer |
Letter from a wounded member of Ira's Regt who was wounded after Ira's Wilderness wound. |
|
| 20-Feb-65 | Event | Ira Ayer, Jr. brevetted major and lieutenant colonel, Veteran Reserve Corps | Does not muster in yet | ||
|
AyerIraII0621 |
20-Feb-65 |
Letter |
From: Wm M Slater Where: To: Col Ayer |
More news from the front |
Bill |
| 13-Mar-65 |
Event |
Ira Ayer, Jr. brevetted colonel, Veteran Reserve Corps for "gallant conduct at the Battle of the Wilderness" | Does not muster in yet | ||
| 22-Mar-65 | Event | Samuel James gets his former commander, then Lieutenant (now Brigadier Major General) Adelbert Ames to sign an affidavit | It said James served under him from Oct 61 to Feb 62 with distinction | ||
| 9-Apr-65 | Event |
The South surrenders
at |
|||
|
Item |
Date |
Type |
Description |
Summary |
Transcriber |
|
JamesJaneF0051 |
14-Apr-65 | Pass |
From: War Department Where:
To: Jane F James |
Pass to travel to |
|
| 2-May-65 | Event | Ira Ayer, Jr. musters in as colonel in the Veteran Reserve Corps | Not sure what this means. Is this when he reported for duty? | ||
|
AyerIraII0581 |
2-Jun-65 |
Letter |
From: Juo. F. McLaren Where:
To: Col. Ayer |
McLaren asks Ira how he has been doing. He asks about Ira’s family. He also talks about reading he has been doing about the war. He is now a reporter for a local paper. It would be good to find info on the paper because he said he writes stories about a soldier’s life. |
Brad |
|
AyerIraII0681 |
2-Jun-65 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: George Barr |
Ira agrees with George that Mr. Austin is not good for Julia. Julia, Sarah, and Simon, Sarah’s husband are visiting. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0281 |
8-Jul-65 |
Letter |
From: Jane F James Where:
To: Clemm & ? |
Jane, William, Samuel, and John arrive in Richmond for the fist time since the war. Jane tells the story of Mr. Pollard. Jane says Richmond is in ruins. |
Bill |
|
JamesJaneF0171 |
8-Jul-65 |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: Jenny |
About Pollard |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0301 |
31-Jul-65 |
Letter |
From: Jane F James Where:
To: Jennie |
In 1865 July 31 fell on a Sunday: Jane talks of Mr. Pollard (husband to Annie) being sick. She also mentions that the city is very different. She wishes that Jennie and Ira could visit. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames029/381 |
12-Sep-65 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
Lindon Row, To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie writes of her first
trip back to |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0301 |
15-Sep-65 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
Lindon Row, To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie talks more of the problems in |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0371 |
Sep-65 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
Lindon Row, To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Unfinished and undated (Sept 1865). |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0691 |
18-Oct-65 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Brother |
Ira is sad to hear of the death of Geogie. Ira talks of Mr. Pollard, Annie, and the general state of Richmond. |
Bill |
|
JamesWilliam0071 |
20-Nov-65 |
Picture |
Tintern Abbey |
Envelope says, "Picture of Tintern Abby -1865, Fanny Spencer, our grandmother Jane Frances James' cousin" Also says, "? "Ancestral home of James family"” |
|
|
AyerIraII0701 |
25-Nov-65 |
Letter |
From: Ira and Jennie Where:
To: Brother |
Ira talks of the Little fellow who is sick. He also says that the package Jennie is putting together for them isn't ready yet. Ira's father will build a new saw mill and Ira is not sure if he will re-enlist. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0311 |
11-Dec-65 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Ira is in |
|
|
JamesJaneF0011 |
11-Feb-66 |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: ? |
More problems with Mr. Pollard He wants a divorce and Jane wants him arrested for adultery. Jane wants Ira to be transferred to Ashland. She also wants Jennie and Ira to go to Macon, GA to get Annie's baby. Annie would only go if Jane goes and Jane is too tired. |
Bill |
|
JamesJaneF018/251 |
21-Feb-66 |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: Children |
Jane still want Ira to transfer to VA. She is helping her other three daughters make clothes for school. More problems with Mr. Pollard He has shown up in Richmond with his girlfriend and signed the hotel register under a false name. William is in DC and will soon be making the rounds doing tax collection. Jane wants Ira and Jennie to get baby Eddie (Annie's son) from Macon, GA. |
Bill |
|
JamesJaneF019/211 |
Mar-66 | Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where: Probably Ashland To: Ira and Jennie |
Talks of Uncle John, Rev. John Francis. Talks of the girls going to Genesee College. Talks of Samuel in New York, tells Jennie to write aunt S. F. Spencer, Jane's only sister lives at 28 Hill Street Newport Monmouthshire in Wales. Eddie must be brought from Mr. Pollard's sister |
|
|
????? Transcription Source |
16-Apr-66 | Deed |
From: P. H. Russell & WF Where:
To: William James |
William buys his first piece of property in Ashland | |
|
AyerJennieJames0321 |
3-May-66 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie talks of missing Ira and the possibility of Ira working for her father. Also, she talks of Ira getting a promotion. The promotion didn’t come for over a year. |
Bill |
|
JamesWilliam186605104 |
10-May-66 |
Event |
President Johnson nominates William James | "to be collector of internal revenue for the third collection district State of Virginia" |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0551 |
21-May-66 |
Letter |
From: Father and Mother Where:
To: My Dr, Dr Son |
Jane talks of how she, with
much difficulty was able to get her husband’s nomination to tax collector
for
|
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0431 |
26-May-66 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Vinnie |
Ira is sorry to hear of the loss of Vinnie's son (Charlie?). Ira is thinking of leaving the army around 1 July and then staying with William until he decides what to do next. |
Bill |
|
FranceHannahJames0011 |
29-May-66 |
Letter |
From: Hannah James
Where: To: Clem |
She talks of her relationship with Clem, Christian, and another man, and general news. |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0331 |
5-Jun-66 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Love letter. Talks of being pregnant. |
|
|
AyerJennieJames0341 |
9-Jun-66 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Little Jennie is sick. |
|
| 20-Oct-66 | Event | Julia Ayer born | |||
|
USPO610725 |
8-Jan-67 | Patent | By: William James | Patent for "Improved Attachment for Stills to Test the Proof of Spirits" | |
|
JamesWilliamFile026 |
7-Apr-67 |
Letter |
From: Jos. Segar Where:
Richmond To: Hon. Hugh McColloch, Secretary of the Treasury U. S |
He accuses William James of steeling powers of attorneys and other thinks |
Bill |
|
JamesWilliamFile0366 |
8-Apr-67 |
Letter |
From: H. [Ithnson] Mare Where:
Richmond To: Hon. Hugh McColloch, Secretary of the Treasury U. S. |
He accuses William James of making purchases at a store and demanding two receipts, one lower for him to pay and another higher one for billing the government. He also accuses him of whipping a US Senator. |
Bill |
|
JamesWilliamFile046 |
Letter |
From: C. F. Smith, Dept Shff, Nelson Co. Va To: the Honorable Secretary of the Treasury of the United States |
He had investigated the same issues mentioned buy Segar |
Bill |
|
|
JamesWilliamFile056 |
14-Apr-67 |
Letter |
From: N. Davidson Where:
Richmond To: A. B. Johnson Esq. |
Davidson has arrived in Richmond and begun his investigation |
Bill |
|
JamesWilliamFile066 |
15-Apr-67 |
Letter |
From: N. Davidson Where:
Richmond To: Hon. E. A. Rollins |
Davidson continues his investigation |
Bill |
|
JamesWilliam0141 |
16-Apr-67 |
Patent | By: William James | Patent for an improvement for suspension bridge supports | |
|
JamesWilliamFile076 |
17-Apr-67 |
Letter |
From: N. Davidson Where:
Richmond To: Hon. E. A. Rollins |
To: N. Davidson Davidson continues his investigation |
Bill |
|
JamesWilliamFile086 |
23-Apr-67 |
Letter |
From: N. Davidson Where:
Richmond To: Hon. E. A. Rollins |
Davidson has finished his investigation but the results are not included |
Bill |
|
JamesWilliamFile126 |
May-67? | List |
Treasury Department |
Summary of Charges against William |
|
|
JamesWilliamFile096 |
May-67 | Transcript | Transcript from the trial against Williams | ||
| 27-Jun-67 | Event |
Ira Ayer, Jr. named
Colonel by brevet for gallant conduct at the |
|||
|
JamesWilliamFile106 |
3-Sep-67 |
Letter |
From: L. D. Harmon Where: Washington, DC To: President Johnson |
Asking the President to remove William from office based on evidence at the Treasury Department |
|
|
JohnsonPapers00115 |
4-Sep-67 |
Letter |
From: Jeremiah S. Black Where: Washington, DC To: President Johnson |
Asking the President to remove William from office based on evidence at the Treasury Department |
|
|
JamesWilliam186801017 |
2-Nov-67 | Election | William Elected to Virginia Constitutional Convention for Hanover Co. |
William received 7 votes from whites and 1460 votes from blacks. His two opponents received 1063 votes from whites and 3 votes from blacks |
|
|
JamesWilliam186712044 |
4-Dec-67 | Event | In a recess appointment the President removes William James from office due to misconduct | "in place of William James, suspended for misconduct in office." | |
|
JamesWilliamFile116 |
9-Dec-67 |
Letter |
From: Judge John C. Underwood Where: Richmond, VA To: General J. P. C. Shanks |
Letter vouching for William. Judge Underwood says the evidence against William was false. |
Bill |
| 1-Jan-68 | Event | Ira receives an honorable discharge from the Veteran Reserve Corps | |||
|
JamesWilliam0041 |
2-Jan-68 | Ticket |
From: Richmond, Fredericksburg, & Potomac Rail Road Where:
To: William James |
Pass Free for one year |
|
|
JamesWilliam186801094 |
9-Jan-68 | Event | The Senate Finance Committee received papers regarding the removal of William James | "Mr. Fessenden presented papers relating to the suspension of William James, collector of internal revenue for the third district of Virginia, which were referred to the Committee on Finance." | |
|
JamesWilliam186801114 |
10-Jan-68 | Event | The Senate agrees with the removal of William James for misconduct | ||
|
AyerIraII0981 |
24-Mar-68 | Event | Ticket for Impeachment Trial of President Johnson | This was probably William's. He was probably rooting against the President because this was shortly after the President had removed him from office. | |
|
JamesWilliam186806054 |
2-Jun-68 | Event | The Senate reviews the case of William James | ||
|
JamesWilliam186903194 |
5-jun-68 | Event | The Senate voted on William James' removal |
"Resolved, That the Senate do not concur in the suspension of William James, collector of internal revenue for the 3d district of Virginia, and do not advise and consent to his removal from office. Ordered, That the Secretary lay the said resolution before the President of the United States." There is no record of his service after this point. |
|
| 30-Sep-68 | Event |
Lavinia (Vinnie) Ayer Barr dies at age 34 |
Sister of Ira, II | ||
| 20-Oct-68 | Event | Ira Ayer, III born | |||
|
AyerIraII0821 |
3-Sep-69 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Sarah and Simon |
Sarah and Simon are about to
move to |
Bill |
|
FranceHannahJames0021 |
5-Nov-69 |
Letter |
From: Hannah
Where: To: Jennie and Ira |
Hannah just got married. 4 pages of sermon. |
|
|
JamesWilliam186903194 |
17-Dec-69 | Event | William petitions the Senate for recover of lost income from when he was removed from office | ||
|
JamesWilliam008/91 |
1-Mar-70 | Poem |
By: William James About: Susanna James Byers (his sister) |
Poem about William’s deceased sister. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII1011 |
4-Mar-70 |
Letter |
From: Uncle Joseph (Joseph Davenport, Ira’s great uncle) Where:
To: Ira |
Joseph updates Ira on the
happenings in |
Bill |
|
PollardAnnieJames0021 |
13-Oct-70 |
Letter |
From: Annie James
Where: To: Jennie |
About the death of John and Mary's son |
|
|
JamesSamuelR0011 Transcription Source |
1871 | Poem | Samuel R. James | "A Descriptive Poem" religious in nature published in Washington. | |
| 26-Jul-71 | Event | Daisy Ayer born | |||
|
JamesSamuelRFile018 |
23-Feb-72 | Event | Samuel R James petitions congress | He is looking for reimbursement of his expenses while volunteering from October '61 to February '62 | |
|
Fiarella0449 |
28-Feb-73 | Obituary |
William Ayer Dies |
Bill |
|
| 28-Sep-73 | Event |
Alice Ayer born |
|||
|
JamesJaneF0061 |
18-May-74 |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: Ira Ayer Jr |
Jane thanks Ira for the help has has given and before William died. Jane misses William. She would like to visit Jennie and Ira (I think in Norfolk) but can't. She talks of Clem and John. |
Bill |
| 14-Aug-75 | Event | Clementine Ayer born | |||
| 20-Sep-76 | Event | Clemens James dies | He died in some kind of railroad or streetcar accident | ||
|
AyerIraII0461 |
12-Jan-77 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Jennie |
Ira talks of a new case in Savannah, some political problems in the department, the death of his brother-in-law Clem, a possible meeting with the president (Grant), the elections issues with Hayes, a suicide, and Clem being stung by bees, |
Bill |
|
JessupJuliaAyer0011 |
15-Jul-77 |
Letter |
From: Julia Ayer
Where: To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
She misses her dad and Mamma is still frail |
Bill |
|
JamesJaneFPM10 |
28-Oct-77 |
Event |
Jane is nominated to be postmaster for Ashland, VA | The nomination is made and withdrawn a couple times. She is finally confirmed on March 19, 1878. |
Bill |
|
JamesSamuelR0031 Transcription Source |
1-Jan-78 | Pamphlet | Samuel R James | Holiday Journal - New Years Readings, Story by Samuel called "Disentangled Threads - To be Wound at Your Leisure" My guess is that the pamphlet was a vehicle to get people to buy "Pond's Extract". The story had nothing to do with Pond's but a significant chunk of the pamphlet is an ad. | |
|
JessupJuliaAyer0021 |
2-Jan-78 |
Letter |
From: Julia Ayer
Where: To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
||
|
JessupJuliaAyer0031 |
16-Jan-78 |
Letter |
From: Julia Ayer
Where: To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
||
|
AyerJennieJames0351 |
14-Nov-79 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie talked about how bad
her nephew Eddie is, about buying cloths, needing money, she is feeling a
little down, and the fire risk in |
Bill |
|
AyerJennieJames0361 |
14-Dec-79 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where:
To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie received two letters, a box of clothes, and a barrel of apples from Ira. The family and cows are well. |
Bill |
|
JamesJaneF0121 |
16-Oct-80? |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: Jennie and Ira |
Jennie was in Baltimore last week. Jane watched a Grand Parade in NY. Grant was there. Talks of a candidate (Haneock?). Jane will get to Baltimore. "Favorable accounts from Eddie" |
|
|
JamesJaneF0101 |
27-Oct-80? |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: Jennie J Ayer |
Jane’s daughter Emma lived on Jane seems heavily involved in the campaign. Clementine was already born. |
|
|
JamesJaneF0201 |
5-May-81? |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where: To: Ira |
This is probably right after Jennie and Ira moved to NJ. Jane is having work done. Jennie is sick and Annie is there to help. Jane is trying to get someone to go to help Jennie. After Clementine is born. Samuel is about to go to Europe. |
Bill |
|
JamesJaneF0161 |
24-May-81? |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where: To: Annie |
Annie is in NJ helping Jennie. Jane talks of a Mr. Smithson and a Mr. James. Jane is still trying to find someone for Jennie to hire. Jane has been writing letters to Eddie. He seems to be with someone named Mr. Avery and Jane wants him back. There is something about Emma that depresses Annie. There is some suit against Ira that has been dropped and would have embarrassed him. |
Bill |
|
JamesJaneF0081 |
31-Jul-81? |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: Children |
There was just a funeral. It reminded her of Clemens' funeral. Jane will send Nancy's trunk. Mr. James says hi. |
Bill |
|
JamesJaneF0091 |
7-Aug-81? |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: Jennie J Ayer |
Jennie is in Morristown and Jane implies they are there for Jennie's health. Mentions cousin May. Jane has a dog named Fido that Annie takes care of. Jane thanks Ira for the check and says she will try to get out of debt. Sent Nancy's trunk to Jennie. Jane has a deed that the husbands of her daughters must sign. Sam has some kind of trouble. Jane says Ira made the move for the welfare of his family. |
Bill |
|
JamesJaneF0041 |
14-Sep-81 |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: Ira and all |
Jane asks Ira’s help in getting a neighbor to pay back rent. The neighbor is in Bon Air on business. Jane is also suffering with her neck and blood poisoning. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII031/ |
13-Nov-81? |
Letter |
From: Jane James Where: Morristown, NJ To: Hannah France |
About being sick and how Jennie and Ira are helping. Ira leaves every morning on the 7:15 for NY and suffers with the wounded leg. A doctor recommends an operation that would lay him up for several weeks. Eddie is with Samuel. Annie is with Mr. James. It's been 4 months since Jane was with Hannah and family. Looks like a note at the top of the letter from Ira to Sady talking about the death of Jane. |
Bill |
|
JamesJaneF0071 |
28-Feb-82 |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where:
To: Miss Jennie J Ayer |
Written on Ashland Post Office stationary. The letter is very hard to read. It is to her granddaughter. Jane is not doing to well. Annie is getting married. It is nine years to the day since her husband died. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0641 |
26-Sep-82 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Jennie |
Ira and his son Ira are on
the second stop of a big trip. The first stop was to a
reunion at Allegheny. The second stop was to see family
at |
Bill |
| 17-Apr-83 | Event | Jane F James dies | She died in Brooklyn while visiting Emma | ||
|
JamesJaneFLS11 |
7-Jan-84 | Lawsuit |
Ira goes to court to protect the assets of Jane's estate |
When she died she was in debt |
Bill |
| 18-Jan-84 | Event | Ann James Pollard James dies | She died in Maryland | ||
|
JamesJaneFFile0113 Transcription Source |
28-Jul-84 | Lawsuit | Jane F. James vs. Samuel Hicks | It seems that Hicks was suing William James for unfairly collecting taxes in 1866 | |
|
1885-12-18TheJerseyman12 |
18-Dec-85 | Article |
About:
Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Article about Ira being transferred to San Francisco |
|
|
AyerIraII0651 |
4-Aug-86 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where:
To: Jennie |
Ira talks about a patriotic parade that he was in. He said he included a newspaper account of it. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0281 |
27-Apr-87 | Obituary | G. P. Beal | Gorham was Ira Ayer, Jr.’s cousin by his aunt Mary Low Ayer. It seems that Gorham went west in 1854 to mine, possibly for the gold rush. | |
| 28-Jul-89 | Event | Ira Ayer, I dies at age 86 | |||
|
AyerIraII0131 |
2-Dec-90 | Event | Dedication of the monument to Pennsylvania 10th Reserves at Gettysburg | ||
|
Fiarella0109 |
25-Jul-91 |
Letter |
From: U S Grant GAR Post Where: Brooklyn, NY To: The President |
Endorsement of Ira by the entire post and many prominent people and companies from Brooklyn and New York. |
Bill |
|
AyerIraII0141 |
1-Dec-91 |
Letter |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: To: Jennie |
Ira is staying a couple of blocks from where Jennie lived during the Civil War. He reminisces about their wedding and talks of the reasons they should be thankful. He has a short part about his business purposes. |
Bill |
|
WilliamsAliceAyer0011 |
20-Oct-97 | Event | Alice and George get Married | Newspaper write-up on the wedding |
Bill |
|
Fiarella0119 Transcription Source |
15-Jun-98 | Letter |
From: Records and Pensions Where: To: Ira Ayer |
Ira's military record for pension purposes |
Bill |
|
JamesSamuelR0021 Transcription Source |
Jan-99 | Poem | Samuel R. James | A poem called "Morning" | |
|
Item |
Date |
Type |
Description |
Summary |
Transcriber |
|
AyerJennieJames0391 |
Letter |
From: Jennie James Where: To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
Jennie is going to price Back Silk as a gift from Ira. |
||
|
JamesJaneF0031 |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where: To: My Dear Dear Children |
Jane talks of traveling through Rockets and Ft. Monroe. Ask for several things. |
||
|
JamesJaneF0261 |
Letter |
From: Jane Frances James Where: To: Jennie, Ira, Hannah, Baby, and all |
Hard to read. Talks of father and cousin Sam, parades, marching into Richmond, Stars and Stripes. |
||
|
JessupJuliaAyer0041 |
Letter |
From: Julia Ayer
Where: To: Ira Ayer, Jr. |
|||
|
AyerIraII0341 |
Note |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: To: |
Improvement of Time |
||
|
AyerIraII0351 |
Note |
From: Ira Ayer, Jr Where: To: |
|||
|
JamesWilliam0031 |
Note |
From: William James Where:
To: Hon G M Robeson, Secretary of the Navy |
William asks if he and his wife can call for a few minutes at 7:30pm. |
||
|
AyerIraII0661 |
Card | GAR card for Ira Ayer, Jr. | It's from New Jersey so it must be from around 1883-5 | ||
|
AyerIraII0711 |
Card | Card of Matias Ramero | He is a minister from Mexico | ||
|
AyerIraII0731 |
Ticket | "For the Review" | Major General Augur (Christopher C. Augur) was promoted to Major General in 1862 and retired in 1885. | ||
|
AyerIraII0951 |
Card | Card for General Badeau | Likely General Adam Badeau | ||
|
AyerIraII0291 |
Invitation | Invitation to the home of Postmaster General Creswell and his wife | John Creswell was Postmaster General from March 5, 1869 to June 22, 1874. During that time, January 31st fell on a Monday in 1870. It could have been for Ira. He was just about to be appointed Special Agent for the Treasury Department, had been stationed in Richmond and would soon be stationed in Norfolk. | ||
|
AyerIraII0991 |
Money | Confederate $5 bill | |||
|
AyerIraII1001 |
Money | Confederate $10 bill | |||
1 Dr. Bliss Clark
Collection
2 National Archives Civil War Collection - not online
3
Abraham Lincoln Papers at the Library of Congress
4 Library of Congress "A Century of
Lawmaking for a New Nation"
5
United
States Patent Office
6 National Archives records of William James investigation and trial from the US
Senate Papers - not online
7
Annual Report to the Secretary of War, 1867
8 National Archives records of Samuel Reginald James petition of Congress - not
online
9 Fiarella Williams Collection
10 Journal of the executive proceedings of the Senate of the
United States,
Volume 21
11 Hanover County Court Records available
on-line
12 Jerseyman Newspaper 18 December 1885 - Available at the
Morristown Library, Morristown, NJ
13 US Supreme Court Reports,
Volume 28
14 The
Statutes at Large, Treaties, and Proclamations of the United States of America from December 1863 to December 1865
15 The
Papers of Andrew Johnson: September 1867-March 1868, Edited by Paul Bergeron
Copyright Bill Scholtz 2008-
Last edited 12/18/2011