CHARLES AYRES, deceased, was a prominent farmer of Woosung Township, one well known in Lee and Ogle Counties. He was born in Huntingdon County, Pennsylvania, September 13, 1824, and was the son of Ludlum and Susanna (Sharer) Ayres, who emigrated from Pennsylvania to Illinois in 1845, locating in Franklin Grove, Lee County, where they remained until 1860, when they moved to the southern part of the state, where they spent about one year, and then returned to Lee county, where the remainder of their lives were spent. They had a family of eight children, two of whom died in childhood. Those growing to maturity were Charles H., Matthew, John, William, Thomas and Ludlum Smith.

The subject of this sketch spent his boyhood and youth in his native state, and in the schools of that state received his education. This was, however, supplemented by attendance in the schools of Dixon, after the removal of the family to this state. He remained with his parents until twenty-two years old, when he began life for himself, cultivating a farm and operating two threshing machines during the seasons. He was united in marriage June I, 1855, with Miss Mary J. Crush, who was born March 7, 1834, and daughter of Isaac and Catherine (Burns) Crush, the former a native of Lancaster county, Pennsylvania, and the latter of Huntingdon County, in the same state. Isaac Crush was the son of Isaac Crush, Sr., a native of Germany, and a farmer by occupation, who died in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Isaac Crush was by trade a miller, and also followed the trade of cooper. In 1846 he came with his family to Ogle County, and located in Pine Creek Township, where he purchased a farm of one hundred and sixty acres, which he operated until within a few years before his death, when he retired from active life, and died at the residence of his son in Paul City, Nebraska.

Isaac and Catherine Crush were the parents of ten children, eight of whom grew to maturity—Philip, John, William, James, MaryJ., Elizabeth, Emma and Catherine. Two died in infancy. Mrs. Catherine Crush passed to her reward in 1851, and later Mr. Crush married Mrs. Catherine (Lutz) Eshelman, a widow, and by this marriage there was one daughter, Vernie.

To Charles and Mary J. Ayres eight children were born. Elsie M., born June 17, 1856, died June 2, 1892. Samuel R., born December 28, 1857, is now living in Hardin County, Iowa; he married Miss Delia Miller, of Washington County, Maryland, and they have a son, Charles L. Johnnie E., born December 28, 1859, died January 15, 1861. Alma S., born January 15, r86i, is now the wife of C. E. Parks, and they have one child, Clarence C., born January i, 1888; they reside on the old homestead. Lillie S., born December 31, 1863, married John Lampin, and they live in Pine Creek Township. Henry P., born August 15, 1869, died June 6, 1895. Charles, born August 5, 1866, died March 17, 1867. Lena May, born June 28, 1872, died February 6, 1875.

Mr. Ayres purchased the farm on which his widow now resides, on section 8, Woosung Township, from his brother William, who entered the land from the government. In 1855, soon after his marriage, he built a small house, which is now used as an ice house. The second house in which the family lived was erected a few years after, and is now used as a shop. In 1874 he erected the house in which the family now live, and which is a commodious and comfortable structure. As his means would permit, Mr. Ayers added to the improvements of the place, erecting a large barn, and putting up other outbuildings, setting out fruit and ornamental trees, and otherwise adding to the attractive appearance of the farm. He was a practical farmer and endeavored to keep up with the times in the way of improvements.

In politics, Mr. Ayres was a Republican, and a stanch advocate of the principles of the party. He served his neighborhood as school director for a number of years, as he always felt an interest in the public schools. He was also road commissioner a number of years. Religiously he was a member of the United Brethren Church, in which he took great interest, being a firm believer in the Christian religion. His wife is also a member of that church. Mr. Ayres passed from this life November I, 1880, his death being from asthma and consumption. He was a good man, and his death was a sad loss not only to his faithful wife, who was always a comfort and stay to him, but to the community as well. His friends were numerous in both Lee and Ogle Counties.

The Biographical record of Ogle County, Illinois By S.J. Clarke Publishing Company, 1899, p. 76.

The account of Charles Ayres from the Biographical Record of Ogle County, Illinois contains some mistakes. First, the family name of Mrs. Ayres is Grush, not Crush. Second, the reference to Isaac Grush (Sr. and Jr.) in incorrect. Isaac Sr. was born in Pennsylvania in 1802 and Jr. in 1826 in Huntingdon Co., but died young without issue. A more accurate account of the Isaac Grush family is found in "Portrait and Biographical Album of Ogle Co." published in 1886.

Biography sent courtesy of Byron Grush

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