James Cook Ayer

Background

Ayer, James Cook was born on May 5, 1818 in Ledyard, Connecticut, United States. Son of Frederick and Persis (Cook) Ayer.

Education

Studied medicine under Doctor Samuel L. Dana. Doctor of Medicine, University Pennsylvania.

Career

Worked in apothecary shop of Jacob Robbins, Lowell, Massachusetts, became owner, 1841. Became dealer in patent medicines, including sugar-coated pills (1854), sarsaparilla extract (1855), Ayer’s Hair Vigor. Invested in textile mills, became involved in controversy with Richard S. Fay over collapsing of companies at Lowell and Lawrence, Massachusetts, furnished material exposing company officers in investigations.

Obtained patents for ore-reducing processes, 1865. Financed Lake Superior Ship Canal & R.R. & Iron Company. Purchased timber country, built sawmills in Florida.

After trip to Europe presented Victory monument to Town of Lowell. Town of Groton Junction (Massachusetts) renamed for him, 1871, donated Ayer Town Hall. Built Lowell & Andover R.R., 1874.

Proposed project to build interocean canal between Panama and Tehuantepec. Author: Some of the Usages and Abuses in the Management of Our Manufacturing Corporations.

Works

• Other Work

  • Author: Some of the Usages and Abuses in the Management of Our Manufacturing Corporations.

Connections

Married Josephine Mellen Southwick, November 14, 1850.

Father:

Frederick Ayer

Mother:

Persis (Cook) Ayer

Spouse:

Josephine Mellen Southwick