Romeyn Beck Ayres

Background

Romeyn Beck Ayres was born on December 20, 1825 in East Creek, New York, United States. He was the son of country physician, who took a strong interest in the education of his sons and taught them in Latin.

Education

In 1847, he graduated from the Military Academy as 22nd in a class of 38.

Career

Graduating in 1847, he was commissioned in the artillery and sent to Mexico, but it was too late to take part in any of the active operations of the war. He served at many posts, from Maine to California, on routine duties, and was promoted to captain just at the outbreak of the Civil War. He commanded a battery at the first battle of Bull Run, and was with the Army of the Potomac from its organization until the end of the war. As chief of artillery of a division and later of a corps, he served in the Peninsular campaign, at Antietam and at Fredericksburg.

On November 29, 1862, Ayres was appointed brigadier-general of volunteers and was soon removed from artillery duties. He was assigned to the command of a brigade, as being an employment suitable to his rank.

As a brigade and division commander in the 5th corps, he fought at Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania county, Petersburg, and at the battle of Five Forks.

At the end of the war, he was appointed a major-general of volunteers for gallantry in action and for meritorious services.

His muster out of the volunteer service left him once more a captain of artillery, but on the reorganization of the army in 1866 he was appointed lieutenant-colonel.

In 1879, he was promoted to the colonelcy of the 2nd Artillery He was in active service until his death at Fort Hamilton, New York.

Achievements

• Ayres participated in the American Civil War, the Battle of Gettysburg, the New York Draft Riots, Battle of Globe Tavern and Battle of Five Forks. Today in the Gettysburg National Military Park a monument for his Division is located at the North End of Houck's Ridge, and an Avenue his named after him.

Personality

He was an energetic, determined, hard-fighting commander.

Connections

On August 14, 1849 he married Emily M Dearborn. They had 4 sons and 3 daughters.

Father:

Daniel Ayres

Spouse:

Juliet Opie (Hopkins) Ayres

Spouse:

Emily Louis Gerry (Dearborn) Ayres

Daughter :

Mary Bartlett (Ayres) Gayle

Daughter :

Emily Dearborn (Ayres) Howell

Daughter :

Edith Ayres

Daughter :

Helen R Ayres

Son:

Romeyn D. Ayres

Son :

George Hamilton Ayres

Son :

Henry Dearborn Ayres

Son :

Charles Greenlief Ayres