Socrates Ayers
- Born: 14 Oct 1814, Ulysses Tompkins NY
- Marriage (1): Susan Harris
- Died: 25 Sep 1897, Elmira NY
General notes:
Silversmith, jeweler, and watchmaker
Events in his life were:
- He worked in 1836-1870 as a silversmith, watchmaker, and jeweler in Elmira NY having purchased the business of Francis Collingwood. Listed in the 1860 city directory at 99 Water Street. 4
- Example: Watch paper, circa 1840, in Private Collection.
- He appeared on the census in 1850 in Elmira NY. Listed as a jeweler.
- He appeared on the census in 1860 in Elmira NY. Listed as a jeweler.
- His obituary was published in the New York Tribune on 28 Sep 1897 in New York City NY. Socrates Ayres, one of the oldest jewellers in New-York State, died last Saturday at his home in Elmira. Mr. Ayres was born in 1814, and spent the last seventy years of his life in Elmira, where he was widely known. When he first settled in Elmira and entered business he used to make trips to New York twice a year by stage and canal boat to make his purchases.
- His obituary was published in the Daily Journal on 29 Sep 1897 in Ithaca NY. Socrates Ayers, one of the oldest jewelers in New York State, died last Saturday at his home in Elmira. Mr. Ayres was born in 1814, and spent the last seventy years of his life in Elmira, where he was widely known.
When he first settled in Elmira and entered business he used to make trips to New York twice a year by stage and canal boat to make his purchases. Like Mr. Comfort, of Owego, and most of the elder jewelers and silversmiths of this section of the state, Mr. Ayers is said to have learned his trade of the late Joseph Burritt (1795-1889), who established a trade here in 1816, which yet survives.
Socrates married Susan Harris. (Susan Harris was born on 19 Oct 1815 in Ulysses Tompkins NY and died on 31 Mar 1893 in Elmira NY.)
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