Cumberland County, Maine - Wyer P. Ayer
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Biography
Wyer P. Ayer
Biographical Review
Cumberland County, Maine
Boston
Biographical Review Publishing Company
1896
Page 471


Wyer P. Ayer, a member of the firm known as the Portland Paper Box Company, with
headquarters at 31 Pearl Street, Portland, was born in Cornish, Oxford County,
Me., August 1, 1843, son of Jacob and Abigail (Sargeant) Ayer. His father, who
was born in 1802, was a carpenter and builder, fairly successful in his line of
business. He died in 1864. His wife,who was born in 1803,died in 1884. They were
the parents of eight children; namely, Albion P., Jacob, Wyer P., Edwin,
Abigail, Sarah, Patience, and one who died in childhood.

Wyer P. Ayer received a good education, attending the common schools and the
high school of Westbrook. He worked first as a clerk for A. B. Stevens & Co.,
grocers, in Westbrook, remaining with them three years. This apprenticeship
familiarized him with the ins and outs of mercantile life, and the knowledge
gained was of use to him in his after career. On leaving the grocery business,
he took up the manufacture of paper boxes, at first in Westbrook and
subsequently in Portland, associating himself with J. P. Libby, under the firm
name of Libby & Ayer. In 1873 Mr.T.M.Dodge, in company with Mr. Ayer, purchased
Mr. Libby's interest; and the business was thereafter conducted under the name
of Ayer & Dodge. About twenty years ago the Portland Paper Box Company was
formed, the members of the firm being Wyer P. Ayer, T. M. Dodge, and J. A.
Pratt; and since then they have answered the demands of an extensive trade,
their business yearly increasing.

In politics Mr. Ayer is a Republican. In 1872 he was elected to the Board of
Aldermen from Ward 4, Deering; and in 1873 he was the Republican candidate for
Mayor of that city, but was defeated by thirty-four votes. He was again elected
Alderman in 1896. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging to Deering
Lodge, No. 183, A. F. & A. M., and also has social interests in Portland, being
a member of the Lincoln Club of that city. Mr. Ayer married Sarah E. Colby, of
Gorham, Me., daughter of the Rev. Joseph and Elizabeth (Blanchard) Colby. He and
his wife attend the Congregational Church of Deering, and reside on Pleasant
Street in that suburb. Mr. Ayer is a man of sound judgment and good business
tact, who has climbed unaided the hill of prosperity, and is a typical
representative of Portland's solid business interests.