The Mt. Vernon Register-News, Thursday, April 5, 1951 JOHN N. (sic.) AYERS, MT. V. CITY CLERK 19 YEARS, DIES Rites Saturday for One of City's Best Known and Liked Men. John M. Ayers, who served Mt. Vernon as city clerk for 19 years and was one of the best known and liked men of this community died at 12:15 a. m. today at Jefferson County Memorial Hospital. Mr. Ayers, who resided at 624 south 18th street, had been a patient at the hospital only one day. His age was 72 years, ten months and six-days. Mr. Ayers had been in ill health for years. He resigned as city clerk May 5, 1948 for that reason. Popular Public Official: One of the most conscientious and popular public officials in the history, of Mt. Vernon, he was elected city clerk five times and served four more years by appointment. Mr. Ayers, an electrician by trade, was first elected city clerk in 1927 for a two year term and was reelected in 1929. He was elected again in 1933 and 1935 and then, in 1937, was chosen as Mt. Vernon's first four-year-term clerk. Over the years he served his home city in many ways. He was on the grade school Board of Education in 1924-25, 1934-37 and 1938-41. In 1925 he was Worshipful Master of Mt. Vernon Lodge No. 31, A. F. and A. M and was High Priest of Andrew D. Webb Chapter Royal Arch Masons, in 1931. He was also a member of Patton Commander, Eastern Star and White Shrine. Mr. Ayers served as Republican committeeman of the ninth Mt. Vernon precinct for many years and for eight years was secretary of the Jefferson County Republican Central Committee. He was born May 29, 1878 in Belle Rive, the son of James and Sidney (Rich) Ayers. Was Mine Electrician: In 1897 the family moved to Mt. Vernon and his first job was at the old Mt. Vernon waterworks and ice plant. In 1907 he left the water company to accept employment at the car shops, where he was first assistant engineer until World War I. Too old for the Army draft, he made application in 1917 to become a reserve officer. Later, he accepted a position as electrician at a Benton coal mine, which he held until his election as Mt. Vernon city clerk. He was married in 1901 to Jennie Lennington, who preceded him in death in May, 1946. Mr. Ayers had been a member of the Central Church of Christ since 1904. He is survived by two sons, Kermit and Taylor of Mt. Vernon; one daughter, Mrs. Fred Gaunt, Jr. of Mt. Vernon; two brothers, William of Mitchell, Ill., and Arthur of St. Louis, Mo.; and one sister, Mrs. Mary Shew of Benton. One son, Frank, preceded him in death in 1930. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 2:00 p. m. at Myers Chapel, with Edwin V. Hayden officiating. Burial will be in Oakwood cemetery. Services will be in charge of the Masonic Lodge. (sic.) The body will remain at Myers Chapel, where friends may call at any time after 11 a. m. Friday.