William P. Ayres
William P. Ayres -- head clerk in the way-bill office of the U. S. Express Company at the Union Depot, Atchison, was born in Richland County, Ohio, February 10, 1838. While in his native State his occupation was that of a merchant, and in 1857 he came to Kansas. His first engagement with the U. S. Express Company was at Lawrence, this State, the same year of his arrival here being deliverer and general helper in the office at that place. After two years' trial at this he was advanced to messenger on the road, his route being changed a number of times, and in 1873 located at Atchison, and in 1878 was appointed to his present position. Mr. Ayers is now among the oldest expressmen in the State, and by strict attention to business, and the adept manner in which his various duties have been performed, has acquired the reputation of a man thoroughly acquainted with his business.
From History of the State of Kansas (Atchison County section) by William G. Cutler, first published in 1883 by A. T. Andreas, Chicago, IL