History of  Franklin and Grand Isle Counties, Vermont; 
Edited by Lewis Cass Aldrich; Syracuse, N.Y.; 
D.Mason & Co Publishers; 1891.

County:  Franklin
Township:  Richford

Ayer, Horace R., born in the town of Berkshire, May 21, 1846, was the 
eldest of two children of William J. and Sarah (Chadwick) Ayer.  William 
Ayer will be remembered by residents of Richford and Berkshire as one of 
the most energetic and prosperous farmers of the latter town.  His labors 
acquired a comfortable fortune, which descends to his sons, Horace and 
Harlow.  William J. and Sarah Ayer both died during the year 1889.  Horace 
was reared on his father’s farm and continued his residence in Berkshire 
until some seven years ago, when he moved to Richford village and engaged 
in the business of supplying the Central Vermont Railroad with wood, and 
with which he is still connected.  In 1884 he built what is known as the 
Opera House Rink, the largest and most comfortable place for public 
assemblages in Richford.  In March, 1890, the firm of H.R. Ayer & Co. was 
formed for the purpose of the manufacture and sale of Sabin’s Beeswax Oil 
Polish, a recent invention and one that promises well to those engaged in its 
production.  October 31, 1866, Horace R. Ayer married Hattie A., daughter 
of Hubbard Chamberlain, of Sheldon, and of this marriage three children 
have been born, all of whom are living.

Submitted by Linda Pingel