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- Ayers, or Ayer - JOHN, Haverhill, s. of the preced. b. in Eng. m. 5 May 1646, Sarah, d. of John Williams of the same and next, after 1659, Susanna, d. of Mark Symonds of Ipswich, and rem. to Brookfield as one of its first sett. there k. by the Ind. when they destroy. the town, 3 Aug. 1675. He kept the inn, and his ch. were (beside Sarah) Samuel, John, Thomas, Joseph, Mark, Nathaniel, and Edward; of wh. some liv. at B. after its renova
- John Ayres, born around 1615-1625 in England, was a notable figure in the early history of colonial America. His journey from England to the New World was driven by the same quest for religious freedom and opportunity that motivated many of his contemporaries during the period of the Great Puritan Migration.
Upon settling in Ipswich, Massachusetts, John quickly integrated into the community, contributing to its growth and development. His marriage to Susanna Symonds solidified his position in the community, and together they raised a family, adapting to the challenges of life in the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
John's life in Ipswich was marked by his active involvement in the community. He was known for his work ethic and commitment to the burgeoning town. However, the relative peace of his life in Ipswich was starkly contrasted by the events that unfolded during King Philip's War, a brutal conflict between Native American tribes and English settlers.
In the summer of 1675, John Ayres found himself in the midst of this conflict. He was part of a group led by Captain Edward Hutchinson and Captain Thomas Wheeler, tasked with negotiating with the Nipmuck tribe. The delegation, seeking to ease tensions and find a peaceful resolution, traveled to a prearranged meeting spot near a swamp. However, the meeting turned into an ambush by the Nipmuck warriors, leading to a violent skirmish. John Ayres was among the eight men killed in this unexpected attack.
The death of John Ayres had significant repercussions. Following the ambush, the survivors, including the wounded Captain Wheeler, retreated to Brookfield. In a desperate bid for safety, they gathered in John Ayres' tavern, which served as a makeshift fort. This building became a crucial stronghold for the settlers during the Siege of Brookfield, one of the key events of King Philip's War.
The siege saw the settlers, including women and children, barricaded inside John Ayres' tavern, defending themselves against continuous attacks by the Nipmuck warriors. The tavern, being one of the sturdiest structures in the town, provided crucial refuge during this critical time. The occupants endured days of assault, with limited supplies and under constant threat, until they were eventually relieved by a colonial militia.
John Ayres' untimely death and the subsequent siege at his tavern highlight the volatile and dangerous nature of life on the colonial frontier. His story is emblematic of the struggles and conflicts that characterized the early years of American colonization. The legacy of John Ayres is not only in his personal contributions to his community but also in the pivotal role his tavern played during a critical moment in the history of Brookfield and the broader context of King Philip's War.
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Aft 1615 - 1675 (< 58 years)
Set As Default Person 
