Gaston, Joseph. "The Centennial History of Oregon, 1811-1912." Vol. 3. Chicago, Clarke Publishing Co., 1912. p. 1013. WILLIAM GEORGE AYRE is living retired and the success which makes this possible was well merited, because for many years he was active and energetic and was one of the largest sheep-raisers in Oregon. He was born in Devonshire, England, a son of Thomas and Mary Elizabeth (Opperley) Ayre. He pursued his education in Blundellās school at Tiverton, Devon, and in London and in the school of experience has learned many valuable lessons, while readings and observation have also broadened his knowledge, making him a well informed man. He became a resident of America in 1886. He took up his abode in Baker county and made a success of sheep-raising, becoming one of the largest, if not the largest owner of sheep in Oregon. He disposed of his interests, however, in 1907 and is in a large measure living retired, although he is doing a good business as a dealer in wool. His long experience in connection with the sheep industry made him an expert in that line and brought him into prominence in his community. Moreover, he is a man of sound judgment, unfaltering industry and keen discrimination and carries forward to successful completion whatever he undertakes. Mr. Ayre gives his political allegiance to the republican party and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day, but the honors and emoluments of office have not attraction for him as he has always preferred to concentrate his energies upon his private interests. His religious faith is that of the Episcopal church and his is a prominent Mason, having attained the Knight Templar degree of the York Rite and the thirty-second degree of the Scottish Rite. He has also crossed the sands of the desert with the Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He is a member of the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and is in full sympathy and accord with the beneficent spirit which underlies these organizations. Transcriber's note: genealolgy for this individual located at: http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=bakerco&id=I3630 ******************* Submitted to the Oregon Bios. Project in October 2008 by Dale Givens, odg -at- hiwaay dot net.