george bucher ayres was an american photographer, historian, newspaper editor, author, and musical instructor. he is famous for purchasing the glass negatives of alexander hesler's photographs of abraham lincoln, which he safeguarded from almost certain destruction in the great chicago fire of 1871.
early life and career
ayres was born in elizabethtown, illinois, in 1829. he attended the common schools and garfield university in wichita, kansas, and was admitted to the bar in 1893. he practiced law in wichita and held various public offices, including clerk of the court of appeals of kansas from 1897 to 1901.artistic career
as a photographer, ayres is notable for his work with alexander hesler's photographs of abraham lincoln. he purchased the glass negatives of these photographs and safeguarded them from destruction. his work can be found on WahooArt.com, where his painting of abraham lincoln is showcased. key aspects of ayres' work include:- purchasing and safeguarding the glass negatives of alexander hesler's photographs of abraham lincoln
- practicing law in wichita, kansas
- holding various public offices, including clerk of the court of appeals of kansas
