Eliza J. (Greenwood) Ayers
Dec. 9, 1917; Oregonian, p 9
"Pioneer of 1849 Dead"
Heppner, Or., Dec. 8
 
   Mrs. Eliza J. Ayers, one of Morrow County's best known pioneer women, died at her home here November 29, in her 82d year. She was born in Burlington, Ia. She was the daughter of William and Elizabeth Greenwood. The family crossed the plains by ox team in 1849, and settled on Howell prairie, near Salem. In 1851, the daughter, Eliza, was married to Israel Shaw. Five months later, May 1, 1852, Mr. Shaw died. The young widow returned to her father's home, where she remained until October 1, 1854, when she was married to Harvey Smith. He died in 1873, leaving seven children. Mrs. Smith engaged in the hotel business at Heppner and supported her children until they were grown. Mrs. Smith was married to Thomas W. Ayers, a prominent citizen and business man of Heppner, in 1888. He died August 28, 1909.
 
   Of the seven children born to her second marriage four survive her. They are: Mrs. Josephine Forwood, of Sumpter, Or.; Mrs. Paulina Quaid, of Portland; Mrs. Cora Van Duyne, of Spokane, Wash., and Mrs. Eliza Walbridge, of Heppner. Three grandsons also survive.
 
   Mrs. Ayers was a member of the episcopal Church at the time of her death and was also a charter member of the Eastern Star, of Heppner.