Francis Wayland Ayer (February 4, 1848March 5, 1923) was an American advertising businessman based in Philadelphia. His agency, N. W. Ayer & Son, was recognized as a pioneer in the field of American newspaper advertising.

Early life and education

Francis Wayland Ayer was born in Lee, Massachusetts on February 4, 1848, to Nathaniel Wheeler Ayer and Joanna B. Wheeler. though he was raised in western New York. His father was a graduate of Brown University and licensed attorney who served as the principal at preparatory schools throughout New York state. His mother died when he was three years old, and his father remarried Harriett Amanda Post.

Ayer was homeschooled under his father's supervision and became a teacher at the age of fourteen. He continued teaching until 1867, when he enrolled at the University of Rochester. His father relocated to Philadelphia in the same year. Over the course of his life, Ayer grew the business into a leading position in the newspaper advertising agency. In addition to its direct work in advertising, Ayer & Son became known for its annual publication of a complete directory of United States newspapers, which it had acquired from George P. Rowell. Besides himself, he began with only a bookkeeper and US$25. Early clients were primarily religious weekly newspapers.

Ayer was a leading figure in the Baptist community of New Jersey, serving as president of the Camden YMCA and a member of its international committee. He was a sunday school superintendent for nearly fifty years near the time of his death.

References

  • Ingham, John N. Biographical Dictionary of American Business Leaders A-G. Greenwook Publishing Group, 1983. p. 31-32
  • 1860 U.S. census, population schedule. NARA microfilm publication M653, 1,438 rolls. Washington, D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.
  • Biography at the Center for Interactive Advertising