I. Ainslie & Co., dealers in hardware, lumber, wood, coal, agricultural implements, furniture, etc., are by far the heaviest dealers in this city. They represent a capital stock of $50,000, and are engaged in more branches of business and carry larger stocks in each branch than any firm in northwest Missouri. Mr. Irwin Ainslie, the gentlemanly manager of the establishment, is a native of Guernsey County, Ohio, and was born February 26, 1848. He there resided till 1857 when, with the family, he emigrated to Gentry County, Missouri where he was researed to manhood in the occuation of farming. In 1869 he began his mercantile career in Grant City with D. C. Kent, starting in the dry goods and grocery trade. In this he remained for one year. Mr. A. then became engaged in the drug business, which he continued till 1879, and during this time he also occupied in the implement trade. To this he gave his undivided attention until 1880, when, in connection with Goodsill Bros., he organized the present firm. Mr. A. was united in marriage January 29, 1871, to Miss Elizabeth Yougman, a native of Iowa. They have three children: Bertha, Charles G. and Mable. He is a member of Grant City Lodge No. 185, I. O. O. F., and has past the various chairs in that order. Mr. A. is an excellent business man, and one of the most enterprising citizens of this place.
The History of Gentry and Worth Counties, Missouri, National Historical Co., St. Joseph, Missouri, pp. 723-4.