In 1879 Frank Reynolds and his family from Ayr, Scotland, settled on the waters of the Cove Creek branch of Buffalo Creek. A small town grew up here around a tannery operated by Reynolds and his sons, notably Thomas. On June 1, 1880, a post office named Ayr opened, first served by postmaster Thomas Edgerton and then by Jane Reynolds, the founder's wife. After the industry and town declined, the post office was discontinued. The old tan yard was located below this site.