Sylvester, W. Henry

SYLVESTER, MAYFIELD, JOHNSON, STRADLEY

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 12/3/2008 at 12:24:38

SYLVESTER, W. H.
Farmer; Sec. 10; P. O. Lynnville; owns 120 acres, valued at $5,000; born in Hamilton Co., Ohio, in 1836; moved to Fulton Co., Ohio, with parents, in 1844,and remained one year; then moved to Logan Co., Ill., where they lived till 1852, when they moved to this county, settling on Sec. 15. In September, 1864, Mr. S. enlisted in the 11th I. V. I., Co. A; was engaged in a number of battles and skirmishes, and was discharged at Washington in June, 1865. He at once returned to his home, where he has since resided. Married Miss Elizabeth MAYFIELD in this township May 16, 1861; she was born in Sangamon Co., Ill.; they have two children-Charles F. and John. Politically, is a member of the National party. ~ "Lynn Grove Township Biographies," The History of Jasper County, Iowa, (Chicago: Western Historical Company, 1878)
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W. Henry Sylvester, who is now living a retired life in Lynnville, was born in Millford, Hamilton County, Ohio, September 26, 1836, and dates his settlement in Jasper County from 1852. He is the son of Dixson and Ann (Johnson) Sylvester, natives of the state of Delaware, and were born in 1808 and 1814 respectively. The family came to Jasper County in 1852 and located on Section 15, where his parents spent the remainder of their lives. Our subject received his education in the district schools of Lynn Grove Township, and remained on the old homestead until 24 years of age. May 16, 1861, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Mayfield, daughter of William T. and Nancy Mayfield, pioneers of Lynn Grove Township of 1844. After his marriage he engaged in farming on his own account. In 1864 he became a member of Company A. 11th Iowa Infantry, going out in September. During his service he was at the battle of Bentonville, and was through with Sherman to the sea, after which he returned to Washington and May 24, 1865, participated in the Grand Review. Mr. Sylvester, on his return from the service, again engaged in farming, at which he was marked success, and became one of Jasper County’s most prosperous business men, and has owned as high as 900 acres of Jasper County soil at one time, most of which has since been deeded to his two sons, Charles F. and John A., the former now owning about 300 acres of land, and the latter 420. Of his father, Dixson Sylvester, it should be stated that he never knew the care of a parent. His father died when he was young, and he was bound out to an uncle, Calop Stradley. When he arrived at his majority he married Ann Johnson, and they became the parents of 15 children, ten of who grew to maturity, five sons and five daughters. Eight are still living; four are residents of Jasper County. ~ Standard Historical Atlas of Jasper Co., IA, Page 3/32