Sykes, Samuel

CARTER, MAJORS, SYKES, THOMAS

Posted By: Deborah Brownfield - Stanley (email)
Date: 1/25/2005 at 09:22:31

Fairfield Ledger
Thurs. Mar. 3, 1938
Page 8 col. 7

SAMUEL SYKES’ AGE UNCERTAIN. Venerable Colored Gentleman, Born in Slavery, Dies Today. SAMUEL SYKES died at 1:45 this morning at his home, 304 E. Washington Street. MR. SYKES, one of the most highly respected colored gentlemen ever to live in this city, was born in slavery. Although the exact date of his birth is uncertain, he often quoted his mother as saying it was 1840. This would have made him 98 years old at the time of his death. MR. SYKES was born in Aberdeen, Miss. He was separated from his parents at an early age when they were sold to another owner. Finally, it is said, he was aided in making his escape to the North. He had lived in Fairfield for at least half a century. He operated barber shops here for many years and was at one time proprietor of the shop in the Leggett Hotel. He is survived by his wife, EMILY, and three daughters, MRS. NELLIE THOMAS of Aurora, Ill.; MRS. ALBERTA CARTER of Davenport, and MRS. FAYE MAJORS at home. Funeral services will be held at 2 p. m. Friday at the Weston Behner Funeral home. Interment will be in the Fairfield cemetery.