SAYLES, William 1837-1913

SAYLES, RICKARD, SARGENT

Posted By: Linda Linn (email)
Date: 10/28/2009 at 20:08:00

Newspaper: "Akron Register Tribune," [Plymouth County, Iowa]
Volume 26, Number 31
Publication Date: Thursday, March 13, 1913

OBITUARY OF WILLIAM Sayles

William Sayles was the son of Hiram and Hannah [Rickard] Sayles, his birthplace being Cazenovia, Madison county, New York. He first saw the light of day on May 17, 1837, and passed from this life March 6, 1913, at the age of 75 years, 9 months and 19 days, at his home in Richland township, Union County, South Dakota, following an illness of lagrippe and complications.

When he was six months of age the family emigrated from the state of New York to the State of Ohio, locating in Wayne county. They afterward moved to Holmes county, Ohio, where his father died when he was about sixteen years of age. Soon thereafter he left home, first going to Michigan, then to Omaha, Nebraska, where he joined a mining party and drove an ox team overland to Pike's Peak, Colorado, remaining there about three years and engaging in mining for gold and prospecting.

In 1861 he returned to Omaha to offer his services in time of his country's need in the great civil strife, and enlisted in the [Company B], Fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, serving three years. He was with his regiment in several important battles, among them Pea Ridge, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge and Sherman's March to the Sea. He was twice severely wounded, but recovered and served out his full time of enlistment.

After the close of the war he returned to Medina county, Ohio, and lived with his widowed mother until 1868, where he became acquainted with and married Miss [Irenia] Albina Sargent on New Year's eve, 1868. In the year 1869 they decided to emigrate to the west. On January 20, 1869, they started by team from Lodi, Ohio, and their long, tedious overland journey ended March 12, that year at Elk Point, Dakota Territory. They located in Richland township, Union County, on a homestead, which has ever since remained the family home. They were accompanied on the trip by Mr. Sayles brother-in-law, Jesse Fetterman. At the time of their arrival there were only five organized counties in Dakota Territory, the settlements were few and far between and Indians quite plentiful. Through the grasshopper scourge of the '70's, the floods of the early '80's, the drought of summer and the cold and blizzards of winter and all the other privations and vicissitudes of pioneer days, when from a wilde!
rness was carved out the heritage of peace, prosperity and plenty of these later days, Mr. and Mrs. Sayles were among those who pinned their faith to the future of this beautiful valley of the Big Sioux and helpfully and unwaveringly bore their share of the struggles of the early days. A man of undaunted courage, in whom the principles of patriotism were deeply imbued; lofty of character, with honesty and integrity as cardinal virtues; a reader and close student of current events, particularly political lines, being a Republican of the old school; a kind and loving husband and father; a loyal friend and neighbor; a good citizen -- William Sayles will be missed and sincerely mourned by all who knew him.

Besides his devoted wife he is survived by the following children, all of whom reside in the home vicinity: Mrs. Florence [Sayles] Huckert, Frank Sayles, Mrs. Lottie [Charlotte Sayles] Maynard, Miss Hattie [Harriet] Sayles, and [John] Sherman Sayles.

Three of his sisters are also living: Mrs. Rowena [Sayles] Voorus of Oskaloosa, Iowa, Mrs. M.C. [Mary Charlotte Sayles] Fetterman of Union County, South Dakota, and Mrs. Harriet [Sayles] Morey of Baldwinsville, New York. A host of friends offer their sympathy to the bereaved family.

After a brief service at the home Saturday afternoon at 1 o'clock, the funeral was conducted in the Akron M.E. Church by Rev. L. Stuart. There was a very large attendance, especially of the older settlers, as a last tribute of respect. Deceased was a member of Biddlecome Post, G.A.R., of Akron [Iowa], and the local comrades and members of the W.R.C. attended in a body. He was one of the first members of the Masonic lodge at Elk Point [South Dakota] and a delegation from the order there and a large number of local Masons attended the service and exemplified the beautiful Masonic burial service at the grave. Interment was made in Riverside cemetery [Akron, Plymouth County, Iowa], beside his brother Jonas [Sayles], also a pioneer settler, who passed away a number of years ago.