~Page 327~

Albert Sykes

Albert Sykes, a farmer and stock-dealer residing on section 25, Center Township, was born in Illinois, just across the line from Kenosha, Wis., on the 13th of October, 1859. His parents were Bingham and Lamira (Green) Sykes, the former a native of Vermont and the latter of New York. His father had been previously married to Orpha Eastman, by whom he had one child - O. G. Sykes, a grocery man of Kansas City, Mo. He married Miss Green in Illinois, and in 1855, when our subject was a lad of five summers, came to this county, locating on the farm which is still Albert's home. He was a well-to-do farmer and a respected citizen. For some years he supported the Republican party but during the later years of his life was a Democrat. In the East he ran a large dairy and sheep farm and after coming to Iowa, in connection with general farming, he gave much attention to the raising of fine stock, in which he took a great pride. A man of good business ability, sagacious and farsighted, he met with prosperity in his undertakings and at his death, which occurred on the 18th of August, 1881, in the eighty-seventh year of his age, he left a handsome property to his widow. Mrs. Sykes is still living at the age of sixty-nine years. In their family are three children - Albert and Louisa, twins, and Cora L., wife of John McMurrey.

Upon his father's farm Albert Sykes was reared to manhood, spending his boyhood days midst play and work and in attendance at the district schools. However, his educational advantages were limited as the schoolhouse was three miles away. As soon as he was old enough to reach the plow handles he began work upon the old homestead and remained with his father, assisting him in his labors as long as Mr. Sykes lived. On the 14th of March, 1877, he led to the marriage altar Miss Lida Turner, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., born April 7, 1857, and a daughter of J. L. and Biancy (Shaut) Turner. Her father was born in Otsego County, N. Y., and was of English descent, and her mother, whose grandparents came from Holland, was born in Herkimer County of the Empire State. They were married in her native county and removed thence to Jefferson County, where they continued to reside until their emigration westward in 1865. Becoming residents of Fayette County, Iowa, Mr. Turner spent his last days here, dying in 1884, at the age of sixty-seven years. His wife, who is in her sixty-fifth year, still survives him. Of their family of six children Mrs. Sykes was the fifth in order of birth. By occupation Mr. Turner was a farmer and in politics was a Republican until within a few years of his death, when he gave his support to the Greenback party.

Mr. and Mrs. Sykes began their domestic life upon the farm which is still their home. It comprises eighty acres and in connection with its cultivation and improvement he devotes himself to the raising of high grades of stock. In 1889, forming a partnership with H. D. Mabie, he began to ship fine horses to Texas, making from three to four shipments each year. He does quite an extensive business in this line and has a nice little farm well improved, upon which stands the comfortable home of himself and wife. This is the abode of hospitality and their friends throughout the community are many. In his political affiliations Mr. Sykes is a Democrat and socially is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity. His residence in Fayette County, where he is so widely and favorably known, covers a period of thirty-five years.