My Genealogy Hound

LIEUTENANT WILLIAM SYKES, who is of English descent, was born in Springfield, Ohio, January 24, 1841. His parents were James and Laura (Varian) Sykes, who came from England about 1834 and settled at Springfield. John Sykes, grandfather of William, was a native of England, where for many years he filled the position of foreman in one of the large cloth manufacturing houses of that country, but afterwards came to America and located at Springfield, where he died. James Sykes (father) was born in England in 1813, and remained in the mother country until he attained his majority, when, having learned the painter’s trade, he concluded to cast his fortune in the new world. Coming direct to Springfield, he established himself near his father and followed his trade. He was twice married, his first wife a Miss Toos, and after her death he married Laura Varian, by whom he had eight children, six sons and two daughters. One of the sons, Alexander V., served during the recent struggle between the States in the 44th Regiment of Ohio Infantry, performing the duties of musician. James Sykes was a republican, and a member of the Episcopal church.

William Sykes has had an interesting and honorable experience in life. After receiving his education, which was acquired in the schools of Springfield, he learned the trade of iron moulder, and followed it until the tocsin of war was sounded, when, at President Lincoln’s first call for troops, he joined Co. F, 2nd regiment of Ohio Infantry, and served until the expiration of his term of enlistment, when he re-entered for three years of the war, in the 44th regiment, Ohio Infantry, and served with it at Bull Run, Lewisburg, W. Va., Duton’s Hill, Ky., Knoxville, Tenn., and all the skirmishes in which it was engaged, enjoying with it the joys of victory and lamenting the sorrows of defeat. For recognized bravery he was made second lieutenant. In the winter of 1863-64 the 44th regiment was veteranized, and it was proposed to change them to cavalry. Many of the soldiers objected, among the others Mr. Sykes, and although he was offered a captain’s commission, he did not care to make the change and was honorably discharged, having served about three years.

In 1881 he moved from Springfield to Jamestown, and took charge of the foundry connected with the Columbia Grain Drill works, and remained with them in that capacity about seven years, when he formed a partnership with a Mr. Smith, which resulted in the present machine jobbing firm of Smith & Sykes, located on Steele street, and employing about twenty men. Unlike his father, who was a republican, Mr. Sykes affiliates with the Democratic party, and, with his wife, is an attendant at the Jamestown Episcopal church, of which he is a member. He is also a member of James M. Brown Post, Grand Army of the Republic.

Mr. Sykes was married to Martha E. Connell, a daughter of Benjamin F. Connell. Their union has been blest with one daughter, Maria C.