Gustavus W. Sykes - Biography

From "History of North Washington" Published 1904

Transcribed by: Candy Grubb (candyg@theofficenet.com)
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GUSTAVUS W. SYKES
    Gustavus W. Sykes.  In the trying times of the 'sixties, men's
hearts and principles were told out most plainly to the onlooking world
by their actions regarding the question of whether the attacks of treason
should succeed in trampling the banner in the dust that headed the cause
of freedom, or whether those minions should be repelled as is always
fitting to the marauders of good government and stable principles.
Among the number who gave their efforts, and their lives, if need be,
to the worthy cause, we are pleased to mention the subject of this article.
On September 25, 1861, he enlisted in Company D, First Wisconsin Cavalry
and was soon sent to St. Louis, and was engaged in chasing bushwhackers
in Missouri.  In 1863 he was transferred to the Army of the Cumberland
and participated from that time forward in all the battles of that
portion of the army and did service worthy the patriot he showed himself
to be.  He was wounded on different occasions and at the capture of
Jeff Davis, his right arm was broken.  On account of this he was sent to
the hospital at Macon, Georgia, where he languished from May 10, 1865,
to September of the same year.  Then he was transferred to Madison,
Wisconsin, where he received his honorable discharge.  Mr. Sykes is now
a member of the G.A.R. and has been commander of the post at different
times and is at present enjoying from the hands of his comrades that
pleasant distinction.
    Gustavus W. Sykes was born in Niagara county, New York, on August
16, 1842, the son of William and Hulda (Thayer) Sykes, also natives
of New York.  The mother died when our subject was an infant and the
father enlisted to fight for the union at he time of the Rebellion.  He
was wounded  at the battle of Spottsylvania, a ball piercing his ankle.
After amputation, erysipelas set in and he soon died.  Gustavus was
reared with his relatives and at the early age of ten started out for
himself.  Following the war he returned to Greenlake county, Wisconsin and
for two years resided with his sister, Mrs. Charlotte Bishop, being unable
to do much on account of his arm.  That member gives him trouble to this
day.
    On September 12, 1869, Mr. Sykes married Miss Hattie, daughter of
John and Mahesabel Childs.  In 1871, they migrated to Minnesota, settling
in Dodge county and there abode, occupied in farming until 1885, when
they sold and came to their present home.  Mr. Sykes took his place as a
pre-emption and now has a good farm, productive of excellent crops and
provided with fine improvements, as residence, barns, fences, and so
forth.  To Mr. and Mrs. Sykes, five children were born: Maud, wife of
Oscar Pangburn, in Minnesota; Adelbert, living near Rice; Claude W. in
Okanogan county; Edith, wife of Charles Haney; Ethel V.  Mr. Sykes came
to this country to benefit his wife's health, and after coming she was
recovered some, but on September 17, 1902, she was called to pass the
river of death.  She had been secretary of the Relief Corps for seven
years and was president for one term.  Mr. Sykes has always taken a great
interest in educational affairs and was the prime mover to get the first
school started in this new country.

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