Sayre Family: Another 100 Years, Volume I

By Ralph Hall Sayre

Thomas Sayre came with his family from England to Lynn, Massachusetts, in the early 1630's. Among descendants of Thomas were clergymen, surgeons, attorneys, ambassadors, and representatives of almost every profession. Francis B., cowboy, professor of law, and ambassador, was son-in-law of President Woodrow Wilson. Zelda was the wife of American novelist, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and subject of one of his books. David A. was a silversmith, banker, and founder of Lexington's Sayre School. Many Sayre descendants were taken by wars in service to America and never had the chance to win recognition for their inherent abilities.
SAYRE FAMILY, Another 100-years, in a large part, focuses on the early pioneers who came to or passed through the Ohio Valley of West Virginia and Ohio. At least three direct descendants of Thomas had made settlements in that area by the Nineteenth Century. One, David Sayre, came from New Jersey about 1778, and left many descendants who still lived in that area at the beginning of the Twenty-first Century. The bulk of this genealogy covers those, while other Sayre families whose ancestral links were not discovered are also included. The three generations of ancestors above each family block makes tracing easier.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: Jul 8, 2003
• ISBN: 9781475968033

Ralph Hall Sayre

Ralph Hall Sayre, native West Virginian, was born in the hills of Upshur County. He attended West Virginia University, afterwards serving in the U.S. Army 1962-1966. In 1979, he published Some Branches of THE WORKMAN TREE. He has worked as Quality Control Inspector, Genealogical Records Specialist, and Fingerprint Examiner.

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All Rights Reserved © 2003 by Ralph Hall Sayre

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Information used in the preparation of this book has been collected and assembled by humans. Humans are prone to make mistakes. I have found conflicts in dates by the same persons given to me at different times. I have had different names and/or dates for the same person given to me by different contributors, and in some instances, from the same family. Having no personal knowledge

of the individual families or means of confirming all data given to me, I used what I was given in most cases. I tried to be consistent and not change anything. I always requested that data be written and mailed to me, however, some things were given me by phone. Of material received both ways, I could have misunderstood.

Some information, even if correct and appropriate at the time of writing, could seem incorrect when

read years later. Divorce, job changes, births, death, etc. cause changes. Dates recorded in family bibles often disagree with dates on tombstones and in the courthouses. There are typos where the fingers misspell and make a number wrong. For instance the date, 1820 may appear as 1920, and 1920 may appear as 1902, etc. I must apologize for my lack of skill, knowledge and use of established standards. Especially to those who were wrongly affected, I apologize.

Particular attention was given to the material compiled for this work to avoid invasion of privacy. I have assumed that everyone who contributed data to me intended me to use it in this genealogy. It will be the responsibility of each reader to respect the privacy and rights of all people named herein.

I made every attempt to obtain permission to use information from all sources whether or not a copyright was registered. In the text and with illustrations, I have attempted to credit all contributors and sources, published and unpublished. Any credits that have been overlooked were unintentional, and I offer my most sincere apology. Special care was taken to avoid copyright infringement.

I had no formal training in book writing and computers. In completing this book using computers, I became self-taught and compiled everything using my own logic.

ISBN: 0-595-28050-1

ISBN13: 978-1-4759-6803-3

DEDICATION

HILDA, ALAN, LeANNA,

DALTON, and REBECCA SAYRE

for patience, understanding, forgiveness

and companionship on many research expeditions.

ADA RUTH and FRANK SAYRE

without whose commitment, interest and generosity,

this work would not be so complete.

ARNOLD WESLEY SAYRE

who has been there and supported me all my life,

and the best brother any man could have.

WHY—A GENEALOGY—WHY?

"There is a moral and philosophical respect for our ancestors which elevates the character and improves the heart.

"It is wise for us to recur to the history of our ancestors. Those who are regardless of their ancestors, and of their posterity, who do not look upon themselves as a link connecting the past with the future, in the transmission of life from their ancestors to their posterity, do not perform their duty to the world.

To be faithful to ourselves, we must keep both our ancestors and their posterity within reach and grasp of our thoughts and our affections, living in the memory and retrospect of the past, and hoping with affections and care for those who are to come after us. We are true to ourselves only when we act with pride for the blood we inherit, and which we are to transmit to those who shall soon fill our places. Daniel Webster

CONTENTS

Volume I gives some world history and geography relative to possible origin of Sayre ancestors. Included are some notes and information about heraldry and coats of arms. This basic genealogy focuses on Thomas Sayre’s descendants who came into the Ohio valley. Volume I includes some descendants of (#20) Samuel’s son, Samuel⁴, but largely follows descendants of (#199) David⁵ who was son of (#63) Daniel⁴, son of (#20) Samuel³. David and Hannah (Frazier) Sayre with family came to Monongalia County about 1778, then some went on to Meigs County, Ohio and Mason County, Virginia, about 1800. Some went on west from there.

Additional notes are given on allied families of Frazier (Frazee), Jones, Hall (2 places), Weaver, Ingles, Slaughter, and Carnahan.

SAYRE ORIGIN AND ANCESTRY

WILLIAM SAYRE, Podington, Bedfordshire, England. Wife: Alice Squyre. their son,

WILLIAM SAYRE married Elizabeth ( ). their son,

FRANCIS SAYRE, Leighton-Buzzard, Bedfordshire, England, married Elizabeth Atkins. at least one of their sons came to America in the 1630’s,

COMING TO AMERICA

DESCENDANTS OF THOMAS¹ SAYRE

THOMAS¹ SAYRE, Southampton, L.I. New York, immigrant ancestor. Wife: unknown. their son,

DANIEL² SAYRE, Southampton, L.I., New York, married 1st, Hannah Foster. Their son,

SAMUEL³ SAYRE went to New Jersey. Wife: unknown.

DESCENDANTS OF (#20) SAMUEL³ SAYRE

DESCENDANTS OF (#62) SAMUEL⁴ SAYRE

DESCENDANTS OF (#63) DANIEL⁴ AND REBECCA (BOND) SAYRE

DESCENDANTS OF (#199) DAVID⁵ AND HANNAH (FRAZIER) SAYRE

DESCENDANTS OF (#548) DANIEL⁶ AND SARAH (HALL) SAYRE SOME

DESCENDANTS OF (#549) DAVID⁶ AND SARAH (LITTLE) SAYRE

1328.   ANNA⁷ (SAYRE) AND HENRY ROUSH, JR.

1329.   DANIEL⁷ AND SARAH (HALL) SAYRE

               2700.   BENJAMIN⁸ AND DELILAH (HUGHES) SAYRE

               2701.   JOSEPH⁸ AND RACHEL (McQUIRE) SAYRE (partial)

This volume ends with the family of John Edgar¹¹ Sayre, s/o Edgar E.¹⁰ Sayre, s/o Lafayette⁹ Sayre, s/o (#2701) Joseph⁸ Sayre, s/o (#1329) Daniel⁷ Sayre, s/o David⁶ Sayre.

NOTE: s/o means son of and d/o means daughter of.

Some of the numbers at left of names and those enclosed in parenthesis are person numbers assigned by Theodore M. Banta in his SAYRE FAMILY published in 1901. Superscript numbers (raised and smaller) indicate the American generation as descended from the immigrant ancestor, Thomas¹.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

ANCIENT MIGRATION (MAP)

SAARLAND (MAP)

SAYRE SIGNATURE COLLECTION

OLD ENGLISH SAYRE (VAR.) CRESTS

SAYRE (VAR.) IN OLD ENGLAND (MAP)

AMERICAN COLONIAL SETTLEMENT (MAP)

REPLICA OF THE ARABELLA

THOMAS SAYRE’S COAT OF ARMS

SAYRE SCHOOL, LEXINGTON, KY.

THOMAS SAYRE’S HOUSE, 1648-1912

(#63) DANIEL SAYRE’S ANVIL W/MARVIN AULTZ

DAVID SAYRE DAR MARKER

SAYRE TRAIL (MAP)

(#548) DANIEL SAYRE LETTER

SQUIRE AND ELIZA SAYRE

ALFRED S.D. SAYRE AND SISTERS

ALFRED S.D. SAYRE & WIFE; ALSO W/SISTERS

SAYRE MONUMENT AT EVANS, WEST VIRGINIA

(#2701) JOSEPH SAYRE AND RACHEL (McQUIRE) SAYRE

LAFAYETTE AND NANCY (LEWIS) SAYRE

LAFAYETTE’S CHILDREN; FINLEY SAYRE FAMILY

I began genealogical research about 1960 as my own project. A scrap of paper with birth, marriage, and death dates for my Grandmother Sayre’s family was found in an old trunk that my dad kept. I thought, How neat! I’ll just do that for as many of the family as I can. For more than twenty years I did genealogy for my own pleasure, seldom giving thought that my work would pass on to someone who would want to know where I got my information. About 1980, I became acquainted with Ada Ruth Sayre who had collected an enormous amount of Sayre Genealogy mostly from the Jackson-Mason County, West Virginia area. We combined our research materials.

In 1995, when my employment was taken away, I decided that I would like to be a certified professional genealogist. When I started studying for certification, one thing quickly became clear. I had been lax in citing my sources over all those years. It turns play into work, but in the end, source citations are something nice to have. I went back and tried to locate sources that were not originally recorded, but I was unsuccessful in many cases. So take a tip from someone who learned late, CITE YOUR SOURCES!

In this genealogy, I never used footnotes, but attempted to cite sources in the text. I included three ancestral generations above each family block, then listed up to three generations of descendants under each family block. Where there were more than three generations on one or more of the descendants, I used a plus (+) symbol and moved forward to start a new family block for that descendant. I tried to keep these in order, but in cases you find some out of order, it may be because of my error, or because of the way I received the information. Please take the time and patience to try to understand.

I attempted to write this entire work in past tense. One of the strongest influencing factors for that was the picture of The Old Sayre House opposite page 18 in SAYRE FAMILY by Theodore M. Banta where the caption included the words still standing. That book was reprinted several times, and many descendants made an effort in the 1960’s, 1970’s, and 1980’s to go to Southampton to see that house. The book was published in 1901, the house was torn down in 1912, so many visitors to Southampton were somewhat disappointed. Once something is written, circumstances which made it true and factual at the time often change, but the printed words remain unchanged.

Conflicting concerns have arisen from including adopted children. Some have said, Don’t include me if you must identify me as adopted. Others have asked that their adopted children be included without condition or reservation. Others are critical of including adopted children in families other than their own. Some raise eyebrows and point a wicked finger at the illegitimate links. I tried to please as many as possible. I tried to remove the families who asked to be removed. While dealing with the importance of genealogy in its strictest sense, I tried to be accurate in reporting. I compiled this genealogy in the spirit of family and integrity."

Where known, I tried to include cause of death. I consider the most accurate source to be from a person’s death certificate. In many cases, however, it was simply reported by a family member.

Many years and efforts of many people have gone into compiling, proofreading and correcting this material, yet, there will be errors. Once a book is in print, errors cannot be corrected in that print. However, when you find errors you can make notes in your own book, and you can tell other people. A good sharp No. 2 pencil is the best tool I have found for entering notes into books. Ink often bleeds into the paper fibers and becomes unsightly and sometimes unreadable.

APPRECIATION-To all who provided moral support, information, and finances, I express my sincere appreciation. If I were to list all, the list would surely be enormous and someone would surely be missed. When you read this, those of you who contributed will know, but also know that others reading this for the first time will appreciate you most. Those of you who are reading for the first time, know that we tried to accurately provide you a record and lasting memorial to the Sayre family.

Ralph Hall Sayre, 2003

SAYRE ANCESTRY

A Treasury of Names by Evelyn Wells defines the Sayer, Sayre, and Sayers spellings as English, descending from the Teutonic Saer, and conquering armies. The Teutons were tribes of Scandinavian origin who inhabited the territory east of the Elbe River and along the Baltic Sea.

In 103 BC, the Teutonic armies moved south across the Rhine River into Gaul (now France), and successively destroyed three Roman armies. Teutonic tribes established themselves in various locations in this newly conquered land. Between the 8th and 10th centuries, great numbers of descendants of these tribes migrated northerly and settled along the English Channel. Here these people were called Northmen (later Normans) because ancestors came from the northern lands. Their settlement and growth established a 10,534 square mile province known as Normandy.

In 85 AD, England was conquered by Rome.

This very brief sketch of ancient history is not offered as proof of ancestry in Sayre genealogy, but only to establish a possibility. The Teutons of Gaul provided descendants who eventually migrated into Normandy and some became part of the fleet led by Duke William into the Battle of Hastings.’⁴³ King William divided all the conquered English properties among about twenty thousand of his followers. Perhaps, of them, the old yeoman family of Sayer began in England.

Image481.PNG

1066 Norman Conquest, Hastings, England.

1309 Subsidy roll in England listed a William Sayer of Bedfordshire.

1591 Francis Sayre married Elizabeth Atkins at All-Saints Church in Leighton-Buzzard, Bedfordshire, England.

ANCIENT TIMES

Old scrolls and manuscripts, which have survived the ages, leave little doubt that the general populace of medieval times could neither read nor write. These old surviving scrolls and records have many missing links, leaving genealogists no choice but to make educated guesses, assumptions, and unfortunate mistakes.

Earliest heraldry in a general sense has been traced to tribes living before Christ. Indications are that until the tenth century, AD, families lived in close groups or tribes. Being unaccustomed to written communications, there was little need for personal items to be marked with names. As is evidenced in the Holy Bible, individuals were referred to as son of or daughter of their father.

Surnames became classified according to four common origins: Patronymic relating to the father (i.e., Johnson, Andrewson); Occupational relating to the father’s or family’s work (i.e. Smith, Weaver, Hunt); Residential relating to where the family lived (i.e., Von Brook, Atwood, Hill); Characteristic relating to prominent physical features (i.e. Little, White, Proudfoot). Erin’s First Families said of the Irish names, Gaelic prefixes had meanings such as Mac or Mc meaning son of…; O’ meaning descendant of…; and Fitz of Norman use for son of.

Authorities on family name origins commonly stated that the American Sayre and Sayer were occupational but disagree somewhat on the actual origin. Some said it was from assayer meaning a tester of metals. In researching this genealogy, I was informed by a correspondent that Saer was a Gaelic word meaning Carpenter. I was never able to confirm or verify that. Some of the older surname references suggested that Sayre and Sayer came from the Old High German name Sigihari meaning victorious army, which would fit into the history of Teutons.

Theodore M. Banta was able to employ experienced genealogists in England to trace the ancestry of Thomas back at least three generations. The name Willo Seyer was found on the Subsidy Rolls of King Edward II 8 July 1309-7 July 1310. Harvey’s History and Antiquities of the Hundred of Willey, in the County of Bedford, England, Quarto; London, 1872-8, page 382 refers to the old yeoman family of Sayer.^

The following, titled The Ancient and Unverified Sayres was sent to me by a correspondent, and the original researcher was undisclosed. It changed my theory that our Teuton ancestors from the Baltic States had been from Norway. Finland or Estonia were more likely.

The ancient family of Sayre was found settled in England early in the 13th century. They were generally thought to have come from Normandy in the Invasion of 1066 at Hastings. History for that population has been traced to Germanic Tribes with Scandinavian ancestry, who lived for centuries in Gaul before populating Normandy. A variant spelling of SAYRE is a name used for local places, spelled ‘Sarre’ and ‘Serre’ in France, and ‘Saar’ in Germany and Holland.

"Along the banks of the river ‘SARRE’, which flows Northerly and empties in the River Moselle, are the towns of Sarrebourg, Saarunion, Sarralbe, Sarrequeminos, Sarrebuck, Sarelouis and Sarrburg.

"Lord de Seer, a knight of the Teutonic order, lived in or near Devon, England about 1249.

Image488.PNG

"In 1326, JOHN DE HAINAULT escorted Queen Isabella on her return from Germany to England, and in the list of Lords and Knights accompanying them is the name of Lord de Sars.

There was a Lord de Sars at the siege of Thiu d’ Eveque in 1340 and a Lord de Doire was killed at Point a Tressin in the same year.

"About the year 1310, a branch of the family of Sayer was found located near Colchester, County of Essex, England.

"A SAYHER, Sheriff of Colchester, England claimed ‘The Right of Promises in the Market’ in years 1311-1312.

"Adam Sare, from whom descends the Colchester branch, died owning the ‘Manor of Sarres’ in the Diocese of Canterbury, England in 1346.

[Sears, or Sayer (originally of Colchester, County Essex, and now of Boston, New England; settled in America 1630). Gules, a chevron argent between three eaglets proper on a chief ermine an escallop between two mullets of the first. Crest—an eagle displaced wings inverted proper. Motto—Honor et fides. ⁹⁸ RS]

"John Seer, the great grandson of Adam Sare, was one of the Barons returned to Parliament for the town and port of Sandwich, County of Kent in the reign of Henry VI, 1429-1461, and THOMAS SYR, the youngest son of John was knighted by Henry VII after the battle of Stoke, June 16, 1487.

[Sandwich, Kent, was a small town in the county of Kent, England dating back beyond the earliest records. First mention of the town in records to date was 640 AD, but it was settled much earlier. The name comes from the Saxon word stronde meaning sandy place. Early records indicate that a very marshy condition had to be dealt with in its earliest development. (Internet search 2000) RS]

"In 1456, John Sayer, and at his death, Matilda, his wife had the sole wardship of Rochester Castle, County of Kent.

"In 1348, William Sayer of Capsford, County of Essex, held 50 acres of arable, 30 of marsh, and 2 of pasture land. [Capsford was located on an old map near the coast and an inlet above Southend. RS]

"A John Sayer was bailiff of Colchester, England 1454-1458.

"A John Sayer was Alderman of Colchester and died in 1509.

"George Sayer was bailiff in 1546, his grandson Sir George Sayer was Knighted and died in 1630.

"John Sayer, son of Sir George Sayer was a Member of Parliament for Colchester England in 1645.

"Sir John Sayer, Jr. was Page to the Prince of Orange, Colonel of a Regiment in the Netherlands and was knighted in 1649. His brother, Sir George Sayer, was ‘master of Horse’ to the King of Bohemia and died in 1650.

"George Sayer, son of John Sayer, Sr., was a member of Parliament for Canterbury 1695-1702, and Vice Chamberlain to Katherine, Queen of Charles II and to Queen Mary, and Sub Governor of the Duke of Gloucester.

"A William Sayer, Esq. had charge of Henry VI during his imprisonment in the Tower of London from May 11, 1471; until the death of the King.

In the body of the church of the Holy Cross at Westgate, Canterbury, County of Kent, England was a brass plate to John Syre, once Rector of the church dated 1436. [In Canterbury, the Westgate was constructed from Kentish ragstone around 1377. As part of the City Wall and defenses, there were originally seven gates into the City; Northgate, Queningate, Burgate, The Riding Gate, Worthgate, London Gate and Westgate.

As of 2000, its twin drum towers are 60 feet high and was built to be as pleasing from the rear as from the front. This defensive structure was not used when the Peasant’s Revolt led by Wat Tyler broke out. The Gate was opened and the rebels let into the City. Subsequently, Wat and his buddies moved onto to London and Tower Hill where Archbishop Simon was being held in protective custody because of a very unpopular poll tax that he had introduced. The Archbishop was dragged from the Tower by the rabble and was then beheaded. This was unfortunate because he had added a great deal to Canterbury in the way of architecture by being also responsible for improvements and additions to the Cathedral.

A hundred years after its construction, the Westgate began to serve as a jail and did so until the 19th Century. The old Canterbury City police station adjoined it eventually to the East in Pound Lane. During the time when such events occurred, public hangings were carried out in front of the Westgate. Prior to hangings being held at the Westgate they took place at Oaten Hill, but the Westgate was a prettier location. (Internet search 2000) RS]

This text is presented in this Sayre genealogy as theory for anyone wanting to do future research, not as factual history of the true Sayre ancestors.

The exact time of development of family names is not known, but believed to be different in different parts of the world. Oriental countries kept genealogical records before most of the other countries began. In Europe, last names are noted in records beginning slightly before 1000 AD The development of last names probably became even more popular in England after the battle of Hastings in 1066.

Many of the surviving historical notes about the invasion have been doubted and debated. The following account, compiled from miscellaneous notes, although probably not exact, seems feasible.

Sometime in the early 1060’s, Edward The Confessor, King of England began to realize he was dying. He was called The Confessor because of his construction of Westminster Abbey. He had married the sister of Harold, who was the Earl of Wessex, and the King’s trusted advisor. Harold always figured he would inherit the throne because of this relationship. King Edward, however, felt that William of Normandy was his cousin and had a right to the throne due to blood relationship. William had been made Duke of Normandy at the age of seven, an event that resulted in a 12-year civil war. William was an illegitimate son of his father with a tanner’s daughter, so it is not known today if there was a blood relationship between Edward and William.

In 1064, King Edward sent Harold, with a message to William saying that he, William, would be heir the throne. In the castle Bayeux on the coast of Normandy, William made Harold swear allegiance to him in the event of Edward’s death. During the later years of his reign, Edward let many of his kingly responsibilities fall to Harold who became virtual ruler of England. Leaders of Denmark and Norway had also been watching the failing health of the King and assuming rights to the throne.

King Edward’s reign of twenty-three years ended with his death on 5 January 1066. On the day of Edward’s burial, Harold had himself coronated as King Harold I. He claimed that King Edward’s dying words were, Into Harold’s hands I commit my Kingdom. This left business pretty much as usual until September of that year.

King Harald Hardrada of Norway felt he had the best chance and took the first initiative. He made his attack in September and was successful in capturing York. When word of this reached London, King Harold made a hasty move to the north beefing up his army as he went. The Norway Vikings had camped just south of York and were met in a ferocious battle by Harold’s troops. Only 24 of Norway’s 240 invading ships were able to retreat after the battle.

Harold had sworn on the relics of a martyred saint that he would support Duke William’s right to the throne. When Harold was crowned, he not only defied the wishes of Edward, but also violated his sacred oath to William. Due to violation of the sacred oath, the Pope gave his support to William, and he excommunicated King Harold and his supporters.

William of Normandy had his invading fleet ready and waiting in July, but the coastal winds prevailed in a northerly direction until the end of September. This was perhaps more of an advantage for William though, because the battle of the Norwegians pulled Harold’s forces to the North and weakened them. Resting after his victory, Harold received word of William’s landing. Harold then needed to move quickly to repair his forces and move them to the south. Arriving in the area, he planted his battle standards atop a knoll about five miles from Hastings.

By the first of October the Norman fleet had disembarked at Pevensey. Resting, regrouping and marching to Hastings put them in place about October 13th. Harold’s army was in place and watched the Norman Army march to the base of the hill and take battle positions. After exchanging nasty words and threats the battle began.

The English fought diligently and defended themselves, but the Norman cavalry and infantry charged. The battle raged on for most of the day, and early evening the English line began to weaken. This seemed to enrage the Normans even more, and they rushed in with a new vengeance. With that King Harold fell and the victory belonged to William.

On Christmas day 1066, William I was crowned King of England in Westminster Abbey. Because of his victory at the Battle of Hastings, William became known as William the Conqueror. Before the battle, William vowed that if granted victory, he would build an Abbey on the battleground with its altar at the spot where Harold’s standards stood. William was true to his word and Battle Abbey was built at the site of the battle. As of the 21st Century, site of the historic Battle of Hastings was marked at Senlac Hill near the town of Battle. Castles still stood at Hastings and Pevensey.

William spent several years subduing the country. He hesitated at no act, which he thought would increase his power. He divided all the conquered English properties among about twenty thousand of his followers. Even his menial servants received land. Instead of dividing England into duchies, according to usual feudal systems, William I required all landholders to swear direct loyalty to the Crown. In this way he put down anarchy and made the people united in their allegiance.

To gain and maintain knowledge needed to control his subjects, he ordered preparation of the Domesday Book. A record was made of surveys of land belonging to him and how much was proportioned to his followers. Each landowner was required to give full particulars about the land he owned. In some instances even the number of sheep and swine was recorded. The Domesday Book was one of the most interesting books in existence. Although William I was harsh in his rule, placing the unity of his kingdom above all moral considerations, he tried to be fair. He soon gained great respect from all of his people.

By the end of the twelfth century, hereditary surnames were very common in England. Variants in the S-a-y-r-e spelling with early dates have been found in records kept in the shires of Bedford, Norfolk, Essex, Cornwall, Durham, York, Kent, Middlesex, Cambridge, and London. Existing records generally indicated that Sayre ancestors were among the landed gentry and yeomanry of Great Britain.

J. C. Downing’s Know Your Name notes the following: Richard leSaer, Yorkshire 1204; Richard Sayer, Devonshire 1230; Robert le Sayer, London 1284; Robert Saier, Essex 1322-24; Alice Sayeres, seamstress, Essex 1322; Roger Seyer, London 1302; Roger Sayher, Essex 1322-24; and Roger Sayer, Bedfordshire 1327.

One William Sayer of Bedfordshire was listed on a subsidy roll or Royal Grant of the time of Edward II, dated 8 July 1309. A record dated 1346 of Adam Sayer was found in County Kent. Adam was believed to be a son of a William Sayer and known to be the grandfather of a John Sayer whose son, Thomas Sayer was created a Baronet in 1487. Although no positive proof of relation can be assumed from spelling the name the same way or from living in the same place at the same time, it was interesting to note that our American ancestry was positively traced to Bedfordshire. English genealogical professionals state that we cannot even correctly assume that other persons of similar spelling of sixteenth century England are descended from a common ancestral lineage.

The family name was found in early records with many spellings, including but not limited to, Sayre, Sayres, Sayer, Sayers, Say, Says, Sear, and Saier. The name, Sayre, dates back to 1273 also. At that time it was SAY ER, changed at the instigation of the governor of Lynn, Massachusetts, shortly after Thomas Sayre’s arrival. It appears today in many different forms.^

Image497.PNG

The governor of Massachusetts at that time was Governor John Winthrop, and some changes in the spelling of the surname probably happened about the time of the founding of Southampton, 1640. Although carried forward from that time in its different forms, there is no doubt that the Sayer/Sayre descendants in America were of English ancestry.

The early signature of our immigrant ancestor, Thomas, published in Howell’s History of Southampton and Banta’s SAYRE FAMILY was clearly Thomas Sayer or Sayers. It was presumed that this reproduction was from his original will dated 16 September 1669.

Most Sayre genealogies in America today find the need to quote from the great work, SAYRE FAMILY, Lineage of Thomas Sayre, A Founder of Southampton, published in 1901 by Theodore M. Banta. Theodore M. Banta was a Sayre descendant and a genealogist. He also did research and writing on the Banta family. He was a member of the Long Island Historical Society. Rick Sayre visited them in 1993 in search of Banta’s notes on the Sayre family. He found the Society had changed to the Brooklyn Historical Society and were leaning more strongly towards the museum part than the library. They had Banta’s notes on the Banta family, but not the ones for the Sayre family.

The Sayer Coat-of-Arms as described in authentic references is like the one attributed to our Emigrant ancestor, Thomas SAYRE. Some time, however, a different Coat-of-Arms design was developed for the Sayre family. Again, though a genealogist can use such facts as clues, they cannot be assumed as positive proof of relationship. Early registers of family arms and crests documented in Burkes Armory indicate a presence of Sayer and variant spellings concentrated in Southeast England. In the shire (county) of Kent there was a hamlet named Sarre on the road from Canterbury where it forks to Margate or Manston. It is possible that the Sarre and Saare spellings come from branches of our Sayre ancestry. Also, there is many references pre-1500 to Sayre in its various spellings related to the shire of Kent.-⁹⁷1 believe it is very likely that the Sayre family of Bedfordshire were descendants from those earlier in Kent.

Sarre (Channel Island of Jersey, Seigneur of the Flef of St. Brelade, 1650). Gu. a label of three points or, between two bars ermine in chief three martlets of the second. Crest—a dexter arm in armor holding a wreath of laurel all proper. ⁹⁸

In the will of the first positively identified ancestor, William, dated 1562, the name appeared as Sayer, Seyer, and Seyre. A grandson of this William Sayre, who we learn had been educated, drew up and witnessed his cousins will…and…his signature appeared in a very good hand as William Sayre . I was informed in the early 1990’s that the Latter Day Saints, Genealogical Library, had been given information that the father of William was a Thomas Sayer born 1474. Their AFN Reference was GZ5T-90. I did not verify this. The ancient home of this Sayre family was the hamlet of Hinwick, located in the parish of Podington. Podington, in the Hundred of Willey is thirteen miles northwest of Bedford, and about 63 miles north of London, England.

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ENGLAND

Leighton-Buzzard, located in southwest Bedfordshire, is a sleepy little town in the rolling hills some twenty-five miles northeast of London. One source indicated that it derived its name from the Leigh family whose descendants famous in American history spelled their name Lee. The town underwent more than 60 variations in the spelling through the centuries. Among these are Leahton, meaning woodland and Leacton, in Saxon times meaning a kitchen garden. The Buzzard almost certainly comes from Theobald de Busar, the name of an early prebendary. Other spellings varied from Lacthona to Leyzghtun and from Beaudesert to Burssard.

Entries in the Domesday Book of 1086 provide documentary evidence of a town known as Lestone Terra Regis—the land of the king—and at that time there were both a church and a weekly market. It is also recorded there were 100 adult

males in the town and the market was one of only three in Bedfordshire; the other two was at Bedford and Arlesey. A market cross stood in the village center, similar to the famous Banbury Cross and equally ancient. At the mere mention of Leighton-Buzzard, those who have been there will likely comment, Ah! Yes, the town with the ancient market cross! The monument was probably built early in the fifteenth century, however several restorations were made since. Probably none of our Sayre ancestors lived here before the 1500’s.

[Bedfordshire, situated at approximate center of England, was bounded by the counties of Northampton, Cambridge, Herts, and Bucks. No record was found of the Sayre (and variants) in early records of the bordering counties. The greater part of Bedford’s surface was under tillage. Agriculture was further advanced here than in any other English county. This condition is perhaps what attracted the Sayres, as they have been described as an old yeoman family. On the heavy soils the principal crops were wheat and beans. The sandy and chalky soils of the middle districts were well adapted for horticultural husbandry, and vegetables were extensively grown for the markets of London, Cambridge, etc. The principal manufactures in 1887 were agricultural implements and straw-plait for hats. Ref.: Bartholemew’s Gazetteer of the British Isles, 1887. RS]

Leighton-Buzzard has been struck by several disasters: the Black Death in 1349; a devastating fire in 1645; and much damage was done to houses, crops, and bridges by the great flood of 1879.

Landed gentry and royalty had a direct bearing on the town’s early character. King Edward the Confessor retained Leighton-Buzzard for his personal use and profit. In the 13th and 14th centuries the Plantagenet kings visited regularly to watch displays of falconry. Birds were kept here especially for heron hunting on the nearby River Ouzel. Several bits of evidence of even more ancient settlements have been found in Leighton-Buzzard, including two coins from the Celtic period found in 1849.

All Saints Church, an outstanding landmark of Leighton-Buzzard, was where the baptism of Thomas Sayre and his brothers and sisters, as well as the marriage of his parents had had taken place. The first historical record of the present building is 1288. The town church, at the time the Domesday Book was recorded, was likely a primitive wooden structure and in a different location. The tower, spire, nave, arcading and most of the walls date from the 13th century. The ground plan of the church remains the same except that porches and vestries were added in more recent times.

The tower, 30 feet square and 69 feet high extended considerably above the roofs and had an arcading of three bays on each side. The total height of the fine broche spire was 191 feet. The tower was built of local sandstone, the quoins being mostly Tatternhoe crunch. The upper part of the spire was rebuilt in 1857 after it had been struck by lightning and again in 1952 when cracks were discovered. Clock faces were added in 1956. Gargoyles of the 15th century were nine on the south and eight on the north of the nave, four on the south transept and none on the north. Representations of devils were put on the outside and angels were put inside the church.

In twelfth century France, the Gothic imagination combined physical features of humans, animals and birds-of-prey into grotesque sculptures known as gargoyles. Gargoyles stood at doorways and on rooftops of cathedrals to cast protective powers on all who would enter. The word gargoyle comes from a French word gorgouille, derived from the Latin words for water spout because gargoyles were originally used to protect the family or village water supply. In Medieval times, gargoyles were believed to frighten away harm and misfortune. Later, gargoyles embellished most European churches and cathedrals, settings where Latin was the official church language.

Sundials were added in more recent times, four on the south transept and one on the north. The west door was noted for its vast iron hinges, the work of Thomas de Leighton, famous for his beautiful grille work on Queen Eleanor’s tomb in Westminster Abbey. Another notable feature of the church was its array of medieval woodwork. The choir stalls, dating from the 15th century, probably brought from another church or abbey. They were intricately carved with fine designs and armrests. Far older was the splendid wooden eagle lectern, which dated from the late 13th century. It retained part of the original chain for attaching the Bible. As of 1979, very few such lecterns were even in existence, so it was considered a very rare and valuable possession of the church. The font had been in use for over 700 years. The window glass was by the well-known C. E. Kempe and the handsome modern reredos was the work of G. F. Bodley.

This old and magnificent landmark in the town, and in the Sayre ancestry, the All Saints Church suffered a major disastrous fire on the night of 13 April 1985. Reconstruction was well underway by August 1985. Probably many Sayre descendants have visited the old church in search for a sign of our ancestors. Among those who have written me about a personal visit to Leighton-Buzzard (and sent photos) are Dewey (Sonny) Sayre of Ohio, Truman Sayre of West

Virginia, Rodney Sayre of Florida; Terry Sayre of Washington, and Col. Richard G. (Rick) Sayre of Virginia. * * *

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COATS OF ARMS

GENERAL: The concept of wearing designs to portray meritorious deeds of the bearer began in the Greek and Roman empires. During the twelfth century in England, weapons and wars were on the upsweep. Knights were so heavily armored that their identity became a problem. Distinctive designs were painted on each shield, and a crest was painted on their helmet. Their battle cry often became their motto.

This necessity of the battlefield started a trend for the clans and families of the time to desire their own coats-of-arms designs. Strict rules had to be developed and scribes appointed to grant, record, and control the many and varied designs. Like the designs worn by knights, the family Coat-of-Arms consisted of three parts: the crest, the shield, and the motto. For some families, records of only a shield can be found today. In Britain, these Arms are considered similar to a title and may legally descend only to the eldest son. Other countries regard them as a common inheritance of all who were related and descended from the original grantee.

In America, many seek any arms design attributed to their family name with anxiety and excitement. For any person to have a right to a coat of arms, they must either have had it granted to them or be descended in the legitimate male line from a person to whom arms were granted or confirmed in the past. Our rights and feelings seem to be best described in the following:

"THE MEANING AND INFLUENCE OF ARMS

"For nearly 1000 years the Western World has evidenced increasing interest in and use of armorial bearings. Many are surprised to learn that coats of arms are more widely used today, and that more new arms are designed and recognized today than at any previous time in history. The ancient armorial tradition would certainly have become extinct long ago were it not based in more than the early utilitarian purposes of medieval warfare and the sealing of documents. The bearing of heraldic arms suggests philosophical undergirdings related to the influence of arms upon the solidarity within the family, the sense of place and belonging they offer the individual, and upon the encouragement of a lifestyle based on honor and the recognition of the responsibility for service to others.

Armorial bearings contain a quality of intangibility which is most significant to the family. Lands, monies and properties may be lost because of economic changes, wars and other disaster, leaving ensuing generations without inheritance. However, a coat of arms is a recorded design of identification which is fully able to survive change and loss. It can even endure a dormant period only to be reclaimed by rightful descendants at a later time. At the armiger’s demise, he leaves an armorial estate to his descendants throughout all future generations. It is a legacy which can never be depleted, devalued, lost or stolen; rather, the arms of just and honorable persons singularly increase in their meaning, significance and value as they are taken up and borne by those descendants in each generation who proudly claim their birthright by registering to bear the ancestral arms. Stated by and used here with permission of The American College of Heraldry, A chartered Non-Profit Body Established 1972, Cottondale, Alabama. (2000)

Coats of arms basically consist of three component parts, the crest, the shield, and the motto. Existing publications