Source:  Goodspeed’s History of Lawrence, Wayne, Perry, Hickman, and Lewis Counties Tennessee, published 1886

William H. Sykes, of Athen, Ala., formerly a resident of Lawrence County, was born in Dayton , Ohio, August 10, 1842, son of James and Elizabeth (Mulholland) Sykes, natives respectively of England and Pennsylvania. The father came to Lawrence County in 1843, and engaged in cotton manufacture northeast of Lawrenceburg at Oak Factory. He was a useful citizen and died in 1865. William H. was reared in this county, securing a academic education. After his father’s death he assumed control of the Crowson Cotton Mills, which were built by the father in 1856. Since the father’s death he has managed these mills. He used 350 to 400 bales of cotton per year, manufacturing yarns, carpet-warps and batting, finding his principal market in Cincinnati. He uses water power and employs about twenty-five hands. June 8, 1875, Mr. Sykes married Jennie P. Hayes, of Athens, Ala., who has borne her husband three children — one son and two daughters. He is a Democrat and a member of the Masonic fraternity.

FamilySearch Tree profile:  https://www.familysearch.org/tree/person/details/98R3-9MJ

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This biographical sketch was transcribed by Reita Jones Burress and posted on-line by Jane N. Powell on September 10, 1998, with the following caveat:

Not having a hard copy to proof read, errors will probably occur in the following document. Reita and I will correct them to the original Goodspeed from time to time. Thank you for your patience.

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