California Biographies, San Joaquin Valley

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


 A. L. SAYRE. The genealogy of the Sayre family is traced to England, where many generations of 
honored ancestors lived and labored. The first of the name to cross the ocean to the new world 
was Thomas Sayre, a native of Paddington, Bedfordshire. From the little that family history and 
tradition record of this original immigrant he was undoubtedly a man fond of adventure, 
undaunted by the perils of pioneer existence, and the possessor of business ability which 
found its culmination in the accumulating of considerable means. As early as 1636 his name 
appears on the town records of Lynn, Mass. In 1640 he removed to South Hampton, Long 
Island, and there erected a substantial residence which has withstood the storms of more than 
two and one-half centuries and still stands on the spot where originally built. Later generations 
removed to New Jersey and still others identified themselves with the Quaker colony of 
Pennsylvania. 

A. L. Sayre. Sr., was born on the homestead near Morristown, N. J., a son of Ebenezer Sayre, a 
thrifty farmer. Supplementing exceptional native ability by such educational advantages as the 
times and locality afforded, he grew to "manhood fitted for responsibilities in the business 
world. Solely through his unaided exertions he rose to a position of prominence among the 
business men of New York City of 1844. where he established himself as a fruit merchant and 
where in time he became a leading importer and jobber of foreign fruits. After a successful 
career covering thirty years, failing health, resulting from the nervous strain incident to great 
responsibilities, caused him to retire from the fruit business. About the same time a visit to 
California in the interest of his health brought to his keen and far-seeing mind a realization of 
the vast opportunities afforded by the fertile soil and fair climate of the far west. Embracing this 
exceptional opportunity for investment, he purchased eight hundred and four acres one mile 
southeast of Madera, forming what is now known as the Sierra Rancho. Afterward he divided 
his time between New York City and California until his death, which occurred on his ranch in 
1887. His wife, Mrs. Julia W. (Harris) Sayre, now a resident of Fresno, was born in Sing Sing, N. 
Y., a daughter of William H. Harris. Her grandfather, Harris, of New York, fought under 
Washington during the Revolutionary war, and endured all the vicissitudes of the memorable 
winter at Valley Forge. 

The younger of the two children of A. L. and Julia W. Sayre, the subject of this narrative, was 
born at the family residence in Thirty-fifth street, New York City. His education was obtained 
principally in the military academy at Stanford, Conn., after which he was engaged as a buyer 
for a New York house for eight years. Upon the death of his father he came to California to take 
charge of the Sierra Rancho, which he has since successfully superintended. The eight hundred 
and four acres which at the time of purchase were in the primeval condition of nature, have 
been brought under cultivation and transformed into on? of the most complete ranches in the 
entire state. In 1881 twenty-five acres were set out in raisin grapes, and three years later two 
hundred acres were planted to the same product, this being the first attempt made to raise 
raisins in the community. The venture proved successful and this portion of the ranch is still 
under raisins. In addition there is an orchard of deciduous fruits. The balance of the farm is in 
cereals and alfalfa. The dairy business is one of the important industries conducted on the 
ranch. In the fine herd of Friesian-Holstein cattle there are about three hundred milch cows. To 
add to the convenience of the work Mr. Sayre has erected a creamery, operated by steam 
power and fitted with modern machinery. The product is disposed of principally in Fresno and 
other parts of the San Joaquin valley. The value of the ranch has been increased by irrigation, 
the entire tract being under ditch, besides which he has put in a pumping plant that has no 
superior in the state. Realizing the importance of a packing house in Madera, in 1894 he erected 
a building fitted with modern appliances, and of this he has since been the manager. 

When an organization was effected of raisin growers under the title of the California Raisin 
Growers' Association, in April, 1898, Mr. Sayre gave his co-operation to the plan, believing it 
would prove helpful to all persons engaged in that industry. His prominence in the organization 
and the fact that he was a pioneer and successful raisin grower led to his selection as manager 
of the association during the first year of its existence and he was further a member of the first 
board of directors. During the second and third years he acted as manager of the inspection 
and stock department. In 1901 he was not a director, but the next year was again elected to the 
board, also in 1903. During 1902 he was elected secretary of the association, and this 
responsible position he now fills. Those most intimately connected with the association state 
that its success is largely due to Mr. Sayre's careful, intelligent and wise oversight. Much time 
and thought have been given by him to the organization, and all has been done gratuitously, 
with the sole object of benefiting those who are aiding in the development of this important 
industry. 

While necessarily spending much time in Madera, Mr. Sayre since 1898 has made Fresno his 
home, and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Sequoia Club of this city. His 
political views are in harmony with Republican principles, while in religion he is a contributor to 
and attendant of the Presbyterian Church, with which his wife is identified. In Madera he 
married Miss Etta M. Hensley, daughter of John M. Hensley. Born in Tulare county, Mrs. Sayre 
has spent her entire life in California and is a graduate of the State Normal School at San Jose, 
and a lady of the highest culture and artistic tastes. Mr. and Mrs. Sayre have two sons, Logan 
and Donald.