William A. Saylor
American politician (1843–1887)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
William Ashford "W. A." Saylor (December 5, 1843 – September 20, 1887)[1] was an American politician, lawyer, businessman, and military officer who served as the 25th and 27th mayor of Austin from 1879 to 1881 and from 1883 to 1884. A member of the Republican Party, he also served in the Texas Senate and as a soldier in the Union army during the American Civil War.[2][3]
William Ashford Saylor | |
|---|---|
| 25th & 27th Mayor of Austin | |
| In office 1879–1881 | |
| Preceded by | Jacob C. DeGress |
| Succeeded by | L. M. Crooker |
| In office 1883–1884 | |
| Preceded by | L. M. Crooker |
| Succeeded by | John W. Robertson |
| Member of the Texas Senate | |
| In office 1870–1874 | |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 5, 1843 Saylor Township, Polk County, Iowa, U.S. |
| Died | September 20, 1887 (aged 43) Austin, Texas, U.S. |
| Resting place | Oakwood Cemetery, Austin, Texas, U.S. |
| Party | Republican |
| Spouse | Mary V. Swisher |
| Children | 3 |
| Occupation | Politician, lawyer, businessman, military officer, civil servant |
Life and career
William Ashford Saylor was born on December 5, 1843,[3] in Saylor Township, Polk County, Iowa.[citation needed]
During the American Civil War he served in Company A of the 23rd Iowa Infantry Regiment, in the Union army.[4] He enrolled in August 1862 as a sergeant, and ended service a year later as a captain.[3]
Saylor and Mary V. Swisher were married. She was the daughter of John Milton Swisher, an early Texas businessman.[5]
Saylor was a lawyer in Bryan, Texas.[3] A Republican, he was elected in the 1869 Texas Senate election, and his term was from 1870 to 1874, representing Brazos, Burleson, and Milam counties.[3] Saylor was elected the Mayor of Austin, serving from 1879 to 1881, and again in 1883 to 1884.[6][7]
Saylor was a collector of Internal Revenue Service for Texas's second district.[8] He was involved in the mining business in Mexico.[5]
Saylor died September 20, 1887 in Austin[1][5] and was buried at Oakwood Cemetery.[citation needed]