John Sires, son of Joseph & Jane Ann (Faulkner) Sires, was born 11 Mar 1845 in Princeton, Gibson County, Indiana.  He married Sarah Jane Duff on 22 Jun 1865 in Union City Township, Allamakee County, Iowa.  They were the parents of eight children.  His wife, Sarah, died in 1882, one day before their oldest child, a daughter, Mary Ann, died.  Both died of Black Measles.  He then married Katherine Burroughs on 30 Dec 1884 in De Soto, Crawford County, Wisconsin.  They had 3 children.  John died 04 May 1918 in New Albin, Allamakee County, Iowa.

John was said to be a wonderful man, always willing to help those in need -- a trait that was passed down to his children and grandchildren.  The brother of his 2nd wife, Katherine Burroughs, was actually named after John.  John Sires Burroughs, was named after John Sires, friend and neighbor of Stephen & Mary (Duff) Burroughs.  It is said that Stephen thought much of John Sires, and had great respect for him, so he named his firstborn son after him.  Neat story!

A relative shared a Civil War story of John with me... John Sires told the story that when he was in the Civil War, the soldiers always had long days of marching and usually didn't stop until after dark.  Then they would just lay down on the ground and sleep.  One night it rained, turned cold and John didn't wake up until morning and his beard was frozen to the ground.  Quite a story!

Anyway, will stop my rambling for today.  It's probably pretty obvious that though my 2nd great grandfather passed long before I was born in 1973, I have great respect and admiration for him.  John's grandson, my grandfather, Forrest Sires, was the most wonderful man, much like I imagine John might have been.  I'm so proud of my heritage, and so honored to be able to share what little information I have with you and others.

PARENTS:

John Sires, Sr. ~ 11 Mar 1845 - 04 May 1918
Sarah Jane (Duff) Sires ~ 08 Dec 1847 - 05 Apr 1882

 CHILDREN:

• Mary Ann Sires ~ 08 Oct 1866 - 06 Apr 1882
• Joseph Glenn Sires ~ 21 Aug 1869 - 12 Nov 1926
• William Sires ~ 19 Jul 1870 - Nov 1937
• Thomas Sires ~ 13 Jul 1872 - 08 Jul 1928
• John Sires, Jr. ~ 14 Jan 1875 - 23 Sep 1935
• Levi Sires ~ 07 Mar 1877 - 22 Nov 1936
• Francis Sires ~ 04 Nov 1879 - 22 Sep 1970
• Minnie Jane Sires ~ 13 Jan 1882 - 29 Jul 1938

PARENTS:

John Sires, Sr. ~ 11 Mar 1845 - 04 May 1918
Katherine (Burroughs) Sires ~ 30 Mar 1866 - 03 Jan 1946

 CHILDREN:

• James Grant Sires ~ 03 Jan 1886 - 05 Sep 1967
• Roy Sires ~ 10 Mar 1888 - 18 Oct 1985
• Daniel Sires ~ 18 Aug 1891 - 10 Jun 1971