William Branch Sayers

William Branch Sayers (February 22, 1843 – February 24, 1898) was an American politician, lawyer, and military officer. A Democrat, he was a member of the Texas House of Representatives.

Sayers was born in Mississippi and was a brother of Joseph D. Sayers. He moved to Texas as a child. He fought in the American Civil War, participating in combat over 250 times. After the war, he became a lawyer. He was a member of the House from 1873 to 1876.

Early life Sayers was born on February 22, 1843, in Canton, Mississippi, the son of David Sayers and Mary (née Peete) Sayers (died 1847). His older brother was Joseph D. Sayers. By 1850, he and his family lived in Tallahatchie County, and in 1851, moved to Bastrop, Texas. He received his early education in Bastrop.

Military service Sayers attended Bastrop Academy, graduating in 1861. At the outbreak of the American Civil War, he worked to enlist and organize troops in Grimes and Lavaca Counties. and by the time of his retirement from the military in 1865, was a major general.

Over the course of the war, Sayers fought in over 250 battles and skirmishes. Battles he fought in included the Battle of Rowlett's Station; the Battle of Shiloh; the Battle of Stones River; the Battle of Chickamauga; the First Battle of Dalton; the Action of 26–27 April 1864; the Atlanta campaign; He helped improve the county.

Sayers was a Democrat. He was a member of the Texas House of Representatives, from January 14, 1873, to April 18, 1876, representing the 27th district. While serving, he was chairman of the Committees on Constitutional Amendments; and on State Affairs. He was a member of the Committees on Apportionment; on Engrossed Bills; on Federal Relations; on Finance; on the Judiciary; on Military Affairs; and on Rules.

Personal life and death In 1874, Sayers married Adele Lockart, with whom he had two sons. He was a member of the Knights Templar. In 1898, he was unanimously voted commander-in-chief of the Texas division of the United Confederate Veterans. He died on February 24, 1898, aged 55, in Gonzales, and was buried at Gonzales Masonic Cemetery.