SIZER, Robert

SIZER, RANDALLS, BARKER, DAVIS

Posted By: Annette Lucas (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 09:39:58

SOURCE: Biographical History of Shelby and Audubon Counties, Iowa; W. S. Dunbar & Co., Publishers, 1889

ROBERT SIZER was born in Lincolnshire, England, January 13, 1840, and is a son of George and Jane (Randalls) Sizer, who remained in the old country, the father being a small farmer. When ten years old Robert Sizer emigrated to the United States with his uncle, John Barker. They proceeded by water to Davenport, Iowa, stopping there one year; from Davenport Robert went to Camanche, Iowa, remaining there about twelve months; at the expiration of this time he went to Jackson County, Iowa, and was there employed on a farm, working by the month for four years. He then left the State of Iowa and went to Camden, Illinois, and worked in a brick-yard one summer. Mercer County, Illinois, was his next place of abode, and he remained there until 1861, at which time he returned to Jackson County, Iowa. In August, 1861, Mr. Sizer joined the M. S. Lancers, three months' men, who were engaged in State service. After this company disbanded he returned to Jackson County. In August, 1862, he enlisted in Company A, Twenty-fourth Iowa Volunteer Infantry, and was sent to Muscatine, Iowa. On the organization of the regiment he was sent to Helena, Arkansas, at which place he scouted and skirmished until 1862; he then entered General Grant's campaign and took part in all the engagements; among them are Fort Gibson, Champion Hills, the siege of Vicksburg, which lasted forty-two days, many skirmishes and small engagements. After the fall of Vicksburg he was assigned to the chief department under General Banks, and later he was transferred to the department under General Sheridan in the Shenandoah Valley, taking part in all the engagements of that campaign. After some further service he was ordered to Davenport, Iowa, and was honorably discharged and received his pay. Returning to Jackson County, Iowa, Mr. Sizer engaged in farming, which he followed successfully until the spring of 1881, when he removed to Audubon County, Iowa, and purchased his present farm in Hamilton Township; the farm contains 310 acres, which at that time had no improvements in the way of buildings. The land is now under a high state of cultivation, and there is a substantial residence attractively surrounded by evergreen trees. Mr. Sizer was united in marriage January 4, 1865, to Anna, the youngest daughter of John and Sarah Davis, of Jackson County, Iowa. Mrs. Sizer was born in Canada. Five children have been born of this union — Thaddeus, Sarah E., Clara, James, and one child that died in infancy. Mr. Sizer is a member of Allison Post, No. 31, G. A. R. He began his career penniless and among strangers, but by energy and industry he has accumulated a goodly competence for his declining years.