Newspaper Unknown
March 1887
Sayre, Rev. A. - Another Old Settler Gone. On last Sunday at 1 O'clock P.M. Rev A. Sayre, living four miles west, passed away after a long sickness with Brights disease. Mr. Sayre was born in West Virginia, March 4th, 1819, was married to Miss Rachel McDaniel in 18--. He moved to Iowa in 1854 and has been a resident of south township for 17 years. He has been a faithful, consistent member of the M. E. church for 50 years, serving the last few years as a local minister. He was a widely known in this country, and during the past year of life he has been an invalid, although able most of the time to be around. His funeral was conducted at Elm Grove on Monday, and the remains of this respected citizen, faithful Christian, devoted husband and noble father, were laid quietly to rest in the Elm Grove Cemetery. He leaves nine living children, and goes home to Heaven to meet another who preceded him. His aged wife also survives him. J. K. and D. W. Sayre, tow of his sons, were present at the funeral coming from Lone Lake, Kansas in response to a telegram. We know of no better way to close this printed tribute to one with whom we have been personally acquitted, and who has left such a noble history behind him as an example, than by quoting a poem written by Rev. N. C. Weede, now deceased, and given to us before his death: THE BLESSED DEAD.
Blest are the dead in Christ that die;
Who by his blood were once broât nigh;
Who did by faith on him rely,
With hope of endless rest on high.

For death of friends, who can but weep!
But if in Christ they fell asleep,
We should rejoice; He will them Keep,
And wake Heavens golden fruits to reap

They are not lost, but sent before,
To dwell upon that peaceful shore,
Where richest blessings are in store;
Where death and sorrow are all oâer.

Of perfect holiness possest,
In Shining robes of glory blest;
They shall enjoy unending rest,
With all Christan ransomed ever blessed

Absolom Sayre, died November 6, 1887, 68 years, 8 months, Madison County, Buried in the King Cemetery, Madison County, Iowa, husband of Rachel S. .Absalom and Rachel (McDaniel) Sayre were the parents of *ten children: Malvina (Allcock), Almira (Willis), Minerva (King), Joseph K., Samuel N., Samantha V. (King),  David W, Iona, Milton F., and Artimus - SAYRE.
Information from Madison County Cemetery Web Site.