W.B. Sayers House

William Branch Sayers was born on February 22, 1843, in Canton, Mississippi. His family relocated to Bastrop, Texas, where he attended the Bastrop Military Institute. In 1861, Sayers joined the Confederate Army as a private in Terry’s Rangers. Rising through the ranks to become a general, he fought in several key battles, including Shiloh, Perryville, Murfreesboro, and Chickamauga, along with many smaller engagements. Following the war, he briefly returned to Bastrop before moving to this area in late 1865.

Eager to build a future, Sayers studied law under Mr. Parker and J F Miller, earning admission to the bar in 1866. He entered a law partnership with Miller in 1867, and a year later, they expanded into banking, founding the Miller and Sayers banking firm. This banking venture grew rapidly, allowing them to support local businesses and invest in regional infrastructure.

In 1874, Sayers married Adele L Lockhart, the niece of former Texas Governor F R Lubbock. Together, they raised two sons. Around the time of their marriage, Sayers purchased these lots and began construction of this one-story Queen Anne style house, which was completed in 1875.

By 1883, the banking business was thriving, prompting both men to leave their legal careers and concentrate fully on finance. Through their investments, the bank played a key role in funding infrastructure projects that connected rural communities to town centers and expanded utilities across the region. The firm also provided crucial capital for emerging industries, including cotton processing, oil manufacturing, and mercantile businesses, helping the area grow into a vibrant commercial hub.

Sayers passed away at home on February 24, 1898, but his legacy of public service, business success, and regional development endured. His brother, J D Sayers, became Governor of Texas the following year. Adele continued living in the home until her death on December 28, 1913. Both are buried in the Masonic Cemetery.

Though the house was neglected for many years, recent restoration efforts have sought to return it to its former grandeur.