Sawyer, J.W. 1836-1917

SAWYER, SHORT, FLEMING

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes
Date: 7/13/2014 at 17:50:43

The Grinnell (IA) Herald

J.W. SAWYER

J.W. Sawyer was born May 29, 1836, in Norwich, Vt., of that sturdy Puritan stock which came from England to wrest a living from the reluctant soil of New England. He attended Norwich Military academy and grew to manhood in his native state. For some years he was in the harness business in Hartland, Vt., and while a resident there he was married to Sarah Gilson Short, who has been his helpmate all through the years and who survives him, with two children, C.E. Sawyer of Oskaloosa and Mrs. John Fleming of Chicago. He is also survived by a brother, J.C. Sawyer of Oregon City, Oregon.

In 1878 the family moved to Grinnell, and for a good many years Mr. Sawyer was employed in the Hatch store, on the corner now occupied by the J.H. McMurray dry goods store. Later he embarked in the fuel business in the location now occupied by the Grinnell Fuel Co. on Main street. For a number of years he was one of the active business men of Grinnell, and also found time, during the early days of the town, to serve with ability in the capacity of town marshal.

Some fifteen years ago he retired from active business, and since then had lived quietly in his pleasant home on Broad street.

The funeral service last Friday afternoon was conducted by Rev. Mr. Lewis, rector of the Episcopal church of Oskaloosa. Appropriate music was furnished by a quartet consisting of Leo Underwood, Oscar Kalsen, Paul Proctor and Roy Stoddard. The pall bearers, all neighbors, were M.W. Swisher, F.L. Abel, Frank Thackeray, J.H. McMurray, H.G. Lyman and W.J. Nelson. Interment was in Hazelwood cemetery.

Mr. Sawyers was for long years recognized as a leading business man and broad-minded, progressive citizen. With his lovable wife, he made the sawyer home a delightful one, and happy was anyone who became a visitor there. Mr. Sawyer had been much missed by his old-time friends, who loved his society, and his death but marks the permanent change which his long illness forecast.

Mrs. Sawyer is for the present in Oskaloosa, where a large circle of family friends hope she may enjoy in health and cheer many long days.