Sawyer, Mary Mrs. Charles C. 1837-1904

SAWYER, LEE

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/13/2011 at 14:00:19

From the Sioux County Index of Hull IA May 6, 1904
Death of Mrs. Sawyer. Another old resident and one of the earliest of this vicinity, passed from among us as the angel of death came to Mrs. Mary Sawyer on Monday morning and separated her spirit from its earthly habitation.
Mary Munger Lee Sawyer was born in Chautauqua County NY on Nov 7, 1837, she being 66 years 5 months and 25 days old at the time of her death. On May 26th 1857 she was married to Charles Sawyer, the faithful companion, who preceded her to her eternal home on Dec 5th 1898. Two sons were born to them, Henry Wallace and Charles N, the former dying in March of 1883. Mrs. Sawyer came to Sioux County with her husband and family in the spring of 1870, settling on the homestead two miles due west of Hull, where they resided until 1894, when they removed to Hull in the home they have just vacated. One son Charles N. of Lismore MN, is left to mourn the loss of a mother. An only sister, Mrs. Martin of Chicago, is the only other near relative now alive. The funeral services took place Wednesday at 10:30 a.m., in the Methodist church, of which society Mrs. Sawyer was a faithful and energetic member. For several terms she was at the head of the Ladies’ Aid Society. The W. R. C. also mourn the departure of an active and sympathetic sister. A Large number of friends were present to pay their last respects to the memory of the departed. Some beautiful floral offering were place upon the casket by the different church and civic associations, to which this good lady belonged, in a slight way showing their fine thoughts of one who in life had always been so efficient a worker.
The interment took place in Hope cemetery, the remains being laid to rest beside those of her husband.
The old settlers and homesteaders in the early history of Sioux County are the ones who can give us the best conception of the good underlying life of Mrs. Sawyer. As was told us the other day, ‘If there was a case of illness among the little ones or their parents in the homestead days, Mrs. Sawyer was the one called in and there never was a hesitancy about the going.” With no doctor within forty miles it is easily that her services must have been in demand. She was a woman of action in the emergencies of the early day settlers. She had a cheering word for the downhearted at all times. For the last year she had not been well, suffering from heart trouble. (Next words are not legible)