Biographies
JOHN H. SAWYER
A self-made man in every sense of the word
was John H. Sawyer, whose death occurred January 6, 1904, in his home in Galt,
Cal., depriving the community of one of its most dependable and best loved
citizens. In the face of the many trials which beset his career, he clung to
his ideals and ambitions with an intensity of purpose well worthy of the
emulation of many members of our present generation, who decline to maintain
the patience and fortitude so essential to true success in life and, amid
advantages far greater than those presented to our forefathers, slip through
existence without understanding the meaning of altruism or appreciating the
blessed privilege of labor.
A native of Tuffinboro,
Vt., Mr. Sawyer's birth occurred February 5, 1828, and during the first
fourteen years of his life he remained with his parents, Joseph and Abigail
(Hall) Sawyer, natives of Vermont. At the age of ten he abandoned his studies
through necessity and became an apprentice to a carpenter, leaving home four
years later to take up his trade in Boston, Mass. Until 1850 he remained in
that city, fairly successful in his work, and during the same year he settled
in Wisconsin; after remaining there for two years, in 1852 he came to Galt,
Sacramento County, Cal., crossing the plains with ox teams. Until 1856 he
worked at his trade, establishing himself in the community as a man of high
principles and unfailing industry. When he was able to establish domestic ties
he returned to Wisconsin, to claim the girl he had loved and waited for
throughout his residence in the west, their marriage occurring November 1,
1856. The bride, Miss Jennie Newcomb, was born near Albany, N. Y., the daughter
of Samuel E., who settled in Wisconsin and later he located in Sacramento county. Mrs. Sawyer received her education in New York state and was widely known as a woman of exceptional culture
and generous sympathies. After locating in Galt, Cal., Mr. Sawyer again took up
his work, satisfied and happy in the thought of the great purpose which
actuated his every effort. In connection with his building pursuits he carried
on ranching, meeting with fair success.
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer seven
children were born: Frank M., whose birth occurred April 5, 1858, in Wisconsin,
and who is now a practicing veterinary surgeon in Bakersfield, Cal.; Millie,
who died in San Francisco; Silvia, who was born in 1861 and who died at the age
of nineteen; John, who died in infancy; Wallace, born in Galt, January 8, 1868;
Jean, who died at the age of twenty-nine years; and Tom J., whose birth
June 7, 1879, occurred in Galt, where he is now engaged in the general
mercantile business with his brother, Wallace, under the firm name of Sawyer
Brothers.
Mr. Sawyer was an active member of Phoenix
Lodge, No. 239, I. O. O. F., and the Ancient Order United Workmen for many
years. He was a Republican of strong and progressive principles and endeavored
to lend all aid in his power in the advancement of the party and to the general
welfare of his fellowmen. His wife, who died in 1906, shared both his joys and
his sorrows with a true heart and a calm, sweet mind, her companionship proving
all and more than in his youth he had anticipated.
Transcribed by Sally Kaleta.
Source: Willis,
William L., History of Sacramento County,
California, Pages 1038-1039. Historic
Record Company,
© 2006 Sally Kaleta.