William Wesley Sawyer, the third of nine children born to John and Nancy Sawyer, came into their home life, Oct. 22, 1846, half a mile northeast of LaClair. His education was received in the common schools of the times. At the beginning of the civil war, fired with love for his country when less than sixteen years of age, he enlisted on the 22nd day of August 1862 as a private in Co. g., 99th regiment, Indiana Volunteer infantry. He served in the army of the Tennessee under Gen. William T. Sherman and made the famous march to the sea. While detailed as a mounted scout at Statesboro, Ga., Dec. 4, 1864, he was captured and sent to the rebel prison at Florence, S.C., where he remained until he was paroled on March 1, 1865, when he was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was stationed until he received his honorable discharge June 1865. On Aug. 13, 1864, during the siege of Atlanta, he was wounded in the leg and at the battle of Jonesboro, Sept. 1, 1864, he received an injury on the head. Neither was of a serious nature. After his discharge he returned home and soon acknowledged Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and united with the Methodist Episcopal church at Salem, where his membership remained until he united with the Friendship Baptist church and was baptized in August, 1894, by Rev. J.E. Sherrill. He served his church in various capacities, having been moderator from 1895 to 1898 and from 1904 to 1909; he was trustee at numerous times and was a member of the building committee, doing efficient work in all places. In August 1914, Brother and Sister Sawyer, having become residents of Clayton, had their membership transferred from the Friendship to the Clayton Baptist church which during his last days he was serving as Moderator. On April 16, 1867, Brother Sawyer was united in marriage to Miss Martha York, the Rev. F. Taylor officiating. To this union were born twelve children as follows: Jerome T., born in 1868, died 1872; Ida Belle, born in 1870, now Mrs. Robert M. Kivett, Stilesville; Dayton M., born in 1872, Hazelwood; Minta A., born in 1874, dying the same year; Walter, born in 1875, Martinsville; Alington, born in 1878 and died in 1881; Charles, born in 1881, dying the same year; Mary Myrtle, born in 1882 and died in 1897; Oscar, born in 1885, dying the same year; Vonnie O., born in 1886 and died in 1888; Arthur , born in 1888, Indianapolis; Viola, born in 1891, now Mrs. Guy Boyd, Clayton. In 1891 Mr. Sawyer became a member of the Clayton Grand Army of the Republic and has since retained his membership. On the twelfth day of June 1902 he became a member of Clayton Lodge 463, Free and Accepted Masons and since December 1913 he has acceptably filled the office of treasurer in this fraternity. In addition to his wife and the living children, named above, Brother Sawyer is survived by an only sister, Mrs. Arminta Jordan, of Clayton. While Brother Sawyer's health was never of the best yet his army service weakened him so that for a number of years he was bearing afflictions. Then there was a season of improv(e)ment but some four months ago a decline set in, increasing in intensity until he fell asleep in Jesus, Friday evening, Jan. 28, 1916, aged 69 years, 3 months and 5 days. As a man, he was quick in arriving at conclusions and his judgements were usually correct. He believed in fair dealing and letting live. He was ever considerate of the rights of others. Those in distress never had a better friend nor a wiser earthly counsellor. He was ever ready to rejoice with others in their victories or to console them in their misfortunes. His life may be sumed up in the words of Scripture thus: "Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat, and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him; for it is his portion." Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God." "For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart." -Ecclesiastes 5:18-20. Also says the Book of Books, "A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth." So lived our brother. The funeral services were conducted here at the Baptist church Monday morning by Rev. J.E. Sherrill, of Danville, after which the remains were laid at rest in the cemetery at Center Valley.
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from The History of Hendricks County (Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914)--pages 419-423
WILLIAM W. SAWYER
It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his family circle, in church, hear his views on public questions, observe the operation of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and civilization and are, therefore, competent to judge of his merits and demerits. After a long course of years of such daily observation, it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know of his worth, for, as has been said, “actions speak louder than words.” In this connection it is not too much to say that the immediate subject of this sketch has passed a life of all unusual honor, that he has been industrious and has the confidence of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
William W. Sawyer, a life-long farmer, now living in comfortable retirement in Clayton, Hendricks County, Indiana, was born on October 23, 1846, near Hazelwood, this county, the son of John and Nancy (Martin) Sawyer. John Sawyer was a native of Randolph County, North Carolina, born in 1794, and died in this county in 1869 at the age of seventy-five years. He received his early education in the schools of his native state, coming to Indiana soon after his marriage. He first settled in Marion County and entered land from the government in different places in the state, and some time in the thirties he came to this county, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was twice married. By his first wife he became the father of six children, namely: Iredel, Eli, Irena, Nathan, Elizabeth, and John, Jr. all of whom have passed from this life. His second wife was Nancy Martin, also a native of North Carolina and the daughter of John B. and Jane (Cravens) Martin. She died in the winter of 1892, on January 21st, at the age of seventy-seven years. She was the mother of eight children, but one of whom besides the subject is living, Araminta. Those deceased are Eliza, Mary, Rhoda, Theodore, James C., and Daniel C., who died at the front during the Civil War. John Sawyer followed the vocation of farming all his life and was an honored man in the community. After the Republican Party came into existence he was a strong advocate of its principles, but never took an active part in the administration of its affairs. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a man of influence in his locality.
William W. Sawyer passed the years of his early youth on the homestead, in this county, and at the opening of hostilities, at the beginning of the Civil War, fired with love for his county, he enlisted in August, 1862, for three years in Company G, Ninety-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served in the Army of the Tennessee under General Sherman and also, under the leadership of that great man, he made the famous march to the sea. He was captured en route at Statesboro, Georgia, on December 4, 1864, and sent to the rebel prison at Florence, South Carolina. At the time of his capture he was detailed as a mounted scout and as such was taken by the enemy. On March 1, 1865, he was paroled and remained as a paroled prisoner until the close of the war, when he was mustered out of service and received his honorable discharge, at Camp Chase, Ohio, on June 18, 1865. On August 13, 1864, during the siege of Atlanta, he was wounded in the leg and received an injury in the head at the battle of Jonesboro on September 1, 1864. However, he did not go to a hospital with either of these injuries. After the close of the war, Mr. Sawyer returned to his native county, where he engaged in farming, which line of work he followed all his active life, living in the vicinity of Hazelwood, Liberty Township, this county. He has been highly successful and has owned land in both Hendricks and Morgan Counties. In 1913 he disposed of his farming interests and, with his family, moved to Clayton, there to spend his remaining days in well deserved rest from the active duties of life.
On April 16, 1867, Mr. Sawyer was united in marriage with Martha York, a daughter of Nathan and Rebecca (Fogleman) York, born on December 9, 1849. Nathan York was a native of North Carolina and came to this state, and perhaps this county, with his parents when but a young man. His father, Barney York, entered land from the government, in Liberty Township, and there it was that Nathan York grew to manhood. He was born in North Carolina, in 1820, and died on his farm, in this county, on August 30, 1896, at the age of seventy-six years. In this county he met and married Rebecca Fogleman, also a native of North Carolina, who had come with her parents to this state, making the journey overland in a cart. They settled first in Morgan County. When her grandfather, Barney York, arrived in this county he found himself possessed of but ten cents, not considering his most valuable assets in the way of unlimited energy and ambition. He succeeded so well in his efforts that he became possessed of considerable land and at his death left forty acres to each of his children. Rebecca (Fogleman) York, who was born in 1833, died in this county in 1884. She was the mother of twelve children, three of whom have passed away, being Francis Marion, Laura and Oscar. Those remaining besides Martha, wife of the immediate subject of this sketch, are: Amanda (Mrs. Richardson), Asbury, Sylvester, Lucinda Ella (Mrs. Kwitt), Mary Alice (Mrs. Rhodes), Louisa (Mrs. Brantlinger), Dayton and Myrtle.
Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer are the parents of twelve children, as follows: Jerome T., born in 1868, died in 1872; Ida Belle, born in 1870; Dayton M., born in 1872; Minta A., born in 1874 and died the same year; Walter, born in 1875; Arlington, born in 1878 and died in 1881; Charles, born in 1881 and died the same year; Mary Myrtle, born in 1882 and died in 1897; Oscar, born in 1885 and died the same year; Vonnie O., born in 1886 and died in 1888; Arthur, born in 1888, and Viola, born in 1891. Ida Belle, the eldest daughter, became the wife of Robert M. Kwitt, a farmer living close to Hazelwood, this county. They are the parents of six children, one of whom, Edward, died in infancy. The ones remaining are Mattie, Mamie, Mary, Dewey and Fernando. Mattie, their eldest daughter, is the wife of John McDade and resides in Clayton. She is the mother of four children, Dessie, Sylvan, Jewel and Hobart. Mamie, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Kwitt, is the wife of Walter Rushton, a farmer living in Putnam County. She also is the mother of four children, Lawrence, Ethel, Dorothy and Walter Glenn. Mary, the third daughter, is the wife of Edgar York and resides in Irvington, Indianapolis. They have two children, Mary Etta and John Robert.
Dayton, eldest living son of the subject, married Annie Duncan and lives at Hazelwood, this county. They are the parents of seven children, two of whom, Dovey and Claire, have passed away. The others are Maude, Hubert, Sylvia, Doris and Lowell. Sylvia is the wife of Archie Johnson and lives near Hall, in Morgan County. She has one child. Walter, another son of the subject, married Grace Lewis and lives at Martinsville, Indiana. They are the parents of six living children and have lost a babe which died in infancy. Their children are Archie, Martha, William, Howard, Merrill and Lloyd. Arthur, youngest son of the subject, resides in the capital city and is connected with the Indianapolis Life Insurance Company, with offices in the Board of Trade Building. Viola, the youngest daughter, became the wife of Guy Boyd, a farmer of Franklin Township, this county. She is the mother of one child, Rita Virginia.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer are consistent members of the Missionary Baptist Church at Clayton, and have reared their family in strict accordance with the tenets of that faith. The family is one of the most highly esteemed in the community, and the home radiates kindliness and good cheer even to the passing stranger. Mr. Sawyer's fraternal affiliation is with the time-honored body of Free and Accepted Masons, holding his membership in blue lodge No. 463, at Clayton, in the workings of which he is keenly interested. Politically, he is a Democrat and has ever had an active interest in local politics. Mr. Sawyer is a most agreeable man to meet, of pleasing personality and kindly address. These are merely the outward indications of a heart in tune with the world and with broad sympathies for his fellow men. He is a man well informed on current events of the day, both at home and abroad, and takes keen delight in promoting any cause having, at its ultimate object, the uplift of mankind in any way whatsoever. Mr. Sawyer has the unqualified admiration and esteem of all who know him, which is a fitting tribute of which he is eminently worthy. To live for years in one community and steadily rise in public estimation indicates that the recipient of this gratifying regard has so lived as to be truly worthy of it. It means a life, the principles of which have been the highest along all lines; it means helpfulness and charity in the broadest sense for friends and neighbors.
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from The History of Hendricks County (Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914)--pages 419-423
WILLIAM W. SAWYER
It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his family circle, in church, hear his views on public questions, observe the operation of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and civilization and are, therefore, competent to judge of his merits and demerits. After a long course of years of such daily observation, it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know of his worth, for, as has been said, “actions speak louder than words.” In this connection it is not too much to say that the immediate subject of this sketch has passed a life of all unusual honor, that he has been industrious and has the confidence of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
William W. Sawyer, a life-long farmer, now living in comfortable retirement in Clayton, Hendricks County, Indiana, was born on October 23, 1846, near Hazelwood, this county, the son of John and Nancy (Martin) Sawyer. John Sawyer was a native of Randolph County, North Carolina, born in 1794, and died in this county in 1869 at the age of seventy-five years. He received his early education in the schools of his native state, coming to Indiana soon after his marriage. He first settled in Marion County and entered land from the government in different places in the state, and some time in the thirties he came to this county, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was twice married. By his first wife he became the father of six children, namely: Iredel, Eli, Irena, Nathan, Elizabeth, and John, Jr. all of whom have passed from this life. His second wife was Nancy Martin, also a native of North Carolina and the daughter of John B. and Jane (Cravens) Martin. She died in the winter of 1892, on January 21st, at the age of seventy-seven years. She was the mother of eight children, but one of whom besides the subject is living, Araminta. Those deceased are Eliza, Mary, Rhoda, Theodore, James C., and Daniel C., who died at the front during the Civil War. John Sawyer followed the vocation of farming all his life and was an honored man in the community. After the Republican Party came into existence he was a strong advocate of its principles, but never took an active part in the administration of its affairs. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a man of influence in his locality.
William W. Sawyer passed the years of his early youth on the homestead, in this county, and at the opening of hostilities, at the beginning of the Civil War, fired with love for his county, he enlisted in August, 1862, for three years in Company G, Ninety-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served in the Army of the Tennessee under General Sherman and also, under the leadership of that great man, he made the famous march to the sea. He was captured en route at Statesboro, Georgia, on December 4, 1864, and sent to the rebel prison at Florence, South Carolina. At the time of his capture he was detailed as a mounted scout and as such was taken by the enemy. On March 1, 1865, he was paroled and remained as a paroled prisoner until the close of the war, when he was mustered out of service and received his honorable discharge, at Camp Chase, Ohio, on June 18, 1865. On August 13, 1864, during the siege of Atlanta, he was wounded in the leg and received an injury in the head at the battle of Jonesboro on September 1, 1864. However, he did not go to a hospital with either of these injuries. After the close of the war, Mr. Sawyer returned to his native county, where he engaged in farming, which line of work he followed all his active life, living in the vicinity of Hazelwood, Liberty Township, this county. He has been highly successful and has owned land in both Hendricks and Morgan Counties. In 1913 he disposed of his farming interests and, with his family, moved to Clayton, there to spend his remaining days in well deserved rest from the active duties of life.
On April 16, 1867, Mr. Sawyer was united in marriage with Martha York, a daughter of Nathan and Rebecca (Fogleman) York, born on December 9, 1849. Nathan York was a native of North Carolina and came to this state, and perhaps this county, with his parents when but a young man. His father, Barney York, entered land from the government, in Liberty Township, and there it was that Nathan York grew to manhood. He was born in North Carolina, in 1820, and died on his farm, in this county, on August 30, 1896, at the age of seventy-six years. In this county he met and married Rebecca Fogleman, also a native of North Carolina, who had come with her parents to this state, making the journey overland in a cart. They settled first in Morgan County. When her grandfather, Barney York, arrived in this county he found himself possessed of but ten cents, not considering his most valuable assets in the way of unlimited energy and ambition. He succeeded so well in his efforts that he became possessed of considerable land and at his death left forty acres to each of his children. Rebecca (Fogleman) York, who was born in 1833, died in this county in 1884. She was the mother of twelve children, three of whom have passed away, being Francis Marion, Laura and Oscar. Those remaining besides Martha, wife of the immediate subject of this sketch, are: Amanda (Mrs. Richardson), Asbury, Sylvester, Lucinda Ella (Mrs. Kwitt), Mary Alice (Mrs. Rhodes), Louisa (Mrs. Brantlinger), Dayton and Myrtle.
Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer are the parents of twelve children, as follows: Jerome T., born in 1868, died in 1872; Ida Belle, born in 1870; Dayton M., born in 1872; Minta A., born in 1874 and died the same year; Walter, born in 1875; Arlington, born in 1878 and died in 1881; Charles, born in 1881 and died the same year; Mary Myrtle, born in 1882 and died in 1897; Oscar, born in 1885 and died the same year; Vonnie O., born in 1886 and died in 1888; Arthur, born in 1888, and Viola, born in 1891. Ida Belle, the eldest daughter, became the wife of Robert M. Kwitt, a farmer living close to Hazelwood, this county. They are the parents of six children, one of whom, Edward, died in infancy. The ones remaining are Mattie, Mamie, Mary, Dewey and Fernando. Mattie, their eldest daughter, is the wife of John McDade and resides in Clayton. She is the mother of four children, Dessie, Sylvan, Jewel and Hobart. Mamie, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Kwitt, is the wife of Walter Rushton, a farmer living in Putnam County. She also is the mother of four children, Lawrence, Ethel, Dorothy and Walter Glenn. Mary, the third daughter, is the wife of Edgar York and resides in Irvington, Indianapolis. They have two children, Mary Etta and John Robert.
Dayton, eldest living son of the subject, married Annie Duncan and lives at Hazelwood, this county. They are the parents of seven children, two of whom, Dovey and Claire, have passed away. The others are Maude, Hubert, Sylvia, Doris and Lowell. Sylvia is the wife of Archie Johnson and lives near Hall, in Morgan County. She has one child. Walter, another son of the subject, married Grace Lewis and lives at Martinsville, Indiana. They are the parents of six living children and have lost a babe which died in infancy. Their children are Archie, Martha, William, Howard, Merrill and Lloyd. Arthur, youngest son of the subject, resides in the capital city and is connected with the Indianapolis Life Insurance Company, with offices in the Board of Trade Building. Viola, the youngest daughter, became the wife of Guy Boyd, a farmer of Franklin Township, this county. She is the mother of one child, Rita Virginia.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer are consistent members of the Missionary Baptist Church at Clayton, and have reared their family in strict accordance with the tenets of that faith. The family is one of the most highly esteemed in the community, and the home radiates kindliness and good cheer even to the passing stranger. Mr. Sawyer's fraternal affiliation is with the time-honored body of Free and Accepted Masons, holding his membership in blue lodge No. 463, at Clayton, in the workings of which he is keenly interested. Politically, he is a Democrat and has ever had an active interest in local politics. Mr. Sawyer is a most agreeable man to meet, of pleasing personality and kindly address. These are merely the outward indications of a heart in tune with the world and with broad sympathies for his fellow men. He is a man well informed on current events of the day, both at home and abroad, and takes keen delight in promoting any cause having, at its ultimate object, the uplift of mankind in any way whatsoever. Mr. Sawyer has the unqualified admiration and esteem of all who know him, which is a fitting tribute of which he is eminently worthy. To live for years in one community and steadily rise in public estimation indicates that the recipient of this gratifying regard has so lived as to be truly worthy of it. It means a life, the principles of which have been the highest along all lines; it means helpfulness and charity in the broadest sense for friends and neighbors.
William Wesley Sawyer, the third of nine children born to John and Nancy Sawyer, came into their home life, Oct. 22, 1846, half a mile northeast of LaClair. His education was received in the common schools of the times. At the beginning of the civil war, fired with love for his country when less than sixteen years of age, he enlisted on the 22nd day of August 1862 as a private in Co. g., 99th regiment, Indiana Volunteer infantry. He served in the army of the Tennessee under Gen. William T. Sherman and made the famous march to the sea. While detailed as a mounted scout at Statesboro, Ga., Dec. 4, 1864, he was captured and sent to the rebel prison at Florence, S.C., where he remained until he was paroled on March 1, 1865, when he was sent to Camp Chase, Ohio, where he was stationed until he received his honorable discharge June 1865. On Aug. 13, 1864, during the siege of Atlanta, he was wounded in the leg and at the battle of Jonesboro, Sept. 1, 1864, he received an injury on the head. Neither was of a serious nature. After his discharge he returned home and soon acknowledged Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and united with the Methodist Episcopal church at Salem, where his membership remained until he united with the Friendship Baptist church and was baptized in August, 1894, by Rev. J.E. Sherrill. He served his church in various capacities, having been moderator from 1895 to 1898 and from 1904 to 1909; he was trustee at numerous times and was a member of the building committee, doing efficient work in all places. In August 1914, Brother and Sister Sawyer, having become residents of Clayton, had their membership transferred from the Friendship to the Clayton Baptist church which during his last days he was serving as Moderator. On April 16, 1867, Brother Sawyer was united in marriage to Miss Martha York, the Rev. F. Taylor officiating. To this union were born twelve children as follows: Jerome T., born in 1868, died 1872; Ida Belle, born in 1870, now Mrs. Robert M. Kivett, Stilesville; Dayton M., born in 1872, Hazelwood; Minta A., born in 1874, dying the same year; Walter, born in 1875, Martinsville; Alington, born in 1878 and died in 1881; Charles, born in 1881, dying the same year; Mary Myrtle, born in 1882 and died in 1897; Oscar, born in 1885, dying the same year; Vonnie O., born in 1886 and died in 1888; Arthur , born in 1888, Indianapolis; Viola, born in 1891, now Mrs. Guy Boyd, Clayton. In 1891 Mr. Sawyer became a member of the Clayton Grand Army of the Republic and has since retained his membership. On the twelfth day of June 1902 he became a member of Clayton Lodge 463, Free and Accepted Masons and since December 1913 he has acceptably filled the office of treasurer in this fraternity. In addition to his wife and the living children, named above, Brother Sawyer is survived by an only sister, Mrs. Arminta Jordan, of Clayton. While Brother Sawyer's health was never of the best yet his army service weakened him so that for a number of years he was bearing afflictions. Then there was a season of improv(e)ment but some four months ago a decline set in, increasing in intensity until he fell asleep in Jesus, Friday evening, Jan. 28, 1916, aged 69 years, 3 months and 5 days. As a man, he was quick in arriving at conclusions and his judgements were usually correct. He believed in fair dealing and letting live. He was ever considerate of the rights of others. Those in distress never had a better friend nor a wiser earthly counsellor. He was ever ready to rejoice with others in their victories or to console them in their misfortunes. His life may be sumed up in the words of Scripture thus: "Behold that which I have seen: it is good and comely for one to eat, and to drink, and to enjoy the good of all his labor that he taketh under the sun all the days of his life, which God giveth him; for it is his portion." Every man also to whom God hath given riches and wealth, and hath given him power to eat thereof, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor; this is the gift of God." "For he shall not much remember the days of his life; because God answereth him in the joy of his heart." -Ecclesiastes 5:18-20. Also says the Book of Books, "A good name is better than precious ointment; and the day of death than the day of one's birth." So lived our brother. The funeral services were conducted here at the Baptist church Monday morning by Rev. J.E. Sherrill, of Danville, after which the remains were laid at rest in the cemetery at Center Valley.
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from The History of Hendricks County (Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914)--pages 419-423
WILLIAM W. SAWYER
It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his family circle, in church, hear his views on public questions, observe the operation of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and civilization and are, therefore, competent to judge of his merits and demerits. After a long course of years of such daily observation, it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know of his worth, for, as has been said, “actions speak louder than words.” In this connection it is not too much to say that the immediate subject of this sketch has passed a life of all unusual honor, that he has been industrious and has the confidence of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
William W. Sawyer, a life-long farmer, now living in comfortable retirement in Clayton, Hendricks County, Indiana, was born on October 23, 1846, near Hazelwood, this county, the son of John and Nancy (Martin) Sawyer. John Sawyer was a native of Randolph County, North Carolina, born in 1794, and died in this county in 1869 at the age of seventy-five years. He received his early education in the schools of his native state, coming to Indiana soon after his marriage. He first settled in Marion County and entered land from the government in different places in the state, and some time in the thirties he came to this county, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was twice married. By his first wife he became the father of six children, namely: Iredel, Eli, Irena, Nathan, Elizabeth, and John, Jr. all of whom have passed from this life. His second wife was Nancy Martin, also a native of North Carolina and the daughter of John B. and Jane (Cravens) Martin. She died in the winter of 1892, on January 21st, at the age of seventy-seven years. She was the mother of eight children, but one of whom besides the subject is living, Araminta. Those deceased are Eliza, Mary, Rhoda, Theodore, James C., and Daniel C., who died at the front during the Civil War. John Sawyer followed the vocation of farming all his life and was an honored man in the community. After the Republican Party came into existence he was a strong advocate of its principles, but never took an active part in the administration of its affairs. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a man of influence in his locality.
William W. Sawyer passed the years of his early youth on the homestead, in this county, and at the opening of hostilities, at the beginning of the Civil War, fired with love for his county, he enlisted in August, 1862, for three years in Company G, Ninety-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served in the Army of the Tennessee under General Sherman and also, under the leadership of that great man, he made the famous march to the sea. He was captured en route at Statesboro, Georgia, on December 4, 1864, and sent to the rebel prison at Florence, South Carolina. At the time of his capture he was detailed as a mounted scout and as such was taken by the enemy. On March 1, 1865, he was paroled and remained as a paroled prisoner until the close of the war, when he was mustered out of service and received his honorable discharge, at Camp Chase, Ohio, on June 18, 1865. On August 13, 1864, during the siege of Atlanta, he was wounded in the leg and received an injury in the head at the battle of Jonesboro on September 1, 1864. However, he did not go to a hospital with either of these injuries. After the close of the war, Mr. Sawyer returned to his native county, where he engaged in farming, which line of work he followed all his active life, living in the vicinity of Hazelwood, Liberty Township, this county. He has been highly successful and has owned land in both Hendricks and Morgan Counties. In 1913 he disposed of his farming interests and, with his family, moved to Clayton, there to spend his remaining days in well deserved rest from the active duties of life.
On April 16, 1867, Mr. Sawyer was united in marriage with Martha York, a daughter of Nathan and Rebecca (Fogleman) York, born on December 9, 1849. Nathan York was a native of North Carolina and came to this state, and perhaps this county, with his parents when but a young man. His father, Barney York, entered land from the government, in Liberty Township, and there it was that Nathan York grew to manhood. He was born in North Carolina, in 1820, and died on his farm, in this county, on August 30, 1896, at the age of seventy-six years. In this county he met and married Rebecca Fogleman, also a native of North Carolina, who had come with her parents to this state, making the journey overland in a cart. They settled first in Morgan County. When her grandfather, Barney York, arrived in this county he found himself possessed of but ten cents, not considering his most valuable assets in the way of unlimited energy and ambition. He succeeded so well in his efforts that he became possessed of considerable land and at his death left forty acres to each of his children. Rebecca (Fogleman) York, who was born in 1833, died in this county in 1884. She was the mother of twelve children, three of whom have passed away, being Francis Marion, Laura and Oscar. Those remaining besides Martha, wife of the immediate subject of this sketch, are: Amanda (Mrs. Richardson), Asbury, Sylvester, Lucinda Ella (Mrs. Kwitt), Mary Alice (Mrs. Rhodes), Louisa (Mrs. Brantlinger), Dayton and Myrtle.
Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer are the parents of twelve children, as follows: Jerome T., born in 1868, died in 1872; Ida Belle, born in 1870; Dayton M., born in 1872; Minta A., born in 1874 and died the same year; Walter, born in 1875; Arlington, born in 1878 and died in 1881; Charles, born in 1881 and died the same year; Mary Myrtle, born in 1882 and died in 1897; Oscar, born in 1885 and died the same year; Vonnie O., born in 1886 and died in 1888; Arthur, born in 1888, and Viola, born in 1891. Ida Belle, the eldest daughter, became the wife of Robert M. Kwitt, a farmer living close to Hazelwood, this county. They are the parents of six children, one of whom, Edward, died in infancy. The ones remaining are Mattie, Mamie, Mary, Dewey and Fernando. Mattie, their eldest daughter, is the wife of John McDade and resides in Clayton. She is the mother of four children, Dessie, Sylvan, Jewel and Hobart. Mamie, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Kwitt, is the wife of Walter Rushton, a farmer living in Putnam County. She also is the mother of four children, Lawrence, Ethel, Dorothy and Walter Glenn. Mary, the third daughter, is the wife of Edgar York and resides in Irvington, Indianapolis. They have two children, Mary Etta and John Robert.
Dayton, eldest living son of the subject, married Annie Duncan and lives at Hazelwood, this county. They are the parents of seven children, two of whom, Dovey and Claire, have passed away. The others are Maude, Hubert, Sylvia, Doris and Lowell. Sylvia is the wife of Archie Johnson and lives near Hall, in Morgan County. She has one child. Walter, another son of the subject, married Grace Lewis and lives at Martinsville, Indiana. They are the parents of six living children and have lost a babe which died in infancy. Their children are Archie, Martha, William, Howard, Merrill and Lloyd. Arthur, youngest son of the subject, resides in the capital city and is connected with the Indianapolis Life Insurance Company, with offices in the Board of Trade Building. Viola, the youngest daughter, became the wife of Guy Boyd, a farmer of Franklin Township, this county. She is the mother of one child, Rita Virginia.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer are consistent members of the Missionary Baptist Church at Clayton, and have reared their family in strict accordance with the tenets of that faith. The family is one of the most highly esteemed in the community, and the home radiates kindliness and good cheer even to the passing stranger. Mr. Sawyer's fraternal affiliation is with the time-honored body of Free and Accepted Masons, holding his membership in blue lodge No. 463, at Clayton, in the workings of which he is keenly interested. Politically, he is a Democrat and has ever had an active interest in local politics. Mr. Sawyer is a most agreeable man to meet, of pleasing personality and kindly address. These are merely the outward indications of a heart in tune with the world and with broad sympathies for his fellow men. He is a man well informed on current events of the day, both at home and abroad, and takes keen delight in promoting any cause having, at its ultimate object, the uplift of mankind in any way whatsoever. Mr. Sawyer has the unqualified admiration and esteem of all who know him, which is a fitting tribute of which he is eminently worthy. To live for years in one community and steadily rise in public estimation indicates that the recipient of this gratifying regard has so lived as to be truly worthy of it. It means a life, the principles of which have been the highest along all lines; it means helpfulness and charity in the broadest sense for friends and neighbors.
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from The History of Hendricks County (Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen & Co., 1914)--pages 419-423
WILLIAM W. SAWYER
It is proper to judge of the success of a man's life by the estimation in which he is held by his fellow citizens. They see him at his work, in his family circle, in church, hear his views on public questions, observe the operation of his code of morals, witness how he conducts himself in all the relations of society and civilization and are, therefore, competent to judge of his merits and demerits. After a long course of years of such daily observation, it would be out of the question for his neighbors not to know of his worth, for, as has been said, “actions speak louder than words.” In this connection it is not too much to say that the immediate subject of this sketch has passed a life of all unusual honor, that he has been industrious and has the confidence of all who have the pleasure of his acquaintance.
William W. Sawyer, a life-long farmer, now living in comfortable retirement in Clayton, Hendricks County, Indiana, was born on October 23, 1846, near Hazelwood, this county, the son of John and Nancy (Martin) Sawyer. John Sawyer was a native of Randolph County, North Carolina, born in 1794, and died in this county in 1869 at the age of seventy-five years. He received his early education in the schools of his native state, coming to Indiana soon after his marriage. He first settled in Marion County and entered land from the government in different places in the state, and some time in the thirties he came to this county, where he passed the remainder of his life. He was twice married. By his first wife he became the father of six children, namely: Iredel, Eli, Irena, Nathan, Elizabeth, and John, Jr. all of whom have passed from this life. His second wife was Nancy Martin, also a native of North Carolina and the daughter of John B. and Jane (Cravens) Martin. She died in the winter of 1892, on January 21st, at the age of seventy-seven years. She was the mother of eight children, but one of whom besides the subject is living, Araminta. Those deceased are Eliza, Mary, Rhoda, Theodore, James C., and Daniel C., who died at the front during the Civil War. John Sawyer followed the vocation of farming all his life and was an honored man in the community. After the Republican Party came into existence he was a strong advocate of its principles, but never took an active part in the administration of its affairs. He was a faithful member of the Methodist Episcopal Church and a man of influence in his locality.
William W. Sawyer passed the years of his early youth on the homestead, in this county, and at the opening of hostilities, at the beginning of the Civil War, fired with love for his county, he enlisted in August, 1862, for three years in Company G, Ninety-ninth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He served in the Army of the Tennessee under General Sherman and also, under the leadership of that great man, he made the famous march to the sea. He was captured en route at Statesboro, Georgia, on December 4, 1864, and sent to the rebel prison at Florence, South Carolina. At the time of his capture he was detailed as a mounted scout and as such was taken by the enemy. On March 1, 1865, he was paroled and remained as a paroled prisoner until the close of the war, when he was mustered out of service and received his honorable discharge, at Camp Chase, Ohio, on June 18, 1865. On August 13, 1864, during the siege of Atlanta, he was wounded in the leg and received an injury in the head at the battle of Jonesboro on September 1, 1864. However, he did not go to a hospital with either of these injuries. After the close of the war, Mr. Sawyer returned to his native county, where he engaged in farming, which line of work he followed all his active life, living in the vicinity of Hazelwood, Liberty Township, this county. He has been highly successful and has owned land in both Hendricks and Morgan Counties. In 1913 he disposed of his farming interests and, with his family, moved to Clayton, there to spend his remaining days in well deserved rest from the active duties of life.
On April 16, 1867, Mr. Sawyer was united in marriage with Martha York, a daughter of Nathan and Rebecca (Fogleman) York, born on December 9, 1849. Nathan York was a native of North Carolina and came to this state, and perhaps this county, with his parents when but a young man. His father, Barney York, entered land from the government, in Liberty Township, and there it was that Nathan York grew to manhood. He was born in North Carolina, in 1820, and died on his farm, in this county, on August 30, 1896, at the age of seventy-six years. In this county he met and married Rebecca Fogleman, also a native of North Carolina, who had come with her parents to this state, making the journey overland in a cart. They settled first in Morgan County. When her grandfather, Barney York, arrived in this county he found himself possessed of but ten cents, not considering his most valuable assets in the way of unlimited energy and ambition. He succeeded so well in his efforts that he became possessed of considerable land and at his death left forty acres to each of his children. Rebecca (Fogleman) York, who was born in 1833, died in this county in 1884. She was the mother of twelve children, three of whom have passed away, being Francis Marion, Laura and Oscar. Those remaining besides Martha, wife of the immediate subject of this sketch, are: Amanda (Mrs. Richardson), Asbury, Sylvester, Lucinda Ella (Mrs. Kwitt), Mary Alice (Mrs. Rhodes), Louisa (Mrs. Brantlinger), Dayton and Myrtle.
Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer are the parents of twelve children, as follows: Jerome T., born in 1868, died in 1872; Ida Belle, born in 1870; Dayton M., born in 1872; Minta A., born in 1874 and died the same year; Walter, born in 1875; Arlington, born in 1878 and died in 1881; Charles, born in 1881 and died the same year; Mary Myrtle, born in 1882 and died in 1897; Oscar, born in 1885 and died the same year; Vonnie O., born in 1886 and died in 1888; Arthur, born in 1888, and Viola, born in 1891. Ida Belle, the eldest daughter, became the wife of Robert M. Kwitt, a farmer living close to Hazelwood, this county. They are the parents of six children, one of whom, Edward, died in infancy. The ones remaining are Mattie, Mamie, Mary, Dewey and Fernando. Mattie, their eldest daughter, is the wife of John McDade and resides in Clayton. She is the mother of four children, Dessie, Sylvan, Jewel and Hobart. Mamie, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert M. Kwitt, is the wife of Walter Rushton, a farmer living in Putnam County. She also is the mother of four children, Lawrence, Ethel, Dorothy and Walter Glenn. Mary, the third daughter, is the wife of Edgar York and resides in Irvington, Indianapolis. They have two children, Mary Etta and John Robert.
Dayton, eldest living son of the subject, married Annie Duncan and lives at Hazelwood, this county. They are the parents of seven children, two of whom, Dovey and Claire, have passed away. The others are Maude, Hubert, Sylvia, Doris and Lowell. Sylvia is the wife of Archie Johnson and lives near Hall, in Morgan County. She has one child. Walter, another son of the subject, married Grace Lewis and lives at Martinsville, Indiana. They are the parents of six living children and have lost a babe which died in infancy. Their children are Archie, Martha, William, Howard, Merrill and Lloyd. Arthur, youngest son of the subject, resides in the capital city and is connected with the Indianapolis Life Insurance Company, with offices in the Board of Trade Building. Viola, the youngest daughter, became the wife of Guy Boyd, a farmer of Franklin Township, this county. She is the mother of one child, Rita Virginia.
Both Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer are consistent members of the Missionary Baptist Church at Clayton, and have reared their family in strict accordance with the tenets of that faith. The family is one of the most highly esteemed in the community, and the home radiates kindliness and good cheer even to the passing stranger. Mr. Sawyer's fraternal affiliation is with the time-honored body of Free and Accepted Masons, holding his membership in blue lodge No. 463, at Clayton, in the workings of which he is keenly interested. Politically, he is a Democrat and has ever had an active interest in local politics. Mr. Sawyer is a most agreeable man to meet, of pleasing personality and kindly address. These are merely the outward indications of a heart in tune with the world and with broad sympathies for his fellow men. He is a man well informed on current events of the day, both at home and abroad, and takes keen delight in promoting any cause having, at its ultimate object, the uplift of mankind in any way whatsoever. Mr. Sawyer has the unqualified admiration and esteem of all who know him, which is a fitting tribute of which he is eminently worthy. To live for years in one community and steadily rise in public estimation indicates that the recipient of this gratifying regard has so lived as to be truly worthy of it. It means a life, the principles of which have been the highest along all lines; it means helpfulness and charity in the broadest sense for friends and neighbors.
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