E. H. SAWYER, one of the most enterprising merchants of Roodhouse, is the proprietor of two groceries. He started in the grocery business in 1876, and has met with such liberal patronage that he found it necessary to add store after store to his business, now having the largest trade in the city. One store is located on the south side of Palm, between Morse and East Railroad streets, the building being 22x54 feet. Here may be found a line of staple and fancy groceries, notions, stationery, etc., and also a stock of hardware, the total value being about $3,000. The other grocery is situated on the north side of the square and occupies two store rooms, each 22x50. In one room Mr. Sawyer carries a stock of flour and feed, and in the other groceries and queensware, invoicing about $1,500. This grocery was established in December, 1884, by E.H. and G.N. Sawyer, who still continue in partnership.

E. H. Sawyer was born in Wolcott, N.Y., June 18, 1845, and is a son of Nathan and Loretta (Moore) Sawyer, the former a native of Windsor county, Vt., the latter of the state of New York. In 1858, his father came to Illinois, afterward locating in Alton, where he died in August of the same year. In 1860, Mr. Sawyer came west, and located at Godfrey, where he remained some 13 years. he then removed to Greene county, where he was engaged as a salesman, for some four years, at the expiration of which time he engaged in his present business. In 1884, Mr. Sawyer was united in marriage with Phyllis Shields, a daughter of Frank and Maggie (Miller) Shields, natives of Scotland, who immigrated to America many years ago and are now residing in Greene county. In 1864, Mr. Sawyer enlisted in Co. D. 144tgh Ill. Inf., and served his country until the close of the war. He was promoted to the position of corporal during that time. After Lee's surrender, he was discharged at Springfield, and returned home. Mr. Sawyer is a member of the A.O.U.W. and G.A.R. societies, and has held most of the offices in the gift of the lodges of which he is a member. He has also held the office of mayor of the city, and is one of our liberal public spirited citizens.