Sawyer, George N.

BIOGRAPHIES
HISTORY OF GREENE & JERSEY COUNTIES, ILLINOIS - 1885

Springfield, Ill.: Continental Historical Co.



Page 1134

GEORGE N. SAWYER, the popular and enterprising grocer of Roodhouse, is a native of Oneida county, N.Y., born Nov. 18, 1839. he is a son of Nathan and Loretta (Moore) Sawyer, natives of New York. Mrs. Sawyer's father built the first house ever erected in Rochester, N.Y. he was born in Ireland, from where he emigrated to America, locating in New York state. Nathan Sawyer came from Vermont, so that from Puritan and Irish ancestors, George N. has descended. His parents came to Illinois some time between the years 1859 and 1861, locating in Alton where his father practiced law for some years. he died there in 1870, and Mrs. Sawyer's death, which was caused by a railroad accident, occurred in 1872. George N. received his education in the schools of his native place, and from there subsequently came to Madison county, Ill., where h was employed at farm work for a time. In 1861 he enlisted in Co. D, 10th Ill. Inf. under Col. James D. Morgan, and was in the service four years. He was promoted to the rank of a corporal against his wishes. he participated in all the battles in which his regiment took part, that being some 34 severe engagements. At the close of the war he received his discharge at Chicago. He then came down to Godfrey, where he obtained a situation in the store and postoffice, in which he continued six years. In January, 1871, he came to Roodhouse, where he soon received an appointment as postmaster, which position he held 11 years. In the meantime he purchased a half interest in a general merchandise store, soon after becoming sole owner of the business which he conducted seven years. He then sold out and devoted his entire time and attention to the postoffice, until January, 1882, when he engaged in the insurance business for some two years, at the expiration of which time he went into the mercantile business with his brother, where he is still to be found, ever busy, and through courtesy, honesty and close attention to the firm has secured a liberal patronage. In 1871, Mr. sawyer was married to Denice P. Breton, a native of Paris. She came to the United States with her parents in 1848. They located in St. Louis and there spent the balance of their days. By the above marriage there are five children - Fannie B., Helene D., Clara C., Lillie May and George. Mr. and Mrs. Sawyer are members of the Congregational church. Mr. Sawyer is a member of White Hall lodge, No. 80, A.F. & A.M., of White Hall lodge, No. 227, I.O.O.F., of the A.O.U.W., and G.A.R. societies. He held the office of treasurer of the A.O.U.W. for three terms and of Master, for two terms, and has held most of the offices of the various societies to which he belongs. He has also been treasurer of the township board, of which he was a member. he is a liberal, public spirited man, and is generally respected.


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