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General Franklin SawyerA distinguished soldier, patriot, and brilliant attorney, was born in Auburn, Crawford County, Ohio, July 13 1825. He was educated at Norwalk seminary and Granville college. In 1847 he was admitted to the bar and in 1850 was elected prosecuting attorney of Huron county. In 1860, General Sawyer organized the Norwalk Light Guards, which on April 20, 1861 became Company D, 8th O.V.I. and he was commissioned its captain. Upon reorganization of the regiment at Camp Denison Ohio in May 1861, Captain Sawyer was made Major and with it went to the front where for more than three years he was conspicuous for gallantry in camp and upon hard fought battle grounds. Having led his command on many previous battle fields he was, after the battle of Gettysburg, in which he was severely wounded, promoted from lieutenant colonel to brigadier general, inappreciation of his bravery and meritorious conduct. At the battle of Spotsylvania, General Sawyer received so severe a wound as to prevent further active engagement. In 1865, he was elected a representative in the Ohio legislature and proved a valuable member. After most faithful service, both as a soldier and citizen, he died April 15th, 1892. |