Sawyer was born in Watertown, New York, the son of Jonathan Sawyer and Martha (Perkins) Sawyer.[1] When he was ten, he moved with his family to Dover, New Hampshire. Sawyer attended the common schools and Franklin Academy before learning the manufacturing business working at the Sawyer Woolen Mills Company. He became president of the company in 1881.[2]
He was elected the 41st Governor of New Hampshire, serving from June 2, 1887 – June 6, 1889.[5] After leaving office, he represented New Hampshire at the Universal Exposition of 1889 at Paris.[6] He served as director of the Dover Gas and Light Company and the Granite State Insurance Company, and as president of the Dover Horse Railroad Company.[7]
Sawyer died on January 18, 1908, in Dover, New Hampshire.[8] and is buried at Pine Hill Cemetery.
Family life
Sawyer married Susan Ellen Cowan on February 8, 1865. They had five children together: William Davis Sawyer, Charles Francis Sawyer, James Cowan Sawyer, Edward Sawyer and Elizabeth Coffin Sawyer.[7] Their son William married Gertrude Hall, daughter of U.S. Congressman Joshua G. Hall.[9] He and his family were members of the Congregational church.[10]
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