The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-24
DEATH OF REV. SAWYER
SOMETHING ABOUT HIS ACTIVE AND
VARIED LIFE.
He Was n Graduate of Princeton and
Union Theological Seminary
Familiar Figure.

Rev. Samuel Sawyer, so well known to
many people in this city, died at his resi-
dence, S25 North Alabama street, about $3.50
yesterday afternoon after being confined to
his house about three weeks. He was sim
ply worn out.
Few men have had a more active and
varied life. He was born in Middleton,
N. Y. June 20. 1871. He was graduated
from Princeton and subsequently from the
Union Theological Seminary of New York
His first pastorate as a Presbyterian min
lister was in Trenton, n. j. He went to
East Tennessee in 1850. where he had charge
of school. In 1855 he debated the slavery
question with Parson Brownlow Soon
after he left Tennessee to accept the presi-
dency of a Presbyterian school known as
the College of Indiana. When the war
broke out in 1861 the school had ASS stu
dents, eighty-ive of whom went with him
into the service. He became chaplain of
the Forty-seventh Indiana, Col James r.
Slack
In the army he had a varied experience.
When the Union forces captured Memphis
1t was determined TO revive the Appeal.
which had been abandoned by its pub
Union sentiment in the locality Chap
lain Sawyer was selected for the RESPONSE
bic position of editor The story of his ex
perience would be full of interest General
Sherman, then in command at Memnhis
had an idea that he could improve the
character of the paper. so he wrote the
chaplain letter which he (Sherman)
memoirs 1t is rather interesting reading.
General Sherman was a frequent visitor
or the newspaper office. The newspaper
was paying investment for the govern
ment. Chaplain Sawyer after editing the
Appeal Tor year was appointed commits
sioner TO lease the abandoned plantations
in Arkansas, Alabama and Louisiana
The war over. Mr.. Sawyer became presi-
dent OF school I'm East Tennessee After
a few years he went TO Missouri and edited
the Chillicothe Journal. which had a large
CIRCULATION. In 1873 he became pastor Of a
Presbyterian church in East st. Louis and
subsequently he was over a church in New
Jersey. He came 10 this city about twenty
years ago TO become the pastor of the
Eleventh Presbyterian Church During hf-
teen years or so he had been a missionary
under the Presbyterian churches of this
city.
Mr.. Sawyer was a man of both physical
and intellectual activity. Without display.
he was a scholarly man and a much ADLER
man as preacher than he got the credit
OF being As a pastor for those needing
consolation he was most acceptable Into
the sick room he took light and cheerful
ness; indeed. his religion was of the cheer
ful variety.
He was chaplain of George H Thomas
Post for years. where he was generally be-
loved. Those who have attended the flu
nerals OF veterans where he has officiated
have been touched by the spiritual quality
OF his prayers. Brother Sawyer took us
very near 10 God in that prayer" was the
remark OF a well-known veteran as he
passed out from the service. While pov-
erty seemed TO be his lot and in his last
years his environment seemed narrow and
harsh. he was the most cheerful man one
would meet in his walks He never had a
complaint 10 make and he never criticised
his fellows.
The funeral will be held Sunday after
noon. His son. II. w. Sawyer, OF Trenton
Mo. is here and his daughter. Mrs l. p
Plank.