Page:The Granite Monthly Volume 9.djvu/269

Rh the opinion of no one concerned in their administration carries more weight than his.

Col. Sawyer has too great an interest in public affairs to be without decided political convictions. He cast his earliest vote for Abraham Lincoln, and has ever since been unswerving in his allegiance to the Republican party. His experience in the service of the public has not been inconsiderable. After having served with credit in both branches of the city council of Dover, he was chosen a representative in the State Legislature in the years 1869 and 1870, and again in 1876 and 1877. His ability and standing in that body are indicated by the fact of his assignment to the important committees on the judiciary, railroads, manufactures, and national affairs. His last political service was that of delegate at large to the National Republican Convention at Chicago, in 1884. The military title by which he is known, Col. Sawyer derived from his appointment upon the staff of the Governor of the State, in 1881. It is the barest justice to him to add that he is no office-seeker. Modest and unassuming in a remarkable degree, the public positions he has held have come to him through no longing or efforts of his own; in his case it is emphatically true that "the office has always sought the man."

Col. Sawyer is a member of the Congregational Society in Dover, and a liberal contributor to its support, as well as to every worthy object of charity and scheme of benevolence that is brought to his notice from whatever quarter. Though his manner is reserved, his heart is warm, and his sympathies are quick and wide; and his generosity and helpfulness in a good cause are not limited by place or creed or nationality. He is a consistent temperance man, and a firm upholder of the prohibitory law. Every work for the improvement of the city or the public benefit finds in him a hearty supporter, grudging neither money nor more valuable personal effort to promote its advancement. For years he has been a zealous member of the Masonic fraternity. He was twice elected to the chair of the Strafford Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons; and for the past seven years he has been the Eminent Commander of the St. Paul Commandery of Knights Templar.

Though so diligent a man of affairs, Col. Sawyer finds the time for mental cultivation. His library contains the best books of solid value, and he has made himself acquainted with their contents. On all subjects of public interest and practical importance he keeps thoroughly informed, and has well-considered opinions. Naturally somewhat reticent, he never obtrudes his views; but when they are sought for, they are found to go straight to the mark, and to have behind them all the force of rare sagacity and careful thought. He makes no pretentions to oratory, yet orators might well envy the impression which his plain, convincing statements command. In the recent panic caused by the withdrawal from the State of foreign insurance companies, it was mainly Col. Sawyer's calm and clear demonstration of the feasibility of a manufacturers' mutual system of home insurance that quieted the needless feelings of alarm.

It has been truly remarked of Col. Sawyeer, that "Nature made him on a large scale." His great interests he wields easily, and carries his broad responsibilities without fatigue. His remarkable executive ability never