SAWYERS, JAMES A. (1824 - 1898)

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Santa Cruz Surf (March 28, 1898)

Col James A. Sawyers died at his residence in Santa Cruz, Sunday morning March 26th. The deceased was born December 16 1824, in Giles county, Tennessee.

Col Sawyers was a strongly marked character. He was a veteran of the Mexican War and also of the Rebellion. He was called to the place of Colonel of the State troops of Iowa from the office of first Lieutenant of the United States troops. His service in all the places of trust and honor which he held were discharged with great force and honesty.

Perhaps the most arduous public service he rendered was the two years' work as superintendent in the Interior Department locating a government wagon road from the Missouri river to Virginia City, Montana. This was through a country inhabited only by the most hostile Indians.

For some years his health and sight have been failing and his final sickness was heart trouble. He preached many silent sermons of Christianity, morality and temperance. One characteristic of his life was the helping of poor but aspiring men to eminent positions.

The only organization to which he belonged was the Presbyterian church, of which he was a consistent and life long member.

The body of Col. J.A. Sawyers will be shipped tomorrow morning for Sioux City, Iowa, where the funeral services will be held.

Date of Birth: 1824-12-16

Date of Death: 1898-03-28

County: US/SD

Cemetery/City of Burial: Sioux City, SD

Cause of Death: Hrt/Related

Occupation: Soldier

Religion: Pr

Height: 6'4

Complexion: Lt

Eye Color: Bl

Hair Color: Gr

Local Address: Locust St 83

Last City: Santa Cruz

Native of: TN

Enlisted: 1861/09/27

Discharged: Not Listed

Military Unit: IA_ SiouxCty Cav Co

Rank: LtC

Military Notes: R-Sioux City _N.BrdrBrgd Cm

GAR#: N/R

Available records used to obtain information:
Cemetery records
Santa Cruz County death records
Military records
Santa Cruz and Monterey newspapers
Voter Records

CW Reference: SUR 1898/03/28

Creator: Nelson, Robert L.
Source: Old Soldier: the story of the Grand Army of the Republic in Santa Cruz County. Santa Cruz, CA: The Museum of Art & History, c2004.
Date: Undated
Coverage: Santa Cruz (County)
Rights: Reproduced by permission of Robert L. Nelson.
Identifier: OS-0878

Citation

Nelson, Robert L. “SAWYERS, JAMES A. (1824 - 1898).” Old Soldier: the story of the Grand Army of the Republic in Santa Cruz County. Santa Cruz, CA: The Museum of Art & History, c2004. SCPL Local History. https://history.santacruzpl.org/omeka/items/show/133854. Accessed 17 May 2024.