My Genealogy Hound

HORACE C. SAWIN is a leading farmer and business man of the town of Ripley. He was born July 2, 1821, in Herkimer county, New York, town of Stark and is a son of Ethan and Eleanor (Anise) Sawin. George Sawin, his paternal grandfather, was a resident of Herkimer county, whence he had come originally from Connecticut, of which State he was a native. Prior, however, to his residence in Herkimer county he had been a citizen of Washington county, in the northern part of the State. In early life he taught school, combined this with farming and in later years made it his exclusive vocation. He was married to Ruth Crocker, who bore him six children, and died at the extreme age of ninety-nine years. Grandfather Alexander Anise was a native of Washington county, New York, but lived and died in Orleans county. He was a farmer by occupation, and reared a large family to which he was unusually devoted. Ethan Sawin emigrated to Chautauqua county, New York, town of Ripley, near where the subject now lives, in 1832, in which State he was born and spent his early life. He died in 1884. Mr. Sawin had always been an interested patron of education. In his earlier life he himself had been a teacher and thoroughly understood the necessity and possibility of true education as well as the reciprocal relations of teacher and pupil. He had always been ambitious to elevate the standard and to still more generalize the functions of the common school. In an official capacity he served quite a number of years in connection with the schools of his own town and always exhibited the highest interest in their efficiency and success. His marriage resulted in the birth of five children, all living.

Horace C. Sawin gained his education through the advantages of the common school, though at that time he was surrounded by such conditions and circumstances as to afford him very poor facilities. He first worked upon a farm and after attaining his majority embarked in farming for himself He is now the owner of one hundred and eighty-eight acres of land in a high state of cultivation and productivity. In politics he has always voted the Democratic ticket and his fidelity to party has been rewarded by election, to various town offices. He is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons at Westfield, New York.

Horace C. Sawin married Mary A. Osterman, a daughter of William Osterman, of Ripley, who bore him one son, H. Eugene, now married to Alice Palmer and living in the town of Ripley. He is a farmer and dealer in agricultural implements, and the parent of two children: Laura M. and Lee.

Horace C. Sawin is held in respect by his neighbors and those with whom he comes in contact, not only for his sterling qualities but also for his social qualities as well. His life has been one of honesty, high purpose and singleness of aim — not to accumulate riches and material wealth, but to acquire those comforts of home and domestic life which produce simple happiness.