JOSEPH SAWYER

Joseph Sawyer, was born and baptized in Amesbury, Mass Oct 31 1736, son of Edmund and Sarah Rowell Sawyer. He moved to Hampstead New Hampshire with his father when about nine years old.

Joseph Sawyer settled on Darby Hill now called Jeffers Hill about 1756 and later moved to Warner in 1769 - 1770 as one of the earliest settlers. He settled near the old cemetery (Parade Ground) on the right hand side of the road leading up to Joppa. One of his sons Moses lived near Bear pond and Edmund lived at what would be known as the old poor farm.
Warner Town history: pg. 87

He married Judith Kelly and owned the covenant in Amesbury on July 30 1758 and was admitted to full communion, May 25 1766.

He was a respected citizen, and was deputed along with Issac Waldron and Issac Chase as a committe, Mar. 13, 1771, to find the first minister for the town. They selected William Kelley of Hampstead, Joseph's wife's cousin. Rev. Kelley was ordained and settled in Warner on Feb. 5, 1772.

He was a justice of the peace and was always spoken of as "Squire Sawyer".

From the New Hampshire State papers dated Dec 16 1788 "The petition of us the subscribers, Humbly sheweth that whereas we understand that Commissions of the Peace are soon to be given, We wish that Joseph Sawyer, who has hitherto been honored with a Justice's Commission and has behaved with Integrity and Uprightness may again be favored with the Honor of that Office for the Town of Warner and your petitioners shall ever pray." Nineteen signatures.

He died at Warner Nov 29 1813

Posted 21 May 2010 by theoriste From A memorial of the town of Hampstead, New Hampshire: Vol. 2, by Knowles. Page 377. https://books.google.com/books?id=2Ndf_K2U9yMC https://books.google.com/books?id=2Ndf_K2U9yMC&printsec=frontcover&vq=Amesbury