Born: 22 Jul 1852 at the family log cabin near Waupun, WI
Father: Benjamin Carpenter Sawyer Spouse1: Ada Thompson (1861-1957)
Children:
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Benjamin was born July 22, 1852 in the log cabin as were all the children who came after him. From his childhood, he was very devoted to his mother. When the 3 boys were young, they would pick up quids of tobacco their father had spit out. Their mother suspected this and when she caught them doing it, she chased them. They ran. Johnnie and Bennie hid in the outhouse. Eddie got away. She followed them and gave them an earnest talk about the evils of tobacco. Both boys promised they would never touch it again and they didn't. The parents had high standards of right and wrong. Once when Bennie had to stay home from church to herd the cows, he decided to go fishing. The creek ran through the grounds where the cows were grazing. He caught a fine mess of fish. When the father saw them, he made Bennie throw them back in the creek. It was a lesson on Sabbath observance he never forgot. He was always strict with himself and his family.
His father (Benjamin C) told each of his sons he would give them either a farm or a college education. Benjamin F chose the schooling. He attended Whitewater Normal, Oshkosh Normal and Ripon College. He taught in the West Ward Waupun City School. He was the teacher there when he married Ada Thompson on December 27, 1882. When John left the parental farm to strike out for himself, Ben took over the farm. He moved into the little log cabin. He stayed there until after his family had all come, about 8 years. Then he bought lots at the edge of Waupun and built a home. He kept cows, sold milk, raised a truck garden and did all sorts of things. He was the City assessor for many years.
Both Ben and Ada were fine Christian people. He was Sunday School Superintendent for many years and they both taught classes. He often substituted for an absent pastor. Their home was one of hospitality. Itinerant preachers, evangelists, temperance workers, relatives and friends were always welcome. The social life of the family was centered in the church and among the relatives.
Sources: Dear Folks
