Carrie Elizabeth (RACE) SAWYER

Carrie married John Decker Sawyer November 18, 1875 at Waupun, WI. After their marriage, they stayed on his farm and lived in the little log cabin. Later they bought a small farm at the edge of Waupun and lived there for many years. They later moved to Mankato, MN. Carrie and John were both splendid Christian people and devoted workers in the Methodist Church.

Carrie's simple small-town obituary article, dated 17 May 1926, remembers her as "a woman of prayer", who looked to God to provide her needs (she had been a widow for awhile before she died, and didn't have much money). "Sister Sawyer's life was a life of prayer. She prayed to provide against physical exhaustion. Prayer renewed her strength and helped her to continue. She prayed because she saw the need of her loved ones and those around her. She prayed that she might be kept a perfect channel for the transmission of divine grace. Her first duty of the morning was prayer, and her last duty was prayer. What an example Sister Sawyer has left to her loved ones and to the church at large. She is gone but we shall always remember her".

DWS (provided obit quote): Pretty cool, isn't it?? One of the many reasons I cherish the old pictures and letters that have survived is that they give me a sense of connectedness to these often godly "saints" who lived quiet but important lives, tirelessly serving their families and God. I really to look forward to meeting these folks, especially CBS' parents - both of them - as I feel like we've been left a glimpse into their lives. I also appreciate the fact that, though their lives were not always easy (such as his dad losing his leg and struggling financially for much of their later years ... prior to social security!), they persevered and finished the race strong. A great example for me to try to follow, as I am in the middle stretch of my race.

Sources:
- Dear Folks and family papers.
- Picture came from Doris (SAWYER) JIMISON.