John M. Sawyers, born 23 Oct. 1825 in Morgan County, Ala., was the son of Larkin Robert Sawyers and Elizabeth Chiles (Childs). Both parents were natives of Virginia and had nine children before settling in eastern Tennessee.

John M. had three wives during his lifetime, Marian Martin, Mary Seabolt, and Thursa Walker. John and his first wife had three children; there was one offspring with his second wife, and three with his third.

He died 9 Nov. 1898 in Rutledge, Grainger County, Tn.

His record from the US-Mexico War indicates that he enlisted in Capt. Evans company, Co. F., of the 1st Tennessee Cavalry on 10 June 1846 at Knoxville, Tn., and served until he was discharged untl until 20 Apr. 1847. He was discharged at5 Vera Cruz, Mexico.

His service with the U.S. Army in the Civil War began when he enrolled in Co. B, 1st Tennessee Volunteer Infantry in June 1861. Maj. Sawyers was transferred to the 8th Tn. Cav. in April, 1863.

He served with the 8th Cav. until discharged in Sept. 1865.

The family story is that John M. was the first soldier in the history of the U. S. Army (the regular Army) to be promoted above the rank of captain, who did not attend the Military Academy at West Point.

Regard,
S. Gardner Collins