Senator Philetus Sawyer

Philetus Sawyer served as a Senator from Wisconsin in the United States Congress from 1865 to 1893. A member of the Republican Party, Philetus Sawyer contributed to the legislative process during 7 terms in office.

Philetus Sawyer’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the Senate, Philetus Sawyer participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Philetus Sawyer (September 22, 1816 – March 29, 1900) was an American businessman, Republican politician, and Wisconsin pioneer. He was a United States Senator from Wisconsin for twelve years (1881–1893) and served ten years in the U.S. House of Representatives (1865–1875). At the height of his power, Sawyer was described as one of the “triumvirate” of stalwart Wisconsin Republicans who dominated the state party in the latter part of the 19th century, the other triumvirs being U.S. senator John Coit Spooner and businessman Henry Clay Payne. Before serving in federal office, Sawyer was the 9th mayor of Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and represented the area for two terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly. He was an important leader in the development of the city of Oshkosh, and later in life made several philanthropic gifts to the city, including funds for the construction of the Oshkosh Public Library. Sawyer County, Wisconsin, is named for him. Sawyer used his wealth and power to try and steal timber and property from the Menominee Nation in Northern Wisconsin. After Sawyer’s election to Congress, he introduced bills that would have sold Menominee land at public auction and sold their timber. In 1871, the Menominee declared that they were unwilling to part with their lands or timber and began to cut timber and sell it on their own terms, despite Sawyer’s efforts.