Sawhill, John Alexander

Born in Colorado in 1892, John Alexander Sawhill was educated at Princeton University and fought in and was wounded during his military service in World War I. He came to James Madison University (then known as the State Teachers College and later as Madison College) in 1927 and taught Latin, Greek, and German there until 1957. An avid traveler and collector, Sawhill journeyed many times to the Middle East. He acquired thousands of items, including books, documents, recordings, coins, and works of art over the years. Though married twice, Sawhill outlived both of his wives and had no children. He passed away in 1976 and bequeathed his extensive collection to the James Madison University Foundation.

From the guide to the John A. Sawhill Collection, 1756-1848, (Special Collections, James Madison University)

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