Grant Sawyer Papers

Grant Sawyer was born on December 14, 1918 in Twin Falls, Idaho. He moved with his family as a young child to Fallon, Nevada, where his father Harry W. Sawyer, Sr. was a doctor and state senator from Churchill County. Upon graduation from high school, Sawwyer attended the University of Nevada, Reno, graduating in 1941 with a Bachelor Degree in Philosophy. While at the University, Sawyer was also a member of Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, participated in theater, and was a member of Coffin and Keys. In 1948, after serving in the U. S. Army Infantry during World War II, he received a law degree from George Washington University.

After receiving his law degree, Sawyer became active in Nevada Democratic politics. He was elected Elko County's district attorney in 1950, serving until 1958, and was elected governor of Nevada in 1959, serving until 1967. During his term created the state Equal Rights Commission, pushed for economic development and diversity in the state, and created the Gaming Control Act of 1959 and Nevada Gaming Commission.

After serving as governor, Sawyer formed the law office of Lionel Sawyer & Collins in Las Vegas in 1967. He served as chair or was on the board of directors for many political, charitable, and educational organizations.

Sawyer was married to Bette Norene Hoge Sawyer for fifty years; they had one daughter, Gail.

Grant Sawyer died on February 19, 1996.

The University of Nevada's Oral History Program conducted an oral history of Governor Sawyer Hang Tough!: Grant Sawyer, an Activist in the Governor's Mansion (1993).