One of the most distinguished citizens who ever lived in this ancient town, was not born to an independency, nor favored with academical advantages above the youth of his day in the country. His constitution was naturally feeble, and his health too precarious to justify hopes of success in the toilsome pursuits of agriculture, then the only pursuit towards which the emulation of his associates was directed. Under circumstances thus adverse, he passed his minority without any regular initiation for either mechanical, mercantile, or professional employments. But not more wisely adapted to beneficent ends, are nature's irregularities in the physical world, than are the dispensations of Providence to develope talent when and where it is needed. Sherborn would soon want a leader. Her aged counsellor and guide, Daniel Whitney, Esq., was advanced in years. Her social and civil order, which had been preserved with scarcely a temporary interruption, from the arrival of Nicholas Wood and his colony in 1652, would be in danger. Her inhabitants, being an intelligent, strong-minded, and independent yeomanry, would furnish numerous aspirants, with equal claims to office; the political sophistries, and base appeals of Jefferson's pen, to the vilest passions and prejudices, were being circulated; men were taking sides; the political conflict was coming on; and some man of master spirit would soon be needed for the good of all. Such a man could not be expected from abroad. There was nothing to allure him. One must be raised up among them, a man of patriotism, honesty, and responsibility, of intelligence, modesty, and good address; and above all, one who could give the strongest reasons.
Young Sanger was endowed with the natural gifts, and, in consequence of feeble health, subjected to the right discipline, to fit him for the service which his fellow citizens would require. Besides possessing the rare gift of an uncommon share of common sense, he had an active and discriminating mind, a tenacious memory, and a remarkably sound judgment. He was fond of books. He treasured up facts in history and political economy, and investigated the political questions of the day, which enabled him to form and defend
correct opinions. He acquired so much knowledge of law, as made him the Lawyer
and draftsman of his community; and had he devoted himself to the legal profession, his judgement was so good, and his memory so capacious and ready, he could hardly have failed of eminence.
As his health was improved by travelling, he was much abroad in distant states, and often in cultivated society, to which he owed, among other acquisitions, easy and polished manners, and the use of happy colloquial terms. By intercourse with senior and maturer minds, he escaped every sympton of that vanity, which, is so liable to sprout in situations admitting few comparisons. Thus was he formed; and in 1806, as soon as Sherborn had need, they almost by acclamation placed him at the head of her public affairs.
When a company of cavalry was first raised in S. and vicinity, he was elected Capt. and subsequently Col. of cavalry.
In 1806, he was chosen to represent S. in the General Court, and for 30 years after, re-elected almost without opposition, as often as he would consent to be a candidate, until he was advanced to the Senate; and the records of the Legislature attest the high and continued confidence of that body in his wisdom and fidelity.
He was appointed a magistrate about 1806, and acted in that capacity until his death.
For more than 40 years he served the town in various minor offices, freely devoting a large amount of time and labor. He was Town Clerk in 1800, and for 25 years he kept her books in a model style. The plainness of his chirography, considering its range, will enroll him as a favorite with antiquarians. In his care for the public, he was vigilant, self-denying, and persevering, consulting the interest of the future as well as of the present. His earliest efforts at trade were directed to the purchase of soldiers' rights, choice tracts of land in Western N. Y. and the township of Sangerville, and a part of Garland in Maine.
In 1805, he opened a store in Sherborn, and for a series of years, did an extensive business, and established a high reputation for honesty, fairness, and responsibility. During this period, above 30 farms in S. beside others in conterminous towns, passed through his hands; and never, during this time, nor, on inquiry, since, have I been able to hear of those who ever charged him with fraud, or any act inconsistent with fair and honorable traffic.
With him originated the first cotton manufactory in Framingham; and other enterprises, in the benefits of which, individuals and the public have largely participated. In all business transactions his honesty and judgment were universally acknowledged. Such confidence was reposed in him, that he was wont to be the first chosen to arbitrate differences at home and abroad, and he was sometimes associated in such courts with the most eminent lawyers in Mass., where immense sums were in dispute.
Colonel Sanger possessed a large and liberal spirit; he never forgot the imperfect rights of the unfortunate, nor waited for their cries to pain him to action. He anticipated their wants, sympathized with their feelings, and gave without ostentation, not in stinted measures, but heaped, and in proportion at least to his ample means. His history supplies no argument for agrarianism. All had reason to rejoice that he was rich, and all,
honorably dismissed from his employ, were his fast friends. The old adage that familiarity breeds disgust is founded in the fact, that human nature is so corrupt, that it loses more than it gains by inspection. But in reference to Col. Sanger, it is evident that those who knew him best, esteemed him most; and none but an envious man can deny him great benevolence and extensive usefulness. In his domestic relations, he was true, affectionate, indulgent, and kind. He left a widow still living, and eight children.

A Calvin Sanger purchased a deed with English dollars in 1796 - patent on a large amount of land in Madison Co., N.Y.  Founder of town of Sangerfield, N.Y..  At one time lived in a mansion on a hill,  1 - 2 miles out on north road to Waterville off route 20.  This same property was later purchased by the Catholic Church on Purple Cow Restaurant Hill.  He and Benjamin Morse bought northeast corner of the town of Eaton, N.Y..  Jedediah Sanger owned townships 18 & 20, along with an odd part of lot 19, in the town of Brookfield, N.Y. (patent from the government - Old Cemetary in Sangerfield.  Public Library in Waterville?)
Calvin Sanger also sold land in Eaton in 1796 shown by records held by Mr. Houghton of Morrisville, N.Y. in 1977.