Person Page 3,336

OBITUARY - The Salem, Indiana Leader or the Democrat, May 1, 1925:

HENRY C. DAWALT

The death of Henry C. Dawalt, one of this county’s most prominent citizens, occurred Thursday, April 23rd, as the result of severe injuries received as previously noted. His two daughters, Mrs. W. N. Short and Miss Eva Dawalt, were at his bedside and with him when the passing came.

Mr. Dawalt held a very high position in the estimation or our people generally and the last service paid a high tribute to his worth as a citizen, neighbor and friend.

This last service was held at Elmhurst, his country home east of Salem, and was very largely attended. Rev. W. D. Bartle, former pastor of the Christian church, came from New Albany and conducted the very impressive service. A quartette, Mrs. Garret Thompson, Mrs. J. L. Tucker, W. H. Crim and O. C. Zink sang three favorite hymns, “Lead Kindly Light,” “Son of My Soul” and Gracious Spirit, Love Devine,” with Mrs. O. E. Coffman as Accompanist.

The following sketch was part of the service ---

Henry C. Dawalt, second son of John Gross and Mary Tatlock Dawalt was born March 6, 1852 on the Dawalt homestead near Canton in Washington county. The records show that this farm has been in the Dawalt family since 1807 when it was entered by his grandfather, Henry Dawalt. Thus it is a significant fact that the cycle of his three score and ten years was lived in sight of ancestral ground, and that the years of his childhood, young manhood, maturity and age have been spent among the same circle of neighbors and friends.

Of a studious temperament, he availed himself of all the educational advantages by the county in that early day. His primary education was received in the old McCoskey school house, followed by several years under the tutelage of the famous William Pinkham at the Blue River Academy. This school drew students from adjoining counties by its reputation as an educational center, and from its doors went forth men and women of education and culture whose influence upon this section of our state has been far reaching. He taught his first school at Boston at the age of 17 years, which was followed by several more years of teaching. Among the oldest citizens his reputation as a speller and cipherer in those early days may be readily recalled. In fact, his inherent culture and broad reading, his keenness of intellect won for him a reputation as one of the county’s outstanding teachers. This interest in cultural and intellectual lines continued throughout his life in the plans for his children and grandchildren. As his physique and constitution were not rugged, he decided to continue the agricultural pursuits of his family for his life work.

On March 26, 1877 he was married to Margaret Jane Norris and established a home on the farm adjacent to his paternal home. In this place were born two daughters, Eva and Nora, who still live in this locality. His grandchildren are Margaret and Lee Henry Streaker in whose education and training he has been most vitally concerned. On Feb. 16, 1916, nine years ago, occurred the death of the wife and mother of this home.

From his pioneer Pennsylvania ancestry he received those qualities of Thrift, industry and stability which have made him a successful farmer and exemplary citizen, a man who never stooped to the base or lowly, and the mainspring of whose life was the highest sense of honor. The law of his dealings with his fellowmen was the golden rule, and his deeds of generosity and kindness to his less favored associates and neighbors tell a story of modesty and human kindness not recorded by the annals of history. Home, family and county were the trinity around which his life revolved and to these trusts he was ever faithful and true.

The burial was at Crown Hill cemetery, the remains being borne by his neighbors and old friends – Messrs. Charle Day, H. M. Trueblood, Wm. Day, Charles Etzeler, Lou Simpson, Lewis Williams, John Packwood and Jas. W. May.

Sketch from History of Washington Co. Indiana.

Henry C. Dawalt -- his father and Grandfather

Henry C. Dawalt, farmer, Salem, Washington Co., was born on March 6, 1852, on the old Dawalt homestead and is the son of John and Mary Tatlock Dawalt. He grew up under the paternal roof, on the farm entered by his Grandfather from the government, and attended the Quaker Seminary, when it was conducted by Prof. Ponkha, about five miles east of Salem, which was at that time a famous school, students coming from all parts of Indiana.

John G. Dawalt, father of the subject of this sketch, was born about 1816 where the farmers store is now located on South Main Street, where his father then kept a Tavern. He was the son of Henry and Elizabeth Gross Dawalt -- he lies buried in the old Dawalt burial grounds on the farm. Mr. Dawalt was united in marriage with Mary Tatlock by whom he had four children: Emeline, Scott Henry C. and Commodore. Emeline died when about 11 years old; Scott died when about 16 years old and Commodore died in 1912.

HENRY DAWALT, the paternal Grandfather and wife, Elizabeth Gross Dawalt, were natives of York Co., Pa. and Rockingham W. Va. resp., and both of German lineage. Mr. Dawalt came to Washington County first in 1803, settling in Sect. 15 where he spent the remainder of his life, with the exception of four years. His death coming at the age of 90. Mrs. Dawalt died at the age of 75. He was commissioned Captain of the Militia by the Territorial Governor Harrison, receiving several promotions until he was made a Colonel of his Regiment and was at the head of his Company during the Pidgen Roost Massacre. Mr. Dawalt kept Tavern for four years in Salem, in the third house built in town, erected by himself in 1805-07. He bought many tracts of land.

On his farm, three miles east of Salem, was a cabin, that was used as a defence against the Indians, where settlers gathered for mutual protection during the time of Indian scares. Mr. Dawalt was frankly a "Pro-Slaver Man," and did his duty as he saw it, taking runaway slaves from the "underground railway," and returning them to their masters. Besides being a Colonel in the Militia, Henry Dawalt was a County Commissioner, serving several terms. To Henry and Elizabeth Dawalt were born the following children: Henry, Daniel, John G., Betsy (Eliza), Susan, Polly , Kate and a girl who died young. He died at the age of 90 and lies buried in the old Dawalt burial grounds on his old farm.

The name "Dawalt," was formerly spelled as Dewald and is of German origin, signifying, "of the woods."