Person Page - 362

     Sabilla Brenner was born on 29 September 1836.¹ She was the daughter of David Brenner and Elizabeth (?)¹ Sabilla Brenner married Daniel Horning, son of William Horning and Hannah Price, on 5 April 1855, Ceremony by Rev. Bowman.¹ Sabilla Brenner died on 10 July 1915 at age 78.¹

     Bernard C. Brent was born in May 1865 at Virginia.¹ He married Florence H. Edwards on 14 October 1885 at Burlington, Des Moines Co., IA.

     William Leland Brent was born on 30 January 1893 at Warren Co., IL.¹ He was the son of Bernard C. Brent and Florence H. Edwards.¹ William Leland Brent married Lucella Hathaway, daughter of Ernest Emory Hathaway and Ella Sybil Fetzer. William Leland Brent died on 17 November 1972 at White Stone, Lancaster Co., VA, at age 79. He was buried in November 1972 at White Stone United Methodist Church Cemetery, White Stone, Lancaster Co., VA.

     Charles R. Brenton married Carrie Woodward.¹

     Mary Elizabeth Brenton was born on 23 April 1922.¹ She was the daughter of Woodward H. Brenton and Sarah E. Spurgeon.¹

     Woodward H. Brenton was Methodist Episcopal.¹ He was born on 27 February 1899.¹ He was the son of Charles R. Brenton and Carrie Woodward.¹ Woodward H. Brenton married Sarah E. Spurgeon, daughter of Junius B. Spurgeon and Minnie M. Stover, on 18 June 1921.¹ Occupation: Banker in 1926 at Dallas Center, Dallas Co., IA.¹ Woodward H. Brenton lived in 1926 at Dallas Center, Dallas Co., IA.¹

     Bertha I. Breon was born in September 1875 at Centre Co., PA.^2,1 She married Samuel Frank Linton circa 1899.² Bertha I. Breon died on 16 February 1952 at Williamsport, Lycoming Co., PA, at age 76.

     Luke H. Bressie married Mary Jane Maudlin on 28 August 1879 at Washington Co., IN.

     Merva Bressie was born on 21 September 1896 at Indiana. She was the daughter of Luke H. Bressie and Mary Jane Maudlin. Merva Bressie married Winsal Earl Dawalt, son of Commodore Perry Dawalt and Dora Isabell Cauble, on 22 March 1916 at Washington Co., Indiana, no children. Merva Bressie died on 19 May 1993 at age 96 Notes for WINSAL EARL "EARL" DAWALT:
A survey of the Dawalt Cemetery was conducted in 1942. Included as part of the survey was a listing of important relics and heirlooms. The list included the following:
Portrait of Colonel Henry Dawalt, Sr.
Picture of brothers John Gross Dawalt, Daniel Dawalt and their wives.
Well-preserved copy of "Historical Notes Concerning the Dawalt Family in Indiana."
A grandfather's clock brought from Germany. This is an immense clock which has some unusual features. It shows the changes of the moon; days of the month and days of the week; with second and minute hands, in fact about everything would ever need to know even to the changes of the season. The weights of the clock are 16 lb. weights and the key that winds up these weights resembles a crank more than a key.
Large German Family Bible -- from which Emanuel ? is able to read. This family bible was bought to this country by the first Henrich Dewalt, who became a Rev. soldier.

Note: Newland DeVault, in his report, stated that he doubted that this was the original Bible of Henry Dewald of Pennsylvania. That Bible most likely passed to Henry's widow, then to her daughter and granddaughter. It was eventually sold at an auction.


NEWSPAPER ARTICLE - The Salem Leader and Salem Democrat, September 6, 1978, page 8, section 1

Winsal Earl Dawalt . . .
The Roots Of Adventure Are At Home
By Frank S. Anderson, Leader-Democrat, Special Feature Correspondent

"We will call him Earl". So it was at the east edge of Washington Township almost ninety-three years ago that a chubby little rascal, Winsal Earl Dawalt, one of four sons belonging to Commodore Perry and Dora Isabel Cauble Dawalt saw his first light of day. Deep down go the roots of this good natured man of dry wit. Today he lives alone on the spot where he was born. Fantastic.
From these roots he has listened to the sound of the whippoorwill, the croak of the frog, the mocking bird, felt the thrill of a freshly turned furrow. He is a friendly man. You can call him Earl. There are those who say he would be friendlier if he weren't such a died-in-the-wool Democrat, but Earl doesn't think being a devout party man detracts one whit from friendship.
Winsal Earl Dawalt born September 20, 1885, is the way the listing reads in the old family bible. The listing includes three brothers: Perry, Charlie and Bynam; the last died in infancy.
1885 -- It was the year Daimler developed the internal combustion engine and Congress prohibited unauthorized fencing of public lands. There was an increase in the number of immigrants from Southern and Eastern Europe. The Post Office established special delivery service. Cleveland recommended suspension of silver-dollar coinage; relations were strained with Britain over Canadian fisheries.
Waterman perfected the fountain pen and Chicago's Home Insurance Building inspired the term "skyscraper". Leland Standford University was chartered and it was the year for the dedication of the Washington Monument.
Grandfather Henry Dawalt, man of influence, bore himself well in newly established Washington County. Within the family file today there are six "sheepskin" deeds indicating extensive land ownership. One of these dated 1826 with the heading John Quincy Adams, President of the United States, reads: "No. 2164 -- To all to whom these presents shall come, Greetings, Know Ye that Henry Dawalt assignee of George Holsa, had deposited in the general land office a certificate of the Register of the land office of Jeffersonville. It appears full payment has been paid for the east half of the northeast quarter of Section Thirty-Three in Township Three north of range three east containing eighty acres --- signed, John Quincy Adams.
But, direct family information shows that Henry became a land holder in 1814 when Salem had just become established as a town.
"I was born in Quaker Country," Commodore Perry's second son reflected pride from his modest living room. This meant much was going for him from the beginning: The community concern, industry of the Quakers plus the Dawalt drive. How could he miss?
After he learned to toddle it was no time till he came on strong, was assigned the family chore of watering the horses. It was natural that he should learn to ride just like his brothers. Commodore had a good strain of horses.
Mrs. Harvey, teacher, had a direct bearing on his coping with life and learning the 3 R's at Canton School. His mother, hardworking, instilled compassion within him. She gave him desire.
Quite suddenly, one Sunday morning an accident occurred at the family group prepared to attend the Methodist Church at Canton. Childlike and ready the youngsters hustled to a ringside seat, namely the upstairs window to watch Grandpa harness the horse to the family wagon. In the clamor for first to this high perch Earl was accidently shoved out fourteen feet to the ground below.
Church attendance was cancelled that day as little Earl got family first aid prior to the doctor's arrival. He lay unconscious for several days with a head concussion. After many weeks he improved. The scar remains on his head today. He lost time at school but nature mends well and once again the horse's mane was flying in his face as he raced into the wind.
He has a small pictorial book given to him by his Mother when he was ten as she returned from a Colorado visit. The book's name is "Out West". It contains vivid sketches of Buffalo Bill, Colorado scenes, Indian pictures: High Hawk, Little Wound, Spotted Elk, Ouray, the great Ute chief, etc. To Earl the book is priceless.
Outside and inside Quaker ranks there was a united community respect for the Friends -- the good Church-School quality they projected. The Dawalt boys attended Quaker High School (razed in 1956). It was located next to the now Orthodox Church location between Salem and Canton just off Highway 56. Adrenalin flowed within the battle-brittle football team of which Earl was a fullback. He learned the meaning of teamwork and played an aggressive game on a winning team.
Quaker scheduled and trounced Salem High and according to Earl, Salem never scheduled the Friends again. This was in the early 1900's. R. B. Handley was Quaker's gusty coach. He produced gutsy teams.
Earl remembers some of his teammates of yesterday: Jesse Dennany, Duris Howell, Osborne McLemore, Howard and Fred Newby, B. F. and Grover Grimes, Joe Albertson, Dick Newlon, Pratt and Jim Parker, Claude and Otis Shields, brother Perry.
He commented about Lee Mitchell and brother Perry, "they were the last two graduates of Quaker High School -- after that the school operated as a grade school."
Farming was Earl's life in good measure. He did it all. The Dawalts started with horse-drawn plow and kept pace with the threshing machine then the more sophisticated tractor. They had one of the first hay-balers in Washington County. They have had their roots in corn, oats, wheat, rye, hogs, cattle, horses, change and rolled with the punches.
Earl took great pride in the quality of his Red Hogs. He pampered and placed them on display at Washington County Fairs. He had a great interest in cattle. He deals on top the table with a talk turkey and put you money where your mouth is approach. He has served on the Board of Deacons in the Christian Church, dabbled in politics, built silos, tobacco barns, layed concrete block buildings, shown carpenter expertise, elected to the County Council; helped lay a new floor in the Washington County Courthouse. He has been versatile. His church background has been varied but today his heart beats for the Old Franklin Church.
In the early days he gained a reputation as a hunter, fisherman and trapper -- coons a specialty. An open invitation took him to a camp on the Kankakee River just south of Chicago about forty miles, a good spot for a sportsman. At the two-acre camp owned by Charlie Dusler and wife, campers became impressed with Earl's hunting, trapping and fishing proficiency.
Ironically, one day at camp, Earl was introduced to a man whose name was Al Capone. Winsal Earl played it cool and sensed immediately that he and the King of Chicago's Underworld were there for different reasons. Capone was a different kind of trapper and had no interest in coons. The big Honcho from Chicago was curious about the man from Washington County. What was his mission? But Quaker Country friendliness paid off for Earl. It melted Capone's suspicion and he too, was impressed by this man's special knack at hunting, fishing and trapping. The narrator tapped with emphasis as he told the story.
One evening they had a big supper. Fourteen coons that Earl had caught provided the main course. About 50-75 people were on hand to enjoy the delicacy. Some were Capone's hand-picked "businessmen" of few words. Earl concluded traffic was there that did not meet the eye though the only bottle of alcohol he ever saw was on Charlie Dusler's hip. It wasn't Earl's nature to feel uneasy, but shaking hands and skedaddling back to Washington County seemed like a sensible move. This is what he did.
He has been married two time, first to Merva Bracy, then to Gladys Day. Gladys died in 1958. Altogether with life's ups and downs he reflects how good the big picture has been. He has traveled, been over much of the United States and into Canada. In 1963 he and brother Perry went to the Rose Bowl at Pasadena. Perry died in 1973.
Today Earl enjoys visits from family members. Pete and Bernice Dawalt Hilton, Gladys Dawalt Colglazier check him out during the week. Harvey Hinds puts in a regular appearance. There are those who reflect tender loving care. Earl has a good appetite and enjoys a joke.
The life of Commodore Perry Dawalt's second son exemplifies a lesson -- a shining example. It could be viewed as the closing of the Dawalt dynamic stage as he hobbles from room to room, out to the mail box before settling down to T.V. His joints react stiffly but one detects a twinkle and a certain freshness of attitude. There is a glimmer of youth. He shifts quickly in his chair. Beauty is in he eye of one who sees.
It happened as the interview began. Warmth developed fast. A climate of gloom was totally absent. Sunshine was inside. Earl Dawalt is surrounded by things that have been precious to him for years. What a privilege! Family furniture retained becomes suddenly alive to provide companionship.
A huge grandfather clock keeping excellent time reaches close to the ceiling. It has been in the center of family fellowship and frolic for a long time. An electric clock synchronizes alongside to verify the accuracy of the older timepiece.
He rambled, "You can take scrawny cattle, feed 'em fast and they'll be tender. Remember that."
In 1965 it was a difficult decision when the property was sold to the late Harry Day. It marked the end of an ambitious family era that began in 1814. But with alternatives so few, it seemed sensible and the agreement provides for his use of the home during his lifetime.
A move from the family living room to the front porch found the weather ideal. An easy breeze tossed branches of two large maple trees in the front yard. The road ran close by. One of the trees is truly huge. "I remember when that tree was no bigger than a broom-stick and its growth was in doubt," said the man with hospitality as big as out-doors. He steadied his gaze on the big tree. "I don't have an enemy in the world -- I've outlived every damn one of them!"
Earl Dawalt is a friendly fellow, he lives to talk, to visit, but here's a tip -- don't visit during a T.V. football game.
Again he steadied his gaze on the big tree. There was so much more Quaker Country life he could have talked about. So much more.



OBITUARY - The Salem Leader or The Salem Democrat, Salem Indiana; August 19, 1981:

Earl W. Dawalt
     Earl W. Dawalt, 96, of Salem Rt. 2, died Sunday, 2:25 a.m., at the Jackson County Hospital in Seymour.
     Funeral services were Tuesday afternoon in the chapel of the Dawalt Funeral Home, Salem, with burial following in the Franklin Cemetery. Brother Joe Hollrah officiated.
     Mr. Dawalt was born in Washington County September 20, 1885, a son of the late Commodore and Dora Cauble Dawalt. He was a member of the Canton Christian Church and was a retired farmer.
     He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Gladys Day, who died in 1958.
     Surviving are three nieces: Bernice Hilton and Gladys Colglazier, both of Salem, and Evelyn Trueblood of Speedway, Indiana.

She was buried in May 1993 at Crown Hill Cemetery, Salem, Washington Co., IN.

     Bertha V. Bressler married Rufus P. Phillips.

     Ida Bressman was born circa 1919. She married Albert Iven Ezell, son of Albert Ezell and Mary Olive Stump, on 17 June 1978 at Santa Clara Co., CA.

     Penelope Brett was born circa 1809 at Virginia.¹ She married James Franklin Montgomery on 7 April 1836 at Macon Co., IL.

     Emil Henry Brettman was born on 9 February 1875 at DuPage Co., IL.¹ He was the son of William Brettman and Henrietta Dittmann. Emil Henry Brettman married Lula Inez Barkalow, daughter of Dr. James A. Barkalow and Leonora H. Berry, circa 1908.¹ Emil Henry Brettman died on 19 November 1957 at Oxford, England, at age 82.

     Rev. James William Brettman was born on 10 July 1910 at Wichita, Sedgwick Co., KS.¹ He was the son of Emil Henry Brettman and Lula Inez Barkalow.¹ Rev. James William Brettman married Jean Wright, daughter of Dr. Guilford S. Wright and Daisy R. Keith, on 12 June 1935 at Sewanee, Franklin Co., TN. Rev. James William Brettman lived in April 1940 at 1176 Eleventh Avenue, Birmingham, Jefferson Co., AL.² He died on 9 March 1976 at Sewanee, Franklin Co., TN, at age 65.

     William Brettman was born on 21 March 1840 at Du Page Co., IL. He married Henrietta Dittmann on 8 October 1865 at Immanuel UCC, Bensenville, DuPage Co., IL. William Brettman died on 13 June 1913 at Chicago, Cook Co., IL, at age 73.

     Arena Jane Brewer was born on 5 April 1852 at Clinton Co., OH. She was the daughter of Edmund Brewer and Lavinia Reeder.¹ Arena Jane Brewer married David Wilkin, son of William Wilkin and Catherine Layman, on 8 January 1868 at Highland Co., OH.² Arena Jane Brewer died before 7 June 1880 at Dodson Twp. (probably), Highland Co., OH.

     Bruce Brooks Brewer was born on 30 September 1925 at Bonus, Wharton Co., TX. He was the son of Joseph Zealous Brewer and Ora Mae Murphy. Bruce Brooks Brewer married Beverly Ann Stump, daughter of Herbert Edward Stump and Alletha Drucilla Jones, on 20 September 1952 at Harris Co., TX. Bruce Brooks Brewer died on 30 September 2000 at Houston, Harris Co., TX, at age 75.

     Charles Brewer was born circa 1903 at Ohio. He married Helen Elnora Wilkin, daughter of Joseph Nathaniel Wilkin and Lucia J. Stroup, on 4 July 1933 at Ohio.

     Edmund Brewer was born circa 1813 at North Carolina. He married Lavinia Reeder on 31 January 1835 at Clinton Co., OH, Marriage Book 3, license issued 26 JAN 1835. Edmund Brewer began military service Union Army, 4th Ohio Vol. Cavalry, Co. "E", Pvt. He died on 31 July 1864 at Camp Dennison, Hamilton Co., OH. He was buried on 4 July 1869 at Spring Grove Cemetery, Cincinnati, Hamilton Co., OH, His body was relocated from Waldschmidt Cemetery at Camp Dennison to Spring Grove. Find A Grave Memorial# 18426363.

     Eugene Wilkin Brewer was born on 20 May 1945 at Ohio. He was the son of Charles Brewer and Helen Elnora Wilkin. Eugene Wilkin Brewer died on 7 June 1945 at Ohio.

     Fred H. Brewer was born. He married Mahala Ann Elizabeth Hood, daughter of John Stewart Hood and Sarah Elizabeth Paxton, on 4 July 1900 at Ottawa, Franklin Co., KS.
Note: This individual is very difficult to identify. Possibly he was the Fred H. Brewer born APR 1867 in Iowa, listed in the 1900 census of Linn County, Kansas, a photographer, who later married Mary Helen Sanders in 1902. For one reason or another, the marriage to Mahala A. E. Hood was over by the 1905 Kansas census, when she and her son were living with her parents. An online genealogy shows his birth date and location as 1865, Coffey County, Kansas but I cannot find any corroborating information to support that. DLB 2015.

     Ida Brewer was born on 16 September 1918.

     John M. Brewer married Margaret S. or C. Wortman, daughter of James Wortman and Hannah Cornelius, on 19 March 1878 at Tazewell Co., IL.

     Joseph Zealous Brewer was born on 14 March 1880 at Eagle Lake, Colorado Co., TX. He married Ora Mae Murphy. Joseph Zealous Brewer died on 23 June 1934 at Houston, Harris Co., TX, at age 54. He was buried in June 1934 at Lakeside Cemetery, Eagle Lake, Colorado Co., TX, Findagrave #117529134.

     Judith Brewer was born on 26 August 1946 at Ohio. She was the daughter of Charles Brewer and Helen Elnora Wilkin. Judith Brewer died on 30 September 1946 at Ohio.

     Marilyn Jean Brewer was born on 8 November 1936 at Ohio. She was the daughter of Charles Brewer and Helen Elnora Wilkin. Marilyn Jean Brewer died on 28 February 1945 at Ohio at age 8.

     Mary Brewer was born circa 1815 at Pennsylvania.¹ She married James Black.² Mary Brewer died after 3 June 1880.

     Mary Ann Brewer was born on 4 May 1824 at Clear Spring, Washington Co., MD.¹ She married George Albert Dickerhoof.¹ Mary Ann Brewer died on 6 August 1865 at Montebello Twp., Hancock Co., IL, at age 41.

     Samuel J. Brewer married Maria Brumfield, daughter of Benjamin Brumfield and Eliza Blazedell, on 8 April 1852 at LaSalle Co., IL.

     Stewart Erving Brewer was born on 13 April 1901 at Franklin Co., KS, Harrison County, Iowa marriage record shows Coffey County, Kansas.^1,2 He was the son of Fred H. Brewer and Mahala Ann Elizabeth Hood. Stewart Erving Brewer married Susie Mabel Bird, daughter of Leonard D. Bird and Mary Belle Hawkins, on 9 December 1925 at Logan, Harrison Co., IA, Ceremony by F. H. Cadwell, Justice of the Peace. Stewart Erving Brewer lived in April 1930 at Cincinnati Twp., Harrison Co., IA.³ He died in February 1980 at Monona Co., IA, at age 78 Dates per SSDI, last residence Whiting.