Notes for Daniel Dewalt

Notes for Daniel Dewalt

!US Census 1860 (28 June) Ohio, Stark Co., Canton, Canton PO, Roll M653_1037, Sheet 98/99, Page 171B/172A, House No. 714, Lines 40/1-4: Daniel Dewalt (b. 1800 - 60 - in PA - Property Value $1500 + $50) married to Eliza (b. 1808 - 52 - in OH). Children listed are: Margaret Swigart (?? b. 1835 - 25 - in OH); Wm. Dewalt (son b. 1847 - 13 - in OH); and George Dewalt (son b. 1850 - 10 - in OH)

!Information from web site at: http://www.my-ged.com/db/page/swigart/1895

!DANIEL DEWALT IS DEAD
Such is the news which flashed over the city where Daniel Dewalt has made his home for more than three-quarters of a century. And the tidings will be received in many a home with genuine sorrow, and not a few tears will be shed in homes where the good old man had won a warm place. His last days were ones of exceptional brightness and happiness, passed at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Eliza Reed.
Death's angel came softly to his bedside, touched the heart that had beaten so strongly for so many years, and the last sleep was entered so quietly that those about the couch could hardly distinguish the merging from one life to the more glorious--the great beyond. Up to about six weeks ago, Mr. Dewalt was as well and strong as a man of his advanced years could possibly be. The heated term was very severe upon him however, and he complained greatly of it. His thirst was intense and he frequently drank of the very cold water from the well on the premises. It is thought the water chilled him to a Certain extent; he caught cold which settled upon is lungs, causing him to drink a great deal. This seemed to break him down considerably, but no serious consequence were anticipated until about three weeks ago, when is was apparent that "Uncle" Daniel Dewalt was nearing the end. He gradually sank and passed away at 8 o'clock this morning.
Mr. Dewalt was perhaps the Older citizen in Canton and the county. Born in Pennsylvania on July 13, 1799, he celebrated his ninety-fourth birthday almost a month age. A host of friends gathered about him at that time to congratulate him. He came to Canton with his father Phillip Dewalt, and brothers and sisters, about 1807. At that time Canton was an insignificant country hamlet, a half dozen houses only distinguished the place. Daniel Dewalt lived here some years when he went to New Lisbon, Columbiana County. There he married Susan Hostetter and resided for some time. Two children of this union survive him--Mrs. John Shorb, now of Sioux Falls, Dakota, and Mrs. Eliza Reed, of 88 Housel street at whose house he died. His first wife died and his second wife Eliza Swigert, of Canton produced three children. Mrs. Henry Bowen of 131 South Cleveland Avenue, George Dewalt, of the Adams Express Co., and William O. Dewalt of 488 N. Cleveland Avenue. He was in the watchmaking business for some years after his return to Canton, having a store or at that time a "shop" in the building opposite the Hurford House, on West Tuscarawas St. It was some time previous to this that Mr. Dewalt's father, Philip Dewalt, erected the Whiting Building on the corner of North Cleveland Avenue and Tuscarawas Street. This was used as a hotel until it passed to the Whiting estate. Mr. Dewalt remained in the jewelry business for some time, and his little store was for a long time the rendezvous for the male portion of Canton's population. Many are the amusing anecdotes of citizens, whose heads, today, are silvery white with years, of the happy, jolly evenings passed in the workshop. As the city advanced in importance, Mr. Dewalt became more and more identified with its growth, and many an embryo industry which now marks the various sections of the city as monuments of push and enterprise, were assisted and directed by his advice and experience. Mr. Dewalt had four brothers, Messrs. George, Jacob and Philip, and two sisters, Mary "Polly" and Nancy, the later being the mother of the late Dr. Lewis Slusser. His daughter, Mrs. Reed, said that her father had in time past, shot wild game on the ground, and in the vicinity of where he died. The father of the late Mrs. James Saxton was Mr. Dewalt's brother. Mr. Dewalt has been identified with the Trinity Lutheran church since the founding of the congregation in Canton.