Person Page - 7

     Jewell was born on 7 December 1911 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² She was the daughter of Harvey Anderson Drewer and Florence Temple Phillips. Jewell was on the in 1917 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ She was listed as a resident in the census report in 1920 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ She married Hylan Guy Ewell on 4 July 1927 at Pocomoke City, Worcester Co, MD.⁴ Jewell was living in 1955.⁵ Jewell died on 13 February 1991 at NAM Hospital, Nassawadox, N'hamp Co, VA, at age 79.⁶ Her body was interred at Downing's Cem, Oak Hall, Acc Co, VA.²

     Hylan was born on 13 February 1906 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² He was the son of Samuel F. Ewell and Arinthia Jane Marshall. He was listed as a resident in the census report in 1910 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ He was listed as a resident in the census report in 1920 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ He married Jewell Phillips Drewer on 4 July 1927 at Pocomoke City, Worcester Co, MD.⁴ Hylan was living in 1941 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁵ Hylan died on 26 May 1988 at age 82.² His body was interred at Downing's Cem, Oak Hall, Acc Co, VA.²

     Stewart Guy Ewell lived at General Delivery, Saxis, VA. Stewart was born on 28 November 1931 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² He was the son of Hylan Guy Ewell and Jewell Phillips Drewer. Stewart was a member of the armed forces serving at US Army.¹ Stewart was living in 1956 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ Stewart died in March 2001 at P.G. Hospital, Salisbury, Wic Co, MD, at age 69.

     Evelyn (Lewis) Powell remembers Lloyd as a unique person. Some people said he was a bit crazy. Her mother, Mae, said if he had a lot of money he would have been an eccentric. What would a 4th of July have been like without him? Just another day. He made it special. He had a big fried chicken, oyster and clam fritter dinner with all the trimmings. A lot of people from other places came and Lloyd always said to one of the colored people who cooked, get this young-un a big oyster sandwich. Evelyn bought an ice cream cone with the nickel her Grandpa gave her. He made the ice cream and it always had a little bit of rock salt in it. Every child in Saxis must have came. When Mae was small he had a carousel. He also farmed and was a peddler. He had an open truck which was covered around with chicken wire and solid rubber tires. He picked up Roland Ellis one afternoon seeking a ride home. Roland was a very tall, big-boned man and he wasn't always clean shaven, so he had to sit on his haunches to fit in the back of the truck. They were riding in the area known as Long Road, where colored people lived. Men, women and little children came to the truck and looked at Roland and quickly moved away. Roland asked Uncle Lloyd what was wrong with those people. Lloyd had told them Roland was a gorilla. People from the whole area knew him, especially the colored ones. Aunt Leigh was just his opposite. She was a school teacher and a real lady." Mr. Lloyd M. Drewer of Saxis died on 9 Sep 1946 at the home of his son, John H. Drewer, Shields, VA, and was buried in the Drewer Cemetery, survivors were listed (Pen. Ent., 13 Sep 1946). Lloyd was born on 31 August 1870 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² He was the son of John Wesley Drewer and Eliza Jane Miles. He was listed as a resident in the census report in 1880 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ He married Virginia Leigh Grinnalds on 10 July 1892 at Oak Hall, Acc Co, VA. He was shown as Lloyd M. Drewer, a 21 year old merchant, born & living in Acc Co, the son of John W. & Eliza J. Drewer and she was shown as Virginia Lee Grinnalds, age 21, also born & living in Acc Co, the daughter of James H. & Tabitha Jane Grinnalds. They were married by R.B. Scott. They had applied for a marriage license in Somerset Co, MD, on 22 Jan 1892..¹ Lloyd was on the in 1898 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁴ Lloyd was living in 1942 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁵ Lloyd died on 9 September 1946 at Shields, Acc Co, VA, at age 76.⁶ His body was interred at Drewer Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁷

     Virginia was born on 10 December 1871 at Parksley, Acc Co, VA.¹ She was the daughter of James H. Grinnalds and Tabitha Jane Parks. She married Lloyd McDuffy Drewer on 10 July 1892 at Oak Hall, Acc Co, VA. He was shown as Lloyd M. Drewer, a 21 year old merchant, born & living in Acc Co, the son of John W. & Eliza J. Drewer and she was shown as Virginia Lee Grinnalds, age 21, also born & living in Acc Co, the daughter of James H. & Tabitha Jane Grinnalds. They were married by R.B. Scott. They had applied for a marriage license in Somerset Co, MD, on 22 Jan 1892..² Virginia was on the in 1898 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ She was listed as a resident in the census report in 1900 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁴ Virginia was living in 1905.⁵ Virginia died on 1 September 1942 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA, at age 70. Mrs. Virginia Leigh (Grinnalds) Drewer, wife of Lloyd Drewer, died at Saxis on 1 Sep 1942, aged 67 years, survivors were listed (Pen. Ent., 4 Sep 1942)..⁶ Her body was interred at Drewer Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁷

     She died at the age of 3 years. The cause of death was pneumonia. Mary was born circa 1866 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ She was the daughter of John Wesley Drewer and Eliza Jane Miles. She was listed as a resident in the census report in 1870 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ Mary died in June 1874 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.²

     The following information was provided by Evelyn (Lewis) Powell. "Aunt Maude married her school teacher when she was 13 years old and her first child was born when she was 15 years old. Her husband, Mr. Bud Taylor, taught most of the family during this period. Whether you had a pain in your big toe or were seriously ill she was the first one called on to help heal you. She was always helping someone, always doing something for someone: sewing, repairing clothing, darning, and a specialist at laundering shirts. Once someone was visiting relatives in Saxis, but they were staying with Maude instead of with their relatives. Evelyn asked her mother, Mae, why they were staying with Maude and Mae replied, "because it was 'Sprawlings Hotel' and everyone who needed a place to stay was welcome." She was very religious. She was in a circle group wearing a pearl or colored bead necklace at a "Camp Meeting" and another member stuck his finger through the necklace and told her if she wanted to get to heaven she had to get rid of that. It is thought that God took her in anyway." Mrs. Maude E. Taylor, widow of Mr. John L. Taylor, of Saxis, died at the home of her brother, Marvin T. Drewer, on Saxis, Sunday, 24 Nov 1946, aged 74 years. She was a life long member of the Saxis Methodist Church, was very active in its work and was at the church when stricken last Thursday morning. Survivors were listed (Pen. Ent., 29 Nov 1946). Martellin was born in July 1872 at Accomack Co, VA.¹ She was the daughter of John Wesley Drewer and Eliza Jane Miles. She was listed as a resident in the census report in 1880 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² She married John Lindham 'Bud' Taylor on 25 December 1886 at Worcester Co, MD.³ Martellin was on the in 1917 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁴ Martellin was living in September 1946 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁵ Martellin died on 24 November 1946 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA, at age 74.⁶ Her body was interred at Taylor Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.^7,8,9

     Our school teacher, Mr. John L. Taylor, has concluded to make Sykes his permanent home and is having a handsome dwelling erected (Pen. Ent., 8 Aug 1885). Mr. John L. Taylor, Sykes Island, was on a list of teachers of Acc Co (Pen. Ent., 21 Jan 1888). Mr. John L. Taylor of Saxis and aged 80 years, died on 23 Aug 1942. Services were at Saxis Methodist Church on 25 Aug by Rev. Forrest and Weaver, with interment in the Taylor Cemetery on Saxis. Mr. Taylor taught school at Mearsville, Modest Town and Saxis. Survivors were listed (E.S. News, 28 Aug 1942). John was born in 1862 at Mearsville, Acc Co, VA.¹ He was the son of Thorogood S. Taylor and Eveline|Emeline T. Wessells. He married Martellin Eliza 'Maude' Drewer on 25 December 1886 at Worcester Co, MD.² John was living after 1886 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ He was listed as a resident in the census report in 1910 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ John was on the in 1917 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁴ John died on 23 August 1942.⁴ His body was interred at Taylor Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁵

     Evelyn (Lewis) Powell remembers earning nickels after Sunday School by scratching her Uncle Harvey Drewer's head until he was asleep. He and his brother, John R., both shared that enjoyment. His daughter Jewell and Evelyn were great pals, so Evelyn was in his house often. He taught a Bible Class for many years at the Saxis Methodist Church. Contrary to their desire to get out of Sunday School early, he was asked to address the congregation and they knew they would be there for another hour. Especially if he started talking about "Mom and Pap." It was particularly rough when the girls had dates waiting for them after church. One Sunday he was walking to church and met a young man. Harvey said to him, "you are going in the wrong direction." The young man replied, "Mr. Harvey, are you going to speak after Sunday School?" "Its possible," said Mr. Harvey. "Then I'm not going because you talk too long," said the young man. So Mr. Harvey promised to not talk so long if the young man would go to church with him. When asked to talk after Sunday School that day he told the congregation about his conversation with the young man and said, "Be good children" and sat down. His son Vernon delighted in throwing Jimmy crabs at Evelyn's bare feet when he worked for John R. Drewer and again when he had his own business." Mr. Harvey A. Drewer died at his home at Saxis on 19 Dec 1955, aged 80 years. He was the son of the late John & Elizabeth Miles Drewer. Survivors were listed (Pen. Ent., 22 Dec 1955). Harvey was born on 11 September 1875 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² He was the son of John Wesley Drewer and Eliza Jane Miles. He was listed as a resident in the census report in 1880 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ He married Florence Temple Phillips on 27 August 1897 at Oak Hall, Acc Co, VA.⁴ Harvey was on the in 1898 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁵ He married Naomi Franklin Spence on 24 September 1935 at Oak Hall, Acc Co, VA.¹ Harvey was living in 1946 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁶ Harvey died on 19 December 1955 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA, at age 80.⁷ His body was interred at Drewer Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.²

     The 1910 Census showed Florence (Phillips) Drewer as having had 2 children born, but on 1 living. Mrs. Florence T. Drewer, wife of Harvey A. Drewer, died on 16 Mar 1934 at Saxis, aged 55, survivors were listed (Pen. Ent., 24 Mar 1934). Florence was born on 28 December 1878 at Accomack Co, VA.² She was the daughter of Levin Thomas Phillips and Margaret J.D. 'Maggie' Groton. She married Harvey Anderson Drewer on 27 August 1897 at Oak Hall, Acc Co, VA.¹ She was listed as a resident in the census report in 1900 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ Florence was confirmed at age 37, on 3 September 1916 at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁴ Florence was on the in 1917 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁴ Florence died on 16 March 1934 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA, at age 55.² Her body was interred at Drewer Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.²

     According to Lt. Col. Wilson's book, History of Crisfield, p253, "The late Mrs. Naomi Drewer of Saxis, VA (1897-1971) and her half-sister, Mrs. Madge Hooks, also of Saxis, lived on Watts Island. Mrs. Drewer was born there in 1897 and lived there until 1907. Her father, Wesley Spence, died when she was very young. Her mother, whose maiden name was Julia Stant, (of John) [Julia's Acc Marriage record shows her to be the daughter of Samuel and Jane Stant], married again to Twilley Marshall. Mrs. Drewer shortly before her death recalled the happy days on Watts Island when it was owned by the Doremus family and populated by several people. Children were taught their basic schooling by their elders. Their playmates were animal pets. Beachcombing was the chief entertainment. Items discovered became keepsakes as well as topics of various historical and geographical discussions. She also recalled her romantic visions of long ago when she watched sailing ships at sea until they disappeared into the horizon. In childhood fantasy she envisioned that she was aboard and sailing to far off exotic lands. Among the chief pleasures were the visitors who were frequent in summer but scarce in winter. Everyone would congregate at the Doremus home and listen to the latest news of the outside world. Children would be held spellbound by the fantastic stories told by visitors which were frequently tales of the sea and fantastic supernatural epics. Mrs. Drewer's half sister, Madge, was three years of age when the family moved to Saxis. She had never been to church. Upon being informed by her parents that the following Sunday they were taking her to Sunday School, she asked if her pet pig could go along. This little girl, Madge, later became a successful New York fashion model and lived her retirement years at Saxis. After moving to Saxis, Naomi married Carroll Marshall by whom she had three children: Carroll Jr., Allen, and Christine. While the children were still small she was widowed by her husband being drowned on 25 Mar 1925 when his boat, "Southland" was rammed in a storm in Tangier Sound by a Cambridge oyster schooner. His body was found in Cedar Straits on 8 May 1925 by Ralph Nelson of Jenkins Creek. Ten years later she married Harvey Drewer [who died in 1955]. Mrs. Drewer lived alone at Saxis in her small but comfortable home where she was surrounded by mementoes of the past and of her departed loved ones. Among her fondest memories were her happy childhood days spent on Watts Island. Naomi was born on 28 June 1898 at Watts Island, Acc Co, VA.² She was the daughter of John Wesley Spence and Julia Bertha Stant. She was christened on 18 August 1898 at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ She was listed as a resident in the census report in 1900 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁴ She married Carroll Lee Marshall I on 16 July 1913 at Somerset Co, MD.⁵ Naomi was on the in 1917 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁶ She married Harvey Anderson Drewer on 24 September 1935 at Oak Hall, Acc Co, VA.¹ Naomi died on 14 January 1971 at age 72.² Her body was interred at Ellis Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁷

     Mary Jane Drewer was very musically inclined and studied at the Peabody School of Music in Pennsylvania. She was the court recorder in Acc Co when she married Sewell Linton. They lived in the house were their son Roy lived after they moved to Wilmington, DE. She was very small in size but very big in pranks. The first one Evelyn (Lewis) Powell heard about involved Mary Jane's nephews' Marvin and Neil. Marvin had a pair of rubber boots. Neil wanted a pair but was not allowed to have them. Marvin promised his boots to Neil if something ever happened to him. Then Marvin got sick and Neil was very anxious. So his Aunt Mary Jane came and told Neil that Marvin had died and to come and get his boots. As Neil came in and reached for the boots, Marvin sat up and spoke to him. In shock at seeing Marvin was alive, Neil said, "Skeedro, I thought you was going to die." Marvin was her favorite to play pranks on. Most likely they got along very well. Mary Jane and her husband Sewell moved to Wilmington, DE, to better their lives financially. Before long many people from Saxis, and especially some in the Drewer family, migrated also. She ran a boarding house and Sewell had a seafood stall in the market. They never turned anyone away. Many family members visited them and had a wonderful time. She went downtown to the market every day, shopping for food. She walked downtown or rode the street car and she always had time for everyone and always had time for fun. She died of tuberculous." Mrs. Mary J. Linton, wife of Mr. Sewell J. Linton, died at Wilmington, DE, on 22 Apr 1935, aged 56, survivors were listed (Pen. Ent., 27 Apr 1935). Mary was born on 31 January 1879 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² She was the daughter of John Wesley Drewer and Eliza Jane Miles. She was listed as a resident in the census report in 1880 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ She married Sewell James Linton on 19 January 1899 at Somerset Co, MD.³ Mary was on the in 1908 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁴ Mary died on 22 April 1935 at Wilmington, New Castle Co, DE, at age 56.⁵ Her body was interred at Drewer Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁶

     Mr. Sewell J. Linton of Saxis died on his boat at Cole's Point, VA, on 5 Dec 1938, aged 59 years, survivors were listed (Pen. Ent., 9 Dec 1938). Sewell was born on 13 March 1879 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ He was the son of Stephen Decator Linton and Mary Ann Ewell. He was listed as a resident in the census report in 1880 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² Sewell was on the in 1898 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ He married Mary Jane Drewer on 19 January 1899 at Somerset Co, MD.⁴ Sewell was confirmed at age 32, in September 1911 at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ Sewell died on 5 December 1938 at Cole's Point, VA, at age 59.⁵ His body was interred at Drewer Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁶

     Cleve Drewer's sister, Maude, told Evelyn (Lewis) Powell that the night before Cleve drowned she was at his house visiting him and his wife Minnie. As she left the house she heard the most beautiful music playing over the house, it was heavenly. She believed it was a token that he was going to die. At the age of 32 he accidently drowned on Friday, 16 Apr 1915, in Tangier Sound when he fell overboard from his boat. His body was found after a search of several hours. Survivors were listed (Pen. Ent., 27 Feb 1915). William was born on 1 May 1884 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ He was the son of John Wesley Drewer and Eliza Jane Miles. Conflicting evidence states that William was born in 1885.² He was listed as a resident in the census report in 1900 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ He married Minnie Crandall Bonnewell on 28 June 1903 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁴ William was on the in 1908 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁵ William died on 16 April 1915 at Tangier Sound, Acc Co, VA, at age 30.⁶ His body was interred at Drewer Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.²

     Minnie was born on 21 October 1884 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² She was the daughter of Peter William Bonnewell and Amanda 'Mendie' Lewis. Minnie was on the in 1898 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ She was listed as a resident in the census report in 1900 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁴ She married William Cleveland Drewer on 28 June 1903 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ She married Noah Thomas 'Norrie' Rhodes on 29 April 1917 at Sanford, Acc Co, VA.¹ Minnie was living in 1963 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² Minnie died on 23 February 1967 at age 82.⁵ Her body was interred at Drewer Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁶

     The following information was provided by Mae's daughter, Evelyn (Lewis) Powell. "Mother once told me that Grandma Kate thought Mae would be the only child so she named her for her friends, Maggie French and Melissa Olds, and her sister, Mae. I guess she couldn't add Texie, who was her other sister. She was called Mae and only a school teacher who boarded with us called her Maggie Melissa. She was an excellent cook and made cakes for the family when she had to stand on a box to reach the table top. No wonder her cakes were so delicious and I do not remember a cake failure only when she made a "Poor Man's Cake" which I loved real moist, so I would give a little pump as I passed by the oven which made the cake "fall." She always caught me. At age 21 she married Arnold Lewis and gave birth to Virginia (first grandchild of both families), John, Evelyn, Agnes Elizabeth, and Basil. Agnes Elizabeth, who died of whooping cough at the age of 1 month, was buried in the Drewer family cemetery in the first grave on the line of Uncle Marvin's family. Our father was a cabinet maker and built boats and repaired them and carved. He was working on the Pocomoke City Bridge in April 1921 when he caught a bad cold and had a very serious throat infection and died suddenly of a heart attack at age 38. My Mother was 34, a widow with 4 children, no insurance and total money, 47 cents. Since grandma Kate had died just 4 months before my father, Grandpa asked mother to come and live with him. And so we moved in, but mother insisted she would take care of her children if he would let her take the school teachers in for room and board. Grandpa finally agreed and so we all adjusted. Mother was the most independent person I ever knew. She worked very hard to care for us. She was strict, but we knew she loved us. She made our clothes and canned all the foods she could. Our house was rented until Grandpa remarried Aunt Mae. He had a small store built in our front yard and we went back home. The store was general merchandise at first. There were beautiful hats and dress materials. In those days it was called dry goods. For awhile it was good business, but she realized she had to put in groceries and finally it was all groceries. My sister, Virginia, married Edward Howard before we left Grandpa's, much against Mother's wishes. Virginia worked in Pocomoke for the C & P Telephone Company. Grandpa got her the job through some of his friends and so there were the four of us and we all helped. She always planted a large garden and used the foods until cold weather set it. She made extra candies, cookies, pop-corn and always a cake for our birthday. She was a good neighbor and when someone bought her food, she sent the dish back with some goodies. Mae really loved the Drewer family. She talked to me about them and always visited or sent me when someone was sick. Aunt Evva and Aunt Georgie were very close to her. Her morals were very high. I never knew her to idly gossip and she was never one to run around the neighborhood visiting. She was always too busy doing for us. Virginia and John were the healthy ones and Basil and I were the sick ones. When Basil was diagnosed with T.B. she was devastated. She lost the store during the depression and started shucking oysters. It was hard work, but she enjoyed being around the people. When all of us were gone, she was alone and lonely. She had the people around her in the daytime and when she finally sat down at night her hands were busy piecing quilts. Sometimes I would ask her how she felt and she would answer, "Like the last rose of green pea time." I don't think she felt very well. She had very little money and looked forward to reaching 65 so she could collect her Social Security. Unfortunately, she died 19 June 1951. She would have been 65 on 12 Jan 1952. She really lived her life for others. There is a saying, "you never miss your Mother until she has gone and then you miss her always." It's so true. Maggie Melissa Mae was a "Lady" of high morals, loving, giving, kind, and thoughtful. She truly lived for others. I think I speak for all her children. She was truly loved." Mrs. Mae Lewis Marshall died suddenly at home at Saxis on 19 Jun 1951, aged 64 years, and was buried in the Drewer Cemetery. Survivors were listed (Pen. Ent., 21 Jun 1951). The cause of Mae's death was heart trouble. Maggie was born on 28 December 1886 at Accomack Co, VA.¹ She was the daughter of John Riley Drewer and Kate Elizabeth Griffin. Conflicting evidence states that Maggie was born on 12 January 1887 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² Maggie was on the in 1900 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ She was listed as a resident in the census report in 1900 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁴ She married Arnold W. Lewis on 26 April 1906 at Accomack Co, VA.⁵ She married John W. Marshall on 15 November 1943 at Beaver Dam, Worcester Co, MD.⁶ Maggie died on 19 June 1951 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA, at age 64.⁷ Her body was interred at Drewer Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁸

     He worked at Newport News, VA during World War I and helped build the Pocomoke River bridge. Mr. Arnold Lewis of Saxis, VA, aged 38 years, died Wednesday, 27 Apr 1921. He had an attack of bronchitis, but recovered then died in a few minutes (of heart trouble). He was survived by his mother, Mrs. Charlotte Lewis, and a wife and 4 children (Pen. Ent., 30 Apr 1921). Arnold was born on 18 March 1883 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² He was the son of Charles H. Lewis and Charlotte Temple 'Lottie' Wessells. He was listed as a resident in the census report in 1900 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ He married Maggie Melissa Mae Drewer on 26 April 1906 at Accomack Co, VA.¹ He was listed as a resident in the census report in 1910 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁴ Arnold died on 27 April 1921 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA, at age 38.⁵ His body was interred at Drewer Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁶

     John was born in August 1879 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ He was the son of William Fletcher 'Bill Zacky' Marshall and Mary Emily Dennis. He married Hattie E. Phillips on 22 June 1899 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² John was on the in 1900 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ He married Viola Sally Taylor on 24 December 1903 at Somerset Co, MD.⁴ He was listed as a resident in the census report in 1910 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ John was living in 1943.⁵ He married Maggie Melissa Mae Drewer on 15 November 1943 at Beaver Dam, Worcester Co, MD.⁶ John died on 4 February 1965 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA, at age 85.⁷ His body was interred at Taylor Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁸

     The following information was provided by Virginia's sister, Evelyn (Lewis) Powell. "Virginia had blonde curly hair, fair skin and hazel eyes just like her father, the exact opposite of her mother, who had black curly hair, brown eyes and olive skin. Virginia became the darling of John and Kate Drewer as well as her parents. She was also the light of Milton's life because he was there when she was born, taking over for her father, who was working in Norfolk, VA, at the time. She was also popular with her other aunts and uncles on Saxis. Her mother said she was so particular when she sat down she spread her dress all around so no one could sit next to her to wrinkle her dress. She never changed. She was a beautiful child and very smart in school where she had all the boys at her feet. One in particular was Winston Evans, whose father owned the movies. He once asked her father if he could come to see her at the house. Her father answered, "yes and I'll introduce you to a number 12 shoe." Winston got the message. Mr. Babe Byrd and Uncle Frank Wessells, Grandma Lottie's brother, were building Uncle Neil and Aunt Evva's house and were working on the roof when little Virginia called, "Pank, Pank, want to see my puffy ruffles?" Frank laughed so hard he almost fell of the roof. Her mother had made her some new drawers and had put ruffles on them. She grew up a beautiful young lady. When she was fifteen, her father had died and the family was living with their grandfather, John R. Drewer. A friend of her grandfather helped her to get a job in Pocomoke with the telephone company as an operator. She met Edward Howard and fell madly in love. At sixteen they were married and my mother was devastated, as she new Edward was a heavy drinker. He took her to live with his mother and father and he continued his life as always. At seventeen she became the mother of Edward James Howard. He loved her and still does, but he became obsessive when he was drunk. She decided to leave. The Howard's insisted she would not have the baby and after some threats she left the baby with the Howards and went to Wilmington, DE, where she worked for the telephone company there. She also worked a number of years for the Wilmington Country Club. She met Paul Zimmerman, who played with an orchestra and they married. He was very fun loving and we were very fond of him. His father owned a drug store and when he died, Paul, who had lost one eye accidently and was quickly losing the sight in his good eye, just couldn't take it all and committed suicide. Virginia picked up the pieces and when World War II started, she joined the Women's Army Air Corps (WAACs). After one month and on her first day of physical training she stepped on a pebble which threw her down and injured her back. She was hospitalized in Atlanta, GA, where se had surgery. After 8 months of recuperation she was medically discharged. She came back home to Saxis and stayed with her mother until she could work again. She worked at Fort Monroe at the Chamberlin Hotel and finally came to Elizabeth, NJ, and lived with Harry and I. Harry and I moved back home and left her with her job. She met Ed Ryan and they eventually married. Ed worked for Union Carbide and eventually they found their way to New Brunswick, NJ, near Mommouth Junction, Ed's home town. She continued to work with the telephone company and after some physical problems she worked for an answering service for doctors and had a major heart attack. Ed was very good to Virginia. They had a rough start, but were very happy. She was in the hospital and they had been told she had to have open heart surgery, or she wouldn't live very long. She also had a very poor prognosis for coming through the surgery. Ed called and told her he was going to work, but would call her on his first break. When he didn't call, she called his niece to go to the apartment where they found him sitting in a chair dead. He had died of a heart attack. Harry and I went immediately. We stayed with her and saw her through the surgery. I drove the highway from New Brunswick to Temperanceville for 10 months. She finally found an apartment in Salisbury, MD. She definitely hated the country. She lived another 5 years, but was in constant pain and often hospitalized. She just didn't want to live without Ed. She finally took her own life. She never really changed. It always took her 2-3 hours to get dressed. She had many beautiful clothes. She was aged 69 years when she died and her hands were as beautiful as when she was young. She was buried beside her beloved Ed in New Brunswick, NJ. Virginia was born on 10 October 1908 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ She was the daughter of Arnold W. Lewis and Maggie Melissa Mae Drewer. She was listed as a resident in the census report in 1910 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² She married Paul Zimmerman circa 1933. Virginia was a member of the armed forces serving at US Army, World War II.³ She married Edward A. Ryan on 11 March 1950.¹ Virginia was living in 1951.³ Virginia died on 22 April 1978 at P.G. Hospital, Salisbury, Wic Co, MD, at age 69.¹ Her body was interred at St. Peters Cem, New Brunswick, NJ.³

     Janet was born on 14 June 1949 at NAM Hospital, Nassawadox, N'hamp Co, VA.¹ Janet died on 8 November 1949 at age 0.² Conflicting evidence states that she died in February 1950.¹

     Paul was born circa 1900. He married Virginia Drewer Lewis circa 1933. Paul died circa 1933.

     Edward was born on 21 July 1917.¹ He married Virginia Drewer Lewis on 11 March 1950.¹ Edward died on 23 February 1974 at New Brunswick, NJ, at age 56.¹ Conflicting evidence states that he died on 3 February 1978.²

     Mr. & Mrs. John Lewis of Saxis announce the birth of a son, John Jr, at the McCready Memorial Hospital, Crisfield, MD, on Wednesday, 30 Aug 1939 (E.S. News, 8 Sep 1939). Mr. & Mrs. John H. Lewis of Saxis received word from the US Coast Guard on Saturday that their son, John H. Lewis Jr., was swept overboard from the Coast Guard Cutter McCulloch in a fierce North Atlantic storm (Pen. Ent., 8 Jan 1959). A memorial stone was placed in the Drewer Cemetery in Saxis. His common name was Jack. John was born on 30 August 1939 at McCready Hospital, Crisfield, Som Co, MD.² John was a member of the armed forces serving at US Coast Guard.³ John died on 4 January 1959 at the N. Atlantic, Lost at Sea, at age 19.¹ His body was interred at Drewer Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³

     Agnes Elizabeth Lewis died from whooping cough at the age of one month. Her older sister, Virginia, had it first.
Agnes was born on 26 October 1915 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ She was the daughter of Arnold W. Lewis and Maggie Melissa Mae Drewer. Agnes died on 16 November 1915 at age 0.¹ Her body was interred at Drewer Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.²

     Mr. Basil C. Lewis of Richmond, son of Mrs. John Marshall and Arnold Lewis of Saxis, was married to Miss Margaret Kyle of Richmond, VA, and Milwaukee, WI, daughter of Mr. & Mrs. E.S. Kyle, on 26 Feb 1954 in the First English Evang. Lutheran Church, Richmond, VA, by the Rev. J.J. Scherer. Mr. John Lewis was the best man. (Pen. Ent., 4 Mar 1954). The following information was provided by his sister, Evelyn (Lewis) Powell. "Basil was only 4 years old when our father died. He had already had double pneumonia and meningitis and was wearing glasses. He had to fight being called 4 eyes and he was never very physically strong. We were close and he would take me to movies with his friends, but I couldn't go in with them. He had pneumonia and sat up in a chair on day then he came down with pleurisy. He worked on Uncle Neil's boat once. Uncle Neil fired him and told him to go home and tell his mother he was fired. Basil said no, I'm going home and tell her you are so G.D. mean I can't work for you. He went back to work. When he was 19 year old he developed a bad cough and finally went to the Marine Hospital in Norfolk where he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. He stayed there 5 years. He came home and worked for Uncle Milton and around the water. It was too heavy and he wound up in a sanitorium in Charlottesville for 3 years. Once again he came home to the source and was back again, this time there was a new drug and a great young doctor. This time he lost his right lung and had an infection (a chest abbess) in the left chest. He went to school through the 9th grade and he studied accounting while he was sick. The state tested him and that the best grade so they gave the education. When our mother died, Harry and I had told her we would look out for Basil and so he came to live with us. She worried so much about all of us, but more about Basil as he was the youngest and sickest. He studied while he lived with us. The abbess wouldn't heal until he went to Charlottesville for a check up and they operated on him again. It did not completely close until he went to Dr. Cohen in Snow Hill who called a colleague at John Hopkins in Baltimore. It finally closed. He and Clay got along very well most of the time. On night I went to the drug store to get them ice cream cones and heard quite a commotion upstairs. As I went up the steps Clay came down and said Basil hit him. Basil met me at the door telling me Clay whacked him on the butt and he in turn turned over Clay's puzzle and Clay pushed Basil's bedroom shoes under his bed so he couldn't reach them. As I handed them the ice cream I said, "Clay is a child, what is your excuse?" They both laughed and that was the end of that. Basil baby sat with his a lot. Finally Basil answered an add in the paper for an accountant for the state. He sent a resume and was asked to come to Richmond for a conference. He got the job on a 6 month trial and it lasted the rest of his life. He took the bus to Richmond, found a room and food across the street. He also found a teacher who was a speech therapist. Her name was Peg (Margaret) and by January they were married in the First Lutheran Church. His brother John was best man and I sang. They had an apartment and after awhile they bought a new house. They made a lot of trips to the Shore for Basil never forgot where he came from. He was very thoughtful for us and especially for Clay. Basil took very good care of himself. He had told me if he ever had money he would have plenty of clothes because he didn't have a big wardrobe after he was sick and if he got so he couldn't work he wouldn't have to worry about clothes. He never had to worry. He had 18 new suits. He was a wonderful dresser; tie, shirt, shoes, socks and handkerchief matched perfectly. He had always wanted an electric train and when they bought a larger house he had the room and 5 small trains with every thing needed for the fun he had missed as a child. The last time he came for a visit he told me he was not going to live much longer. His one lung was filling with fiber, cutting off his breathing. He would be on oxygen and in and out of the hospital. It would be better for him to work however he wished. I went over for a visit, but he had the blues. I was very upset, but tried not to show it. He asked me to make him a banana cake like Mama made and make him some yeast rolls. I did that and we had a nice visit and I came home. Aunt Evva died in February 1972 and he wasn't able to come to the funeral. Clay, Sarah and their sons came in from the Philippines and stopped in to visit him and Peg. They came home Sunday and Basil called me to tell me about how much they enjoyed seeing them and told me how nice it was of Clay and how proud he was of Clay. He called me on the 12th of March, my birthday, and talked to me an hour. On Friday, 17th of March at about 5:30 I had a call that he had died of a heart attack. He was doing an audit of the Judges and had walked down the hall with one of them. He came back and sat down to his desk and died. I was so sad, but I was glad he was spared all the oxygen problems. He left me his state insurance, $30,000. His wife Peg said she had no money and I gave her the whole check. I should have kept part of it because Basil was meticulous with his business. She gave me the older car, a Buick, and I have never had as much as a small christmas gift since. I was so proud of him and his accomplishments. He deserved all the good things he had. Like Virginia and John, he was loved." Basil was born on 16 July 1917 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² He was the son of Arnold W. Lewis and Maggie Melissa Mae Drewer. He was listed as a resident in the census report in 1920 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ Basil was on the in 1927 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ Basil was living in 1951.⁴ Basil died on 17 March 1972 at Richmond, VA, at age 54.²

     His common name was Huey. George was born in 1901 at Sanford, Acc Co, VA.² He was the son of Levin Thomas White and Elizabeth 'Betty' Holly. George was named in his father's obituary on 3 July 1939 at Sanford, Acc Co, VA. He was shown as a son Mr. Hugh White in the obituary of Mr. Levin T. White of Sanford..³ George died on 2 January 1963 at P.G. Hospital, Salisbury, Wic Co, MD. Mr. George Huey White died at Peninsula General Hospital on 2 Jan 1963, aged 62 years. He was born and reared at Sanford and was a member of the Sanford Methodist Church. Survivors were listed (Pen. Ent., 3 Jan 1963)..²

     Harry was born on 24 September 1914 at Pocomoke City, Worcester Co, MD.² He was the son of Clarence C. Powell and Amelia C. Beavans. Harry was living after 1977 at Assawoman, Acc Co, VA.¹ Harry died on 8 September 1992 at Deer Head Center, Salisbury, Wicomico Co, MD, at age 77.¹ His body was interred at Bapt Ch Cem, Pocomoke City, Wor Co, MD.¹

     The following information was provided by Evelyn (Lewis) Powell, one of Janie's nieces. "If Aunt Janie was still around she would have made a great "Woman's Libber." She drove the horse and buggy and later the car. She often took the horse and buggy and drove to Mearsville, with Mother and Aunt Mary Jane, to visit Uncle Bud and Aunt Maude Taylor. They were living there when he was teaching and the principal at Bloxom School. Aunt Janie went to Business School in Norfolk and was Accomack County Court stenographer. She was an accomplished pianist, having studied at Peabody Music Institute in Baltimore. Her teacher thought she didn't have the dedication for a concert pianist, but they felt she would be an excellent teacher, and so she was. She had many pupils and played for services in the Saxis Methodist Church and directed the choir. She taught her daughter, Miriam, but her other daughter, Katie, was too small. Katie learned later and still plays piano and organ. Miriam also plays occasionally. She wrote a song titled "Beautiful Springtime." After she died the girls sent it to Guy Lombardo in hopes it might be printed, but he said it would cost quite a bit of money. They were quite young and didn't have the money. Like my mother, she was a good seamstress and did a lot of fancy work. She made hot rolls, dough nuts and candies to order. Miriam, Katie and I delivered them for her. One Saturday I was in her house, it was summer and hot. She said tell your mother we are going to Ocean City. Uncle Melvin was away on the boat at the time. Mother said she is crazy to go so far, but you go with her, she may need you. So she said to ask Carrie Mears and Emily Ellis, they lived close by. And so with Miriam and baby Katie, off we went. We had a great time and no trouble until she put us out. When Carrie went to her back door there was a prowler. She screamed and the men in the neighborhood chased him, but he got away. Aunt Janie was a perfectionist. She was a diabetic at a time when insulin was just beginning to be used. It was available at Accomac Pharmacy. Her husband, Melvin, wouldn't buy her insulin because he believed it was a drug that she would become addicted to. She refused to diet and died at age 41 in a diabetic coma. My sister, Virginia, and I and our friends loved to go to her house. She would play the piano for us and we would all sing and have a wonderful time. She once told me, "Evelyn, no matter how poor or what a person's character is, it never hurts to give them a smile. It might mean a lot to that person." Janie Evans of Saxis died 26 Apr 1930, aged 38 years. Survivors were listed (Pen. Ent., 3 May 1930). She died at home at Saxis. The funeral was Wednesday at the Methodist Church at Saxis by Rev. Frank Fulcher, with interment in the Drewer Cemetery (E.S. News, 2 May 1930). Eliza was born on 8 November 1891 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.¹ She was the daughter of John Riley Drewer and Kate Elizabeth Griffin. She was listed as a resident in the census report in 1900 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² Eliza was on the in 1908 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ She married Melvin Thomas 'Melly' Evans on 15 June 1911 at Crisfield, Som Co, MD.⁴ Eliza was living in 1911 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁴ Eliza died on 26 April 1930 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA, at age 38.⁵ Her body was interred at Drewer Cem, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁶

     Bible records show Howard Scott Drewer was born 19 Jun 1893, whereas Acc Co birth records show Apr 1893. The following information was provided by Evelyn (Lewis) Powell, one of Howard's niece's. "Uncle Howard had a wonderful, sunny disposition from what I remember of him. Mother said when he was little and hurt himself he never cried, he just laughed. He once cut his foot very badly and when Grandma found him he was just laughing. She slapped him to make him stop. On Sunday morning he came to Grandpa's and usually brought his son, Carlton. My brother, Basil, and Carlton were trying to get one of the many cats to shave its tail. Carlton got lucky and caught one and turned to Basil and said, "I'm God Dam if I can't catch 'em." It was summertime and Uncle Howard heard him and called him to come in the back porch and asked him where he heard such a word. At first he said he didn't know, then he said he heard it at one of the stores and finally he said I heard you say it. Uncle Howard had asked Mother did she hear what he said. Mother replied yes and added "Out of the mouths of babies." Uncle Howard moved his family to Crisfield and bought a big boat and loaded fish in the winter and produce in the summer. His family lived most of the summer on the boat. Most of the ports of call were Washington and Baltimore. Uncle Howard was very successful. He made lots of money and as the others in the family he was generous to those in need. After Aunt "Neva" died he married Ruth Hundley, a Crisfield native. They had two boys, Scott and Joe. He received a commendation during World War II for rescuing a skiff load of sailors who were separated from their boat because of thick fog. As he got older and trucks took over the seafood and produce markets, he sold the boat and had a railway for repairing boats. When he sold it he had a good job at Mrs. Pauls Kitchen. He retired as his health worsened. He was a member of the Baptist Church, a 32 degree Mason and Ruth was a worthy Matron of the Eastern Star. He had many friends. Scott and wife and children live in Crisfield. Joe was a Vietnam veteran and married and lived at College Park, MD, with his family. One night he went to school for a P.T.A. meeting and was murdered on his way home. Uncle Howard was spared that tragedy, as he died in 1968 of emphysema." Howard was born in April 1893 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² He was the son of John Riley Drewer and Kate Elizabeth Griffin. He was listed as a resident in the census report in 1900 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ He married Geneva V. 'Neva' Miles on 20 November 1913 at MD-VA Line, Wor Co, MD.⁴ Howard was on the in 1917 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁵ Howard was living on 21 July 1917 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA, (Army Registration).⁶ Howard died on 1 July 1968 at Crisfield, Som Co, MD, at age 75.¹ His body was interred at Crisfield, Som Co, MD.⁷

     Milton Lee Drewer Sr. was christian on 11 Sep 1898 in the Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA. Among those who left for Camp Lee, Petersburg, VA, Wednesday, included Milton Drewer, Saxis, and Moscow Garnett Stant, Sanford (Pen. Ent., 13 Oct 1917). Milton Drewer, a native of Saxis, VA, was a veteran of World War I and fought in the battles of St. Mihiel, Chateau Thierry and the Argonne Forest. He was captured by the Germans a short time before the Armistice was signed and remained a prisoner for about six weeks. Returning from Europe he became associated with his father in the seafood business. After his father's death he operated the business. He was also a produce dealer. He was a very active member of the Saxis Methodist Church. He was a former member of the Board of Stewards and for several years prior to his death was chairman of the Official Board. He was a teacher in the Sunday School, having a class of junior boys. He loved to talk of his experiences in World War I and often when he felt his pupils were losing interest he would tell them of his experiences to get their attention (Obituary). The cause of death was heart trouble. The following information was provided by Evelyn (Lewis) Powell, one of Milton's nieces. "He was the youngest child and when Grandma cooked he had his own small pans and cooked too. Being the youngest they were very close. He worked very close with Grandpa in his seafood business and when World War I came he enlisted and was sent to Fort Lee, VA, and then to France. He was a machine gunner and had a partner. He told me they were moving when he saw a shell. He told his partner to fall and fell himself, but his partner didn't make it. They were moving forward from their trenches and he forgot something and went back to get it. When he turned around he was surrounded by German soldiers who asked him to raise his hands. He was too stunned to do it so one of the Germans jumped in the trench and raised his arms for him. He said it was a miracle they didn't kill him. He was gassed with mustard gas in three big battles. Battles of "The Marne," "Verdum" and I can't remember the third one. The war was over quite a while before he came home to a Saxis hero's welcome. Mother said she often went home and looked in the kitchen window to see Grandma on her knees in prayer. I remember the set of Blue Willow dishes he gave her. He was not married when we went to Grandpa's to live. Uncle Milton was full of fun and loved to tease us. He met his future wife, Georgie Seward, when she came from Surry County, VA, to teach school at Saxis. She boarded with Garland and Pearl Weaver. Miss Pearl was her sister, and had also come to Saxis to teach and married Garland Weaver. Georgie said she was not going to get married, but Uncle Milton changed her mind. They lived with us for awhile then rented Mother's house and finally built the house across from Grandpa. Uncle Milton was very punctual. He took oysters and some passengers on the boat, the "Kate D," to Crisfield. The passengers shopped until he was loaded with Ice and business was taken care of, then back to the oyster house at Saxis. One day he asked his bride if she wanted to go to Crisfield with him. She said not today, but changed her mind and hurried down to the wharf. He was just going out of the creek when one of the passengers said there is your wife on the wharf. You better go back and get her. He said, no, she knew the time I leave and if I go back for her I would have to do it for others. Aunt Georgie wasn't real happy. He never offered information about the War, but if you got him started, he had trouble stopping. Grandpa had a stroke and Uncle Milton took over the business. Meanwhile Starlings Creek was finally deepened and the shucking house was built on the right side of the creek. Milton Jr. and Libby Sue were added to the family. When Mother had the store he came in for some groceries and I waited on him. When he finished he asked me how much were the groceries and I had the prices on paper and started to add. He said you should add them in your head. I said I didn't go to Goldey College like you did. He started across the counter for me. You see he went to Goldey College and was so homesick in 2 weeks he came home and didn't go back. He had a seafood business and a trucking business and at one time he had a large boat and like Uncle Neil and Uncle Howard, transported potatoes and tomatoes to Ports in Baltimore and Washington. When I would ask him if he had a good season he never said yes. Once I went to Pocomoke with Aunt Georgie and Uncle Milton. When we got to the train track at Makemie Park, he got out of the car and looked each way. I said, Uncle Milton, the lights were not on. He responded, I do not trust our lives to a 10 cent light bulb." Milton was born on 17 June 1895 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.² He was the son of John Riley Drewer and Kate Elizabeth Griffin. He was listed as a resident in the census report in 1900 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA.³ Milton was on the in 1917 roll of the at Meth Ch, Saxis, Acc Co, VA.⁴ Milton was living on 21 July 1917 at Saxis, Acc Co, VA, (Army Registration).⁵ He married Georgie Mae Seward on 26 May 1921.¹ According to conflicting evidence, he married Georgie Mae Seward on 25 June 1921 at Bride's Home, Surry Co, VA. Milton died on 11 August 1965 at P.G. Hospital, Salisbury, Wic Co, MD, at age 70.⁶ His body was interred at Downing's Cem, Oak Hall, Acc Co, VA.⁷