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Born
in Chesterfield County, South Carolina on October 8,
1868, Joseph Cephus Brewer was the third child of
Robert and Emiline Brewer. In his early years, he
attended the Salem Church School in the town of
Pageland. Later, in 1892, he married Emma Covington
with whom fourteen children were born and reared.
Before
her death, Mary Emiline Watts Brewer, his mother,
divided her land among her children. J. C. used his
portion to farm where he raised cotton, corn,
potatoes, wheat, and sugar cane to sell at market,
feed his family, and share with the community. The
advantage of a large family was apparent as crops
were sown and harvested. A few of Joe and Emma’s
children purport to have picked over 300 pounds of
cotton in one day! For two years, Joe ran a store at
the crossroads of what is now Brewer and Wesley
Chapel Roads. During its existence, all of his
children took turns attending the store.
Joe
and his siblings would visit each other often. They
loved to tease and would often tell tales about
various incidents that would occur, sometimes
stretching the truth a bit. Although fun loving,
their love for each other was obvious and their
upbringing in the church was an important part of
their lives. Joe was one of the original founders of
the Wesley Chapel Church, often referred to as
"Brewers' Chapel." He was very active in
the church and loved to lead all of the songs.
Education
was always stressed within the family. Despite its
large size, provisions were made for the children to
obtain schooling outside of the town of Pageland.
The children rotated to school during the year,
which left someone at home at all times to tend the
fields and harvest the crops. Many of Joe and Emma's
children later became educators and taught within
the community.
In
a time where family values and work ethics have
declined, the progeny of the Brewer family have
continued to hold steadfast. Although many of the
direct descendants of Joe Cephas Brewer are now
deceased (Henry, Preston, William, Etta, Hobart,
Jody, Arthur, Theodore and Dorothy), their legacy
remains. Dora, Lillie, Cassie, Thelma and Napoleon
provide living testimonials and models of character,
determination, hard work, and a love for God and
family. By their examples, subsequent generations
have been given the mold from which to pattern their
lives.
Children:
Henry, Preston, William, Etta, James, Joseph,
Hobart, Jody, Arthur, Theodore, Dorothy, Dora,
Cassie, Napoleon, Lillie and Thelma.
Grandchildren:
Arthelia, Arthur, Jr., Josef, Wayne Sr., Horace,
Doris, Mertis, Mildred, Clifford, Jocephus, William,
Virginia, Nelda, William, Patricia, Robert, Ronald,
Dorsey, Scott.
Great
Grandchildren: Wayne Jr, Leonardo,
Edricardo, Levanna, Cheryl, Oliver, Clarence, Roufette,
Shawn.
Great
Great Grandchildren: L, Marcus, Margretta,
Amanda, Eric, Kia, Charles, Brandon, Desteny, Jena,
Orietta, Kimberly, Kayce.
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