GREENAWALT, GEORGE W. - There are some names that are indissolubly connected with the history of Sangamon County, their representatives having come here in early days, conquered the wilderness and left behind them reliable men to support the government they made possible. The Greenawalt family is one of those known from one end of the county to the other, and one of its members who is a solid citizen and excellent farmer, is George W. Greenawalt, of Pawnee Township. He was born in Kentucky, November 12, 1847, a son of the pioneer Louis B. and his wife Polly (Holloway) Greenawalt, both born in Kentucky. The paternal grandfather was one of those sturdy old Germans who came first to Kentucky, and thence to Sangamon County, making his home with his son Louis B., until his death, which occurred when he had attained the extreme age of ninety-two years. The maternal grandfather was a prosperous farmer of Kentucky, where he died. Louis B. Greenawalt brought his family to Sangamon County in 1852, and spent a useful but uneventful life in this locality, dying at an advanced age. His remains were interred in the Baptist Cemetery, but his wife was buried in Oak Ridge Cemetery.
George W. Greenawalt spent a useful boyhood on the homestead, attending the Oak Ridge School. From the time he was able to assist his father his interest centered in farming, and he has followed that calling all his life. His fine farm of 200 acres in Pawnee Township is rated as one of the best in the county.
Mr. Greenawalt was married in Springfield, by Squire S. B. Brock, on February 24, 1874, to Mary C. Landrey, born in Indiana March 26, 1853, daughter of Joseph M. and Adaline (Bowers) Landrey, the former born in Ohio, January 22, 1827, and the latter in Indiana, July 27, 1830. The grandparents on both sides were farmers. Mr. and Mrs. Greenawalt have had five children: Pearl, died in infancy; Laura, born December 17, 1874, married Owen Molohon of Pawnee, one child, Phinas, eight years old; Addie, born November 28, 1879, at home; Charles, born July 12, 1881, at home; Ollie, born August 16, 1883, married Fred Ketterer, of Pawnee, no issue.
Like other members of his family, Mr. Greenawalt is a very stanch Democrat and is active in his party. Fraternally he belongs to the Modern Woodmen and Loyal Americans. The Methodist Church claims his membership. He is a man of high moral character and he and his wife are important factors in their church and community. They have brought up a nice family and are proud of them and their grandchildren. Their pleasant home is the scene of many delightful social gatherings and both are never as happy as when extending hospitality to their hosts of friends.