The Robert and Emiline Brewer Family Website

Submitted by Dr. Arthelia Brewer

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, 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, Joseph, Hobart, Arthur, Theodore, Dorothy, Dora, Cassie, Napoleon, Lillie, and Thelma.

Grandchildren: Arthelia, Arthur, Jr., Josef Carroll, Wayne Sr., Horace, Doris, Mertis, Mildred, Clifford, Jocephus, William, Virginia, Nelda, William, Patricia, Robert, Ronald, Dorsey and 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 and Kayce.