July 17, 2004
Research Notes
David T. Boyett
Ancestry.com all boards search for Benton co fl
Hit #9
9. Re: Early Holmes (FL) Sheriff Killed In Duel
Author: Natalie Benton Date: 27 Dec 2002
Board: Boards > Surnames > Benton
Hi Gale, I have just recently become interested in Boney Benton as well. He is my great, great grandfather. I am new to researching my genelogoy so forgive my "layman" terms. I do know that ...
Re: Early Holmes (FL) Sheriff Killed In Duel
Author: Natalie Benton
Date: 27 Dec 2002 9:03 PM GMT
Classification: Query
In Reply to: Early Holmes (FL) Sheriff Killed In Duel by: Gale Wall
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Hi Gale,
I have just recently become interested in Boney Benton as well. He is my great, great grandfather. I am new to researching my genelogoy so forgive my "layman" terms. I do know that Boney's real name is John Franklin Benton and he died on July 13, 1923. He was married to Catherine "Kate" Brownell and they had 12 children. Three of the daughters that I'm aware of married Gillis'. Bell Benton (b. 8/20/1888 d. 5/1/53) married J.A. Gillis. I believe Bell was at least his second wife. By looking at tombstones in the Otter Creek Cemetery, I believe J.A. was married to Elizer Gillis before Bell. According to my third cousin, Roma Claire Spears, Boney's two younger daughters married J.A. Gillis' sons from an earlier marriage. Inez Benton (b. 1905 d. 1983) married John A. Gillis (b. 4/13/1897 d. 5/19/1964). Supposedly Mattie Benton also married one of J.A.'s sons and divorced him and then she married John Sellers on 12-12-06. If Mattie married a Gillis it couldn't have lasted long.
I don't know anything about John Franklin "Boney" Benton. According to Roma Claire she believes he may have come from North/South Carolina. I would love to hear anything you find out!
I hope this helps and isn't too confusing. Who is your great aunt?
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Natalie Benton
Early Holmes (FL) Sheriff Killed in Duel
Author: Gale Wall
Date: 17 Nov 2002 1:36 AM GMT
Surnames: Brownell, Benton
Classification: Query
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I have a newspaper article about Sheriff Daniel Jackson Brownell (1832-1872) being killed in a duel in Holmes County, FL. The article lists his wife and children. Daughter Kate married someone called Boney Benton. It is this family I'm looking to find more on.
I have been told Boney (found as Bonnie in 1920 census) was related to my line of Benton's.
Anyone connected to these families, please contact me.
Thank you,
Gale Stafford-Wall
kittykatcove@aol.com
Early Holmes (FL) Sheriff Killed In Duel
Author: Gale Wall
Date: 17 Nov 2002 8:29 PM GMT
Classification: Query
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I have a copy of this article on Daniel Jackson Brownell (1832 - 1872) that was sherriff of Holmes County and killed in a duel with someone named Boutwell.
The article mentions his family and a daughter named Kate that married Boney Benton. It is this family I am interested in learning more about. I have been told Boney somehow ties into my Benton family, but the family link is unknown.
I do know that this family ties into that of my great aunt that married a Gillis - on the Gillis side.
If you have researced this family, please contact me. I feel the missing piece of the puzzle is out there........somewhere.
Thanks,
Gale
Subj: Daniel Jackson Brownell
Date: 7/17/2004 5:10:09 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: David Boyett
To: Kittykatcove
Gale,
I noticed your posting and have a few questions.
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/message/an/surnames.benton/947
I an a police officer in Florida and would like to know more about the death of Daniel Brownell. Was he the Sheriff and was the death in the line of duty?
David Boyett
Ft. Lauderdale
Subj: Re: Daniel Jackson Brownell
Date: 7/17/2004 5:48:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: Kittykatcove
To: David Boyett
File: DJBrownell.jpg
David:
I haven't been able to connect this family to my own direct line, but Daniel Jackson Brownell is the GG grandfather of my Great Aunt's daughter, through her father's line. I have been trying to connect the Benton families to my own and through this Brownell family is a Benton marriage.[John F. AKA "Boney" Benton].
I am inserting and attaching the article that my cousin sent to me. It is dated 3/8/1979 from the Holmes County Advertiser. The author has also written a book on Holmes County.
Hope this helps and please let me know your interest.
Gale
132 Years ago.
Subj: Brownell Family
Date: 7/18/2004 12:13:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: David Boyett
To: cronkite@gtcom.net
Sue,
Thank you so much for the information on Sheriff Brownell and the phone number for one of his decendants.
I would appreciate a copy of the pages you mentioned.
David Boyett
This is a link to my recent research on an Officer Robert E. Yates, Police Officer killed in the line of duty, 1911. Click on the thumbnail for a larger view.
http://www.pbase.com/daveb/yates&page=all
This is a link to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington DC.
http://www.nleomf.com/
PS - The Geneva Co. sheriff has been honored:
J.C. Woodham (Sheriff)
Geneva Co. Sheriff's Dept., Geneva, Alabama
By Deputy Ben Berry, Hartford, AL USA
Sheriff Woodham was shot on August 7, 1957 while searching a vehicle involved in a Drug Store robbery. The Sheriff died three days later.
Subj: Re: Daniel Jackson Brownell
Date: 7/18/2004 12:45:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: David Boyett
To: Kittykatcove
Gale,
Thank you for the newspaper clipping on Sheriff Brownell. I am researching early day Florida Law Enforcement Officers killed in the line of duty, but not nationally recognized.
From your article I have talked with Sue Cronkite who republished a book written by Anna Wells (the by-line of your article) and also to Sheriff Brownell's Great Grandson John Brownell). My objective is to have Sheriff Brownells name added to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington DC. John Brownell also mentioned a published book named
Holmesteading by E.W. Carswell as the source for most of the early day information on settlers in Holmes Co.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~flholmes/voluntee.htm
David Boyett
Subj: Sheriff Daniel Jackson Brownell - Killed - Novermer 26, 1872
Date: 7/18/2004 6:44:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: David Boyett
To: Leesd@flcjn.net
File: OfficerDataFormBrownell.rtf
Dennis,
In case you decide to pursue, I have attached a draft for your use. This is a link to my research on Officer Robert E. Yates - 1911, Plant City. Click on thumbnails for viewing.
http://www.pbase.com/daveb/yates&page=all
While on the Yates research I noticed a March 8, 1979 article from the Holmes County Advertiser with an old photo of the sheriff. (see attached) The information is also reported by the Holmes County Historical Society. This research and publications by Anna P. Wells may be the necessary documentation needed by the memorial.
http://www.rootsweb.com/~flholmes/brownll.htm
I also talked with Sue Cronkite, former editor of the Geneva County Reaper. She has taken the book written by Anna Wells and re-published it at the request of the historical society. She also has the following book that contains some Brownell family information. Sue lives in Apalachicola and can be reached at 850-653-4808.
975.9965
Car
Fla
975.9965
C321
Carswell, Elba Wilson.
Holmesteading: A history of Holmes County, Florida.
Chipley: E.W. Carswell, 1986.
I also talked with two of the great grandsons who are very much convinced that their great grandfather was killed in the line of duty. They gave me the dates of the shooting and indicated that the incident was connected to a disturbance at the jail. The sheriff had responded after someone came to his house and told him that he was needed.
John Brownell, 850-956-xxxx
Rev. Dan Padgett, 850-956-xxxx
Rev. Padgett would like for you to give him a call. He said he had some records for you to come out and look at.
Please let me know if you need any additional information or if I can be of further assistance.
David Boyett
(O) 954-746-3363
Chief of Police
Sunrise, FL
Subj: Sheriff Lee
Date: 7/18/2004 6:53:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: David Boyett
To: cronkite@gtcom.net
Sue,
I talked with the sheriff and he will review the information for the memorial application. He is concerned about the documentation of the facts and wants to make sure the information is accurate. Do you have any thoughts on how to get more accurate information? The date of the shooting was November 26, 1872. Any chance that one of the historical societies in Holmes or even Geneva Co would have any additional information for the sheriff? How about the Reaper?
Please let anyone else at the Historical Society know that the information is needed for the memorial application.
Memorial information web-site:
http://www.nleomf.com/
David
Name: Daniel Brownell
Age: 18
Estimated Birth Year: 1831
Birth Place: Georgia
Gender: Male
Home in 1850
(City,County,State): Division 3, Walton, Florida
Page: 270
Roll: M432_59
1850 United States Federal Census
Name Age in
1850 Estimated
Birth Year Birth Place Gender Race Home in 1850
(City,County,State)
Anthony Brownell 45 1804 North Carolina Male Division 3, Walton, FL
Jane Brownell 35 1814 Georgia Female Division 3, Walton, FL
Daniel Brownell 18 1831 Georgia Male Division 3, Walton, FL
John Brownell 66 1783 Virginia Male Division 3, Walton, FL
Mary Brownell 66 1783 North Carolina Female Division 3, Walton, FL
1840 Census
Name: Brownell, A. H.
Township: Unknown Townships
County: Walton
State: Florida
Year: 1840
Roll: M704_36
Page: 5
Image: 8
AGE 30-40, ONE SON AGE 5-10, WIFE AGE 20-30
1860 United States Federal Census
Viewing records for: Brownell
Name Home in 1860
(City,County,State) Age in 1860 Estimated Birth Year Birthplace Gender
Daniel Brownell Not Stated, Holmes, FL 27 1832 Georgia Male
Christian Brownell Not Stated, Holmes, FL 24 1835 Flanders Female
John Brownell Not Stated, Holmes, FL 8 1851 Flanders Male
Porter Brownell Not Stated, Holmes, FL 6 1853 Flanders Male
Angus D Brownell Not Stated, Holmes, FL 4 1855 Flanders Male
Edward Brownell Not Stated, Holmes, FL 1 1858 Flanders Male
Name: ANTHONY BROWNELL
State: FL
County: Walton County
Township: 3rd Div
Year: 1850
Record Type: Slave Schedule
Page: 959
Database: FL 1850 Slave Schedule
Name: Daniel J Brownelle
Age in 1870: 35
Estimated Birth Year: 1834
Birthplace: Georgia
Home in 1870: Not Stated, Holmes, Florida
Race: White
Gender: Male
Value of real estate: View Image
Post Office: Miller
Roll: M593_130
Page: 158
Image: 318
Year: 1870
1870 United States Federal Census
Viewing records 1-12 of 12 matches for:
Brownelle
Name Home in 1870
(City, County, State) Age in
1870 Estimated
Birth Year Birthplace Race Gender
Allen H Brownelle Not Stated, Holmes, FL 3 1866 Florida White Male
Angus D Brownelle Not Stated, Holmes, FL 13 1856 Florida White Male
Anthony H Brownelle Not Stated, Holmes, FL 60 1809 North Carolina White Male
Catherine Brownelle Not Stated, Holmes, FL 7 1862 Florida White Female
Christian D Brownelle Not Stated, Holmes, FL 35 1834 Florida White Female
Daniel J Brownelle Not Stated, Holmes, FL 35 1834 Georgia White Male
Daniel P Brownelle Not Stated, Holmes, FL 15 1854 Florida White Male
Edward Brownelle Not Stated, Holmes, FL 11 1858 Florida White Male
Frances Brownelle Not Stated, Holmes, FL 4 1865 Florida White Female
Harriet Brownelle Not Stated, Holmes, FL 26 1843 Alabama White Female
John M Brownelle Not Stated, Holmes, FL 17 1852 Florida White Male
Mary J Brownelle Not Stated, Holmes, FL 9 1860 Florida White Female
Subj: Sheriff Daniel Jackson Brownell - Holmes Co. - Killed November 26, 1872
Date: 10/17/2004 3:15:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: David Boyett
To: Leesd@flcjn.net, cronkite@gtcom.net, Kittykatcove, Crazyformygolden, Publisher@chipleypaper.com
It will be 132 years this November that Sheriff Brownell was shot and killed while performing his duties as Sheriff in Cerro Gordo. After talking with descendants of Sheriff Brownell and local Holmes County Historians, it would be appropriate to obtain national recognition for his services to Holmes County.
I have finished my research on Sheriff Jackson and the information is currently under review by the Officer Down Memorial Committee. I expect approval within a few weeks. At that time a memorial page will be dedicated to the Sheriff for his ultimate sacrifice in service to his community.
As of this date the sheriff has never received national recognition for his line of duty death in 1872.
Memorial information web-site: http://www.nleomf.com/
Once the application has been approved by the Officer Down Memorial, I will ask Sheriff Lee to support the application to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington, DC.
No officer killed in the line of duty should ever be forgotten. I will keep you updated as to the approval status.
You can review the updated information at:
http://www.pbase.com/daveb/brownell
David Boyett
Ft. Lauderdale
954-746-3363
Subj: Sheriff Brownell - Holmes Co. FL
Date: 10/17/2004 3:56:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: David Boyett
To: Publisher@chipleypaper.com
Moe,
Hopefully you received my email concerning the application to the National Law Enforcement Memorial for Sheriff Brownell who was killed in 1872.
I came across the information while doing some of my family research and noticed that no state or national recognition had ever been pursued for Sheriff Brownell. I have been a police officer for 33 years and believe that no officer's death should be forgotten. I am currently the Chief of Police in Sunrise, FL.
I used several of your local citizens to obtain information for the application. Perhaps your readers would be interested in this bit of Holmes County History and the pending application.
Sue Cronkite
Former editor of the Geneva County Reaper and local historian.
850-653-xxxx
Descendants of Sheriff Brownell
John Brownell, 850-956-xxxx
Rev. Dan Padgett, 850-956-xxxx
David Boyett
Ft. Lauderdale
Maurice (Moe) Pujol
Editor & Publisher
(850) 638-0212 ext. 11
http://www.bonifaynow.com/contacts.html
Sheriff Daniel Jackson Brownell
Holmes County Sheriff's Department
Florida
End of Watch: November 26, 1872
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 10 Years
Cause of Death: Duel
Date of Incident: November 26, 1872
Weapon Used: Handgun; Pistol
Suspect Info: Killed
Sheriff Brownell was first elected Sheriff in 1857. His office was suspended by Marshal Law during the Civil War (1860-1865). During this time he served as Clerk of the Court and member of the Home Guard, C.S.A. After the war he was re-elected and served as Sheriff until he was shot and killed in 1872.
Sheriff Brownell was at home with his family during the evening hours. Someone came to his home and advised him of a disturbance at the county jail in Cerro Gordo. Sheriff Brownell mounted his horse and rode the few miles into town responding to the call for assistance.
Upon arrival at the jail the sheriff encountered the man creating the disturbance resulting in a duel. Both the Sheriff and suspect died as a result of the duel. Sheriff Brownell was survived by his wife and six children.
Subj: Sheriff Daniel Jackson Brownell
Date: 10/28/2004 11:15:16 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: David Boyett
To: h.advertiser@mchsi.com
Cc: Kittykatcove, cronkite@gtcom.net, Crazyformygolden
http://chipleypaper.com/contacts.html
Jay,
The Officer Down Memorial has been approved and posted Sheriff Brownell's page (recognized 132 years after his death). This is the memorial site and if you come across a photo they need one for the page. The one I had was too dark.
http://www.odmp.org/officer.php?oid=17482
This is the location of the supporting documents:
http://www.pbase.com/daveb/brownell
Select thumbnail and right click to print or save
Your local contacts:
Former editor of the Geneva County Reaper
Sue Cronkite
Apalachicola, FL 32320
850-653-
John Brownell 850-956- Great Grandson
Rev. Dan Padgett 850-956- Great Grandson
Sheriff Dennis Lee
Holmes County Sheriff’s Office
850-547-3681
Let me know if you need any additional information. Also please send me a copy of the article when it runs.
David
PS - Although not a relative of Sheriff Brownell, his death as a fellow law enforcement officer will not be forgotten by me or my family. As I celebrate my upcoming birthday on November 26, my family will remember this incident that occurred 132 years ago on November 26, in Holmes Co. FL.
David Boyett
Chief of Police
Sunrise, FL
Sheriff Daniel Jackson Brownell
Holmes County Sheriff's Department
Florida
End of Watch: November 26, 1872
Age: 40
Tour of Duty: 10 Years
Cause of Death: Duel
Date of Incident: November 26, 1872
Weapon Used: Handgun; Pistol
Suspect Info: Killed
Sheriff Brownell was first elected Sheriff in 1857. His office was suspended by Marshal Law during the Civil War (1860-1865). During this time he served as Clerk of the Court and member of the Home Guard, C.S.A. After the war he was re-elected and served as Sheriff until he was shot and killed in 1872.
Sheriff Brownell was at home with his family during the evening hours. Someone came to his home and advised him of a disturbance at the county jail in Cerro Gordo. Sheriff Brownell mounted his horse and rode the few miles into town responding to the call for assistance.
Upon arrival at the jail the sheriff encountered the man creating the disturbance resulting in a duel. Both the Sheriff and suspect died as a result of the duel. Sheriff Brownell was survived by his wife and six children.
Subj: Re: Sheriff Daniel Jackson Brownell
Date: 10/28/2004 11:28:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: Kittykatcove
To: David Boyett, h.advertiser@mchsi.com
Cc: cronkite@gtcom.net, Crazyformygolden
David:
Thanks for the hard work you put into this. I too would appreciate a copy of the article to share with my family that descends from the Brownell's.
Regards,
Gale Stafford-Wall
Olathe, KS 66062
