The History of the Yakima Valley, Washington, Comprising Yakima, Kittitas and
Benton Counties, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co., 1919, Volume II, page 670
A portrait of D. B. Greenwalt appears in this publication.

DAVID BENTON GREENWALT.

David Benton Greenwalt, deceased, was a successful rancher of Yakima county and
when sailed to his final rest his death was deeply deplored by all who knew him,
for his many sterling traits of character had gained for him warm friendship and
kindly regard. Mr. Greenwalt was born in Adams county, Illinois, December 21,
1860, a son of Abraham and Louise Greenwalt, who were pioneer people of that
state and were natives of Pennsylvania. They remained residents of Illinois
until 1870, when they removed to California, where they resided for some time
and then proceeded to Oregon. Finally in 1881 they brought their family to
Yakima county, the father taking up a homestead on the Ahtanum, where both he
and his wife passed away.

David Benton Greenwalt was a surveyor in young manhood and worked in that way
over the Lake Chelan country and in other new and undeveloped sections. He
afterwards pursued a commercial course at the Empire Business College in Walla
Walla and subsequently was appointed to the position of deputy auditor, which
office he filled acceptably for six years. In 1897 he removed to the farm of his
father-in-law, one of the old developed ranches on the Ahtanum, and he also
purchased more land until he had one hundred and fifteen acres in all. Upon this
place he raised hay and grain, also full blooded Holstein cattle and
successfully conducted a dairy business. In fact his farming and live stock
interests were most carefully and systematically carried on and his enterprise
brought to him a measure of success that was most desirable and creditable.

On the 6th of April, 1892, Mr. Greenwalt was united in marriage to Miss Mary E.
Crosno, a native of Clarke county, Washington, and a daughter of William P. and
Frances (Smith) Crosno, both of whom were natives of Illinois. The father was a
son of Reuben Crosno, who crossed the plains in 1865 and established his borne
in Clarke county, Washington, where he passed away. In June, 1868, William P.
Crosno arrived in Yakima county and took up government land on the Ahtanum,
being among the first white settlers of that region. His wife passed away in
1875, but he survived her for two decades and became a prominent rancher of his
community. He also served as county coroner and was in many ways prominently
identified with the development and progress of the region in which he made his
home. He assisted in establishing the first school of the district, building a
one-room log schoolhouse, in which his (laughter. Mrs. Greenwalt, was afterward
a teacher. In those early days he hauled his provisions and brought his mail
from. The Dalles, Oregon, a distance of one hundred miles. There were many
Indians in this part of the country and the wild regions and forests were rich
in game. He endured all of the hardships and privations of pioneer life but
aided in laying broad and deep the foundation upon which has been built the
present progress and prosperity of the county. He also assisted in organizing
the first church, which was of the United Brethren denomination. His entire
life was actuated by Christian teachings and the most honorable principles, and
he commanded the unqualified confidence and respect of those with whom he was
associated. He passed away in 1895 and thus was chronicled the death of one of
the most honored and valued pioneer settlers of the region. His daughter, Mrs.
Greenwalt, was the first teacher in the new schoolhouse, which was the second
schoolhouse in the Marks district. She taught two terms there and also taught
one term on the Cowiche and one term in Kittitas county.

To Mr. and Mrs. Greenwalt were born five children: Elliott, at home; Louise, who
studied music in the University of Washington; Charlotte, a teacher; William,
who is a student in Pullman College; and Oliver. All are yet under the parental
roof. David Benton Greenwalt passed away November 1, 1915. He was a progressive
and loyal citizen, a faithful friend and devoted husband and father, his best
traits of character being reserved for his own fireside. He served as school
director for fifteen years and was a stalwart champion of anything that had to
do with the progress and improvement of the schools. His political endorsement
was given to the republican party and his religious faith was that of the
Congregational church. His was an honorable and upright life and the sterling
qualities which he at all times displayed made his course one well worthy of
emulation. He left to his family not only a goodly property but also the
priceless heritage of an untarnished name.

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Submitted to the Washington Bios Project in December 2007 by Jeffrey L. Elmer.
Submitter has no additional information about the subject of this article.