An Illustrated History of the State of Washington, by Rev. H.K. Hines, D.D., The Lewis Publishing Co., Chicago, IL., 1893, page 496 D.T. DREWRY, a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser near Olympia, and one of the oldest pioneers of Washington, was born in Kentucky November 6, 1836. He is essentially a self-made man, having been left an orphan at the early age of six, and his career may well serve as an example to all poor and deserving young men as illustrating what industry and perseverance can accomplish. His parents, S.O. and Elizabeth Drewry, died in Kentucky, after which the subject of this sketch made his borne with an uncle, who resided on a farm in Nodaway county, Missouri. While there he was engaged in farm work and in attendance at the district schools, when, on arriving at young manhood he began working for himself, being variously employed until he was seventeen years of age. Having by this time heard of the marvelous opportunities of the Northwest, he left Missouri on May 1, 1853, for this untried land. He crossed the plains, and in August of the same year arrived in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, where he secured work. He remained here but a short time, however, and we next find him in Olympia, Washington. Having crossed the plains with Colonel William Cock, Mr. Drewry now commenced work for that gentleman as a carpenter, to assist in building a hotel in Olympia known as the Pacific House, in which Mr. Drewry remained in the employ of Colonel Cock for more than two years. He was then employed with a surveying party for a few months, after which, in 1855, he joined a company of rangers, under command of Captain C. Eaton, and served in the ranks two months, and afterward in the Commissary department for about three months. This was during the Indian war in Washington Territory. After the war, Mr. Drewry worked at general labor around Olympia and in Thurston county for about three years, being engaged during the year 1857 on a farm owned by Smith Weed, situated seven miles from Olympia. He was married in 1858 to Emeline Weed, his employer's daughter, a native of Connecticut, born in 1841. Her parents also were both natives of that State, her mother's maiden name having been Abigail Simmons. Smith Weed died in 1875; his widow yet lives and makes her home with the subject of this sketch, who has a large farm, well stocked with cattle and horses. During his residence on the farm, he was at one time for three years interested largely in a livery barn in Olympia, but now devotes his entire attention to his agricultural and stock interests. He has three sons: A.D., E.V. and H.O., the last being the only one who is married. Thus briefly are given the leading events of an eminently useful life, whose efforts have all been along the line of self-improvement and benefit to his fellow men. Submitted to the WA. Bios Project in October 2003 by Jeffrey L. Elmer * * * * Notice: These biographies were transcribed for the Washington Biographies Project. Unless otherwise stated, no further information is available on the individual featured in the biographies.