John Brower of New York City, Will, 1812

Digital images of the will of John Brower of New York City, have been placed online.

John Brower was baptized on September 9, 1733 at the New York Reformed Dutch Church, as Johannes, the son of Samuel Brouwer and Maria Hartje. He is a great-great-grandson of Adam Brouwer and Magdalena Verdon. John Brower was married on November 26, 1760 at the New York Reformed Dutch Church to Antje Lozier, a daughter of Benjamin Lozier and Dina de Groot. They had seven children baptized at the New York Reformed Dutch Church between 1760 and 1779. Of these, the first child, Maria, died very young, while four others, Benjamin, Beiltje, Tryntje and Samuel are not mentioned in the will. Only two daughters, Maria and Dina are named in the will.

The will dated November 10, 1812, was proved October 14, 1815 in the New York County Surrogate's Court. It is recorded in volume 52, page 422, and the images are from FHL film #0874536. He styles himself, "John Brower of the City of New York, gentleman," and mentions his wife, Anne Brower; Mary Anderson, "whom I have brought up, and who now lives with me"; daughter Mary, the wife of Benjamin Romaine of New York City, gentleman; and daughter Dinah, wife of Peter Walker of New York City, "taylor," and their heirs. His wife, Ann, was appointed as executrix, with "respected friends," Peter Talman of Tappan in Rockland County, merchant, and Peter H. Wendover, of New York City, sailmaker, as executors. Witnesses were Cornelius Van Valen, David Quackenbush, physician, and Adolph Brower.

Details and sources for the family of John Brower (Johannes Brouwer) can be found on the Brouwer Genealogy Database website. Additional info on some descendants of daughter Maria Brower and her husband Benjamin Romaine will be added the next time the website is updated.

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