Brower/Brewer Guardianships in Montgomery County, New York

Letters of Guardianship for Montgomery County, New York can be found online at FamilySearch.org in their collection titled "New York Probate Records, 1629-1971," under Montgomery County. Volume 1 and volume 2 are combined in one film. There is no alphabetical index for volume 1, however, at the end of the volume is a list, arranged in order of appearance in volume 1, of the names of the minors involved. In other words, by page number, so we'll have to look through these pages to find the Browers and Brewers. The "index" begins here at image 183 of the digitized film. Volume 2 does have a traditional index, arranged alphabetically, at the front of volume 2 (A's are at image 192). The index for volume 2, 1838-1862, of Montgomery County Letters of Guardianship has six entries of interest.

Starting with Volume 1, 1825-1838

Pages 6-7. Dated 24 January 1826. Guardianship of Sally and Margaret Brower, infant children and heirs of William Brower, deceased. Polly Thayer, mother of Sally and Margaret, petitions the court, asking that John P. Demarest of the Town of Broadalbin be appointed guardian. William Brower died in late 1814 after being accidentally shot by his brother-in-law David Demarest. His wife was Maria Demarest, daughter of Petrus Demarest and Sara Demarest (cousins). She married second, Reuben Thayer. William is most certainly the son of Jacob Brouwer and Margitta Triet.

Page 44. 13 April 1827. Guardianship of William Brewer, Lawrence Brewer, Clark Brewer and Cordelia Brewer, children of Peter Brewer, deceased. The children are described as infants all under the age of fourteen. Mercy Brewer, their mother, petitions for William Brewer of Amsterdam to be appointed guardian. This family is not found on the Brouwer Genealogy Database. My assumption would be that Peter Brewer, is the Peter Brewer of Amsterdam whose estate was administered on 19 December 1826. See the post of November 9, 2018. My suggestion in that post is that this Peter Brewer was the son of William Brewer (whose wife was Annatje DeLong), who is found in Amsterdam, New York in 1810, and in 1820 (as William Brower, although the U. S. census for this year is of poor quality). I do not find William in Amsterdam on the 1830 U. S. census, but he is found in Copley, Summit Co., Ohio in 1840. See William Brewer on the BGD for what (incomplete) info I have on him.

Page 246 (scroll to the bottom of the page). Dated 3 September 1835. Elizabeth Brower, Jacob Brower and David Saltzman, executrix and executors of the last will and testament of Cornelius Brower late of the Town of Palatine, ask for Adam H. Van Wyck, to be appointed guardian for the minor children and heirs of Cornelius Brower, namely William Henry Brower, John Brower, Margaret Brower and Aaron Brower. Cornelis Brower, born 16 April 1770, was a son of Harmanus Brower and Margariet Ekker. As mentioned on the November 9, 2018 post where you will find an abstract of Cornelius' will, his profile on the BGD is incomplete. It appears that a second daughter Margaret, probably born in the early 1820s, should be added to Cornelius' family.

Found in Volume 2, 1838-1862 (index at image 193)

Page 13 (scroll to the bottom). 3 January 1839. David Brower appears before the court. Alida Brower widow of Peter Brower late of the Town of Mohawk, deceased intends to petition the Surrogate's Court for admeasurement of her dower in certain lands and tenements of the said Peter Brower. And whereas John Henry Brower an heir of said deceased is a minor, the court then appoints said David Brower as guardian for John Henry Brower. Administration on the estate of Peter Brower of Mohawk was granted on 23 November 1838 to David Brower and Harman DeWandelaer (see November 9, 2018). His son John Henry Brower was born 13 February 1826 and his record of baptism at the Caughnawaga Reformed Church in Fonda, New York, gives his parents as Peter Brower and Harrietta Enders (Kelly, Arthur C.M.. Baptism Record of Caughnawaga Reformed Church, Fonda, New York. Rhinebeck, New York: Arthur C.M. Kelly, 1985, p. 242, no. 5469). Apparently Harrietta (or Henrietta) died and Peter remarried Alida whose family name I have not identified. It appears that John Henry Brower is Peter's only child. Also see page 29, where, on 15 February 1840, Harman DeWandelaer of Mohawk is appointed guardian of John Henry Brower, a minor above the age of fourteen.

Page 75. 23 December 1841. Whereas Harman H. Brower, executor of the last will and testament of Harman Brower, late of the town of Palatine, deceased, intends to make an application to have the will proved. And whereas Shadrach Brower, an heir of Harman Brower is a minor. Charles Miller is appointed guardian for said minor, Shadrach Brower.

Page 134. 7 February 1845. William H. Brower, a minor above the age of 14, and a resident of Montgomery County, nominates Lawrence Marcellus to be appointed his guardian. Although neither of his parents are named in this record, William H. Brower is most certainly William Henry Brower, son of Cornelius Brower and Elizabeth Staller, who was born 8 February 1825, and had not yet attained the age of 21 when this appointment occurred. See Volume 1, page 246 above.

The above only covers what is found in volumes 1 and 2 which covers the years 1825 to 1862. Volume 3 picks up with 1862 but I will not be searching these records. It appears that there is no index for volume 3. Beyond page 110 of volume 3 the pages are not numbered.

A note on a couple of important terms found in the guardianship records. This is for the benefit of those who might be new to this type of research. Specifically the terms "Infant" and "Guardian." Both are used in these records in the legal sense, so to speak. Nowadays we would think of an infant as a child under the age of one year or so, or at least to describe a child who is not yet walking on his or her own, at which point we then generally refer to the child as a "toddler." In the legal parlance of the day, an "Infant" was a minor under the age of 14. Generally a guardian would be appointed for such a child by the court who often followed the request of a surviving parent. Once having attained the age of 14, a child was still a minor, but at that point would have the ability to request, him or herself, from the court, the appointment of some specific guardian. Perhaps one who was different from a previously appointed guardian. A "Guardian" in turn did not take custody of a child for whom they were guardian, nor were they charged with raising the child. They were simply an adult who would be responsible for representing the child before the court in legal matters, particularly those involved in the settlement of the estate in which the minor child was an heir and had a legal interest. A guardian could petition the court on behalf of the minor. A child represented by a guardian often did not live with their guardian, although they may have if both of the child's parents were deceased. Often the guardian was a close relation of a child's mother, especially if she was still living.

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David Brewer/Brower - Land Records of Montgomery and Fulton Counties, New York

At the end of the November 13, 2018 post we mention numerous deeds found in Montgomery and Fulton Counties, New York, which involve a David Brewer. Let's take a look at them here. Arranged here chronologically by the date of the deed. Links to the indexes for land records in Montgomery and Fulton Counties, New York can be found on this page.

21 January 1828. Montgomery Co. 27:503. John Cameron and Catharine his wife of the first part, to David Brewer "of the town and county aforesaid" (although no town or county was previously mentioned) of the second part. For $1100, "all that one equal fourth part, piece or parcel of land," being in the Town of Florida, county of Montgomery. Bounded by the Mohawk River on the north, by Rufus Truesdale and Caleb Billings, deceased, on the east, on the south by Don Carlos Burt and John Snook, and on the west by John Wemple, containing 209 acres "more or less as the same was possessed by Coll McGregor in his lifetime." Recorded 11 May 1830.

13 May 1829. Montgomery Co. 29:23. David Brewer and Maria his wife of the Town of Florida (of the first part) to Don C. Bent of the same place (of the second part). For $154, a parcel of land in the town and county aforesaid beginning at the line of a lot owned by Henry Mallory, east to the land of said Bent...land of Duncan McGregor. Eight acres more or less. Signed by David Brewer and Maria Brewer (her mark) in the presence of Deodatus Wright and Timothy Downs. Recorded 5 march 1831.

1 October 1830. Montgomery Co. 29:21. David Brewer and Maria his wife of the Town of Florida (first part) to Don C. Bent of the same place (second part). For $125, a parcel of land in Florida, Montgomery Co., bounded south by the highway, west by the lands of George Smith the taylor (sic), north by land leased by Peter Newkirk of Orphrius Brockway, east by lands of Warren H. Curtiss, being about three fourths of an acre more or less. Signed by David Brewer and Maria Brewer (mark) in the presence of Henry H. Belding. Recorded 5 March 1831.

2 March 1833. Fulton Co. 11:13 and Montgomery Co. 35:31. The later record is easier to read. David Brower and Betsey his wife of Broadalbin, of the first part, to Allen Burr of the same place, of the second part. For $200, a parcel of land being ten acres out of the north east corner of that certain farm situated in Broadalbin aforesaid heretofore belonging to Jacob Brower and now owned by the said parties of the first part... The description of boundaries includes land bounded by Welcome Capron. Recorded 21 May 1834.

6 February 1835. Montgomery Co. 43:24. David Brower of the Town of Johnstown to John J. Brower of the same place. For consideration of $170, a parcel in the Town of Johnstown beginning at a stake on the division line of William H. Brower and David Brower...to a line between John Fisher and David Brower...to a beech tree between John J. Brower and David Brower...to the beginning containing four acres. Signed by David Brower in the presence of John Morrell. Recorded 10 March 1838.

1 April 1836. Fulton Co. 13:289 and Montgomery Co. 42:457. Peter Ferguson and Amanda his wife, of Broadalbin, to David Brower of the same place. Dated 1 April 1836. For $1000, a parcel of land in Broadalbin, being a part of Lot no. 164 in Glens Patent. The boundary description references David Brower's line.

1 April 1836. Montgomery Co. 39:77. David Brower & Betsey his wife of Broadalbin, to Charles Sunderlin of the same place. For consideration of $500, a piece of land in Broadalbin bounded on the north by Ira Wells' lot, on the east by the highway, on the south by David Demarest's lot, on the west by Isaac R. Roads' land, containing one acre. "Yielding and paying thereto annually to the heirs or assigns of David Campbell original leasor of said premises a certain rent as the same is reserved in the original lease..." Recorded 21 May 1836.

13 October 1837. Montgomery Co. 47:374-375. Timothy Truesdale, Clarissa Truesdale, Rufus Truesdale by his guardian David Brewer, David Brewer & Elizabeth Brewer of Florida, and James Billings and Jane Billings of the same place for consideration of the sum of $100 paid by William Billings...a certain piece of land in Florida, "being that portion of the farm of which Caleb Billings died seized described in a map executed by John L. Frost surveyor on the 21st day of October 1837 as lot number three...containing seven and nine tenths acres...in testimony whereof the said Timothy Truesdale, Clarissa Truesdale, Rufus Truesdale, Hannah Truesdale, Hiram Billings and Syman R. Billings by his guardian David Brewer & David Brewer & Elizabeth Brewer & James Billings & Jane Billings have hereto set their hands and seals..." Acknowledged by those who signed on 31 March 1844. Recorded 26 June 1844.

13 October 1837. Montgomery Co. 47:375-376. Same parties as in the deed above (47:374-75) including David Brewer & Elizabeth Brewer, convery to Hiram Billings, a parcel of the farm in Florida formerly of Caleb Billings, identified as lot number five. Acknowledged 31 March 1844. Recorded 26 June 1844. Two more deeds follow. On pages 376-377, the grantee is Rufus Truesdale, and on pages 377-378, the grantee is Timothy Truesdale.

13 August 1838. Montgomery Co. 44:17-18. David Brewer of the Town of Florida, to George W. Merwin of the same place. For $200, a parcel of land in Florida, "being part of the farm owned and occupied by the party of the first part" (David Brewer). The boundary description begins at a point on the south side of the Erie Canal. Recorded 3 October 1838.

4 December 1840. Montgomery Co. 46:543. Harman J. Brower of the Town of Lowville, Lewis Co., New York and Agness his wife of the first part, to David Brower of Mohawk in Montgomery County of the second part. For the sum of $55, a parcel of land being the northern most part of the farm which Harman De Wandeler formerly owned being in the town of Mohawk in the county of Montgomery...beginning at the western boundary line of a farm formerly belonging to Daniel Fisher now belonging to Albert Slingerland...to the lands formerly of Peter A. Couyue & Deborah his wife but now of the lands of one Williams...to the place of beginning...being a part and parcel of the farm of which John Brower late of the Town of Mohawk died seized and contains twenty acres and a half. Recorded 5 December 1840.

17 December 1844. Montgomery Co. 51:213. David Brewer of the Town of Florida of the first part (grantor) to Garret V. Putman of Amsterdam, of the second part (grantee). For the sum of $1000, a parcel of land in Florida bounded on the west by Alexander McGregor, on the south by John and William McClumphy, on the east by Daniel McMichael, and "by the lands of the party of the second part heretofore conveyed to him by the party of the first part." On the south by the highway leading from Henry Mallorys to Schoharie Creek and by the Mohawk River. This being land heretofore conveyed by John Cameron and Catharine his wife to David Brewer by deed dated 21 January 1828...and reserving eight acres previously conveyed by David Brewer to Don C. Bent... David Brewer signs with his mark in the presence of James Voorhees. Recorded 18 December 1844.

4 June 1845. Montgomery Co. 53:282. Samuel Sweet and Dianna his wife, of the Florida, Montgomery County, to David Brewer of the same place. For $300, a parcel of land in the Town of Florida, bounded on the north by the Erie Canal, east by the lands of Timothy Truesdell, south and west by the lands of Rufus Truesdell, containing about eight acres of land, being real estate conveyed by deed of Waterman Sweet and Elizabeth his wife to Samuel Sweet in 1836, recorded in Book 46, page 529. Recorded 8 July 1846.

2 January 1847. Montgomery Co. 54:170-71. Erie Canal Enlargement. Claim of Garret V. Putman and David Brewer for canal damages to premises in Florida, Montgomery County on the 27th of June 1845. Mentions a previous judgement of 17 December 1844. David Brewer owned the premises up to 18 July 1842 and since then they have been owned in fee by Garret V. Putman. The property is described and those bounding the property are Rufus Truesdale, John McClumpha and Archibald McGregor. The property is bounded on the north by the Mohawk River. Includes drawings of the property. Recorded 20 February 1847.

11 March 1848. Montgomery Co. 55:512. Symon J. Veeder and Margaret his wife of Mohawk, to David Brower of the same place. For $2250, a parcel of land in a patent granted to John, Margaret and Edward Collins on the line of a patent granted to Hendrick Hanson being in the Town of Mohawk being part also of the Buttes patent...beginning at a line between William Brower and John S. Veeders west line along Switcher Hill road...containing fifty acres, being the same piece of land conveyed by John S. Veeder to Symon J. Veeder. Recorded 18 March 1848.

14 December 1855. Montgomery Co. 66:623. John Campbell of the Town of Mohawk to David Brower of the same place. For $3434, a parcel of land in the town of Mohawk being a part of the farm conveyed by Jeremiah Williams and wife to the said John Campbell, to which piece intended to be conveyed, bounded west by the lands of Ezra Getman and by the lands of William H. Brower and by the lands of the party of the second part (David Brower) and by the lands of Charles Youngs... Recorded 14 December 1855.

14 December 1855. Montgomery Co. 67:285. David Brower and Rebecca his wife of the Town of Mohawk, to Charles Young of the town aforesaid. For $1000, a parcel of land in the town of Mohawk bounded as follows...beginning at a corner between Ezra Getman, John Campbell and Charles Youngs, running along the bounds of Ezra Getman's north...containing twenty-two acres (plus). Witness: John Emerson. Recorded 5 April 1856.

27 January 1858. Fulton Co. 23:408. Nathaniel Brower of Gloversville, to David Brower of Broadalbin, for the consideration of nine hundred dollars, a piece of land in Gloversville, bounded as follows - commencing at the northwest corner of a lot owned by Abram D. Brower or lately owned by him, On the east side of School Street, running easterly to the lot owned by Oliver Collins... This land conveyed to Nathaniel Brower on 21 July 1856 by H. Churchill. Recorded 28 January 1858. The deed referenced is found in Fulton Co. Deeds 23:354, the grantors are "Henry Churchill Sybil E. his wife Allen C. Churchill Caroline his wife and U. S. Campbell Catharine A. his wife." A lack of punctuation here calls for care in reading this deed. All are of Gloversville. The lot owned by Abram D. Brower is mentioned here as well.

13 January 1864. Fulton Co. 29:485. David Brower, executor, of Broadalbin (and) Nancy Van Vranken, of Johnstown, executrix of the last will and testament of Peter Van Vranken of Broadalbin, to Daniel Cole of Broadalbin. By virtue of the power of authority given by the will together with a contract made July 14, 1855 by said Peter Van Vranken with Daniel Coles and for the consideration of three hundred dollars...all that certain parcel of land in the town of Broadalbin distinguished as part of lot number 16 in a patent granted to John Glenn and others. (Description of property). Signed David Brower and Nancy Van Vranken in the presence of H. G. Hawley. Recorded 2 February 1864.

5 July 1864. Montgomery Co. 77:450. John H. Brower of the Town of Mohawk, to David Brower of the same town. For $800, a parcel of land in the Town of Mohawk, bounded on the north by Michael Plantz, on the south by the lands of the party of the first part (John H. Brower), on the east by the lands of Michael Saffer and James Hough and on the west by the lands of William Brower, the said parcel being conveyed by Charles P. Chase and wife and William McClary and wife to the party of the first part (John H. Brower) on 23 January 1864 (Montgomery Co. 76:406). Recorded 5 November 1864.

27 March 1867. Fulton Co. 34:436. David Corwin and Sophia his wife of Worcester, Otsego County, New York, to David Brower of Fulton County. For consideration of $1350, a parcel of land in the Village of Gloversville, bounded on the west by the lands of David Schoonmaker, on the south by lands formerly owned by Sylvester Ferguson, on the east by the lands of Charles Windaas, on the north by Washington Street, with appurtenances. Recorded 12 August 1864.

13 March 1867. Montgomery Co. 81:190-91 (starts at the very bottom of page 190). David Brower of the Town of Mohawk and Rebecca his wife (party of the first part), to Adam Plantz (party of the second part) of the same town. For $1188, a parcel of land in Mohawk, bounded on the north by the lands of Michael Plantz, on the east by the lands of the party of the second part (Adam Plantz), on the south by the lands of John H. Brower and on the west by the lands of the heirs of William H. Brower, deceased, and containing twenty nine acres and a half. Recorded 1 April 1867.

3 April 1867. Fulton Co. 37:410. David Brower and Betsey Brower of the Town of Broadalbin (party of the first part), to Margaret Fuller of Galway. For $2800, land situated in Broadalbin, lying north of the village of Fondasbush, being premises the party of the first part now occupy. Bounded on the west by the plank road leading from the village of Fondasbush to the Fish house, on the south by the lands of Henry Briggs and Timothy Cornwell and the heirs of John Vanderworken, dec'd, on the east by the lands of William Dingman and the lands of R. R. Marsh, on the north by the lands of R. R., containing seventy acres more or less. "The above premises is more particularly described in a deed of conveyance executed by Jacob Brower and Margaret Brower to the party of the first part," in a deed dated 11 February 1832, and also by conveyance by deed executed by Peter Ferguson and Amanda Ferguson to the party of the first part, dated 1 April 1836, and one other conveyance by deed executed by Charles Brockway to the party of the first part, 7 November 1840. Signed by David and Betsey Brower in the presence of Wm. H. Halladay. Recorded 21 July 1869.

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E-BY52668, A New Sub-Clade For Descendants of Adam Brouwer

Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) has identified a new haplogroup, E-BY52668, based on the results of advanced Y-DNA testing (the BigY-500 test). E-BY52668 is a sub-clade of E-BY6201 which is a haplogroup that has been identified exclusively by the Y-DNA testing of known descendants of Adam Brouwer of Gowanus, L. I.

The new sub-clade can be seen under BY-6201 on Family Tree DNA's Public Haplotree here (hit that little + icon on the left).

E-BY52668 was identified by the comparison of the tests of two descendants of Adam Brouwer. One of the participants can trace is ancestry directly back to Adam Brouwer through Adam Brouwer's great-grandson Nicholas Brouwer (1714-1777) who lived most of his life in Dutchess County, New York at Wappingers Falls, and was married twice, first to Mary Dutcher and second to Sarah Drake. Nicholas had a large family, in effect two families, of thirteen children, six by his first wife and seven by his second wife. Some day we'll have to write up a more detailed post of Nicholas Brouwer. For now here is a chart of Nicholas Brouwer's ancestors, and here is chart is of Nicholas' known children and grandchildren (more work needs to be done here especially with the grandchildren).

Nicholas Brouwer's father was Adolphus Brouwer (1693-1742), and Hank Graham, administrator of the Brewer DNA Project, tells us that the SNP E-BY52668 appeared in the combined lines of the two individuals tested, "no earlier than Adolphus Brouwer (1693-1742)."

The second tested descendant can presently trace is paternal ancestry back only to Charles H. Brower (1820-1860) who lived in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I mentioned Charles H. Brower in the post of November 8, 2018, "Caleb Pell Brower and Caleb S. Brower." Caleb Pell Brower is a grandson of Nicholas Brouwer (1714-1777) and a great grandson of Adolphus Brouwer (1693-1742). Caleb Pell Brower has also been claimed as the father of Charles H. Brower in a submission to the Family History Library (you may need to be signed in to FamilySearch to view this). This claim has not been proved and while we search for documents that might prove (or disprove) this father-son relationship, we can state that the new Y-DNA test results do suggest that the relationship is certainly possible, and time spent on further research is justified.

And so we now have a new sub-clade for descendants of Adam Brouwer to consider. By my count the Adam Brouwer of Gowanus, L. I. sub-group at the Brewer DNA Project now has 49 members, 15 of whom have taken the advanced BigY-500 test. If more members would take that test Family Tree DNA may well be able to identify additional sub-clades which will in turn help those trying to complete their paternal ancestry back to Adam Brouwer narrow down the lines of ancestry that they should spend their time focusing on.

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Daniel Brewer, John Brewer, Paris Brewer, Samuel M. Brewer - Deeds at Broadalbin, Fulton Co., New York

The deeds below are found in Fulton County Land Records, post 1838 when Fulton County was formed from Montgomery County. The abstracts are arranged chronologically by date of the deed. The records all involve Daniel Brewer (often called "Junior") and his wife Hannah; John Brewer and his wife Elsy/Alce (Elsie); Paris Brewer; Samuel M. Brewer and his wife Mary A. Members of this group have their surnames consistently recorded as BREWER (and not Brower) in the Fulton County records. A descendant of John Brewer and Elsie (Mosher) has taken a Y-DNA test with the Brewer DNA Project, and the results clearly show that he (the descendant) and therefore his direct paternal ancestor (John Brewer) are descendants of Adam Brouwer of Gowanus, L. I.  Please see the post of March 15, 2017.

1 August 1840. Fulton Co. Deeds 33:353. Daniel Brewer, Jun., and Hannah his wife of Broadalbin, to Nathaniel George, of the same place, for consideration of one hundred and eighty five dollars, a parcel of land in Broadalbin being a part of great lots numbers six and seven in the Sacandaga Patent and bounded on the north by said Nathaniel George, on the east by the highway, on the south by the lands of David Chase and on the west by the Gove, containing eighteen and one half acres of land. Daniel and Hannah Brewer sign with their marks. Recorded 18 August 1866.

1 May 1844. Fulton Co. Deeds 5:168. Daniel Brewer Junior and Hannah his wife of the first part (grantors) and John Brewer of the second part (grantee). For the consideration of one hundred dollars, a parcel of land in Broadalbin known and distinguished as part of lot number seven in the Sacandaga Patent. Bounded as follows, beginning at the north corner of James Benedict's land (description of the parcel measured in degrees and chains) containing two hundred and seven acres being the same more or less, the one half of which, to wit the south half one hundred three acres and half of land being the same more or less is hereby intended conveyed reserving, always from the said one hundred three & half acres hereby conveyed nine acres lying on the southwest corner of said land hereby conveyed, the said nine acres of land is this day conveyed to Daniel Brewer, Junr., by John Brewer on which said nine acres of land hereby reserved, Daniel Brewer, Junr's buildings now stand, etc. Daniel Brewer, Junr. and Hannah Brewer sign with their marks. Witnesses are William Cole and Samuel M. Brewer. Recorded July 24, 1844.

1 May 1844. Fulton Co. Deeds 5:246. John Brewer and Elsy his wife of the first part (grantors) and Daniel Brewer, Junior of the second part (grantee). For the consideration of one hundred dollars, a parcel of land lying and being in the Sacandaga Patent known and distinguished as being part of lot number seven bounded as follows. Beginning at the center of the highway on the line between lot seven and eight in the said patent (description of bounds as measured in degrees and chains) containing three acres of land with the appurtenances and all the state title and interest therein... Signed John Brewer and Alce Brewer in the presence of William Cole. Recorded October 10, 1844.

1 May 1844. Fulton Co. Deeds 18:192. Daniel Brewer, Junr. and Hannah his wife of the first part (grantors) and John Brewer of the second part (grantee). For the consideration of one hundred dollars, a parcel in Broadalbin, known and distinguished as part of lot number seven in the Sacandaga Patent. Beginning at the corner of James Benedict's land... This deed is essentially the same deed as found in volume 5, p. 168, with some slight variation. Daniel and Hannah Brewer sign with their marks. William Cole witness. Recorded January 17, 1854.

13 March 1853. Fulton Co. Deeds 17:501. Daniel Brewer of the first part (grantor) and Paris Brewer of the second part (grantee). For the consideration of five hundred dollars, all that certain undivided four fifths of the following described piece of land lying in the town of Broadalbin being a part of lot no. 12 Sacandaga Patent. Beginning at a stake in the highway north of the house of Gideon I. Sanford. The property descripion mentions adjoining properties of Daniel Robertson and Robert Stoddard. Estimated to contain sixty-one and a half acres. Daniel Brewer signs with his mark. Recorded September 27, 1853.

13 October 1856. Fulton Co. Deeds 22:163. Simmons Hart and Mary his wife, of Broadalbin convey to Paris Brewer of Broadalbin, for consideration of five dollars, a parcel of land being a part of lot number 13 of the Sacandaga Patent, a triangular piece of land bounded on the south by Daniel Stoddard and easterly by Paris Brewer containing half of one acre more or less. Witnesses by Henry W. Spencer. Recorded December 29, 1856.

31 August 1857. Fulton Co. Deeds 27:20. Alexander Brice(Bryce) and Nancy his wife of Broadalbin, to Samuel M. Brewer of the same place, for the consideration of four hundred and fifty one dollars, a parcel of land in Broadalbin being a part of lot number 10 of the Sacandaga Patent. Beginning on the south side of the highway on the west line of the said lot near Samuel M. Brower's house...containing forty three and three fourths acres...excepting and reserving nine acres conveyed to Daniel Stoddard. Recorded 29 December 1860.

18 October 1865. Fulton Co. Deeds 32:227. Samuel M. Brewer and Mary Brewer his wife, of Broadalbin, for consideration of two hundred dollars paid by Robert H. Stoddard of the same place, "assigns sell convey and quit claim unto the aforesaid Robert H. Stoddard...all our right title interest claim and demand both in law and equity in and to a certain lease made and executed by Lydia Lush Samuel S. Lush William Lush Mary Bradford Henry G. Wheaton & Rachel his wife Wittman E. Ross and Gertrude his wife to Jacob Brown," dated 1 March 1828 and which lease was assigned on 3 October 1838 by Jacob Brown to George Mills and Joseph Blair and on 3 December 1838 assigned by George Mills and Susan his wife Joseph Blair and Matilda his wife to Frederick Avery and on 24 August 1848 assigned by Frederick Avery and Sarah his wife to Samuel Brewer... The premises described is in Broadalbin being the southerly half of a subdivision to number 4 of lot number 10 in the Sacandaga Patent. Signed S. M. Brewer and Mary A. Brewer in the presence of Henry W. Spencer. Recorded 19 December 1865.

18 October 1865. Fulton Co. Deeds 32:229. Samuel M. Brewer and Mary Brewer his wife of Broadalbin to Robert H. Stoddard of the same place, for consideration of five hundred and fifty dollars, a piece of land in Broadalbin being a part of lot number 10 of the Sacandaga Patent. Beginning at the south side of the highway on the west line of said lot near the house of said Samuel M.  Brewer... containing forty three and three fourths acres...and reserving there from nine acres on the southwest corner heretofore conveyed to Daniel Stoddard... Signed S. M. Brewer and Mary A. Brewer in the presence of Henry W. Spencer. Recorded 19 December 1865.

Of the BREWERs found in the above records, Samuel M. Brewer is a son of John Brewer and Elsie Mosher. Daniel Brewer, Jr. is a son of Daniel Brewer and Sarah Clark. The elder Daniel was age 79 in 1850 when enumerated at Pitt, Wyandot Co., Ohio. More on this family and the Clark family will be forth coming in a future post. Paris Brewer is a son of Daniel Brewer, Jr. and Hannah, and my inkling is that John Brewer is a son of Daniel Brewer and Sarah Clark, and a brother of Daniel Brewer, Jr.. But we want to look through more records first.

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More Browers in Montgomery County, New York Wills

The probate records for individuals named Brower, found in Montgomery County, New York, that are from the earlier half of the 1800s can be found in the post of November 9, 2018. The last wills on that post are from volume 7 of the Montgomery County Will books. There are no wills for persons named Brower (or Brewer) found in books 8 through 14. The first will that I find after volume 7 is in volume 15. I have not found any wills for individuals named BREWER in the Montgomery County will books.

The Will of David Brower of Mohawk. Montgomery Co. Wills 15:145. All just debts and expenses to be paid. To wife Rebecca the use and possession of all real and personal estate during her natural life, and mentions support and maintenance for her sister Gitty Groat. After the death of wife, to the children of my daughter Anna, the wife of William H. Post, all my real estate. To daughter Anna, wife of William H. Post, $1000. Rest and residue to granddaughter Gertrude Post. Appoints wife Rebecca and son-in-law William H. Post, executrix and executor. Dated 18 January 1874. Codicil dated 17 September 1879, changes the clause in his will devising the residue of his estate from granddaughter Gertrude Post, to the children of daughter Anna, wife of William H. Post. Proved 13 October 1879.

The Will of Jacob Brower of Palatine. Montgomery Co. Wills 15:502. To wife Christina F. Brower all my estate real and personal. Appoints wife executrix. Dated 12 July 1880. Proved by George Yost of Minden and Dwight E. Floyd of Ephratah, 2 May 1881. Appearing before the Surrogate's Court on 2 May 1881 are Christina Brower, Oscar Brower and Elizabeth Christiman, the widow and only heirs of Jacob Brower.

The Will of Christina Brower of Palatine. Montgomery Co. Wills 20:499. Dated 17 May 1888. Christina Brower, widow of Jacob Brower. After all debts and expenses are paid, all property, real, personal and mixed to my son Oscar Brower, him to pay my daughter Elizabeth the sum of two hundred dollars. Son, Oscar Brower, appointed executor. Signs with her mark. Witnesses: Abram Saltsman and Hannibal Saltsman. Proved 8 January 1894.

The Will of Mary Brower of Charleston. Montgomery Co. Wills 21:568. Funeral charges, expenses and debts to be paid, executors authorized to sell real and personal property to cover debts if necessary. Residue to Charles I. Conover or his heirs. "My kind friend" Charles I. Conover appointed executor. Dated 22 February 1896. Witnesses: Edward Veeder and Charles Nietsch, both of Charleston. Proved 20 September 1897. [The 1892 New York State census records a Mary Brower, age 74 in the Town of Root. This placed her year of birth at about 1818. A Mary Brower, born 29 July 1818, died 19 August 1897, is buried in the Christian Church Cemetery, Charleston Four Corners. She was previously married to James Chambers who died 9 November 1868, age 59 yrs. They had a son Albert J. Chambers who died 9 January 1859, age 7y 1m 16d.]

The Will of Oscar Brower of Palatine. Montgomery Co. Wills 23:282. After all debts and expenses are paid, all estate real and personal to my wife Sarah E. Brower, who is appointed executrix. Dated 24 February 1896. Proved 1 July 1901. [Oscar Brower is a son of Jacob and Christina Brower who's wills are found above. There is no evidence that he had any children.]

The Will of Henry T. E. Brower. Montgomery Co. Wills 24:217. codicil dated 22 July 1895. Proved 9 August 1906. Henry T. E. Brower of the Town of Mohawk, Montgomery County. Debts and funeral expences to be paid. Beloved wife Alice Brower, the sum of twelve thousand dollars ($12,000). Also all horses, wagons, etc., household furniture and items excepting an old silver stick candle holder and four old painting given to nephew Henry T. E. Brower. To the Protestant Episcopal Church of Fonda (known as Zion Church), $2000. Description of real estate given to wife mentions being bounded on the north by John H. Brower. After wife's death, the Lower Farm to nephew William H. Brower. After death of wife, the Upper Farm to be sold and proceeds given to nephews Henry T. E. Brower and William H. Brower and nieces Annie Major, wife of Hugh B. Major, Maggie Brower, Emma Brower, and Ella Brower, to be equally divided. Provision in the event that his wife should have a posthumous child. Names wife Alice Brower and nephew Henry T. E. Brower executors. Codicil adds Hugh B. Major as an executor.

The Will of John H. Brower of Fonda. Montgomery Co. Wills 26:337. Debts and funeral expenses to be paid. Expenses for administration of estate to be paid. "I have heretofore contracted for a monument and family markers for all graves to be erected and placed upon my cemetery lot now owned by me in the Pine Grove Cemetery at Tribes Hill." To Nicholas Van Vranken of Vischers Ferry, my antique mahogany table and one dark colored table cabinet used as a photograph cabinet, other items. To Hattie Van Vranken, wife of Nicholas Van Vranken of Vischers Ferry, $5000, and other items. To Hattie Eliza Van Vranken, great grand-niece, of Vischers Ferry, gold watch, etc. To friend and neighbor, Cora Van Antwerp of Fonda, my Regina music box with cabinet full of all records conected thereinth. To friend and neighbor Elizabeth Sammons of Fonda, single iron bedstand, etc. To Alice Brower, widow of Henry T. E. Brower, one straight backed cherry chair, etc. To friend and neighbor, Annie E. Weirs, wife of William Weirs of Fonda, brass lamp, etc. Leaves items to Margaret Slater, granddaughter of Mrs. Peter Leonard of Fonda; my son-in-law Edward Heimberger of Mohawk; the Fonda High School (books, Atlantic Monthly Magazine, etc.). To Brower Van Vranken, grandson of my deceased wife Eliza Brower, all household goods, furniture, etc., not already mentioned, the house and lot and other buildings in Fonda, and the house lot situate at Vischers Ferry on condition that he execute a good and sufficient deed and conveyance of said property to be made by him to his mother Hattie Van Vranken...within one year of my decease. Legacies to neighbor and faithful friend Susan Leonhardt, wife of Peter Leonhardt of Fonda; neighbor and faithful friend Frances Van Buren, wife of Barney Van Buren; Israel Pelott of Cohoes, New York a former and faithful employee. To my daughter Hettie Heinberger, wife of Edward Heinberger, my homestead famr of 152 acres in the town of Mohawk, the family Bible and other items. Appoints as executors, son-in-law Edward Heimberger, and friend Jay Van Duseu of Fonda. Proved 23 Oct 1911 by Harry Y. McNeil and Jene S. Sitterly.

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Browers Found Fulton County, New York Wills

Abstracts, with my notes, on this post are all from Fulton County, New York which was formed out of Montgomery County in 1838. Digital images of the will books for Fulton County are online at FamilySearch.org. There are other probate records there which we'll eventually look into. Of note - I did not find any wills in which the testators name was recorded as BREWER. I only found BROWER.

The Will of Arndt Brower of Stone Arabia. Fulton Co., NY Wills 1:23. Dated 10 July 1793. We've covered this will previously. See the posts of November 9, 2018 and November 29, 2011. Stone Arabia, of course, is not in Fulton County, but is in Montgomery County. The earlier will books of Fulton County are duplicates of the Montgomery County books.

The Will of Cornelius Brower of Palatine. Fulton Co., NY Wills 2:161. Please see the November 9, 2018 post.

The Will of Margaret Brower of Johnstown. Fulton Co., NY Wills 5:85. Proved 28 January 1856. A legacy to the Associates of the Presbyterian Church of Johnstown ($100) "the legacy given to me by my nephew Robert Campbell of Albany." Executor to sell and dispose of all other estate, proceeds to pay just debts and funeral expenses, remainder, one half to Irane(?) Jackson, the mother of Irina(?) Jackson, the other half to Margaret Thayer, the widow of Thomas Thayer. Appoints John Thayer as executor. Signs with her mark. Witnesses: Peter Sueallie(?) and James Gordon (or Jordan) both of Johnstown. The will does not appear to be dated, but the executor, John Thayer, first appeared before the court on 4 January 1856. (The handwriting here is rather poor). [I am not certain as to who this Margaret Brower might be, but she appears to be a single woman and Brower is her family name rather than a married name. There are two candidates found in Johnstown in a search of the 1850 U. S. census. One Margaret Brower, is age 50, born in New York, she as real estate of $300 and is enumerated on sheet 200 next to the family of Mindert Vosburgh. The second Margaret Brower is age 65, born in New York. She is found on sheet 247 in family no. 1176 headed by Samuel Furgason, age 38. Also in the household are Catharine Furguson (age 60), Mary A. Furguson (31), Margaret Furgason (28), Catharine Brower (26) and John Buttor (23, a laborer).]

The Will of Sarah Brower of Johnstown. Fulton Co. NY Wills 6:276. Dated 22 February 1870. Leaves her entire estate, real and personal to her sisters Margaret Brower and Rebekuh Brower, share and share alike. Appoints Hiram A. Parsons of Johnstown, executor. Signed Sarah Brower. Witnesses: Eleazer G. Warner and Ann Parsons. Proved 15 August 1870. [Margaret Brower, age 56 and Rebecca Brower, age 52, can be found on the 1870 U. S. census at Johnstown, Fulton County, New York (page no. 204, dated 11 July 1870, family no. 1806). I do not find Sarah on the 1870 census. Rebecca is a glove maker. Both were born in New York. In the same dwelling are Thomas Case, age 29 and Mary Case, age 27 (family no. 1807). On the 1860 U. S. census, I find Sarah Brower, age 46, born in New York, with Margaret Brower, age 48. The occupation for both recorded as "glove leather" (page 157, family no. 130).]

The Will of Margaret Brower of Johnstown. Fulton Co., NY Wills 8:357-59. Dated 13 December 1871. Leaves her entire estate, real and personal, to her sister Rebeckah Brower. Hiram A. Parsons of Johnstown appointed executor. Signed Margaret Brower. E. G. Warner and Ann Parsons, witnesses. Proved 5 February 1877. [See Sarah Brower above].

The Will of Paulina Brower of Mayfield, Fulton County. Fulton Co., NY Wills 13:21-23. Dated 18 November 1885. To son Charles Brower, all property both real and personal. Appoints son Charles Brower as executor. Signed Paulina Brower. Charles Brower, sole executor, appears before the Surrogate's Court of Fulton County, 13 Jun 1890, regarding the matter of the last will of Paulina Brower, late of Mayfield. Next of kin of the testratrix are named as Betsey Haines, William Brower, Charles Brower, all of Mayfield, Earl Fosmire, Seth Fosmire and Charles B. Fosmire, all of Mayfield. [Paulina is the wife of Jacob Brower, b. 20 December 1815, of Mayfield. She is found on the Brouwer Genealogy Database (BGD) here. She is identified by descendants as Paulina Toman, and there is more on her on the Adam Brouwer of Gowanus, L. I. database that I maintain on Ancestry.com (subscription required). This will adds information on descendants not found on the BGD. Her husband, Jacob Brower, is a son of Jacob Brower (b. 6 August 1785), who is a son of Jacob Brouwer and Margitta Triet. The Brewer DNA Project would be helped if any direct male descendants of this Brower family of Mayfield would be willing to participate in the Project by taking a Y-DNA test.]

The Will of James D. Brower, aged sixty seven years, of the City of Gloversville. Fulton Co., NY Wills 16:470-71.  Dated 28 October 1898. All lawful debts to be paid and discharged. Wife, Lydia A. Brower, my house and lot in said city and other real estate is any there be during the term of her natural life, and at her decease I give and devise one undivided half part thereof unto my brother Benjamin W. Brower for and during the term of his natural life, and he other undivided one half part to my sister Jane Brower for and during her natural life and at her decease I give and devise such undivided one half part unto the children of my said sister. At the decease of said brother, his undivided half to be given to the children of said sister. That what is given to the children of said sister is to be divided equaly between them. Orders that the life tenants of his real estate keep the same in good condition and repair and property insured the same during the time of their tenancy. Brother Benjamin W. Brower appointed executor. Proved by witnesses Allen Relya and Lucas Clement, 6 January 1899. [No children are mentioned in this will, although a child, Theodore W. Brower appears with James and Mary A. Brower on the 1860 U. S. census at Root, Montgomery Co., and on the 1870 U. S. census at Charleston, Montgomery Co. In 1880 James and Lydia A. Brower are enumerated next to Theodore at Gloversville, Fulton County. James can be found on the BGD. We have him as the son of an Abram Brower and his first wife, Mary, which includes children Jane Brower and Benjamin Wakefield Brower. Theodore is also on the BGD. Research on the family is certainly incomplete. The will mentioned here is not included. Abram Brower's ancestry has not been discovered. He appears to have been born around 1805 or 1808 and died on 3 April 1891, age 83 (gravestone). He was at Glen in Montgomery County in 1850. There is an Abraham Brower, born 8 June 1807, baptized 5 September 1807 at Lutheran St. Paul's (the Geisenberg Church), Minden, Montgomery County. His parents were a Cornelius and Margretha Brower (they are not included on the BGD). So, more work to be done here with this group].

The Will of Selah Brower, of Mayfield. Fulton Co., NY Wills 17:231-32. Dated 15 October 1901.  Leaves al estate, real and personal, wherever situated, to wife Maria Anna Brower, and appoints her executrix. Witnesses: Maude L. Parkes, Lena Friess. Proved 14 November 1901. [Selah (Seela) Brower was born about 1867, a son of Abram (b. 1829) and Louisa (___) Brower, and a great-grandson of Jacob Brouwer and Margitta Triet.]

The Will of Nancy Brower of Ephratah. Fulton Co., NY Wills 19:18. Dated 23 January 1895. Just debts and funeral expences to be paid. Leaves household items to daughters Deborah Brower, Rebecca Coolman, Jane Barrett, Esther Lynaugh, Annie Conley, Katie Oar. To son Eli H. Brower, all my real estate and also all my personal property of every kind not mentioned herein. Appoints son Eli H. Brower, of Ephratah, executor. Probated 14 April 1902. [Nancy is Nancy Tutler, wife of John Brower, born ca. 1816, a descendant of Willem Brower and Rebecca Vedder. John and Nancy are on the BGD, although their profiles are very much incomplete. Some children listed above are missing. There is also an error in John's profile - his will was not dated 11 January 1839. That should refer to the will of his father, Harmen Brower, who mentions John in his will. More on this family can be found on the Willem Brouwer of Beverwijck database I maintain on Ancestry.com. The baptism record of her son John Harmen Brower (1850 at Stone Arabia) calls her Nancy Tutler, while a Find-A-Grave listing calls her Nancy Duesler. The son, Eli H. Brower, is called Elihue Brower in most records that I have found for him.]

The Will of Abram D. Brower of Gloversville. Fulton Co., NY Wills 20:85. Dated 13 July 1883. Names wife Sophronia M. and son Harry M. Brower. (Fulton Co. NY Wills 20:85). Witnesses William Green and Ellen E. Clark. Wife sole executrix. The probate record is found on page 87. It is dated 25 March 1904, nearly 21 years after the will was written. [Abram D. Brower is the A. D. Brower found on the 1880 U. S. census at Gloversville, with wife Sophronia (age 44) and son Harry M. (age 12). They are in Gloversville in 1900. His wife, Sophronia Bort, died 24 December 1932, age 97. Abram D. Brower is very likely the son of David Brower (wife Betsey) who is found at Broadalbin in 1840, 1850, 1860, and in 1870 at Johnstown. His profile on the BGD is incomplete. More can be found for Abram D. Brower on the Ancestry.com database for Adam Brouwer of Gowanus, L. I.]

The Will of Lois Bower of Johnstown. Fulton Co., NY Wills 20:89. Dated 4 March 1904. Lawful debts to be paid. Bequeaths "pictures" that are named to Amelia Harmon, Sarah M. Crane, Florence Bedford and Helen Dixon, and her hat rack to Sidney S. Bedford. Residue of estate to brother David B. Bowers. Mentions father Lorenz Bower, and gives him authority over the articles of her estate. Appoints her brother David B. Bowers and father Lorenz Brower as executors. Witnesses: Mrs. Edna Rowles and Mrs. Mary Sutliff, both of Johnstown. Proved 16 April 1904. [Please note that the name here is BOWER and not Brower. I find Lois and her father Lorenz on the 1900 U. S. census in Johnstown. Lorenz was age 68, born in Germany. Lois was age 49, born in New York. I wanted to include them because the index entry and some of the handwriting in the will does look like BROWER.]

The Will of Lydia A. Brower, wife of James D. Brower of Gloversville. Fulton Co., NY Wills 20:205. Dated 28 October 1898. After just debts are paid, all my property unto the following named persons: To sister Elizabeth Stoller $400. To sister Sarah Stoller $500. To my brothers William H. and Peter Wilson, $400 each. To half-brother Ira Wilson $200. To half-sister Lillian H. who now resides at Richmond $200. To my step-mother if she survives me $250 - my step-mother Elizabeth Wilson. To my niece Jennie Stoller, daughter of my sister Sarah $100. To my niece Satie Wilson, daughter of my brother Henry $100. Set of conditions for the above. Husband James D. Brower to have use and income of my property and estate excepting my wearing apparel for and during his natural life. Wearing apparel to sisters Elizabeth and Sarah. Household furniture to said husband, also use of my wood lot containing ten acres, he to pay the taxes, and after his decease to brothers Peter and Ira. Appoints sister Elizabeth Stoller and Ira Wilson as executors. Witnesses: Allen Relyea and Lucas Clement, both of Gloversville. Proved 9 Mar 1906. [James D. Brower is found above. This will identifies his wife as Lydia A. Wilson and supplies a good deal of info on her family from which to begin further research on her ancestry.]

The Will of Mabel Ross Brower, of Gloversville. Fulton Co., NY Wills 22:111. Dated 28 December 1910. All debts and funeral expenses to be paid. All estate, real and personal to husband Henry S. Brower who is appointed sole executor. Witnesses: Nelson H. Anibal and Ida M. Bowne. Proved 27 January 1911. [Mabel Ross was born about 1877 in New York. Her husband was Henry Schofield Brower who was born 28 January 1879 in Tremont, Schuylkill Co., Pennsylvania. Henry S. Brower is a descendant of Hubert Brower, immigrant to Pennsylvania in 1726. He can be found online at Ancestry.com in the Hubert Brower database.]

The Will of Alvira Brower of Gloversville. Fulton Co., NY Wills 25:237. Dated 21 February 1900. Debts and funeral expenses to be paid. Legacy to the Prospect Hill Cemetery Association. Wearing apparel to Julia W. Brower, wife of son Franklin G. Brower of Gloversville. All real estate, and residue of personal property to husband, William H. Brower, and after his decease to son Franklin G. Brower. Husband, William H. Brower appointed executor. Proved by Wesley H. Maider, 4 December 1925. [Alvira (sometimes Elvira) is a daughter of Peter Warner and Elizabeth Brown, and the wife of William H. Brower who is a son of David and Betsey Brower. See her page on Ancestry.com in the Adam Brouwer of Gowanus, L. I. database, and here for her husband William H. Brower.]

The Will of William Brower of Mayfield. Fulton Co., NY Wills 25:245. Dated 11 November 1920. Just debts and funeral expenses to be paid. Use of all real and personal property to wife Martha so long as she lives and after her death and just debts are paid, to daughter Flora, all the real estate consisting of two farms, also the premises bought from my son William C. Bank account with Fulton Co. National Bank to daughter Jennie ($200), son William C. ($200) and son Jacob ($200), remainder to daughter Flora. George W. Haines of Mayfield appointed executor. Signs with his mark. Witnesses: G. W. Haines and Alex Lennox, both of Mayfield. Proved 11 January 1926. [William Brower is a son of Jacob Brower and Paulina Toman. The social security application for his daughter Flora, names her mother as Martha Deronde, which suggests to me that she too is a descendant of Adam Brouwer.]

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More Brewer and Brower Deeds In Fulton and Montgomery Counties, New York

There were a few different families, possibly distantly related, others not related, named Brewer and Brower living in Montgomery County, Fulton County and Saratoga County, New York in the late 1700s and through the 1800s. A good number of the deeds found in the Fulton County Indexes likely do not pertain to the Brewer family that we're presently interested in (that being the family, or families, that includes James Brewer, John Brewer, the two Daniel Brewers and Russel Brewer and Gardner Brewer (see the last post and the post of October 28th). In this post we will just provide some abstracts to those records. Links are to pages at FamilySearch.org, New York Land Records, 1630-1975, Fulton County, and to the Land Records of Montgomery County. (Links to specific indexes are found here). Back on September 4, 2017 I provided links (but no abstracts) to Brower deeds in Saratoga County, and on September 5, 2017, to links for Brewer deeds in Saratoga County.

Those below are all recorded in Fulton County Deed Books and are duplicated in Montgomery County

Vol. 1, p. 35. Gysbert van Brakel of the County of Albany, yeoman, to Hendrick Brower of the Town of Schenectady, shoemaker. Dated 6 December 1744. Mentions a patent dated 6 May 1725 to numerous individuals (named, please refer to the image) for land lying in Albany County on the north side of the Mohawk River about five miles above Fort Hunter...called Canada Creek or Kill "and in the Indian language Secaondaniegoe..." containing 8000 acres of land. Hendrick Brower pays two hundred and twenty pounds for the parcel bought of Gysbert van Brakel, which is described. This is a very lengthy deed with a lot of names of early land owners and property descriptions that might make it a candidate for a thorough transcription. The Hendrick Brower here would be the Hendrick, baptized 25 December 1706 at Albany, son of Hendrick Brouwer and Maritie Pieterse Borsboom, and a grandson of Willem Brouwer and Elizabeth Drinkvelt. The deed is also found in Montgomery Co. Deeds, vol. 1, p. 166.*

Vol. 2, p. 136. Adam Van Slyck of the Town of Palatine, Montgomery Co., to Arent Brower of the same place. Dated 3 May 1796. For two hundred and ninety four pounds, a parcel of land in the town and county aforesaid. The boundary description mentions a patent "granted this day to Harman Brower." The deed was recorded on 17 February 1804. Also in Montgomery Co. Deeds, vol. 9, p. 41, where the handwriting is better.

Vol. 2, p. 169. Adam Crysler of the Town of Johnstown, Montgomery Co., farmer, and Mary his wife, to Wilhelmus Brower of the same place, yeoman. Dated 8 July 1804. For $2639, a parcel lying in Butlersburg in the town and county aforesaid in a patent granted to Walter Butler. Also in Montgomery Co. Deeds, vol. 2, p. 256 (a better copy).

Vol. 2, p. 321. Harmen Brewer and Margareth, his wife, of Palatine, Montgomery County, to Wilhelmus Brewer, of Johnstown, Montgomery County. For $500, a parcel of land in Johnstown. Dated 11 October 1806. This deed is also found in Montgomery County Deeds, vol. 10, p.19 (with clearer handwriting).

Vol. 3, p. 157. Samuel Seals of Broadalbin, Montgomery Co., to Abraham Brewer of Broadalbin. For $1056, a parcel of land in Broadalbin being a part of Lot no. 6 in the Sacandaga Patent. Bounded east by Lot no. 5, and west by Lot no. 7. Bounded north by Daniel Reepel. 35 acres. Also a second lot of 54 acres. Dated 5 May 1810. Also at Montgomery Co. Deeds, vol. 12, p. 163.

Vol. 4, p. 113. Adam Crysler of the Town of Johnstown and Mary his wife, to Henry Brower and Philip S. Root of the same place. Dated 1 October 1814. For $500, land in the Town of Oppenheim, Montgomery County, being part of a large lot number 27 in a patent granted to Sarah Magin and others. Also in Montgomery Co. Deeds, vol. 14, p. 578.

Vol. 8, p. 353. William Brewer and Aseneth, his wife, of Amsterdam, Montgomery Co., to Peter Rob of the same town. Dated 8 April 1830. For $415.50, a parcel lying in the town, county and state aforesaid being a part of Lot no. 74 of the Sacandaga Patent. Also in Montgomery Co. Deeds, vol. 27, p. 475).

Vol. 8, p. 358. William Brewer and Aseneth, his wife, of Amsterdam, Montgomery Co., to Allen Soles of the same. Dated 8 April 1830. For $662.50, a parcel lying in the town, county and state aforesaid being a part of Lot no. 74 of the Sacandaga Patent. Also in Montgomery Co. Deeds, vol. 27, p. 488).

Vol. 9, p. 366. Martin Huntley and Magdalenhy his wife of Florida, Montgomery County, to John Brewer of Duanesburgh, Schenectady County, for $100, a parcel of land in Amsterdam, Montgomery Co., bounded on the west by the west bank of the Chulenunda(?) Creek and by the lands of Joseph Collins, south by the lands of John Oshoun, east by the lands of John Oshun and Anthony Oshun, north by the lands of Henry Pawling. 72 acres. Dated 25 January 1832. Nicholas Hill, Jr., witness. Also at Montgomery Co. Deeds, vol. 30, p. 415.

Vol. 10, p. 482. John Brewer, of the Town of Amsterdam, and Peninah/Paulina, his wife, to Martin Huntley of the Town of Florida in Montgomery County, for $1000, a piece of land lying in the town of Amsterdam, Montgomery County, bounded on the west by the Chuctinunda Creek... Mentions boundaries with Joseph Collins, John Ostrom, Anthony Ostrom, and the lands formerly owned by Henry Pawling. 72 acres. Dated 9 January 1834. John Brewer's wife's name is recorded as both Peninah and Paulina in this deed, but she signs with her mark as Peninah. Also in Montgomery Co. Deeds, vol. 34, p. 284.

Vol. 13, p. 289. Peter Ferguson and Amanda his wife, of Broadalbin, to David Brower of the same place. Dated 1 April 1836. For $1000, a parcel of land in Broadalbin, being a part of Lot no. 164 in Glens Patent. The boundary description references David Brower's line. Also in Montgomery Co. Deeds, vol. 42, p. 457.

In addition to the above, I find three deeds that are indexed in Fulton County under Abraham BROWN, but indexed in Montgomery County under Abraham BROWER. In examining the deeds in both it looks (to me) that the Fulton County copy is less clear, but can be read as BROWN, while the Montgomery County copy looks like BROWER. Below are links to both copies of each deed.

Fulton Co. Vol. 12, p. 98, and Montgomery Co. Vol. 39, p. 61. 15 August 1835. Pardon Allen of Broadalbin, Montgomery County, party of the first part Abraham Brown/Brower of the same place, party of the second part. This is a lease from Parden Allen to Abraham for a parcel of land in Broadalbin. Malinda Allen, wife of Pardon Allen also signs. Recorded 21 May 1836.

Fulton Co. Vol. 12, p. 100, and Montgomery Co. Vol. 39, p. 63. Dated 2 June 1824. Joseph Wait of Broadalbin, yeoman (party of the first part), to Abraham Brower, blacksmith, also of Broadalbin (party of the second part). Lease from Joseph Wait to Abraham Brower for a parcel in Broadalbin. Recorded 21 May 1836.

Fulton Co. Vol. 12, p. 102, and Montgomery Co. Vol. 39, p. 65. Dated 12 May 1836. Zenas Hathaway of Broadalbin, to Abraham Brower of Broadalbin. For $500, a parcel in Broadalbin being part of Lot no. 7 of the smaller lots into which Lot no. 1 of the subdivisions of Lot no. 4 of the 21st allotment of the general partition of the patent Kayaderosseas (sic) is subdivided... Containing 32 and 1/2 acres. Ch. M. Rogers and Samuel P. Brower are witnesses. Recorded 21 May 1836.

The records that follow are found in Montgomery County, but not in the Fulton County Books

Montgomery Co. Vol. 1, pp. 12-13. Harme and Arent Brower are among numerous grantees in a deed from Peter Remsen, of the City of New York, merchant (the grantor). There are many individuals mentioned in this record, many of them recognizable (to me) from New York City research. They were owners of the lands in the Kayaderosseras Patent. Dated 10 June 1769. This deed is followed in the same volume on pages 14-15, to Harme Brower and Aron Brower, with others, for land in the Kayaderosseras Patent. Peter Remsen of New York City, merchant, is attorney for the grantors, who are numerous. (See this Wikipedia page for more on the Kayaderosseras Patent. Also see here).

Montgomery Co. Vol. 8, p. 249. 27 October 1795. Arent Brower, of Palatine, to the Trustees of the Union Academy of Stone Arabia, for consideration of eight pounds, a quarter acre of ground in Stone Arabia, "beginning on a due east course from the North East corner of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church in Stone Arabia..."

Montgomery Co. Vol. 10, p. 184. William B. Garrison of Johnstown, grantor. "Whereas in and by the last will and testament of Arent Brower formerly of the Town of Palatine..." fifty acres of land in Hansen's Patent are devised to Wilhelmus Brower, nephew of Arent Brower... This appears to be a clarification of the terms in Arent Brower's will. William B. Garrison received a consideration of one dollar from Wilhelmus Brower. Dated 10 October 1806.

Montgomery Co. Vol. 14, p. 513. Henry G. Brower, of Johnstown, to Philip L. Root of the same place. Dated 27 February 1815. For $35, twenty-five acres located in the Town of Oppenheim. (See the deed above involving Adam Crysler to Henry Brower and Philip L. Root).

Montgomery Co. Vol. 16, p. 336. Dated 20 March 1819. Abraham Brower and Phylotha his wife, of the County of Montgomery, to Hammond Healy, for consideration of $700, a parcel of land in Magin's Patent in the Town of Oppenheim, part of Range number fifty-two...containing fifty acres.

Montgomery Co. Vol. 19, p. 309. Dated 25 August 1821. John Brower and Phebe his wife, and John Brower, Junior and Elizabeth his wife, and Abraham G. Brower, all of the Town of Johnstown, Montgomery County, to John Holland of the same place, for $268, a parcel of land in the Town of Johnstown.

 There are also numerous deeds involving David Brewer, in some cases with "others" found in the Montgomery County indexes. We'll have to examine them separately. 

*Fulton County was created out of Montgomery County in 1838. Apparently deeds from the years prior to 1838 were copied and recorded in Fulton County in thirteen volumes (numbered 1 to 13). Fulton Counties "own" records start in 1839, with a new set of volumes starting with volume number 1. There are two sets of deed books in Fulton County for volumes numbered 1 to 13.

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Brewers and Browers in the Montgomery County, New York Probate Records

Some years ago, before the time when the Family History Library digitized and placed online images of their vast collection of filmed documents, I hauled myself to the local Family History Center, ordered the film for the General Index to Wills and Proceedings for Montgomery County, New York, viewed the film, wrote down all the entries for Brewers and Browers, and then ordered more films covering the specific probate books that interested me, waited a few weeks (sometimes months) then hauled myself back to view those films. I also placed online a copy of those index entries. Maybe it's time to get back to looking at them. Images of the probate records of Montgomery County, New York can be accessed here. Links for the individuals will take you to their profile on the Brouwer Genealogy Database (BGD) where sources for statements cited below can be found.

- Administration on the Estate of Peter Brewer, of Amsterdam, Montgomery County is found in Letters of Administration, vol. 3, p. 106. Peter Brewer, having died intestate (without a will), administration of his estate was granted to William Rob of the town of Amsterdam. Dated 19 December 1826. No other persons named BREWER are mentioned in the record. I believe this record would belong to Peter Brewer, son of William Brewer and Annetje DeLong, who are first found in Amsterdam, NY in 1807. They had previously lived at Platts Borough (Plattsburgh), Clinton Co., New York and went to Copley, Summit Co., Ohio by 1840. William Brewer's ancestry is not known, but he was born in 1770 in New York and died in 1856, aged 86 years. William was married twice, had thirteen children, eleven of them daughters. The two sons were Peter (b.1793), and Lawrence D. Brewer (b.1801).

- Administration on the Estate of Peter Brower, of the Town of Mohawk (LOA 4:103) died intestate, granted to David Brower and Harmen De Wandelaer of Mohawk. Dated 23 November 1838. I believe this record would belong to Peter Brower, born 12 November 1798, son of Johannes Brouwer and Engelge Sealie. He would be a descendant of Willem Brouwer of Beverwijck, through their (believed) son, Willem Brouwer and his wife Rebecca Vedder. Peter is buried at Tribes Hill which is (largely) in the Town of Mohawk. He had a brother named David (b. 26 November 1806) and a sister Elizabeth who married Herman De Wandelaer.

- Administration on the Estate of David Brewer, "previous to his death an inhabitant of the County of Montgomery," granted to Peter I. Enders, of the Town of Florida, Montgomery County (LOA 4:316-17). The date appears to be 11 October 1847. I believe that David, would be the David Brower, brother to Peter Brower who estate he (David) was given administration in 1838. Peter's wife was Henrietta Enders. David Brower/Brewer, son of Johannes Brouwer and Engelge Sealie was born 26 November 1806. [December 23, 2018: It appears that Peter Brower's brother, David Brower, lived long past 1847, and died in Mohawk, Montgomery Co., New York in 1879. The idea that the David Brewer of this record is Peter's brother, is incorrect].

- Administration on the Estate of Jacob I. (or J.) Brower, of Montgomery County, died intestate, granted to Peter Reas (LOA 4:461-62). Dated 17 October 1851. This may be Jacob Brouwer (b. 29 April 1809 at Palatine, New York) son of Cornelis Brouwer and Elizabeth Staller. He is the only Jacob Brower that I find in Montgomery on the 1850 U. S. census. A bit more research is needed here. If correct, Jacob, too is a descendant of Willem Brouwer and Rebecca Vedder.

- Administration on the Estate of John Brower Junior, of Johnstown, Montgomery County, died intestate, granted to Abraham G. Brower of Johnstown (LOA 3:22). Dated 15 May 1822. John Brower was born 23 May 1795 and was baptized at the Schraalenburgh Reformed Dutch Church in Bergen County, New Jersey. He was a son of Johannes Brouwer and Phebe Godwin who relocated to Johnstown, New York by 1810. Abraham G. Brower was John's brother. He is a descendant of Adam Brouwer of Gowanus, L. I. There are a few Bergen County, New Jersey Brouwer families who relocated to Montgomery County, New York in the very early years of the 19th century.

- The Will of Arendt Brower, of Stone Arabia. Wills vol. 1, p. 90.  I briefly mentioned his will in the November 29, 2011 post. Arendt/Arent/Aaron is a son of Willem Brouwer and Rebecca Vedder. Never married and no children of his own. The will mentions nephews and nieces. A valuable document for reconstructing this family. Dated 10 July 1793.

- The Will of William Brower. Wills vol. 2, pp. 417-18. Dated 19 December 1814. This is one of those frustrating wills that leaves out many details. William does not tell us where he is of. His wife is named as Polly. He mentions children, but does not provide names. Executors are Jacob Cole and David P. Demarest. Witnesses are Nicholas Demarest, Jacob D. Demarest and David D. Demarest, and therein are the best clues. William is very probably the William who was born 10 October 1788 in Bergen County, New Jersey. He was baptized at the Hackensack Reformed Dutch Church. His parents are Jacob Brouwer and Margitta Triet. His wife was Maria (Polly) Demarest, born 1 January 1792, a daughter of Petrus Demarest and Sara Demarest who were cousins. Her brother Nicholas Demarest married William's sister, Jannetje Brouwer. William had brothers named Jacob, Abraham and David. Known children are three daughters, Sally (Sara), Margaret and Cordelia. Jacob, Abraham and David all came to Montgomery County and settled at Broadalbin which is now in Fulton County which was formed in 1838. My write ups and wording on the Brouwer Genealogy Database of members of this family is a bit cautious as to their identification. That was some time ago now, and over the years I have found nothing to indicate that they might be some family other than the sons of Jacob Brouwer and Margitta Triet. Jacob Brouwer was born 19 October 1760 and was a 3-great grandson of Adam Brouwer of Gowanus, L. I. The family was in Albany County prior to coming to Montgomery County. Son, David was baptized at Guilderland in 1799. Jacob would have been born too late to be the father of the Daniel Brewer, born about 1771, whose ancestry we are seeking.

- Will of John Brower, of Johnstown. Wills, vol. 4, p. 281. Mentions wife Catherine; sons Harman (and his Angelica), John, Peter (and his John Henry) and David; daughter Elizabeth; brother Wilhelmus. Executors: son Harman, nephew Harman W. Witnesses: A, Haring, R.S. Clute, I. Matthews. Dated 25 March 1829, proved 12 October 1829. John (Johannes) Brower was a son of Harmanus Brouwer/Brower and Margariet Ekker. He is a grandson of Willem Brouwer and Rebecca Vedder. He is the father of Peter Brower and David Brower mentioned above. His first wife was Engelge (Angelica) Sealie. His wife Catherine, mentioned in the will, was a second wife. John makes provision for the assets she brought to their marriage. He was baptized on 1 January 1759 at the Schenectady Reformed Dutch Church.

- Will of Cornelius Brower, of Palatine. Wills, vol. 5, pp.439-442. Dated 20 August 1835, proved 3 October 1835. Cornelius Brower of Palatine, Montgomery County. "Lying sick in bed in the same place and being weak in body but of sound mind." Names his beloved wife Elizabeth (all real and personal estate during her natural life). Son, Jacob (southerly part of farm where I now dwell, after death of wife. Describes boundaries). Two sons, John and Aaron (to divide the said property left to Jacob should Jacob die without heirs). Son William Henry (a good liberal education to be provided by heirs of my estate). Daughter, Dorothy, wife of Frederick Moore. Daughter, Betsy, wife of George H. Shults. Daughter Rebecca, wife of Benjamin Getman. Daughter, Nancy, wife of James Getman. Appoints son Jacob Brower and David Saltsman executors, and wife Elizabeth executrix. This is a long will. Also describes a mill property. Cornelius Brower (Cornelis Brouwer in the BGD) is also a son of Harmanus Brower and Margriet Ekker. He was baptized 22 April 1770 at the Stone Arabia Reformed Church. His wife was Elizabeth Staller. His profile on the BGD is incomplete. It is missing this will, and the son John is not shown among Cornelius' children, but I strongly suspect that he is the John C. Brower, b. about 1816, who married Catharine Eliza Crouse and is at St. Johnsville, Montgomery County in 1850. The son named Arndt would be Aaron mentioned in the will.

- Will of Wilhelmus Brower. Wills, vol. 7, p. 74. Dated 3 March 1838, proved 20 December 1843. Wilhelmus Brower of the Town of Mohawk, Montgomery County. Son, Harmon W. Brower, all personal property and real estate, and appoints him as executor. Wilhelmus, or William Brower is another son of Harmanus Brower and Margriet Ekker. He was married twice. Two known children, including Harmon W. Brower mentioned in the will were children of his first wife, Elisabeth Gray. On 22 December 1793 he married Sarah Van Epps. His profile on the BGD does not include this will.

- Will of Harmon Brower. Wills, vol. 6, pp. 431-35. Dated 11 January 1839, proved 21 February 1842. Harmon's will is also found among the "Brower Papers." See the post of January 24, 2017, number 15 there. And please refer to Harmon's profile on the Brouwer Genealogy Database site for an abstract of the will. This is a long will. Harmon is yet another son of Harmanus Brower and Margriet Ekker. His wife was Magdalena Docksdater, and they had thirteen children, eleven of whom reached adulthood and married.

- Will of Harmon W. Brower. Wills, vol. 7, p. 378. Dated 4 June 1846, proved 6 July 1846. Harmon W. Brower of the Town of Mohawk, Montgomery County. Son, Henry T. E. (homestead farm lying in Hanson's Patent; land formerly owned by William Garretson; farm formerly owned by John I. Brower lying in said patent). So, William H. Brower (six acres in Hansen's Patent occupied by Jesse Fisher, also land in Butler's Patent and in Collins Patent). Personal effects to son Henry T. E. Residue to two sons Henry T. E. and Willam H. Money held in the Montgomery County Bank for Rosa Wemple, a colored woman, to be given to her. Delia Sherman, "who has lived now a number of years in my family as a member and employed as a domestic, to be maintained by one of my sons. Appoints son Henry T. E. as executor. Harmon W. Brower is the son of the Wilhelmus Brower mentioned above and his first wife Elisabeth Gray. The will is not included in his profile on the BGD. His wife was Maria Ten Eyck who is not mentioned in the will. She had died 21 April 1833. They had four sons, two died in infancy.

The will and letters of administration abstracted and commented on above are only those found in Montgomery County up to about 1850 or so. There are more on the list with dates later in the 1800s. We may come back to look at those in a future post. You should be able to find digital images of all of them on the FamilySearch.org website in the collection, New York Probate Records, 1629-1971, Montgomery County.

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