Sunset at Gowanus Bay

Sunset at Gowanus Bay
Sunset at Gowanus Bay, Henry Gritten, 1851

Wednesday, November 28, 2018

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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Monday, November 26, 2018

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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Wednesday, November 21, 2018

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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Tuesday, November 13, 2018

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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Friday, November 9, 2018

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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Thursday, November 8, 2018

Caleb Pell Brower and Caleb S. Brower

The Brouwer Genealogy Database (BGD) includes a profile for Caleb Pell Brower. The entry there includes errors that need to be corrected.

The first error is the claim that Caleb Pell Brower married Mary Marshalk on 22 October 1814, as recorded by the Reformed Dutch Church of New York ("Marriages from 1801 to 1866 in the Reformed Dutch Church, New York City", New York Genealogical and Biographical Record vol.70-72, 89 (1939-41, 1958): 71:186). He did not. That marriage belongs to Caleb S. Brower, and Caleb S. Brower and Caleb Pell Brower are two different individuals. They are not the same as is implied on the BGD website. More on Caleb S. Brower to follow.

The second error is the claim that Caleb Pell Brower is enumerated on the 1820 U. S. census at Amsterdam, Montgomery County, New York. That claim is based on the fact that he shows up as "Caleb Brower" (no middle name or initial) in searches of that census on numerous websites including Ancestry.com, FamilySearch.org and AmericanAncestors.org. The transcription used at all these sites was originally supplied by the Family History Library. It does not appear to be a correct transcription.* At least, it is not clear from an available image of the census sheet that was transcribed. Here's the image:

U.S. Census, 1820, Amsterdam, Montgomery Co., NY (NARA via Ancestry.com)
Download the image to your computer. Enlarge it. See if you can clearly find an entry for a Caleb Brower. I don't see one. It's possible that the seventh image down from the top was read as "Brower, Caleb," but if anything I see it as "Brower, Peter," but I wouldn't stake anything on that read alone, however, administration on the estates of two different men, a Peter Brewer and a Peter Brower, were recorded in Montgomery County, one in 1826 and another in 1838.

That Caleb Pell Brower existed, is not disputed. The will of his father, William Brouwer/Brower/Brewer names his son Caleb Pell Brower. In the will, dated 26 June 1849, William Brower, of the City and County of New York, leaves to his eldest son, Caleb Pell Brower, 1/8 of his estate wheresoever it may be found. I have thus far been unable to find this will recorded in the New York County, or Dutchess County, will books. It may not have been recorded. It is (only) known to me by the generosity of Kathleen Castro, who had inherited a large collection of material and original documents, handed down through the generations descended from Nicholas Brouwer (1714-1777) of Wappingers Falls, New York.** I've placed a PDF of the transcription online.

I have thus far been unable to find further documentation or records for Caleb Pell Brower. There is a Caleb Brower found on the 1820 census in New York City's Tenth Ward (as per a search of transcriptions) but like the problem with the 1820 listing at Amsterdam, New York, the name on the census sheet is not terribly clear. Caleb is found on the bottom sheet, tenth down, in the image below.

U.S. Census, 1820, NYC Ward 10 (NARA via Ancestry.com)
This image is clearer than the image of the Amsterdam sheet, but the hand writing is not obvious. BROWER may be correct, but there is some ambiguity here. See for yourself.

There are a few user submitted trees, both on Ancestry.com and on the FamilySearch.org website that claim that Caleb Pell Brower married Frances Catherine Caron (or Catherine Frances Caron). However, no evidence or record is given for this claim. We are presently looking for additional records regarding Caleb Pell Brower and evidence to support (or refute) the claim that he married Frances Catherine Caron. Any insight or help would be welcomed. Our interest in this marriage stems from the following.

Frances Catherine Caran is the mother of Charles H. Brower, born in 1820, died 12 January 1860 in Philadelphia. A direct male descendant of Charles H. Brower has taken a Y-DNA test (Brewer DNA Project), the results of which match those who are descendants of Adam Brouwer of Gowanus, L. I. Charles H. Brower is therefore a descendant of Adam Brouwer, and we would like to find his line back to Adam Brouwer. That starts with discovering just who his father was. Was it Caleb Pell Brower? Or, is it someone else?

Back to Caleb S. Brower, a man different from Caleb Pell Brower. Caleb S. Brower did marry Mary Marshalk in 1814. Caleb S. Brower is found in New York City, prior to his marriage, as per records regarding his service during the War of 1812, and his mention in newspaper clippings. He was a plumber. A series of notices published in the New York Evening Post, beginning with one on October 13, 1812, refer to the death of Joseph Marschalk, and mention Caleb S. Brower. Caleb S. Brower is also found on the 1820 U. S. census. He is enumerated in New York City's Fourth Ward, with a household of three males under age 10, two males age 26-44, one female age 10-16 and one female age 16-25. Records for the births and baptisms of two children of Caleb S. and Mary Brower are found in the records of the United Methodist Church. Son and namesake, Caleb S. Brower was born 21 August 1819 and daughter Mary Elizabeth Brower was born 17 May 1821. Both were baptized on 14 October 1821 at the Allen Street United Methodist Church in New York City. The will of Joseph Marschalk is found in New York County Wills, Lib. 60, pp. 55-56 (old). It is dated 7 September 1812, but not proved until 20 December 1825. The will mentions his wife, Mary Marschalk, and "children" but does not give the children's names. The will pre-dates the marriage of Caleb S. Brower to Mary Marschalk, which invites the question, did Caleb marry Mary, a daughter of Joseph and Mary Marschalk, or did he marry the widow Mary Marschalk? (We'll have to work on that one as time permits). Caleb S. Brower is NOT found on the BGD website. He can be viewed on the Adam Brouwer of Gowanus, L. I. database maintained on Ancestry.com. (Please note that it is not certain if the birth/baptism record found here belongs to Caleb S. Brower).

The corrections to the BGD - Caleb Pell Brower and Caleb S. Brower are two different men. Caleb Pell Brower did not marry Mary Marschalk, Caleb S. Brower did marry Mary Marschalk. 
The question we'd like to answer - Did Caleb Pell Brower marry Frances Catherine Caran, and is he the father of Charles H. Brower of Philadelphia? 

*Thanks to Sara Brower for pointing out this problem with the 1820 U. S. census transcription. The lesson here is that the searchable index transcription available now on all the major genealogy websites are not always reliable. The original image SHOULD ALWAYS BE EXAMINED before conclusions are made.

**Kathleen generously provided me with transcripts of many of the documents in the collection. The collection has since been donated to the Wappingers Historical Society.

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Tuesday, November 6, 2018

Brewer Records in Wyandot County, Ohio

Wyandot County, Ohio was formed in 1845 out of parts of four Ohio counties, Marion, Crawford, Hardin and Hancock. We know that Daniel Brewer was in Marion County, Ohio in late 1838, and perhaps he lived in that part of Marion County that became Wyandot County. On the 1850 U. S. census he is in Wyandot County (see the November 3rd post).

Wyandot Land Records have been filmed by the Family History Library, and digital images are online. Here we are looking at image 299 of FHL film #007209574, Grantor Index v. A-G 1846-1926. This page begins the entries for those whose surname begins with BRE. It continues on for a few more images. There are a lot of Brewer deeds here (and this is just the grantor index), but we'll just look at those that concern Daniel Brewer and those who are likely a part of his family. Links to digital images of all the Wyandot County Land Books are found on this page.

Volume 1, p. 194. Daniel Brewer and "Sary" Brewer, wife of said Daniel Brewer, of the County of Marion and State of Ohio in consideration of the sum of six hundred dollars in hand paid by Paris C. Brewer of the State of Ohio and County of Wyandot. Daniel and Sary (Sarah) convey property in Wyandot County and Pitt Township. More specifically described are two lots in the Town of Little Sandusky, lots numbers 75 and 76, containing ten thousand square feet with fronting on Madison Street, extending west two hundred feet to "Munro" Stret (sic). Jacob A. Brewer is a witness to the deed. Dated 20 May 1845.

As mentioned previously, Daniel Brewer and P. C. Brewer are both found on the 1840 U. S. census at Salt Rock, Marion County, Ohio. In 1850, Paris Brewer, recorded as Parrish C. Brewer, is in Pitt, Wyandot Co., age 37, born in New York. His wife (although explicitly stated in 1850) was "Roene" (the Ancestry.com transcription) actually Roxanna, age 31, born in New York. There are two girls, Mary, age 10 and Ann E., age 5, and also Marvin M. Brewer, age 19, born in New York (certainly too old to be a son of Paris and Roxanna, but perhaps a younger brother, but more likely a nephew).

U.S. Census, 1850, Pitt, OH (Paris Brewer household) (NARA via Ancestry.com)
Paris C. Brewer died prior to 23 September 1852, when Roxanna Brewer, administrator of his estate, is recorded in the Wyandot County Probate Court (Wyandot Co. Administration Dockets 1:240). Those securing the bond of $6000 are H. H. Holdridge, James Brewer and Cornelius Brewer. The inventory of Paris' estate was recorded 29 November 1852 (Wyandot Co. Inventories and Appraisements 1:254). The account of H. H. Holdridge, guardian of Mary L. Brewer (age 14) and Ann Eliza Brewer (age 9) is recorded on 21 October 1854 (Wyandot Co. Administration Dockets 1:326).

In Wyandot County Deeds, vol. 6, p. 171, we have a deed from Emery Brewer of Fulton County, New York to Clark Shepherd for a parcel of land in Wyandot County (see deed for description). It is dated 31 December 1847. The 1850 U. S. census has Emery Brewer in Crane, Wyandot Co., Ohio. He is age 27, born in New York. In the household are Lucinda Brewer (age 18) and Elson Brewer (age 4/12, i.e. 4 months). Elson is a female. There is a Find-A-Grave memorial (with a photo of the headstone) for Alison F. Brewer, died 24 September 1850, daughter of Emery and Cynthia Brewer. It appears that Lucinda and Cynthia are one and the same (see the deed below). There are Find-A-Grave memorial for Emery (with a biographical sketch), Cynthia (Lapham) his wife, and other children.

Wyandot County Deeds, vol. 3, pp. 215-216Hannah Brewer of Wyandot County conveys to Peter Brewer, for $114, a parcel in Wyandot County, "beginning in the North West fraction of the South West quarter of section No. 30 in Township No. 3, South of Range No. 15, East of the Wyandot Reservation," containing 42 aces. Dated 17 August 1848. Hannah Brewer signs with her mark. No family relationship is mentioned between Hannah and Peter in the deed. On the 1850 U. S. census I find a Hannah Brewer, age 58, born in New Jersey, at Antrim, Wyandot County. In the household are Peter Brewer, age 25, born in Ohio, a farmer with real estate valued at $400, and William Brewer, age 22, born in Ohio, a laborer. There is nothing here that implies that this household came to Ohio from Fulton County, New York.

Wyandot County Deeds, vol. 5, pp. 92-93. George D. Stinebaugh and Rachel Stinebaugh, his wife, of Crawford Co., Ohio, convey to Emery Brewer of Wyandot County, for $120, "premises" in Wyandot County, "being in Lot number three hundred and thirteen (313)," in the town of Upper Sandusky. Dated 6 May 1850. This is followed on pages 93-94, by a deed from Emery Brewer and Cynthia Brewer, his wife, of Wyandot County, to Samuel Smith of the same place, for $125, the same lot Emery had bought of the Stinebaughs. Dated 5 March 1851.

Wyandot County Deeds, vol. 8, p. 383. Jacob A. Brewer and Susannah Brewer, his wife, for $1 paid by William Simmons, quit claim to William Simmons a parcel of land in Wyandot County, "being part of the north half of the south east quarter of section twenty-four in the Township of Pitt, containing fifty-nine and fifty-three hundredths of an acre." Dated 18 March 1854. Jacob A. Brewer witnessed the 1845 deed of Daniel Brewer and Sary his wife to Paris C. Brewer (above). Jacob A. Brewer, age 35, born in New York, and Susannah Brewer, age 34, born in Pennsylvania, are found on the 1850 U. S. census in Pitt Towship. There are six children in the family ranging in age from one month to thirteen years. The household is enumerated next to that of John Simmons, age 56, who was born in New York, which includes William Simmons, age 22, born in New York. Jacob A. Brewer (the A is for Anthony, as per his marriage record) has a good number of descendants. He and his son Cornelius are found frequently in the grantor index. His ancestry does not appear to be known beyond his parents who are claimed to be a Jacob A. Brewer Sr. (1787-1832) and Hannah Stall (1792-1853). Jacob A. Brewer may be a key to identifying the family of Daniel Brewer (b. ca. 1771). We'll have to come back to Jacob A. Brewer at look at him in more depth.

U.S. census 1850, Pitt, OH, p.475 (NARA via Ancestry.com)

Wyandot County Deeds, vol. 10, p. 320. Hiram H. Holdings of Wyandot Co., guardian of the minor heirs of Paris C. Brewer, late of Little Sandusky, Wyandot County, deceased, conveys to Russel A. Kenyon of Kalamazoo County, Michigan, two certain town lots in the village of Little Sandusky. The minor heirs are named as Mary L. Brewer and Ann Eliza Brewer. Dated 17 May 1856. (See Paris C. Brewer above). Apparently Paris C. Brewer's widow, Roxanna (called Miller in trees on Ancestry.com) remarried this Russell A. Kenyon and they ended up in Logan County, Illinois where she died in 1880.

There are numerous deeds involving Brewers as the grantors, from later years in the 1800s, found on this page of the Wyandot County grantor index. For now, I'll leave them for any interested readers to explore.

Wyandot Co. OH Grantor Index Br (2nd page)


I did not find any Brewers listed in the grantee index.

Wyandot Co. OH Grantee Index page for Br (no Brower or Brewer here)


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Saturday, November 3, 2018

Brewers of Fulton County and Saratoga County, New York: Deeds and Census Records, Part II

Continuing on with the post of November 1, 2018, we'll first go back a bit from the 1830s to 1800. On 19 April 1800, Daniel Brewer and Sally Brewer his wife, of the Town of Amsterdam, Montgomery County, convey to Henry Pawling, Esq., of the same place, for $1500, 100 acres with appurtenances (Fulton Co. Deeds 2:422-23). The town in which the land is located is not specified, however, the Kayaderosseras Patent is mentioned, and in the description the land adjoins that of Issa(?) Coon. The given name Sally is of course a diminutive for Sarah, and she is called Sarah elsewhere in the deed. The two acknowledged the deed on 8 March 1808 and it was recorded on 22 March 1808. (Also recorded in Montgomery Co. Deeds, 10:452)

I am unable to find Daniel Brewer on the 1800 U. S. census in Amsterdam, or in Montgomery County (using the records and search tool available at Ancestry.com). The images I did look at are rough, and the hand writing is difficult to read for many names, so he may still be there. The only Daniel Brower/Brewer I find in New York State in 1800, was at Rochester, Ulster County, with a household of 2 males under 10, 1 male 26-44, and 1 female 26-44, so a small family, and perhaps one just starting which would also describe Daniel and Sarah Brewer of Montgomery/Fulton and Saratoga Counties. The 1810 U. S. census also enumerates a Daniel Brewer in Rochester, Ulster County, over age 45, with a household of 7 persons. This leads me to believe that we have two different Daniel Brewers.

In 1810,  (our) Daniel Brewer is found in Providence, Saratoga County, with a household of seven, being 4 males under 10 years of age, 1 male 10-15, 1 male 26-44 (that would be Daniel), 1 female under 10, 1 female 10-15 and 1 female 26-44. He is enumerated between Ebenezer Barrett and Stephen D. Lane. No other Brewers are found in Providence in 1810.

U.S. Census, 1810, Providence, Saratoga Co., NY, p.272 (NARA via Ancestry.com)
 In 1810, there are two other Daniel Brewers (four total) in New York State. One is in Easton, Washington County, while the other is at Carmel, Dutchess (now Putnam) County. Neither would be the Daniel Brewer we are researching.

In 1820, we find Daniel Brewer, perhaps written as Brower, again in Providence, New York with a household of 2 males under 10, 2 males 10-15, 1 male 16-25, 1 male over 45, 1 female 16-25 and 1 female over 45. If we assume that all those under 25 are children of Daniel and Sarah (although we have no guarantee that this is the case) they then had five sons and one daughter in their household on the date the census was taken. Samuel Mosher is found on this same census sheet.

U.S. Census, 1820, Providence, NY, p.260 (NARA via Ancestry.com)

 No other Brewers are found in Providence in 1820, although there are other Brewers in Saratoga County. There are Browers in Montgomery County, including a John Brower at Amsterdam with a household of 7, including a male 26-44 and a Daniel D. Brower, with a household of 3, being 1 male 16-25, 1 female under 10 and 1 female 16-25. With the middle initial of D, this Daniel Brower, could be a son of Daniel and Sarah Brewer. The quality of this record is poor. Whether this John Brower is a son would be less certain.

U.S. Census, 1820, Amsterdam, New York, p.44 (NARA via Ancestry.com)
For the 1830 and 1840 census records see the post of November 1, 2018.

Back to the land records. Fulton County Deeds 13:447-48, has the deed of Daniel Brewer and Sarah his wife of Providence, to Nathaniel George of the City of New York, for a parcel of land in Broadalbin, Montgomery County, "being lot number one of the smaller lots into which lot number four in the Sacandaga Patent is subdivided..." The deed is dated 12 July 1838. Go back to that map of the Sacandaga Patent at the New York Archives Digital Collections. Who is on Lot 4? Clark, and Lane (the map is believed to be from 1833). Could this be land inherited by Sarah, from her father? We'll have to work on the Clarks after we've done a little more with the Brewers. (Also in Montgomery Co. Deeds 43:400).

When we move up to the years 1839-1859, the deeds involving the Brewers that interest us become more numerous.

In Volume 1, at pages 215 and 216 there are two deeds from Daniel and Sarah Brewer, of Broadalbin, to Nathaniel George of New York City. Both were recorded on 26 April 1839 (Fulton County has now been created and so the deed books start again with a second number 1). On page 215 the Brewers convey a parcel of land in Broadalbin being a part of Lot no. six of the Sacandaga Patent (35 acres) and dated 31 July 1838. Lot 6 was in the name of Clark and Holland in 1833. The deed on page 216 is dated 14 September 1838, it conveys parts of lots number six and seven in the Sacandaga Patent. Lot 7 belonged to P. Winne on the 1833 map. One of the witnesses is a Roxanna Brewer, and the deed is acknowledged in Marion County, Ohio, by Daniel and Sarah Brewer on 5 October 1838. It looks as if Daniel and Sarah Brewer relocated to Marion County, Ohio (which was one of the counties that contributed to the formation of Wyandot County in 1845) in late 1838. And on the 1840 U. S. census we do find a Daniel Brewer at Salt Rock, Marion County, Ohio, with a household of one male 60-70 and one female 60-70. Enumerated next to him is P. C. Brewer (Paris? Clark? Brewer).

U.S. Census, 1840, Salt Rock, Marion Co., OH (NARA via Ancestry.com)
The 1850 U. S. census at Pitt, Wyandot County, Ohio, has Daniel Brewer, age 79, born in New York, enumerated in the household of David Williams, age 36, born in Pennsylvania. The household also includes Sarah Williams, age 25, born in New York, which we might assume to be David's wife. Children include a son Daniel and a daughter Sarah. Sarah, could be a daughter of Daniel Brewer, but if her age is correct here, she would have been born rather late to Sarah, and since no female that might be of Sarah's age is found in the household description for Daniel on the 1840 census, it may be that she is a granddaughter, or maybe some other relation, perhaps a niece.

U.S. Census, 1850, Pitt, OH (NARA via Ancestry.com)
We have more land records to consider back in Fulton County. We'll also have to start looking in Marion and Wyandot Counties, Ohio. And so, this will continue.

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