Updates To Brewer Families of Southeast America

Foy Varner's Brewer Families of Southeast America, published by Foy in 2003, is covered in the post of December 21, 2014. It is to be used in conjunction with Marvin T. Broyhill's work, mentioned in the same post, which was published in 1992. If you are using Broyhill's work you will also want to consult Foy's work. There are links to Brewer Families of Southeast America and a two page addendum on the "Replacement Links and More" page of this website. And just to make it a little easier, here is a link to Brewer Families of Southeast America and the Addendum. Please feel free to download and save these documents to your own computer. They are online using my Google account and therefore I cannot guarantee that they will always be available.

Foy has now issued two new documents that are of importance to those using the sources mentioned above. Links to the two are also available on the "Replacement Links and More" page. One is a four page errata, dated February 2019. The second is a work that Foy produced in collaboration with Diane Daniel titled, Brewer Families of Brunswick County, Virginia. This work is 59 pages, and is very much recommended for those who are, or believe they are, descendants of George Brewer of Brunswick County, Virginia. Again, feel free to download and save both.

A couple of weeks ago I posted on David Brewer's just published Brewer Families of Moore and Southwest Chatham Counties, North Carolina. Like David Brewer, Foy Varner is also a co-administrator of the Brewer DNA Project. Foy's focus is on Ambrose Brewer who lived in Moore County, North Carolina and later in Tennessee where he died in 1855, at about the age of 102. All in all the new published works mentioned here constitute significant advancements in the efforts to understand and reconstruct some of the Brewer families found in the southeast during the colonial period.

Map by Thomas Kitchen of the southern colonies shortly after the French and Indian War. From Life in the Southern Colonies, citing Todd Andrlik as the source

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19th Century Wills Recorded in New York County During the 1870s

Continuing with abstracts of New York County Wills for testators named BROWER, BREWER, and other variations, along with links to digital images of the wills found on FamilySearch.org, in their collection titled, "New York Probate Records, 1629-1971 > New York County." This post covers probate records dated in the decade of the 1870s.

Lucretia Brewer, 6 July 1871, Vol. 188, p. 401. Dated 2 October 1860. Lucretia Brewer of the Township of Marlboro, Monmouth County, New Jersey. All just debts and funeral expenses to be paid. Leaves to beloved son Bela Brewer and Mary Ann, his wife, all property which I may posses both real and personal "at the time of my decease during their natural lives and after their decease then to Arastus Van Pelt, and his oldest heir, and if the said Erastus Van Pelt should die and leave no heirs, then to his sister Sarah Van Pelt." Appoints as executor, "beloved son Bela Brewer." Signs with her mark. Witnesses: John Bennett, George Schultz, John Lewis. Proved 7 Jun 1871 by George Schultz. [Lucretia Campbell was the wife of Bela Brewer  (1789-1827) who was a son of Solomon Brewer and Rene Benton, and a descendant of Daniel Brewer who came to Roxbury, Massachusetts Bay Colony in 1632. Many members of this family are buried in the Old Sleepy Hollow Dutch Church Burying Ground in Tarrytown, Westchester County. This, despite the fact that they were not members of the Reformed Dutch Church, nor were they descendants of one of the New Netherland Brouwer families].

Anthony Brower, 26 April 1872, Vol. 202, p. 290. Dated 24 December 1869. Anthony Brower of the City, County and State of New York, Gentleman. All household furniture, stores, goods, etc. to beloved wife Janet Lovett Brower. Wife to also receive any income from real and personal estate. Wife to receive one third of estate. Remainder of estate to children, Marie Antoinette Simmons, John Lovett Brower and Thomas LeFoy Brower, to be divided equally. Daughter Marie Antoinette Simmons to receive her share as income during her life and after her death her share to go to her child or children. Instructions to the executors for selling real estate, etc. Appoints wife Janet Lovett Brower and sons John Lovett Brower and Thomas LeFoy Brower executors. Sons appointed trustees of daughter Marie Anoinette Simmons. Proved 26 April 1872. [Anthony Brower is a son of Thomas LeFoy Brower and Magdalena Van Aulst. I don't know of a baptism record but he was age 39 on the 1850 U.S. census. He married Jennette (Janet) Lovett on 26 Nov 1839, and their three known children are mentioned in the will. His profile on the BGD does not include this abstract].

John L. Brower, 22 October 1872, Vol. 212, p. 205. Dated 5 January 1865. John L. Brower of the City of New York, late Mahogany dealer. To wife Elizabeth as her absolute property all household goods...watches and jewelery, etc. Also an annual annuity of $5000 paid quarterly (instructs executors on how to invest proceeds from sale of properties). Mentions property on Washington, Hubert and West Streets now occupied as a mahogany yard with the water fronts attached (to be sold)...for the benefit of my children who shall survive me to be divided in equal shares (mentions daughters and sons but not by name). Appoints brother-in-law Isaac C. Ogden, nephew Anthony Brower and wife Elizabeth Brower, all of New York City, as executors. Nominates his wife as guardian of children under the age of 21. Witnessed by Albon P. Man of 106 East 30th St., N.Y.C.; Jno. E. Parsons of 68 West 35th St., N.Y.C.; William P. Man of 106th East 30th St., N.Y.C.
Six Codicils dated, 7 Sep 1866; 28 Nov 1866; 13 Sep 1867, appoints son John L. Brower, Jr. as an executor; 7 Dec 1867; 4 Feb 1869, appoints son Abraham T.H. Brower as an executor and removes nephew Anthony Brower as executor; 10 Sep 1872, appoints John B. Hunting of Jersey City, New Jersey as one of the executors. Proved 17 Oct 1872. [This is a long, detailed will. John L. (the L. apparently is for Lafoy) Brower was a son of Gerrit Brower and Mary La Foy].

Gardner Brewer, 19 March 1875, Vol. 230, p. 268. Dated 17 August 1874. Proved 19 February 1875. Gardner Brewer of the City of Boston, County of Suffolk and Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Merchant, of sound and disposing mind. To my beloved wife Mary Brewer if she shall survive me and if she does not survive me I give to my daughter Caroline Abigail Brewer absolutely my watches, jewelry, horses, carriages, harnesses, household stores, fuel and all other articles in and about my residence in Boston. To wife, and then to daughter Caroline Abigail, household items (long list). Wife to have house at Newport, Rhode Island. Also mentions stables in Boston. To my wife an annuity of fity thousand dollars to be paid in quarterly sums during her lifetime. Residuary property to be held in trust for the benefit of "my two daughters the two children of my deceased daughter Ellen Amory." Wife to have use of "my pew in Kings Chapel," afterwards to daughter Caroline. Dwelling house in Boston on Beacon Street numbered twenty nine. Estate at Newport, Rhode Island "which I have occupied during the summer months of the year," subject to the life interest of my wife, to my daughter Caroline Abigail Brewer... Also to daughter Caroline a lot at Mount Auburn numbered twenty five hundred and ninety six, with a strip of land. A gift to the Proprietors of the cemetery at Mount Auburn. Also mentions his stable at thirty two Myrtle Street in Boston; land on Centre Street in that part of Boston formerly called Roxbury, which for many years had been held by my wife's family (mentions deed of Benjamin Weld to his daughter Mary Weld "who is now my wife," recorded at Dedham. Mentions other deeds. Daughter Mary Elizabeth Penniman, wife of George H. Penniman of the City of New York. Appoints nephew Francis Willard Brewer, Trustee as my successor to an indenture recorded in the Office of the Register of the City of New York, liber 1115, page 384 (apparently a deed invovling the Pennimans). Names daughter Caroline Abigail Brewer, executrix. Again mentions late daughter Ellen Amory and names her two daughters Caroline Brewer Amory and Anna Sears Amory. To daughter Caroline, the sum of one hundred thousand dollars to be held by her in trust (for the granddaughters). To Caroline Abigail Brewer, the sum of one hundred thousand dollars for her own use. Nephew Francis Willard Brewer to have the sum of one hundred thousand dollars in trust, to pay the interest to daughter Mary Elizabeth Penniman. To my partner William F. Brewer and to my nephew Francis Willard Brewer the sum of two thousand dollars each for "the purchase of some token of remembrance of me and to testify my affection and gratitude for their kindness." Leaves legacies to a number of friends. (And so on). Should daughter Caroline Abigail Brewer not survive me, appoints William M. Brewer and Francis Willard Brewer as executors. Witnesses William W. Tucker, Charles H. Dorr, Geo. W. Wales. [You will find what little I previously had on Gardner Brewer on the BGD. This post adds his will, two more daughters and two granddaughters. It goes without saying that Gardner is the wealthiest pre-twentieth century Brewer that I've yet encountered, at least by the testimony of his will. The will is very long, it goes on for ten pages and includes twenty-four items, some rather detailed. Gardner was born 1 May 1806, as recorded at Cambridge, Massachusetts. He was the son of Thomas Brewer (1781-1859) who in turn was the son of a James and Jane Brewer who I have not traced. Thomas Brewer's death is mentioned in the New England Historic and Genealogical Register, vol. 13 (1859), p. 369].


John I. Brower, 23 November 1878, Vol. 261, p. 181. Dated 19 February 1876. John I. Brower of the City of New York, Hardware Merchant. Directs that funeral expenses and debts be paid. "I give devise and bequeath unto my Executors hereafter named all my estate and property real and personal of which I may die seized in Trust, to be by them converted into money and divided and distributed as follows: One third to my wife if she should survive me and the remaining two thirds to my five children share and share alike, and if my wife should not survive me then the whole shall be divided and distributed to my said children share and share alike." The executors are also empowered to sell any real estate and distribute the money as above. Appoints as executors his three sons John, Henry W. and William L. Witnesses: Geo. S. Still, John H. Still, Wm. H. Brown. On 23 October 1878, John Brower of Scotch Plains, New Jersey, appeared in the New York County Surrogate's Court. The heirs and next of kin are named as John Brower, Henry W. Brower, William L. Brower, Catharine H. Brower, Charles H. McCreery, John Brower McCreery, Charles Reuben McCreery and William Barker McCreery. Proved 23 Noember 1878. [John I. Brower, born 7 January 1804, was a son of John Brouwer (1773-1804) and Magdalena Duryea. His wife was Sophia Wyckoff Olcott. Their daughter Cornelia Leverich Brower was married to Charles McCreery and died before her father on 22 November 1877].

Elizabeth O. Brower, 27 August 1879, Vol. 266, p. 388. Dated 12 July 1879. Proved 27 Aug 1879. Elizabeth Ogden Brower of the City of New York being of sound mind and memory. To my executors hereafter named all that certain breakhead wharf or dock on the westerly side of west street in the City of New York between Beach and Hubert Streets...to sell and dispose of the same either at public or private sale. Proceeds to cover indebtness to the estate of my deceased husband, John L. Brower. Leaves various described pieces of furniture, etc., to children named as son John Lefoy Brower, daughter Marion, daughter Florence, son A. Thew H. Brower, daughter Effie, son Ogden, son Charles DeHart Brower. Executors to divise remaining property among children. Mentions granddaughter "Bessie." Mentions daughter-in-laws Adelia and Mary W. Grandson John Lefoy Brower. Mentions a few friends. Names sons Ogden Brower and Charles DeHart Brower executors. Witnesses: Walter S. Brower of 304 Madison Ave, Albany, NY and S. (Sperry) D. Brower of 12 Plum Street, Albany, NY. [This is a long, tedious will that mentions a good deal of mid-19th century household items. The handwriting is a bit difficult but it may be of interest to those interested in the household of a 19th century New York City household. Elizabeth (Ogden) Brower was a daughter of Joseph Ogden and Hannah Insley. She was the wife of John L. Brouwer/Brower (above), a son of Gerrit Brouwer and Mary LaFoy. This will is not included in Elizabeth's profile on the BGD].

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Brewer Families of Moore and Southwest Chatham Counties, North Carolina

David Brewer, a co-administrator of the Brewer DNA Project, has recently published Brewer Families of Moore and Southwest Chatham Counties, North Carolina, subtitled, In Quest of the Descendants of George and Sarah Lanier Brewer of Brunswick County, Virginia. It is available through Amazon.com in paperback (213 pages) and an ebook is available for Kindle. I bought a copy a few weeks back. This book will be of interest, and of great use, to those working on genealogies of the descendants of George Brewer who lived in Brunswick County, Virginia.

(image from Amazon.com)

From the back cover:

"Researchers investigating the pedigrees of descendants of George Brewer of Brunswick County, Virginia (1670?-1744?) have learned that most of his reputed sons ultimately migrated to or through two neighboring counties in central North Carolina during the mid-1700s: Moore and Chatham. This account primarily focuses on the Brewers who lived in northern Moore and southwestern Chatham counties in the period between 1750 and 1850. 

One of its theses is that three reputed sons of George Brewer of Brunswick County, Howell I, Lanier I, and John, (and their descendants) had significant contacts with the region during the era. This book compiles and integrates existing research about the Brewer families who lived in the region during that period with some newer information, including the early results of YDNA genetic testing of their male descendants."

What this work is not, is a compiled genealogy. If you're one who is simply looking for your, or some ancestor of yours place among the descendants of George Brewer, or one of his three sons mentioned above, you will not find it here. Indeed, to date, there is no existing published genealogy of George Brewer's descendants. If, however, you are one who is intent on working at finding your place among the descendants of George Brewer, then David Brewer's book will be of value to you.

This book follows somewhat in the spirit of Marvin T. Broyhill's The Brewer families of colonial Virginia, 1626-1776: with notes on the migrations of their descendants into North Carolina and other states, which is was the subject of a post on this website on December 21, 2014. What David Brewer doesn't do, however, is make the mistake that Broyhill made of trying to draw genealogical conclusions from the data presented. Broyhill's work was ambitious in that it spanned a far wider geographical area and covered many more individuals and families, some of whom are certainly not related to George Brewer. This new work is more focused. It is more than two hundred pages of records, and analysis of those records pertaining to the Brewers found in Moore County and portions of Chatham County, North Carolina. Many of the records and analysis found here is not found in Broyhill. And while Broyhill is occasionally referred to, David Brewer's book goes beyond what Broyhill provided when it comes to Moore County.

Brewer Families of Moore and Southwest Chatham Counties, North Carolina is a very much needed and welcomed contribution to the larger effort of identifying George Brewer's descendants. Perhaps it will inspire others researching Brewer families in the south to compile similar works focusing on other locations like Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, and some of the other counties in North Carolina where Brewers are found. One drawback is that it does not include an index. The author notes this and explains that a searchable PDF version "has been circulated," that would substitute for a printed index (page 2). Those purchasing the book (I'd recommend the paperback hard copy which is easier to use than some digital format like Kindle, or a PDF) would no doubt find that having the searchable PDF in hand will be helpful, although the book can certainly be used without it. There are plenty of footnotes and researchers should have no trouble finding or identifying the location of the records discussed in the text. As always, my recommendation is to seek out the originals for yourself.

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From Elsewhere

Word has been received from Google (Alphabet, I guess is the parent company's proper name) that Google+ will be "going away on April 2, 2019" (quoting the subject line of their email). I'm sure that if you have a Google+ account you have also received this notice. And apparently they have already started removing things like +1 buttons and badges from blog websites. The roll of Google+ followers has been removed from the pages of this blog. In the past I used the Brouwer Genealogy Google+ page to pass on genealogy related articles and the like that I found online that interested me and that I thought might interest others. Without the Google+ page that option is lost, so perhaps I'll on occasion just throw out a post, like this one, with some links. So here goes.

• Family Tree DNA (FTDNA) has been in the news lately and the topic is controversial to many. I don't believe that anyone at FTDNA is labeling it as "good news" anyway. On January 31, 2019, BuzzFeed broke the news that FTDNA has been allowing law enforcement agencies to upload DNA data to their website for the purpose of finding matches. The story was then picked up by many other news outlets from the NYTimes to Rolling Stone. The Legal Genealogist posted on this on February 1st, and followed up on February 3rd, again on February 3rd (with "A Letter from Bennett Greenspan") and on February 4th. I recommend reading The Legal Genealogist's posts on this issue, and there is more to consider in the comments section to those posts. Here is a direct link to the response from FTDNA. The Brewer DNA Project is hosted by FTDNA and this is an issue that every current member of the Project, every customer of FTDNA and every potential customer of FTDNA should be aware of. Everyone is going to have their own opinion and position on this. My overall concern is that what was once a fun hobby is now turning a bit darker, or certainly one that has some issues that are not so enjoyable but do have to be addressed. Whatever your opinion is, please just take the time to inform yourself on this very complicated issue which involves much more than just "catching bad guys." The fact that existing customers were not notified of changes to Terms of Service, with this new policy (which is claimed to have contradicted past statements by Bennett Greenspan) and issues of privacy including the violation of certain legal and Constitutional rights are also issues here. The possibility that all of this may well just slow down otherwise well intended genetic genealogical research is a concern.
• "Why You Should Dig Up Your Family's History - and How to Do It," was published by the New York Times on February 3rd. Written by Jaya Saxena, it's a nice take, and a plug for the overwhelming importance and enjoyment of traditional genealogical research (the way this was done before DNA tests). Some specific advice here too that will serve every genealogist well. I would single out in particular the paragraph on name variations, something Brouwers, Browers, Brewers, Bruers, etc., should be well aware of and familiar with. A terrific article for newbies and a nice refresher for the experienced.
• On January 31, the radio program On Point aired "Inheritance": When DNA Genealogy Shakes Our Identity, Foundation to the Core. This is the story of author Dani Shapiro and her experience with a DNA test that told her that her father wasn't her biological father. A very interesting twist to this story on just how that came to be, that I won't give away. It's about a 46 minute listen.
• And finally, this has nothing to do with genealogy, but it hits home for me nonetheless so I'm passing it on. I grew up on Long Island, and after school, sometimes during school, we went down to the Pizza shop and ordered "a slice." It was wedge shaped, thin crust, nothing but tomato sauce and cheese, pepperoni or sausage was an option. You could FOLD it. That's how you ate it. Today, I live in western New York, and all the pizza places make a pizza that is too thick to fold (although thinner than Sicilian pizza which is something else that you could also get at the Pizza shop) and they cut it in squares! There are pieces in the center that don't even have crust! You can't fold it, it's too thick (I know I already said that, but that's the essence of pizza). And there are all kinds of strange things you can put on it (even ham and pineapple). Apparently there is even something called a "breakfast pizza." They should not be allowed to call this stuff pizza. It isn't pizza. So, here's an article from the New York Times from January 16th on REAL pizza. This is pizza! Glad I got that off my chest.

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19th Century Wills Recorded in New York County, 1850s and 1860s

Continuing with abstracts of New York County Wills for testators named BROWER, BREWER, and other variations, along with links to digital images of the wills found on FamilySearch.org, in their collection titled, "New York Probate Records, 1629-1971 > New York County." The probate records abstracted below are from the 1850s and 1860s. Some testators were born in the later 1700s. The page numbers refer to the pages of the "Old Libers."

John Bruer, 23 June 1852, Vol. 104, p. 214. Dated 19 September 1851. Proved 23 June 1852. John Bruer, at present residing "on the Sixth Avenue; corner of West Nineteenth Street in the City of New York." After all lawful debts are paid, wife Louisa Bruer, all furniture, tools and implements of trade and all the money with the interest that may have accrued remaining in the Greenwich Savings Bank, NYC, according to my bank book No. 12.690 belonging to me and standing in my name improperly spelled "John Brewer" and all other money due...Also to Louisa, and her heirs, two certain lots, pieces or parcels of land at Morrisania in the Town of West Farms, Westchester County. A description of the property follows. Rest, residue and remainder of my Real Estate of every name and nature whatsoever to my wife Louisa Bruer, her heirs and assigns. Wife Louisa Bruer appointed sole executrix. Witnessses Frederick Millliman and John Koehl (Koel). [I am not certain who this John Bruer is and I don't believe he appears on the BGD. The 1850 U.S. Census has a John Brewer, age 39, born in France, a chair maker in New York City's 6th Ward (see images below, last line. Louisa Brewer appears on the next sheet, first line, age 50, born in France)].

John Brewer, 1850 US Census NYC 16th Ward (NARA)

Louisa Brewer, 1850 US Census NYC 16th Ward (NARA)

Eliza Brower, 7 July 1851, Vol. 102, p. 48. Dated 18 February 1851. Proved 7 July 1851. Eliza Brower of the City of New York being of failing health but of sound and disposing mind. To be buried in a decent Christian like manner and all just debts and funeral expenses to be paid by my sister Anna Maria Brower now living with me. To my sister Anna Maria Brower, my gold watch and gold ring or locket, and all my estate real, personal or mixed (mentions money, stocks, household and kitchen furniture, books, plate, clothing... To my friend Eliza Brower Chamberlain, my gold watch from and after the decease of my sister Anna Maria Brower. To my niece Elizabeth Brower Terrier, my gold ring or locket from and after the decease of my sister Anna Maria Brower. Appoints friend Andrew D. Melick and sister Anna Maria Brower as executors. Witnessed by Malcolm McGregor and David Van Pelt, both of New York City. [Neither Eliza Brower or her sister Anna Maria are found in the BGD, however, I suspect that they are sisters of Abraham Brower found below].

Catherine Brower, 25 June 1856, Vol. 117, p. 453. Dated 1 December 1835. Proved 16 June 1856. Catherine Brower of the City and State of New York, single woman, of sound mind and memory. Leaves entire estate to nephew William Ward (in the U.S. Navy) "who is the son of my sister Hester, the widow of Nathaniel Ward, deceased," and to "my brother Samuel Brower of the City and State of New York." Mentions real estate at the corner of Christopher and Factory Streets in New York City. Mentions $50 due me from my brother David Brower, and a debt of $300 due from John Crolius of 14 Aug 1818. Appoints brother Samuel Brower and nephew William Ward as executors. Witnessed by C. Nagle, no. 14 Charles St., NYC; John A. Steward?, no. 49 King St., NYC; John M. Reed, no. 49 Baron St., NYC. [Catherine Brower, baptized as Tryntje, is a daughter of Samuel Brouwer and Annatje Brouwer. She was born 15 May 1780 and baptized on 11 June 1780 at Tappan, New York].

Maria Brower, 29 April 1861, Vol. 136, p. 284. Dated 14 May 1855. Proved 29 April 1861. Maria Brower of the City of New York, spinster. To my sisters Jane, Alida and Eliza Brower as joint tenants all my real and personal estate. Sisters Jane, Alida and Eliza appointed executors. Witnesses: Edw. L. Beadle and Adeline Beadle.

Jane Brower, 29 April 1861, Vol. 136, p. 287. Dated 14 May 1855. Proved 29 April 1861. Jane Brower of the City of New York, spinster. To my sisters Maria, Alida and Eliza Brower as joint tenants all my real and personal estate. Appoints sisters Maria, Alida and Eliza Brower, executors. Witnesses: Edw. L. Beadle and Adeline Beadle. [Jane Brower and Maria Brower (above) were daughters of Theophilus Brouwer and Maria Bogart. Their brother Jeremiah Brower's will is found on the post of February 1, 2019].

James S. Brouwer, 24 July 1861, Vol. 136, p. 489. Dated 24 January 1854. Proved 24 July 1861. James S. Brouwer of the City of New York, grocer.Just debts and funeral expenses to be paid. All estate, real, personal and mixed to my beloved wife Annie B. Brower. Appoints wife executrix. No mention of children. Witnesses: Theodore W. Marsh, Edward P. Clark and Augustus Cornwall, all of New York City. [James S. Brouwer (the name is spelled with the u in the will) was born about 1815 and is a son of Jacob Brouwer (1772-1844) and Hannah Hill. He married Anna M. Jeremiah on 30 June 1853 at the New York Reformed Dutch Church. His paternal grandmother was Rachel Sebring which is probably what his middle initial S stands for].

Abraham Brower, 4 June 1862, Vol. 142, p. 77. Dated 6 May 1862. Proved 11 June 1862. Abraham Brower residing at "Two hundred and fifty seven Henry Street in the City of New York, being of sound mind and understanding." Debts to be paid. Executors to pay out of estate expenses for a funeral and for the erection of a tomb stone or monument for "myself and my dear wife, the sum of three thousand dollars." To wife Hannah Aurelia Brower all household furniture, etc. and also the dwelling house and lot of land at number two hundred and fifty seven (257) Henry Street, NYC. Upon wife's decease the house and lot to be sold and proceeds to be divided among grandchildren "who shall be then living" equally. To only daughter Jane Elizabeth Gray my silver tea set, gravy dish, etc., and income of two thousand dollars during her natural life (instructions to executors regarding this). To each of my sons, Charles L. Brower, John Brower, Francis A. Brower and Andrew J. Brower, the sum of two thousand dollars. To my sister Anna Maria Brower, the sum of five hundred dollars. To Maria Pulis of the City of New York, single woman, the sum of two hundred dollars. All residue and remainder to my grandchildren who should be living at the time of my decease. Appoints George G. Hallock of the City of New York agent and Levi Mabie of said City carpenter, as executors. Witnesses George A. Stevens and J. E. Searles. [Abraham does appear on the BGD here, but this is very much incomplete with only one source. He appears to be a son of Johannes/John Brower, b. 1763, d. 1845, a son of Jeury Brouwer and Elizabeth Vandewater. A bit more work is required here, and what is currently found on the BGD for both Abraham and Johannes needs to be revised and corrected and we'll be returning to this in a future post. Those with an Ancestry.com subscription can find more on Abraham Brower here (but again, a work in progress)].

John V. Brower, 8 March 1865, Vol. 173, p. 41. Dated 29 December 1852. John V. Brower of Jersey City in the County of Hudson and State of New Jersey. All just debts and funeral expenses to be paid. Residue of my estate, both real and personal to my wife Mary. Appoints wife executrix. Witnessed by A. O. Zabriskie and C. H. Winfield, both of Jersey City. Proved 23 February 1865. [John V. (is for Van Alstyne) Brower was a son of Thomas Le Foy Brouwer and Magdalena van Aulst. His wife was Mary Bloomfield].


Jacob Brouwer, 3 June 1868, Vol. 179, p. 364. Dated 24 April 1856. Codicil dated 6 June 1865. Proved 20 July 1868. Jacob Brouwer of the City of New York. To my beloved wife Jane Maria, all my household furniture, silver plate, pictures, printed books, wearing apparel, watch, personal ornaments and family stores in my dwelling house. Also to my wife, my pew in the Reformed Dutch Church on the corner of Fourth Street and Lafayette Place, in New York City. After her death, executors are directed to sell the pew and divide the proceeds among my lawfull issue. Leaves $20,000 in trust with his executors for his wife on which she is to draw the interest. To my sister Eliza Ann Miller, wife of Hannibal Miller, $500. To my sister Margaret Matilda Brouwer, $500. My daughters (not named) shall hold their respective shares of my estate seperately from control of their respective husbands and from any liabilities or debts of their husbands. Appoints wife Jane Maria executrix and brother John Brouwer, brother-in-law William M. Vermilye and son Theophilus A. Brouwer as executors and guardinas of the persons and estates of my infant children during their minorities (not named). Witnesses: Jacob K. Lockman of No. 54 Barrow St., NYC; Henry R. DeWitt of No. 11 St. Marks Place, NYC; Corn. J. DeWitt of No. 11 St. Marks Place, NYC.
Codicil dated 26 June 1865. Adds an additional $5000 to the $20,000 in trust for his wife to be administered by the executors. Gives an annual annuity of $1750 to wife. To sister Eliza Ann Miller, widow of Hannibal Miller, an additional $500. To sister Margaret Matilda Brouwer, an additional $500. To sister-in-law Ann Brouwer, widow of brother John Brouwer, $1000. Appoints son-in-law Dr. Thomas Ryerson as executrix in place of deceased brother John Brower. Witnesses: Edwd. DeWitt of Yonkers, Westchester County, New York; Theo. W. Mason of No. 120 Jerolmen St., Brooklyn; Jacob Lockman, No. 32 Henry St., Brooklyn. Presented to the Surrogate's Court for probate on 3 June 1868 by Theophilus A. Brouwer and William M. Vermilye, executors. Proved 19 June 1868 by Henry R. DeWitt, 20 June 1868 by Corn. J. DeWitt, 20 July 1868 by Jacob Lockman. [Jacob Brouwer, born 31 March 1796, baptized 8 May 1796 at the New York Reformed Dutch Church, was a son of Jacob Brouwer and Margaret Burras. His wife was Jane Maria De Reimer].

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19th Century Wills Recorded in New York County, 1830s and 1840s

We haven't forgotten our New York City Browers and we now continue with abstracts of New York County Wills for testators named BROWER, BREWER, and other variations, along with links to digital images of the wills found on FamilySearch.org, in their collection titled, "New York Probate Records, 1629-1971 > New York County." The probate records abstracted below are from the 1830s and 1840s. Please remember that the pages given here refer to the "Old Libers." More than a century ago the Old Libers were copied into new books. And here is a list of Browers and Brewers found in the New York County Will Books that was compiled a few years ago.

Abraham Brower, Lib. 68, p. 388. Dated 17 November 1826. Abraham Brouwer of the City of New York, being in good health and sound mind. Appoint my son Barret S. Brouwer, son-in-law James Smith, and Peter Sebring, all of the City of New York, as executors and trustees. Bequeath to them the survivors and survivors of them and their heirs of such survivor all my real and personal estate. First: pay all debts and funeral expenses. Second: Balance or surplus of personal estate to be divided among my five children, Jacob, Susan, Barret, Mary, and Rachel. Third: To son Jacob, the option to purchase in simple fee my farm in West Chester County at any time within one year after my decease. Fourth: If my son Jacob should buy the farm, proceeds are to be divided among my five children. Fifth: And as much as I hold certain estate in common with James Anderson it is my will that whatever the same shall be sold that my executors shall pay and divide whatever value of my share of the house No. 120 Broadway now occupied by Francis Guewin to and among my five children. Sixth: Should my daughter Susan depart this life before her husband or my son Barret depart this life before his wife, then in trust upon the first event to pay from the share of my said daughter $200 to her husband in each and every year during his natural life and upon the happening of the second event then to pay from the share of my son Barret $250 to his wife in each and every year of her widowhood. Josiah Wilson, the husband of my daughter Mary, shall in no case have any interest in or control over my estate or any part thereof. Witnesses: Abel T. Anderson, Jacob I. Roome, Geo. C. Thornburn. Codicil dated 19 Mar 1830: states that Josiah Wilson is now deceased, and daughter Mary is to be treated in the same manner as all other children. Proved 1 Mar 1832 by Susan Smith, Abel T. Anderson, Jacob Roome, Geo. C. Thornburn. [Abraham Brower was baptized 19 March 1746. He is a son of Jacob Brouwer and Maria de Lanoy].

Rene Brewer, Lib. 86, p. 35. Dated 10 July 1840. Rene Brewer of the City, County and State of New York, considering the uncertainty of this mortal life and being of sound mind and judgement...
To youngest son James Brewer, the one half of all that usage and piece of land formerly owned by said James lying and  being in Greensburg, County of Westchester...lands bounded by Dr. Vanderhoof, dec'd, formerly the property of Joseph H. Hall, and the highway that leads from Tarrytown to White Plains. To daughter Sally the wife of John W. Purdy, the use of the other half of said tenament and lot of land during her life and then to be equally divided between her children.
To daughter Clarissa wife of Simon McGowen, all that lot and piece and parcel of land adjoining said lot (describes boundaries). To daughter Polly Brewer, the use of the remainder of my property on the north side of the road leading from Tarrytown to White Plains, bounded by lands of said Vanderhoof, dec'd, lands of Daniel Ackerman, on the west lands of Stephen McGowan, on south by the highway.
To daughter Patty the wife of Jacob Shaffer, the equal third part and parcel of that land lying on the south side of said highway (bounded by lands of William Van Wart and Elisha Purdy). To grandchildren Rene Brewer and Bela Brewer, the next one third of said lot. To daughter Lucinda the wife of Clark Williams, the other third of said lot. To son Horace Brewer and his children, a lot adjoining the western part of the property and adjoining the lands of Elisha Purdy. Directs that her personal property be desposed of and all moneys due me by note or otherwise collected and added into one sum, including a note for ninety nine dollars given to my late husband Solomon Brewer...to be divided, after funeral expenses and other necessary charges, into seven equal sums or shares. The seven shares to be given, one each to, daughter Sally wife of John W. Purdy, then to her children; to son Horace Brewer, then to his children; to son James Brewer; to daughter Patty wife of Jacob Schaffer; to Clarissa wife of Simon McGown; to daughter Lucinda wife of Clark Williams, then to her children; all instructed to pay to daughter Polly Brewer, 3% in quarterly payments during her life. Executors instructed to use the seventh share to build a house upon the lot set apart for grandchildren Rene, Maria and Bela Brewer (Bela stated to be under age 21). Appoints as sole executor, Clark Williams. Witnessed by Enoch Morgan, John Niles, William Byley. Proved 10 June 1842 by Enoch Morgan and 15 Nov 1842 by William Byley who in a deposition states that John Niles "is a lunatic and incompetent to testify...and he is informed that he is now residing in Poughkeepsie in the County of Dutchess." [Rene Brewer was the second wife and widow of Solomon Brewer. She was born 1 October 1766 in Guilford, Connecticut and was the daughter of Edward Benton and Leah Leete].

James M. Brower, Lib. 96, p. 441. Dated 29 November 1847. proved 8 Nov 1848. "I James M. Brower of the City, County and State of New York, Grocer, being of sound mind memory and understanding..." Mentions the mortgage on his home at 44 15th Street in New York City and orders his executors to pay "my share or portion of the expense incurred in and about improving and adorning the family vault in Greenwood Cemetery owned by my brothers David and Isaac and myself jointly." Names wife Sarah, all my household furniture...if she survives my son Celcus to her and her heirs forever. Mentions his title and right to a house and lot on the corner of Bedford and Downing Streets in New York City. Son, Celcus, under the age of 21, to receive interest and rents. Approves said wife as guardian of said son. Should both his wife die and son die before the age of 21, then residue of estate to be distributed as 1- $300 to Greenwood Cemetery in Kings County to be used for repair and preservation of lots nos. 1796, 1797, 1798 and 1799; 2- $1000 to Elizabeth Doncaster of St. John, New Brunswick, mother of my said wife; 3- $300 to Mary Doncaster of St. Johns, sister of my wife; 4- whole remainder to my sister Catherine DePew wife of Abraham DePew and her children. Appoints as executors his wife Sarah, Isaac D. Brower and David D. Bogart. Signed James M. Brower. Witnessed by G. McAdam, 27 Beekman St, NYC, and James McAdam, same address. [James M. (for Madison) Brower was born 4 March 1814 and was baptized at the Tappan Reformed Dutch Church. His parents were David Brouwer and Sarah Palmer].

Jeremiah Brower, Lib. 98, p. 59. Dated 13 June 1846, proved 30 July 1849. Called Jeremiah Brower of the City of New York. Appoints Stephen B. Hoffman, Robert Dermont and William Heyer Jacobs as executors. To my sisters Mariah Jane, Alida, Eliza and Nancy, the sum of $100. To each of my granddaughters Jane Brower and Ann Brower, the sum of $500. To my wife Elizabeth one half of all my household furniture and plate and the other half I give to my daughters Mary Ann Underhill and Eliza Jane Jacobs to be equally divided between them. Mentions a bond of 28 June 1839 assigned to wife Elizabeth of a bond and mortgage executed by John Van Boskirk for $4000 and also a bond and mortgage executed by James Stirley for $1500 for monies received from sales of properties left my said wife by her parents. Sets up a life annuity for his wife. Remainder of estate to be divided into three equal shares for daughter Mary Ann Underhill, children of said daughter Mary Ann, daughter Eliza Jane Jacobs wife of William H. Jacobs and her children, son Elijah Brower and his children (no names given for the children). Signed Jeremiah Brower. Witnessed by Wm. H. Slosson of 94 Franklin St., NYC and Joel B. Purdy, also of 94 Franklin St., NYC. [Jeremiah Brower was baptized 24 June 1776 at the New York Reformed Dutch Church. His parents were Theophilus Brouwer and Maria Bogart. His wife, Elizabeth Fisher, is named in the will but died 28 April 1848, before Jeremiah who died 1 July 1849. Both of their deaths were reported in New York City newspapers].


John J. Brower, Lib. 65, p. 504. Dated 14 May 1822. Proved 14 Apr 1823, called John J. (I.?) Brower of New York City, gentleman, mentions sisters Leah, Jane (Brouwer) Vredenburg, niece Jane V. Joralemon, Anna Eliza Petit niece of late wife, and four grandchildren: John Brower son of late son John Brower, Jr., deceased; Catherine Forman; and Effie, now wife of James Quackenbos, formerly Effie Forman; daughters of late daughter Jane, deceased, the late wife of George Forman; also John Brower Galatian, son of late daughter Catherine, deceased, the former wife of William W. Galatian. The will was not recorded until 13 November 1835. [John J. Brower died 12 April 1823, age 73 years, as reported by the New York Evening Post. He was a son of Jacob Brouwer and Jannetje Hartje. His wife was Catharine Duryea a daughter of Johannes Duryea and Antje Voorhees. Her sister, Neeltje Duryea is the Nelly Brower whose will is below].


Joseph G. Brower, Lib. 75, p. 349. Dated 6 May 1836. Joseph G. Brower, of the City of New York, Merchant Tailor. Directs that all just debts and funeral expenses be paid out of his estate. Executors of the estate are to have at their discretion the ability to sell real estate and to put the proceeds at interest or mortgage for benefit of the estate. Wife Charlotte to have income from said interest for her own benefit and for the education and support of "our children" (not named, nor number of children stated). Appoints as executrix his wife Charlotte and as executors his friends Henry Garner and Edgert Scudder of the City of New York. Witnesses: John M. McKinley, Chas. W. Sandford, both of New York City (addresses given). Proved 8 August 1836. Proceedings dated 21 July 1836 name as the heirs of Joseph G. Brower, his widow Charlotte, and heirs Joseph Henry DeWitt Brower and Charlotte Ann Brower. The widow Charlotte Brower is appointed guardian of the two children. The proceedings also state that Joseph G. Brower died in Brooklyn on 17 July 1836, and that he was a resident of New York County (Manhattan). [Joseph G. Brower died 17 July 1836 in Brooklyn. Although not named in the will, his children were Joseph Henry DeWitt Brower, born 21 June 1828 and baptized at Vandewater St. Presbyterian Church in New York City, and Charlotte Ann Brower, born about 1832, married twice, first to Samuel G. Vanusden, and second to Thaddeus W. Meighan with whom she had nine children. The identity of Joseph G. Brower's parents and his ancestry has not been learned].


Nelly Brower, Lib. 69, p. 169. Dated 25 March 1829. Proved 14 Aug 1832. Nelly Brower of the City of New York, widow of Abraham Brower late of the said city, blacksmith, deceased, being of an advanced age in life but through the mercy of God, in the enjoyment of good health but knowing the uncertainty of life, do make and publish this my last will and testament as follows. Leaves legacies to granddaughter Elizabeth, the daughter of my son Richard D. Brower, and Eleanor the wife of John Constantine, Mary, Hannah and Eliza, daughters of my son John D. Brower deceased (household items, furniture, clothing). Grandsons Abraham and Richard, the sons of my son Richard D. Brower and Abraham and John sons of my late son John D. Brower deceased (money and securities, money due). Appoints son Richard D. Brower and grandson-in-law John Constantine executors. Signed Nelly Brower. Witnesses: Isaac L. Kipp, Isaac Young. [Nelly Brower was baptized 10 November 1751 at the New York Reformed Dutch Church. Her parents were Johannes Duryea and Antje Voorhees and her sister Catharine was the wife of John J. Brower above. Nelly (Neeltje, and Elenor) was the wife of Abraham Brouwer, born 28 October 1735, baptized at Tappan and a brother of John J. Brower].


Samuel Brower, Lib. 66, p. 254. Dated 20 March 1830. Proved 14 Jul 1830. Samuel Brower of the City of New York. Debts and funeral expences to be paid. To my executors hereafter named, all my real estate wheresosever situated except those parts which are hereafter given to my sons Edward Brower and George Washington Brower in trust to sell the same or any part thereof at public auction at such time or times and for such prices as they think proper...proceeds to be invested in stocks of the General Government of the State of New York or of the Mayor Alderman and commonality of the City of New York...and that they payover to my wife Charlotte Brower the whole of the interest or dividends... Executors to pay to my children during their lives as they shall arrive at the age of 21 years ther interest or dividends to which they respectively may be entitled...it is my will that if either of my daughters should marry before the age of 21 then the interest should be paid to her child or children after her death. Executors to pay to my sons after they arrive at the age of 21 proceeds from the sale of real estate. Household furniture to my wife as long as she remains my widow and after her death or remarriage to my daughters Mary ann and Charlotte Brower. Also to said daughters my silver plate. To my children Mary Ann, Samuel, Charlotte and Robert Brower, five shares of stock of the Morris Canal Company of New Jersey (stated that Samuel and Robert are under age 21). To son George Washington Brower, his heirs and assigns, all my real estate in the state of Illinois. To son Edward, his heirs and assigns, lots nos. 300, 301, 302 and 303 as described in a deed executed to me by William Irving and Minerva Irving dated 12 March 1828 and recorded in the City and County of New York on 13 March 1828. Authorize my wife and son George Washington to carry on the business of Band Box making as the same as is carried on by me in William Street, New York City, during the continuance of the lease. Appoints Robert Donaldson, paper maker of New York City, William Colgate of New York City, soap boiler, and wife Charlotte Brower as executors. Appoints his wife as guardian of the minor children. Witnessed by James Anderson, attorney of New York City, and Levi Lougridge, grocer, of New York City. Codicil dated the same day, 20 March 1830. [William Colgate (1783-1857) named as an executor, was founder of Colgate & Company, a soap company that in 1873 became the first company to sell toothpaste in a tube. Samuel Brower is Samuel Birdsall Brower, son of Nicholas Brouwer and Mary Bridsall. He was born 3 May 1786, presumably at Wappingers in Dutchess County. His wife was Charlotte De Wolfe].

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