Jeremiah Brewer (1738 - 1822)

Born 26 Feb 1738 in New Jersey

Ancestors

Descendants

Died 13 Mar 1822 at age 84 in Petersburgh, Rensselaer, New York, United States [uncertain]

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Missy Bannister [send private message]

Biography

https://sites.rootsweb.com/~brouwergenealogydata/p167.htm#i21133

Jeremiah Brouwer was probably born on 26 February 1738 at New Jersey (date recorded in a ledger belonging to his son). He is possibly the Jeremiah Brouwer who married Margaret Hedickie before 1766 (two children baptized at Schaghticioke in 1766 and 1774).2 Jeremiah Brouwer married Hannah Thomas, daughter of (Peter?) Thomas, before 1776. Jeremiah Brouwer possibly died on 13 March 1822 at Petersburg, Rensselaer Co., New York, according to a ledger that is said to have belonged to Jeremiah and then his son, Jeremiah, Jr. (it was last in the possession of descendant, Nellie Smith of Wisconsin who d. in June 2006, ae. 100).3 Also known as Jeremiah Brower. Also known as Jeremiah Brewer.4,5,6 Jeremiah is possibly a son of Jurge Brouwer and Elizabeth Holmes, but the relationship has not been proved. DNA tests involving descendants do confirm that he is a descendant of Adam Brouwer of Gowanus, L. I. Jeremiah was likely born in either Bergen or Hunterdon Co., New Jersey and lived for some time at Cortlandt Manor, Westchester Co., New York. During his service with the Westchester Militia in the French & Indian War, he spent time in the vicinity of present day Saratoga County and afterwards settled there at "Newtown on the Half Moon Patent." He was a Loyalist during the Revolution and at the close of the war became one of the first settlers at Missiquoi Bay in northern Vermont on the Canadian border. About 1806 he is believed to have settled at Petersburg, New York with his youngest sons, Jeremiah and Serring. His son, Peter, remained at Highgate, Vermont, and many of his descendants went to Wisconsin. A Jeremiah Brewer, Jr. joined the Provincial Troops on 22 Apr 1759, Westchester County, Capt Jonathan Haights Co., aged 22, b. New Jersey, a miller, detached Capt. Verplank's Co., 6' 0", dark eyes and black hair. Hoffman in "Brouwer Beginnings" (TAG 24:164) credits this occurance to Jurge Brouwer (b.1733) with the qualification that although the ages do not match, the colonial militia records are often incorrect regarding the age of the enlisted. However, this record of service could certainly pertain to a second son named Jurge, or Jeremiah, born to the same couple after an early death of the first son Jurge, and as the age does match that of Jeremiah's (b.1738) this record more likely pertains to this Jeremiah. The record could belong to an entirely different Jeremiah Brouwer (say from another family), although there are few other candidates, and none are known to have been born in New Jersey. Capt. Jonathan Haight's Co. was recruited out of Cortlandt Manor in Westchester County, New York. Jeremiah was one of three men detached from the company to serve under another command. It is possible that he was part of the detachement sent to Albany/Crown Point, New York. Although this is not certain, men from all the counties were sent there in the summer of 1759 to augment troops under Gen. Amherst who was mounting an offensive against the French (this was at the height of the French & Indian War). This company's movements took them to Half Moon, Stillwater and Saratoga, New York. Gen. Amherst's army of twelve thousand men arrived at Ticonderoga on 22 Jul 1759.7,8,9,10 His encounter with the region around Half Moon during his (presummed) military service, may have promted Jeremiah to settle there. At least one other member of the militia raised at Cortlandt Manor (Joseph Concklin) did settle at Half Moon after his service. In 1777 Jeremiah Brouwer resided at Newtown "on the Half Moon Patent", (present day Saratoga Co.), New York.11 "Jere. Brower, Han. Brower, Davis Brower, and Annetgen Brower," are recorded on a list of members of the Gilead Lutheran Church (now in Centre Brunswick, NY) "prior to 1800" (no specific date given).12 Among the sparse records of the inhabitants of the area around Half Moon and Hoosick are assessment lists from 1766 and 1779. They show that Abraham Buys was assessed in Half Moon in 1766, and at £100 on his real property in the Town of Half Moon in March 1779. Widow Buys was assessed at £50 in Half Moon in Mar 1779, and Mary Buys was between Jeremiah Brewer and John Hooper in Hoosick in Oct 1779 (she was not noted as a widow here).13 On 2 March 1779 A Jeremy Brewer and a Nicholas Brewer are found on the 2 March 1779 Albany Co. tax list living at Half Moon, while a Jeremiah Brewer and Nicholas Brewer are recorded on the 23 Oct. 1779 Albany Co. tax list at Half Moon. Among their neighbors in March 1779 are Widow Buys, John Hooper, Charles Elsworth and John Sterling. Abraham D'graf lived next to John Sterling and Nicholas Brewer was on the other side. In Oct. 1779 their neighbors are John Concklin, John Hooper, Mary Buyce (presummed to be the "widow" in March), Charles Aylesworth, John Sterlin, Thomas Concklin, and Thomas Concklin, Jr. During the Revolution, Jeremiah sided with the British Government and apparently suffered because of his loyalty. "The Memorial of Jeremiah Brewer of Hoosick, New York," no.1650, new claim filed 1 May 1786 was signed by Jeremiah Brewer, Hoosick, 13 Mar 1786, witnessed by Isaac Tishman, Justice, Bennington, Vermont. In his claim Jeremiah states that he lived in "Newtown upon the Half Moon Patten" and that he joined the British Army under the command of General Burgoyne, then at Fort Miller, on the 1st of August 1777, and went immediately into service, and was with the army for two months with his family. On 3 October 1777, for want of provisions for his family, he says he left the army. On the second day after he left he was made a prisoner by the Americans, "but staid with them but a few hours and found means to make his escape from them." Jeremiah states that his effects were taken away and destroyed, but that he was then permitted to return home to his farm where he remained for one year, but was driven off when he would not take the oath. He states that his farm was taken from him and sold at one half the price, and includes among lost property, 3 horses, 9 sheep, 1 cow, 6 swine, 100 bushels of wheat, 50 bushels of oats, 20 bushels of rye, tobacco, household furniture, a "sley and harrow", and one Negro man. Jeremiah professes his loyalty to his Majesty during the "unhappy dessentions" and states that he was active and faithfully attached to his Majesty's Government. Jeremiah lists as witnesses on his behalf, Nicholas Brewer and Charles Aylesworth, both of Newtown, New York, and Peter Thomas and Stephen Buys, both of Cataraqui in the Province of Canada.14,15,16,17,18 Jeremiah Brower and Jacob Brimmer, both of Hoosick, New York, filed their respective Loyalist claims on the same day in Bennington, Vermont. A search of Confiscations in Albany, Charlotte and Tryon Counties, New York did not find the name of Jeremiah Brower mentioned. Among those confiscations in the towns of Half Moon and Hoosick were a number involving the names Lampman, Hogle, and Buys, the first being families that had married daughters of Jacob and Maria (Bovie) Brouwer of Hoosick, New York.19 Jeremiah Brewster (sic), is stated to be, along with Joseph Reycard, John Hilliker, and Thomas Butterfield, as the first settlers of Highgate, Vermont, arriving there about 1786/87. They have been described as Dutch refugees probably assuming that they were settling in Canada (as a line had yet to be established). It should be noted, that Aldrich, in his History of Franklin and Grand Isle Counties, initially calls him "Jeremiah Brewster," although subsequent accounts call him "Jeremiah Brewer." Jeremiah settled, "on the west side of Rock River, near the lake shore." This area was then Alburgh, and he appears there on the 1790 census, as Jeremiah Brewer. A J. Brewer appears in the town records of Highgate in 1794.20,21,22,23 He appeared on the census in 1790 at Alburgh, Chittenden Co., Vermont, with a household of 3 males 16 years and older; 2 males under 16; 3 females. Enumerated next to Stephen Sweat (1 male over 16, 2 females). In this record, the male over 16 could be, Jeremiah himself, and possible sons Nicholas and Isaac, with the two males under 16 as Peter and Jacob.24,25,26 On 10 July 1795 Jeremiah Brower of Missiquoi Bay petitioned for 1200 acres of land in the Township of "Clapham or Farnham" (in Lower Canada).27 On 19 Oct 1795, Jeremiah Brewer, Isaac Brewer, Peter Steinhour, and George Steinhour, recorded in sequence, took the Oath of Allegiance to Canada at Missisquoi Bay. His then place of residence was recorded as Vermont, and the place he intended to settle was given as Barnston. Peter Steinhour was Jeremiah Brewer's son-in-law. A relationship between Jeremiah and Isaac has not yet been determined.28 On 22 Mar 1796, Jeremiah Brower sold land in Alburgh to Oliver Barker of St. Armands, Province of Lower Canada. The property is described as Lot No.1, containing 110 acres, bounded on the north by the province line, westerly by the Lake or Missisquoi Bay, southerly by the property of younger Wilson and easterly by Lodwick Stiles property. The deed was recorded in the Highgate, Vermont town records on 19 Dec 1801.29 In 1800 Jeremiah Brower appears on the General List at Highgate, Vermont, assessed at 43 50. Peter Brower is listed immediately after Jeremiah.30 He appeared on the census in 1800 at Highgate, Franklin Co., Vermont, spelled "Jeremiah Bruer," with a family of 1 male under 10 (John), 2 males 16-25 (Nicholas and Peter, who is married but is not enumerated seperately as a head of household), 1 male over 45 (Jeremiah), 1 female under 10 (Martha), 2 females 10-15 (Susannah and Sarah), 1 female 16-25 (most probably Peter's wife Hannah Sanborn), 1 female over 45 (Jeremiah's wife, Hannah Thomas). Possible son, Isaac is enumerated in Isle of Mott, however, possible son Nicholas is not found in the 1800 census records in either Franklin Co., Vermont or Clinton Co., New York. Peter is presummed to have been in Highgate (as he settled there permenantly), while Nicholas may have been in the Eastern Twps. of Canada.31 On 5 Jul 1800, both Jeremiah Brower and Jacob Brower, were admitted as associates at Barnston Twp. (Missisquoi, Quebec). Also admitted were George and Peter Steinhower (sic).32 In 1801 the names, in succession, of William Proper, Peter Brower, James Proper, and Jeremiah Brower appear on the Grand List of Highgate, Vermont.30 In 1803 Jeremiah was granted land in Potton, Lower Canada (now in Brome Co., Quebec). Potton is directly across the border from North Troy, Orleans Co., Vermont.33 He was living on 4 September 1806; when he sold land in Potton, Brome Co., Quebec to Philip Ruiter of St. Armand, Quebec. It was the same 200 acre parcel that Jeremiah had been granted in 1803. This is the last documented record of Jeremiah found to this date.33 Jeremiah Brewer was among the first settlers in the area of Highgate and Alburgh, Vermont, and it logically follows that the three individuals named Peter, Nicholas and Jacob Brewer who appear in the town records there in the first decade of the 19th century would be Jeremiah's sons, and that this Jeremiah Brewer is the same who, with wife Hannah Thomas, had two sons, Peter and Jacob baptized at the Gilead Evangelical Lutheran Church in Center Brunswick, New York in 1779 and 1782. The Gilead Church and its members were known as a "hotbed" of Loyalist activity at the onset of the American Revolution. The area of Alburg and Highgate, Vermont, as well as that area directly over the border in Canada, which at the time was known as the "Eastern Townships," was first settled by families, mainly Dutch and German, who emigrated from the Hudson Valley region near Albany, New York, just after the close of the Revolutionary War. Among those families that emigrated to the northern Vermont area near Lake Champlain, and who are also associated with the Brewer/Brower name in the area of Hoosick, New York, where Lampman (Landtman), Vosburg, and Hogle. Regarding Jeremiah's children, only Polly, Peter, Jacob, and Sarah can be placed in this family with reliable accuracy, as baptismal records exist for these four. The other children listed are surmised based upon their appearences in Highgate as adults and at a time that, with reasonable certainty, would have them "fit" into Jeremiah's family, and as Jeremiah is the only "Brower" of his generation found in the Highgate area, it is most likely that they are all his children. However, the possibility exists that they may belong to another Brewer household. The parentage of Jeremiah Brewer has not been determined with certainty. Neither a birth, marriage or a death record have ever been located for him. Determing who his parents were is based upon the best circumstantial evidence that can be found. Using this approach also requires communicating the reasons why Jeremiah would not belong to other "suspected" families. For example, the fact that he was over the age of 21 in Aug 1777 is important in that it eliminates the possibility that Jeremiah is the son of Nicholas4 Brouwer (1714-1778; Adolphus3, Nicholas2, Adam1) of Poughkeepsie, Fishkill and Albany, New York. When this Nicholas wrote his will on 17 Sep 1777, he states that his son Jeremiah is at the time under the age of 21 (this Jeremiah inherited property "lying above Schenectady and on the north side of the Mohawk River" (this location would be west of the Hudson River and west of Albany, while Hoosick, New York is east of the Hudson and Albany and very near the Vermont border). Another possibility is that Jeremiah may be a descendant of Jacob3 Brouwer (Pieter2, Adam1) and Maria Bovie who had a family in the area of Hoosick, New York where they were married and their known children were baptized (1719-1743). Of Jacob and Maria Brouwer's known children, Antje married Petrus Vosburg, and Maria married Michael Lampman. Each of these two families first lived and had children baptized in Hoosick, then emigrated to the area of Alburgh and Highgate, Vermont and eventually settled in the Eastern Townships of Canada directly over the border from Highgate, just as Jeremiah did. Both Maria and Antje were described as "of Hoosick" in the church records of their marriages in 1751 and 1752 respectively. If born in the time frame of 1745-1755, Jeremiah, would probably be too young to be a child of Jacob and Maria whose last child was born in 1743, when Maria was 44 years old. He could, however, be a son of Jacob and Maria's son Peter (b.1722) of whom, however, nothing else has been found. If Jeremiah was born on 26 Feb 1738, as claimed in the ledger believed to have belonged to Jeremiah, then he could possibly be a son of Jacob and Maria, however, while baptismal records have been found for all of their other children, none has been found for Jeremiah, and the name of Jeremiah Brower does not appear at all as a sponsor in the baptismal records of the grandchildren of Jacob and Maria (Bovie) Brouwer. The name Jeremiah itself is an important clue. The name is only known to be found in the lines of descent from Adam Brouwer through his sons Nicholas and Abraham, whose father-in-law was Jurrian (Jeremiah) Caljer. This would eliminate any lines through Adam's son Pieter, including that of Jacob and Maria (Bovie) Brouwer. DNA testing of confirmed descendants of Jeremiah Brower has helped to narrow down the possibilities for identifying Jeremiah's ancestry. Results from DNA testing (Dec. 2006) of descendants of Adam Brouwer (Brewer DNA Project, www.familytreedna.com) has indicated that the most likely son of Adam Brouwer, through whom Jeremiah is descended, is Nicholas Brouwer. Test results have shown that two known descendants of Jeremiah are descendants of Adam Brouwer Berkhoven (Kit nos. 65385 and 77803). In addition, the test results for Kit nos. 75657 and 81173 (known descendants of Adam through his son Nicholas) demonstrate, by their close matching with the former mentioned two kits, that Jeremiah must also be a descendant of Adam Brouwer through his son Nicholas.34 Isaac Brewer is a possible son of Jeremiah Brouwer. However, at this point in time this is only a speculation. If so, he may be from an earlier marriage. He may also be a nephew, and (less likely) completely unrelated. From the 1800 census, Isaac is clearly of an age in which he could be a son. He is associated with Jeremiah in that the two appear consecutively on the list of those who took the oath of allegiance at Missisquoi in 1795. Isaac may be related to Jeremiah in some other way, but it should also be noted that in the descent from the family progenitor, Adam Brouwer, the name Isaac is most common in the families descended through Adam's son Nicholas, which is the same line in which Jeremiah is descended. The identity of his mother is not known, but based upon his age range as per the 1800 census, it would appear that his mother is not likely to be Hannah Thomas.

Research of Chris Chester, BrouwerGenealogyDatabase