Columbus Junction- Mr. J.H. Brewer, whose death is reported from Winfield, was for nearly half a century a resident of Elm Grove township, in this county. He was an upright man, respected by all who knew him. He was about ninety years of age.
Columbus Gazette March 1, 1906
John H. Brewer was born April 24, 1820, in Monroe County, Pennsylvania and died Sunday morning, February 25, 1906, at the home of his daughter Mrs. Kramer, in Winfield, Iowa aged eighty five years, ten months and one day. His early life spent amid the rocks and hills of Pennsylvania and while he was living there he engaged in various kinds of labor. He was a farmer, a cooper, a carpenter, a shoemaker etc. Many nights he sat on the shoemakers's bench until the late hours. October 1, 1843 he married to Miss Catherine Mann and together they moved to Louisa county in the spring of 1847 and settled on the farm now occupied by J.O. Hall, which continued to be his home until three years ago, since which time he has made his home with his children. To this union were born eleven children, four sons and seven daughters. Of these two sons and five daughters are left to mourn the loss of a father. James of Sumas, Washington; Daniel of Greeley, Colorado; Matilda Kramer, Alice Bozman; Emma Hall; Mary Chamberlin and Anna Ogier, all living near this place. There are also thirty eight grandchildren and twenty one great grandchildren. Mrs Brewer departed this life August 6, 1896, Mr. Brewer has been in feeble health all winter, just growing weaker day by day, but was not obliged to keep his bed until a few days before his death, through he was anxiously awaiting the Master's call. The funeral services were held at the Spring Run Church. Tuesday at 11 o'clock conducted by his pastor, Rev. Wood, after which the remains were laid to rest in the Spring Run Cemetery, beside his wife to wait the resurrection morn.