James and Eleanor Williamson Brewster of Rockingham County Virginia. I am a direct descendent. I have eight children identified for them through documents including their wills.
Their daughter Agnes (Nancy) married William Alexander in Rockingham County VA on 25 Nov. 1785. Shortly after the marriage, William and Agnes and both sets of parents as well as other family members moved from Virginia to Fayette County (Lexington) area of Kentucky. James and Eleanor Williamson Brewster both died in Jessamine County KY, leaving wills. William Alexander died in Fayette County (neighboring Jessamine County) in 1818 and shortly after his death Agnes and several family members moved to Bloomington Monroe County Indiana. Agnes and two of her sisters, all recognized by the DAR for patriotic service, are buried in a private family cemetery on the Indiana University campus.
I believe that Henry Brewster was the father of James Brewster. James Brewster was appointed administrator of his estate in Rockingham County in 1781 and was also identified as "heir at law" for a land patent held by Henry Brewster in Kentucky. It is possible the Henry Brewster was an older brother or uncle, but the Rockingham County records burned, so the estate papers no longer exist and I have found no information to document the relationship. However, James Brewster died in 1808 so I have guessed that this 1781 death would be in line to be his father. This Brewster family is entwined through marriage with Dunns, Doaks, Irwins, Campbells and Alexanders.
There is a family story that James Dunn (father of Nathaniel Dunn who married Mary (Polly) Brewster, daughter of James Brewster) was the best friend of James Brewster: the story says both were born within a half-mile of each other in Coleraine, Londonderry Ireland, lived within a half-mile of each other in Virginia, and lived, died and were buried near each other in Kentucky.
We have documented through deeds that the farms of James Dunn and James Brewster were next to each other in Jessamine County Kentucky; they were likely buried on their farms. It is said that James Brewster left Londonderry Ireland as a young man (he was born about 1720), making the family.
After the war, in about 1785, James and Elloner and many of their family members migrated west into what became Jessamine county, Kentucky. In 1803, they purchased a farm along the Harrodsburg Pike and moved into a house which is still standing and which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Please take our Brewster home tour and see several beautiful recent photos of their home. James died there 15 Aug 1807 and Elloner in 1811. It is likely that Polly and Nathaniel joined Elloner on the Brewster farm. The property became known later as the Nathaniel Dunn House. The 1810 census shows a large family headed by Nathaniel which included one older woman.
[Connie Shotts, [email protected] , http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/BREWSTER/2006-11/1164674956]
---------------------
· ' I
History of James Brewster as compiled by John D. Alexander, August 30th, 1917.
James Brewester married Elinor Wiliamson - children: Margaret, Elinor, Sarah, James, Jannett, Agnes, Mary and Henry.
1. Margaret -
2. Elinor married Samuel Dunn. Son, George Dunn married Julia Fell: - children Geo. G. Dunn Jr. and Moses Fell Dun. Geo. G. Dunn married Euphemia Riley.
3. Sarah married Benjamin Irvin.
4. James Brewster married -
5. Jeanett Brewster married Samuel Irvin.
6. Agnes Brewster married Wm. James Alexander: - children: William, Rachael, John, Anna, Henry, James and Robert.
a. William married Martha Dunn: child, John D. Alexander.
b. Rachel married Levi Houston: - children - Franklin, Marinda, William A., Nancy Jane, Clarissa Ann, Henry Clay, Minerva, Mary, James Levi, Aylett Rains, Sarah Frances.
c. John Alexander married Margaret Clark: - child W. M. (Mart) Alexander.
d. Anna Married Nathaniel Dunn.
e. Henry was thrown from a horse and killed.
James Brewster of Augusta of Rockingham Counties Virginia, was born in County Derry, Ireland in 1730 and came to the United States when 18 years of age. He settled in the valley of Virginia, not far from where the old stone church of Fort Defiance stands today. He married Elinor Williamson and to them were born six daughters and two sons.
The records of the church of Fort Defiance for one hundred years were burned, but it is most likely he and his family were of that congregation. The court records of Augusta County show him to have taken a very active part in the affairs of the vicinity, as his name is often used.
July 17, 1753, he served on a jury at an accidental death, often named as witness to wills, appraiser of estates, taking part in fixing lines and opening roads, settlement of controversies, care of orphans, etc. His name is enlisted in the Virginia Militia in 1758.
The family was at the Fort during an uprising of the Indians. Two of the young men at the Fort, having an errand past the Brewster home, Jannett and another girl rode home behind the young men to dry some potatoes and get the churn to take back. While waiting for the return of the young men, the girls took a nap. Later, among some Indians captured were two young men who told about looking in the house and seeing the girls asleep, they hid in the weeds and waited till dark to capture them, but the young men came and took the girls to the fort. They said they were afraid to fight them on account of their 'fire sticks' (Muskets).
When the Revolutionary War came on, James Brewster was past the age of military service, but gave unceasing support to the same. He was considered a well-to-do man for those days, as he owned a great many sheep. The women of his household kept the loom busy weaving cloth to clothe the soldiers, not always waiting to take a web out, but as soon as enough was ready to make a garment, it was cut out and made up and sent to the men. If the wool gave out for the spinning wheel, more was clipped, even out of shearing season, and when the soldiers were near enough, provisions were cooked and sent to help them.
Later, James Brewster sold his land in Virginia and located with his family in Jassamine County, Kentucky.
Of his children: Henry was thrown from a horse and killed. James Jr. married and the death of his wife is recorded. Agnes married Wm. Alexander Sr., settled on a farm near Lexington, Ky. and later moved to Indiana. Sarah married Benjamin Irvin, her cousin, and settled in what was then Mercer County, Ky. He was a graduate of Princeton, New Jersey in 1776. Elinor married Samuel Dunn Sr. and settled on a farm near Danville, Ky. He had been a solder in the war of the Revolution. Jannett married her Cousin, Samuel Irvin, and settled on a farm near Richmond, Madison County, Ky. It has been said that the commonwealth of Kentucky owes much to these early pioneers in the matter of schools and churches.
My great grandfather James Brewster and James Dunn, who were life long friends, are buried within a half mile of each other. The Alexanders, Dunns and Brewsters were early pioneers in Kentucky and came on horseback and afoot over the trail laid out by Daniel Boone by the way of the Cumberland Gap. The Houstons must have been also, as Levi Houston married Rachel Alexander in 1814 and came from Kentucky and settled in this, Lawrence County [Indiana] in October, 1836. I am unfortunate in not knowing more of the Virginia and Kentucky Houston families, of an earlier date, but am certain some of the descendants of Levi Houston can supply the same.
Agnes Brewster married William Alexander Sr. and settled on a farm in Lexington, Ky. and of children born to them as taken from William Alexander Sr. bible now in my possession, published in 1810, I find the following:
My aunt Rachel Alexander married Levi Houston, November 24th, 1814. From an obituary notice of her published in a Bedford paper sent my mother and myself after my father had died and which I pasted in my father's family Bible, I find as follows:
"Died on Thursday, October 21st, 1875, Mrs. Rachel Houston, wife of Levi Houston, aged 79 years, 9 months and 13 days. This venerable and worthy lady whose maiden name was Rachel Alexander, was a native of Kentucky, having been born in that state January 8th, 1796. In 1836 her husband moved from Kentucky to Indiana, settling first on a farm in Leatherwood Township of this County and afterward moving to Bedford, so that about 39 years of her long and useful life was passed in Lawrence County [Indiana]. She was married to Levi Houston November 24, 1814, to whom she was a faithful and loving wife, until the bond was broken by death. She was the mother of eleven children, all of whom she was permitted to see married and settled. Four of them preceded her to the grave, two of them within the present year. She was also permitted to see almost all her children professors of the Christian religion.
Her religious life began in 1832 at 'Cane Ridge,' Bourbon County, Ky., at which time in company with her husband she became obedient to the Gospel under the joint labors of F. P. Palmer and Barton W. Stone. From that time until her death, about 43 years, she lived a devoted servant of Jesus Christ and an earnest member of this body. Hers was a great motherly heart, overflowing with kindness and charity, not alone for husband and children, kindred and friends, but for all who needed help or sympathy.
She was very patient under her protracted sufferings and very gentle to all around her, and full of faith and hope in view of approaching death. There was no harshness in her nature, nor words of reproach, nor any murmuring against her Heavenly Father, from whose hands she received meekly the sorrows of life as well as its joys. The writer of this, who was permitted to be with her frequently in her las illness, can testify to the strength of her faith and the steady courage with which she approached the end of life. May her beautiful example and the thought of a blessed reunion with her in a better world than this comfort the hearts of her bereaved friends." - Tiller.
From these sisters, Agnes Brewster Alexander, Elinor Brewster Dunn and Janet Brewster Irvin, came the families of the Alexanders of Bloomington and Bloomfield and the Houston family of Lawrence County and the Dunns of Bloomington, Crawfordsville, Hanover- and Madison and the Seward family of Bloomington. Out near the new Indiana State University buildings is an old cemetery known as the Dunn cemetery, where these three sisters are buried by each other.
-------------
Indiana University is located in Bloomington, IN. Indiana State University is located in Terre Haute, IN. The Brewster sisters are buried in the graveyard adjacent to Beck Chapel on the Indiana University campus. (Lisa Belcher Hamilton, a descendant of Agness/Nancy Brewster Alexander, I was born and raised in Bloomington.)
DAR # A014180 Patriot Service
Their daughter Agnes (Nancy) married William Alexander in Rockingham County VA on 25 Nov. 1785. Shortly after the marriage, William and Agnes and both sets of parents as well as other family members moved from Virginia to Fayette County (Lexington) area of Kentucky. James and Eleanor Williamson Brewster both died in Jessamine County KY, leaving wills. William Alexander died in Fayette County (neighboring Jessamine County) in 1818 and shortly after his death Agnes and several family members moved to Bloomington Monroe County Indiana. Agnes and two of her sisters, all recognized by the DAR for patriotic service, are buried in a private family cemetery on the Indiana University campus.
I believe that Henry Brewster was the father of James Brewster. James Brewster was appointed administrator of his estate in Rockingham County in 1781 and was also identified as "heir at law" for a land patent held by Henry Brewster in Kentucky. It is possible the Henry Brewster was an older brother or uncle, but the Rockingham County records burned, so the estate papers no longer exist and I have found no information to document the relationship. However, James Brewster died in 1808 so I have guessed that this 1781 death would be in line to be his father. This Brewster family is entwined through marriage with Dunns, Doaks, Irwins, Campbells and Alexanders.
There is a family story that James Dunn (father of Nathaniel Dunn who married Mary (Polly) Brewster, daughter of James Brewster) was the best friend of James Brewster: the story says both were born within a half-mile of each other in Coleraine, Londonderry Ireland, lived within a half-mile of each other in Virginia, and lived, died and were buried near each other in Kentucky.
We have documented through deeds that the farms of James Dunn and James Brewster were next to each other in Jessamine County Kentucky; they were likely buried on their farms. It is said that James Brewster left Londonderry Ireland as a young man (he was born about 1720), making the family.
After the war, in about 1785, James and Elloner and many of their family members migrated west into what became Jessamine county, Kentucky. In 1803, they purchased a farm along the Harrodsburg Pike and moved into a house which is still standing and which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Please take our Brewster home tour and see several beautiful recent photos of their home. James died there 15 Aug 1807 and Elloner in 1811. It is likely that Polly and Nathaniel joined Elloner on the Brewster farm. The property became known later as the Nathaniel Dunn House. The 1810 census shows a large family headed by Nathaniel which included one older woman.
[Connie Shotts, [email protected] , http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/BREWSTER/2006-11/1164674956]
---------------------
· ' I
History of James Brewster as compiled by John D. Alexander, August 30th, 1917.
James Brewester married Elinor Wiliamson - children: Margaret, Elinor, Sarah, James, Jannett, Agnes, Mary and Henry.
1. Margaret -
2. Elinor married Samuel Dunn. Son, George Dunn married Julia Fell: - children Geo. G. Dunn Jr. and Moses Fell Dun. Geo. G. Dunn married Euphemia Riley.
3. Sarah married Benjamin Irvin.
4. James Brewster married -
5. Jeanett Brewster married Samuel Irvin.
6. Agnes Brewster married Wm. James Alexander: - children: William, Rachael, John, Anna, Henry, James and Robert.
a. William married Martha Dunn: child, John D. Alexander.
b. Rachel married Levi Houston: - children - Franklin, Marinda, William A., Nancy Jane, Clarissa Ann, Henry Clay, Minerva, Mary, James Levi, Aylett Rains, Sarah Frances.
c. John Alexander married Margaret Clark: - child W. M. (Mart) Alexander.
d. Anna Married Nathaniel Dunn.
e. Henry was thrown from a horse and killed.
James Brewster of Augusta of Rockingham Counties Virginia, was born in County Derry, Ireland in 1730 and came to the United States when 18 years of age. He settled in the valley of Virginia, not far from where the old stone church of Fort Defiance stands today. He married Elinor Williamson and to them were born six daughters and two sons.
The records of the church of Fort Defiance for one hundred years were burned, but it is most likely he and his family were of that congregation. The court records of Augusta County show him to have taken a very active part in the affairs of the vicinity, as his name is often used.
July 17, 1753, he served on a jury at an accidental death, often named as witness to wills, appraiser of estates, taking part in fixing lines and opening roads, settlement of controversies, care of orphans, etc. His name is enlisted in the Virginia Militia in 1758.
The family was at the Fort during an uprising of the Indians. Two of the young men at the Fort, having an errand past the Brewster home, Jannett and another girl rode home behind the young men to dry some potatoes and get the churn to take back. While waiting for the return of the young men, the girls took a nap. Later, among some Indians captured were two young men who told about looking in the house and seeing the girls asleep, they hid in the weeds and waited till dark to capture them, but the young men came and took the girls to the fort. They said they were afraid to fight them on account of their 'fire sticks' (Muskets).
When the Revolutionary War came on, James Brewster was past the age of military service, but gave unceasing support to the same. He was considered a well-to-do man for those days, as he owned a great many sheep. The women of his household kept the loom busy weaving cloth to clothe the soldiers, not always waiting to take a web out, but as soon as enough was ready to make a garment, it was cut out and made up and sent to the men. If the wool gave out for the spinning wheel, more was clipped, even out of shearing season, and when the soldiers were near enough, provisions were cooked and sent to help them.
Later, James Brewster sold his land in Virginia and located with his family in Jassamine County, Kentucky.
Of his children: Henry was thrown from a horse and killed. James Jr. married and the death of his wife is recorded. Agnes married Wm. Alexander Sr., settled on a farm near Lexington, Ky. and later moved to Indiana. Sarah married Benjamin Irvin, her cousin, and settled in what was then Mercer County, Ky. He was a graduate of Princeton, New Jersey in 1776. Elinor married Samuel Dunn Sr. and settled on a farm near Danville, Ky. He had been a solder in the war of the Revolution. Jannett married her Cousin, Samuel Irvin, and settled on a farm near Richmond, Madison County, Ky. It has been said that the commonwealth of Kentucky owes much to these early pioneers in the matter of schools and churches.
My great grandfather James Brewster and James Dunn, who were life long friends, are buried within a half mile of each other. The Alexanders, Dunns and Brewsters were early pioneers in Kentucky and came on horseback and afoot over the trail laid out by Daniel Boone by the way of the Cumberland Gap. The Houstons must have been also, as Levi Houston married Rachel Alexander in 1814 and came from Kentucky and settled in this, Lawrence County [Indiana] in October, 1836. I am unfortunate in not knowing more of the Virginia and Kentucky Houston families, of an earlier date, but am certain some of the descendants of Levi Houston can supply the same.
Agnes Brewster married William Alexander Sr. and settled on a farm in Lexington, Ky. and of children born to them as taken from William Alexander Sr. bible now in my possession, published in 1810, I find the following:
My aunt Rachel Alexander married Levi Houston, November 24th, 1814. From an obituary notice of her published in a Bedford paper sent my mother and myself after my father had died and which I pasted in my father's family Bible, I find as follows:
"Died on Thursday, October 21st, 1875, Mrs. Rachel Houston, wife of Levi Houston, aged 79 years, 9 months and 13 days. This venerable and worthy lady whose maiden name was Rachel Alexander, was a native of Kentucky, having been born in that state January 8th, 1796. In 1836 her husband moved from Kentucky to Indiana, settling first on a farm in Leatherwood Township of this County and afterward moving to Bedford, so that about 39 years of her long and useful life was passed in Lawrence County [Indiana]. She was married to Levi Houston November 24, 1814, to whom she was a faithful and loving wife, until the bond was broken by death. She was the mother of eleven children, all of whom she was permitted to see married and settled. Four of them preceded her to the grave, two of them within the present year. She was also permitted to see almost all her children professors of the Christian religion.
Her religious life began in 1832 at 'Cane Ridge,' Bourbon County, Ky., at which time in company with her husband she became obedient to the Gospel under the joint labors of F. P. Palmer and Barton W. Stone. From that time until her death, about 43 years, she lived a devoted servant of Jesus Christ and an earnest member of this body. Hers was a great motherly heart, overflowing with kindness and charity, not alone for husband and children, kindred and friends, but for all who needed help or sympathy.
She was very patient under her protracted sufferings and very gentle to all around her, and full of faith and hope in view of approaching death. There was no harshness in her nature, nor words of reproach, nor any murmuring against her Heavenly Father, from whose hands she received meekly the sorrows of life as well as its joys. The writer of this, who was permitted to be with her frequently in her las illness, can testify to the strength of her faith and the steady courage with which she approached the end of life. May her beautiful example and the thought of a blessed reunion with her in a better world than this comfort the hearts of her bereaved friends." - Tiller.
From these sisters, Agnes Brewster Alexander, Elinor Brewster Dunn and Janet Brewster Irvin, came the families of the Alexanders of Bloomington and Bloomfield and the Houston family of Lawrence County and the Dunns of Bloomington, Crawfordsville, Hanover- and Madison and the Seward family of Bloomington. Out near the new Indiana State University buildings is an old cemetery known as the Dunn cemetery, where these three sisters are buried by each other.
-------------
Indiana University is located in Bloomington, IN. Indiana State University is located in Terre Haute, IN. The Brewster sisters are buried in the graveyard adjacent to Beck Chapel on the Indiana University campus. (Lisa Belcher Hamilton, a descendant of Agness/Nancy Brewster Alexander, I was born and raised in Bloomington.)
DAR # A014180 Patriot Service
James and Eleanor Williamson Brewster of Rockingham County Virginia. I am a direct descendent. I have eight children identified for them through documents including their wills.
Their daughter Agnes (Nancy) married William Alexander in Rockingham County VA on 25 Nov. 1785. Shortly after the marriage, William and Agnes and both sets of parents as well as other family members moved from Virginia to Fayette County (Lexington) area of Kentucky. James and Eleanor Williamson Brewster both died in Jessamine County KY, leaving wills. William Alexander died in Fayette County (neighboring Jessamine County) in 1818 and shortly after his death Agnes and several family members moved to Bloomington Monroe County Indiana. Agnes and two of her sisters, all recognized by the DAR for patriotic service, are buried in a private family cemetery on the Indiana University campus.
I believe that Henry Brewster was the father of James Brewster. James Brewster was appointed administrator of his estate in Rockingham County in 1781 and was also identified as "heir at law" for a land patent held by Henry Brewster in Kentucky. It is possible the Henry Brewster was an older brother or uncle, but the Rockingham County records burned, so the estate papers no longer exist and I have found no information to document the relationship. However, James Brewster died in 1808 so I have guessed that this 1781 death would be in line to be his father. This Brewster family is entwined through marriage with Dunns, Doaks, Irwins, Campbells and Alexanders.
There is a family story that James Dunn (father of Nathaniel Dunn who married Mary (Polly) Brewster, daughter of James Brewster) was the best friend of James Brewster: the story says both were born within a half-mile of each other in Coleraine, Londonderry Ireland, lived within a half-mile of each other in Virginia, and lived, died and were buried near each other in Kentucky.
We have documented through deeds that the farms of James Dunn and James Brewster were next to each other in Jessamine County Kentucky; they were likely buried on their farms. It is said that James Brewster left Londonderry Ireland as a young man (he was born about 1720), making the family.
After the war, in about 1785, James and Elloner and many of their family members migrated west into what became Jessamine county, Kentucky. In 1803, they purchased a farm along the Harrodsburg Pike and moved into a house which is still standing and which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Please take our Brewster home tour and see several beautiful recent photos of their home. James died there 15 Aug 1807 and Elloner in 1811. It is likely that Polly and Nathaniel joined Elloner on the Brewster farm. The property became known later as the Nathaniel Dunn House. The 1810 census shows a large family headed by Nathaniel which included one older woman.
[Connie Shotts, [email protected] , http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/BREWSTER/2006-11/1164674956]
---------------------
· ' I
History of James Brewster as compiled by John D. Alexander, August 30th, 1917.
James Brewester married Elinor Wiliamson - children: Margaret, Elinor, Sarah, James, Jannett, Agnes, Mary and Henry.
1. Margaret -
2. Elinor married Samuel Dunn. Son, George Dunn married Julia Fell: - children Geo. G. Dunn Jr. and Moses Fell Dun. Geo. G. Dunn married Euphemia Riley.
3. Sarah married Benjamin Irvin.
4. James Brewster married -
5. Jeanett Brewster married Samuel Irvin.
6. Agnes Brewster married Wm. James Alexander: - children: William, Rachael, John, Anna, Henry, James and Robert.
a. William married Martha Dunn: child, John D. Alexander.
b. Rachel married Levi Houston: - children - Franklin, Marinda, William A., Nancy Jane, Clarissa Ann, Henry Clay, Minerva, Mary, James Levi, Aylett Rains, Sarah Frances.
c. John Alexander married Margaret Clark: - child W. M. (Mart) Alexander.
d. Anna Married Nathaniel Dunn.
e. Henry was thrown from a horse and killed.
James Brewster of Augusta of Rockingham Counties Virginia, was born in County Derry, Ireland in 1730 and came to the United States when 18 years of age. He settled in the valley of Virginia, not far from where the old stone church of Fort Defiance stands today. He married Elinor Williamson and to them were born six daughters and two sons.
The records of the church of Fort Defiance for one hundred years were burned, but it is most likely he and his family were of that congregation. The court records of Augusta County show him to have taken a very active part in the affairs of the vicinity, as his name is often used.
July 17, 1753, he served on a jury at an accidental death, often named as witness to wills, appraiser of estates, taking part in fixing lines and opening roads, settlement of controversies, care of orphans, etc. His name is enlisted in the Virginia Militia in 1758.
The family was at the Fort during an uprising of the Indians. Two of the young men at the Fort, having an errand past the Brewster home, Jannett and another girl rode home behind the young men to dry some potatoes and get the churn to take back. While waiting for the return of the young men, the girls took a nap. Later, among some Indians captured were two young men who told about looking in the house and seeing the girls asleep, they hid in the weeds and waited till dark to capture them, but the young men came and took the girls to the fort. They said they were afraid to fight them on account of their 'fire sticks' (Muskets).
When the Revolutionary War came on, James Brewster was past the age of military service, but gave unceasing support to the same. He was considered a well-to-do man for those days, as he owned a great many sheep. The women of his household kept the loom busy weaving cloth to clothe the soldiers, not always waiting to take a web out, but as soon as enough was ready to make a garment, it was cut out and made up and sent to the men. If the wool gave out for the spinning wheel, more was clipped, even out of shearing season, and when the soldiers were near enough, provisions were cooked and sent to help them.
Later, James Brewster sold his land in Virginia and located with his family in Jassamine County, Kentucky.
Of his children: Henry was thrown from a horse and killed. James Jr. married and the death of his wife is recorded. Agnes married Wm. Alexander Sr., settled on a farm near Lexington, Ky. and later moved to Indiana. Sarah married Benjamin Irvin, her cousin, and settled in what was then Mercer County, Ky. He was a graduate of Princeton, New Jersey in 1776. Elinor married Samuel Dunn Sr. and settled on a farm near Danville, Ky. He had been a solder in the war of the Revolution. Jannett married her Cousin, Samuel Irvin, and settled on a farm near Richmond, Madison County, Ky. It has been said that the commonwealth of Kentucky owes much to these early pioneers in the matter of schools and churches.
My great grandfather James Brewster and James Dunn, who were life long friends, are buried within a half mile of each other. The Alexanders, Dunns and Brewsters were early pioneers in Kentucky and came on horseback and afoot over the trail laid out by Daniel Boone by the way of the Cumberland Gap. The Houstons must have been also, as Levi Houston married Rachel Alexander in 1814 and came from Kentucky and settled in this, Lawrence County [Indiana] in October, 1836. I am unfortunate in not knowing more of the Virginia and Kentucky Houston families, of an earlier date, but am certain some of the descendants of Levi Houston can supply the same.
Agnes Brewster married William Alexander Sr. and settled on a farm in Lexington, Ky. and of children born to them as taken from William Alexander Sr. bible now in my possession, published in 1810, I find the following:
My aunt Rachel Alexander married Levi Houston, November 24th, 1814. From an obituary notice of her published in a Bedford paper sent my mother and myself after my father had died and which I pasted in my father's family Bible, I find as follows:
"Died on Thursday, October 21st, 1875, Mrs. Rachel Houston, wife of Levi Houston, aged 79 years, 9 months and 13 days. This venerable and worthy lady whose maiden name was Rachel Alexander, was a native of Kentucky, having been born in that state January 8th, 1796. In 1836 her husband moved from Kentucky to Indiana, settling first on a farm in Leatherwood Township of this County and afterward moving to Bedford, so that about 39 years of her long and useful life was passed in Lawrence County [Indiana]. She was married to Levi Houston November 24, 1814, to whom she was a faithful and loving wife, until the bond was broken by death. She was the mother of eleven children, all of whom she was permitted to see married and settled. Four of them preceded her to the grave, two of them within the present year. She was also permitted to see almost all her children professors of the Christian religion.
Her religious life began in 1832 at 'Cane Ridge,' Bourbon County, Ky., at which time in company with her husband she became obedient to the Gospel under the joint labors of F. P. Palmer and Barton W. Stone. From that time until her death, about 43 years, she lived a devoted servant of Jesus Christ and an earnest member of this body. Hers was a great motherly heart, overflowing with kindness and charity, not alone for husband and children, kindred and friends, but for all who needed help or sympathy.
She was very patient under her protracted sufferings and very gentle to all around her, and full of faith and hope in view of approaching death. There was no harshness in her nature, nor words of reproach, nor any murmuring against her Heavenly Father, from whose hands she received meekly the sorrows of life as well as its joys. The writer of this, who was permitted to be with her frequently in her las illness, can testify to the strength of her faith and the steady courage with which she approached the end of life. May her beautiful example and the thought of a blessed reunion with her in a better world than this comfort the hearts of her bereaved friends." - Tiller.
From these sisters, Agnes Brewster Alexander, Elinor Brewster Dunn and Janet Brewster Irvin, came the families of the Alexanders of Bloomington and Bloomfield and the Houston family of Lawrence County and the Dunns of Bloomington, Crawfordsville, Hanover- and Madison and the Seward family of Bloomington. Out near the new Indiana State University buildings is an old cemetery known as the Dunn cemetery, where these three sisters are buried by each other.
-------------
Indiana University is located in Bloomington, IN. Indiana State University is located in Terre Haute, IN. The Brewster sisters are buried in the graveyard adjacent to Beck Chapel on the Indiana University campus. (Lisa Belcher Hamilton, a descendant of Agness/Nancy Brewster Alexander, I was born and raised in Bloomington.)
DAR # A014180 Patriot Service
Their daughter Agnes (Nancy) married William Alexander in Rockingham County VA on 25 Nov. 1785. Shortly after the marriage, William and Agnes and both sets of parents as well as other family members moved from Virginia to Fayette County (Lexington) area of Kentucky. James and Eleanor Williamson Brewster both died in Jessamine County KY, leaving wills. William Alexander died in Fayette County (neighboring Jessamine County) in 1818 and shortly after his death Agnes and several family members moved to Bloomington Monroe County Indiana. Agnes and two of her sisters, all recognized by the DAR for patriotic service, are buried in a private family cemetery on the Indiana University campus.
I believe that Henry Brewster was the father of James Brewster. James Brewster was appointed administrator of his estate in Rockingham County in 1781 and was also identified as "heir at law" for a land patent held by Henry Brewster in Kentucky. It is possible the Henry Brewster was an older brother or uncle, but the Rockingham County records burned, so the estate papers no longer exist and I have found no information to document the relationship. However, James Brewster died in 1808 so I have guessed that this 1781 death would be in line to be his father. This Brewster family is entwined through marriage with Dunns, Doaks, Irwins, Campbells and Alexanders.
There is a family story that James Dunn (father of Nathaniel Dunn who married Mary (Polly) Brewster, daughter of James Brewster) was the best friend of James Brewster: the story says both were born within a half-mile of each other in Coleraine, Londonderry Ireland, lived within a half-mile of each other in Virginia, and lived, died and were buried near each other in Kentucky.
We have documented through deeds that the farms of James Dunn and James Brewster were next to each other in Jessamine County Kentucky; they were likely buried on their farms. It is said that James Brewster left Londonderry Ireland as a young man (he was born about 1720), making the family.
After the war, in about 1785, James and Elloner and many of their family members migrated west into what became Jessamine county, Kentucky. In 1803, they purchased a farm along the Harrodsburg Pike and moved into a house which is still standing and which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Please take our Brewster home tour and see several beautiful recent photos of their home. James died there 15 Aug 1807 and Elloner in 1811. It is likely that Polly and Nathaniel joined Elloner on the Brewster farm. The property became known later as the Nathaniel Dunn House. The 1810 census shows a large family headed by Nathaniel which included one older woman.
[Connie Shotts, [email protected] , http://archiver.rootsweb.ancestry.com/th/read/BREWSTER/2006-11/1164674956]
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History of James Brewster as compiled by John D. Alexander, August 30th, 1917.
James Brewester married Elinor Wiliamson - children: Margaret, Elinor, Sarah, James, Jannett, Agnes, Mary and Henry.
1. Margaret -
2. Elinor married Samuel Dunn. Son, George Dunn married Julia Fell: - children Geo. G. Dunn Jr. and Moses Fell Dun. Geo. G. Dunn married Euphemia Riley.
3. Sarah married Benjamin Irvin.
4. James Brewster married -
5. Jeanett Brewster married Samuel Irvin.
6. Agnes Brewster married Wm. James Alexander: - children: William, Rachael, John, Anna, Henry, James and Robert.
a. William married Martha Dunn: child, John D. Alexander.
b. Rachel married Levi Houston: - children - Franklin, Marinda, William A., Nancy Jane, Clarissa Ann, Henry Clay, Minerva, Mary, James Levi, Aylett Rains, Sarah Frances.
c. John Alexander married Margaret Clark: - child W. M. (Mart) Alexander.
d. Anna Married Nathaniel Dunn.
e. Henry was thrown from a horse and killed.
James Brewster of Augusta of Rockingham Counties Virginia, was born in County Derry, Ireland in 1730 and came to the United States when 18 years of age. He settled in the valley of Virginia, not far from where the old stone church of Fort Defiance stands today. He married Elinor Williamson and to them were born six daughters and two sons.
The records of the church of Fort Defiance for one hundred years were burned, but it is most likely he and his family were of that congregation. The court records of Augusta County show him to have taken a very active part in the affairs of the vicinity, as his name is often used.
July 17, 1753, he served on a jury at an accidental death, often named as witness to wills, appraiser of estates, taking part in fixing lines and opening roads, settlement of controversies, care of orphans, etc. His name is enlisted in the Virginia Militia in 1758.
The family was at the Fort during an uprising of the Indians. Two of the young men at the Fort, having an errand past the Brewster home, Jannett and another girl rode home behind the young men to dry some potatoes and get the churn to take back. While waiting for the return of the young men, the girls took a nap. Later, among some Indians captured were two young men who told about looking in the house and seeing the girls asleep, they hid in the weeds and waited till dark to capture them, but the young men came and took the girls to the fort. They said they were afraid to fight them on account of their 'fire sticks' (Muskets).
When the Revolutionary War came on, James Brewster was past the age of military service, but gave unceasing support to the same. He was considered a well-to-do man for those days, as he owned a great many sheep. The women of his household kept the loom busy weaving cloth to clothe the soldiers, not always waiting to take a web out, but as soon as enough was ready to make a garment, it was cut out and made up and sent to the men. If the wool gave out for the spinning wheel, more was clipped, even out of shearing season, and when the soldiers were near enough, provisions were cooked and sent to help them.
Later, James Brewster sold his land in Virginia and located with his family in Jassamine County, Kentucky.
Of his children: Henry was thrown from a horse and killed. James Jr. married and the death of his wife is recorded. Agnes married Wm. Alexander Sr., settled on a farm near Lexington, Ky. and later moved to Indiana. Sarah married Benjamin Irvin, her cousin, and settled in what was then Mercer County, Ky. He was a graduate of Princeton, New Jersey in 1776. Elinor married Samuel Dunn Sr. and settled on a farm near Danville, Ky. He had been a solder in the war of the Revolution. Jannett married her Cousin, Samuel Irvin, and settled on a farm near Richmond, Madison County, Ky. It has been said that the commonwealth of Kentucky owes much to these early pioneers in the matter of schools and churches.
My great grandfather James Brewster and James Dunn, who were life long friends, are buried within a half mile of each other. The Alexanders, Dunns and Brewsters were early pioneers in Kentucky and came on horseback and afoot over the trail laid out by Daniel Boone by the way of the Cumberland Gap. The Houstons must have been also, as Levi Houston married Rachel Alexander in 1814 and came from Kentucky and settled in this, Lawrence County [Indiana] in October, 1836. I am unfortunate in not knowing more of the Virginia and Kentucky Houston families, of an earlier date, but am certain some of the descendants of Levi Houston can supply the same.
Agnes Brewster married William Alexander Sr. and settled on a farm in Lexington, Ky. and of children born to them as taken from William Alexander Sr. bible now in my possession, published in 1810, I find the following:
My aunt Rachel Alexander married Levi Houston, November 24th, 1814. From an obituary notice of her published in a Bedford paper sent my mother and myself after my father had died and which I pasted in my father's family Bible, I find as follows:
"Died on Thursday, October 21st, 1875, Mrs. Rachel Houston, wife of Levi Houston, aged 79 years, 9 months and 13 days. This venerable and worthy lady whose maiden name was Rachel Alexander, was a native of Kentucky, having been born in that state January 8th, 1796. In 1836 her husband moved from Kentucky to Indiana, settling first on a farm in Leatherwood Township of this County and afterward moving to Bedford, so that about 39 years of her long and useful life was passed in Lawrence County [Indiana]. She was married to Levi Houston November 24, 1814, to whom she was a faithful and loving wife, until the bond was broken by death. She was the mother of eleven children, all of whom she was permitted to see married and settled. Four of them preceded her to the grave, two of them within the present year. She was also permitted to see almost all her children professors of the Christian religion.
Her religious life began in 1832 at 'Cane Ridge,' Bourbon County, Ky., at which time in company with her husband she became obedient to the Gospel under the joint labors of F. P. Palmer and Barton W. Stone. From that time until her death, about 43 years, she lived a devoted servant of Jesus Christ and an earnest member of this body. Hers was a great motherly heart, overflowing with kindness and charity, not alone for husband and children, kindred and friends, but for all who needed help or sympathy.
She was very patient under her protracted sufferings and very gentle to all around her, and full of faith and hope in view of approaching death. There was no harshness in her nature, nor words of reproach, nor any murmuring against her Heavenly Father, from whose hands she received meekly the sorrows of life as well as its joys. The writer of this, who was permitted to be with her frequently in her las illness, can testify to the strength of her faith and the steady courage with which she approached the end of life. May her beautiful example and the thought of a blessed reunion with her in a better world than this comfort the hearts of her bereaved friends." - Tiller.
From these sisters, Agnes Brewster Alexander, Elinor Brewster Dunn and Janet Brewster Irvin, came the families of the Alexanders of Bloomington and Bloomfield and the Houston family of Lawrence County and the Dunns of Bloomington, Crawfordsville, Hanover- and Madison and the Seward family of Bloomington. Out near the new Indiana State University buildings is an old cemetery known as the Dunn cemetery, where these three sisters are buried by each other.
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Indiana University is located in Bloomington, IN. Indiana State University is located in Terre Haute, IN. The Brewster sisters are buried in the graveyard adjacent to Beck Chapel on the Indiana University campus. (Lisa Belcher Hamilton, a descendant of Agness/Nancy Brewster Alexander, I was born and raised in Bloomington.)
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