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         JOHN H. BREWER, a farmer residing on section 23, Elm Grove Township, and an early settler of Louisa County, was born in Northampton (now Monroe) County, Pa., April 24, 1820. He was the twelfth in a family of fifteen children born to James and Margaret (Felker) Brewer, the former born Aug. 5, 1783, the latter June 20, 1786. The maternal great-grandfather served as a soldier in the Revolutionary War, while the father was in the War of 1812. Both parents died in Pennsylvania, Mr. Brewer departing this life July 18, 1869, and his wife Feb. 21, 1853. In early life both were members of the English Presbyterian Church, but in later years united with the German Reformed Church.

The early education of our subject was received in his native county, where he grew to manhood. At the age of twenty-one he began life for himself, working by the day as a laborer for two years. On the 1st of October, 1842, he was united in marriage with Miss Catherine M. Mann, who was born in Northampton County, Pa., July 4, 1822, and is a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Hauck) Mann, who were natives of Mt. Bethel. Her parents were of German ancestry, and both died in Monroe County, Pa.

By the union of Mr. and Mrs. Brewer eleven children have been born: Elizabeth, born Jan. 14, 1844, died Jan. 28, 1875; James H., born Oct. 29, 1845, is now engaged in farming in Frontier County, Neb.; Peter, born Dec. 28, 1847, died Jan. 24, 1848; Caroline, born Nov. 29, 1848, died Oct. 27, 1862; Daniel K., born April 7, 1851, is a resident farmer and carpenter of Colorado; Matilda, born May 20, 1853, is the wife of Joseph Kramer, a farmer of Elm Grove Township; Sophia A., born Nov. 17, 1855, wedded Elmer L. Bosman, who is engaged in farming in Adams County, Neb. The children above named were born in Pennsylvania, while those below were born in Iowa, namely: Emma J., born May 29, 1850, is the wife of John Hall, a resident farmer of Elm Grove Township; Samuel H., born Aug. 4, 1860, died April 30, 1869; Mary L., born July 26, 1863, wedded George Chamberlain, of Cairo, Iowa; and Anna E., born Oct. 18, 1865, is at home.

On the 21st of March, 1857, accompanied by his family, Mr. Brewer landed in Louisa County, Iowa, and rented the farm where he now lives on section 23, Elm Grove Township. After renting for six years, in 1863 he purchased seventy-four acres, to which he has since added until his farm now comprises 180 acres of land, all under a fine state of cultivation. By industry and economy he overcame all adversities, and is now one of the well-to-do farmers of the county. He has always taken an active part in the affairs of the community, and has filled various township offices. For some years he was Postmaster, having the office at his home, and also served as Justice of the Peace. Politically, he is a supporter of the Republican party, and a strong advocate of its principles. He is well informed on all the leading political issues of the day, and for thirty years has been one of the leading men of his township.