Biographies B
Silas H. Brewer
Silas H. Brewer, Muhlenberg County, was born in Shelby County, Ky., September 1, 1819. He is a son of John Brewer, a native of Holland, who immigrated to the United States when a young man, and settled in Pennsylvania, where he married Mary House. He afterward, in 1810, removed to Kentucky, where he died in 1821. He left a family of six children.
Silas H. Brewer, at the age of eighteen years, was launched on the sea of active life, and from that time has made his way in the world unaided. His early education was such as could be obtained at the schools of the period, and was quite limited. At the age of twenty-one he became proficient as a mercantile book-keeper, and in that capacity was employed by the Union Saw Mill Company, of Louisville, Ky., for ten years.
In 1848, he erected a flouring-mill, carding factory and saw mill at Skilesville, on Green River, and up to the present time (1885), he has been employed in the milling and carding business, in connection with the superintendency of his farm of 100 acres of well-improved land, lying in Muhlenberg County. His dwelling house, barns, warehouse, orchards and other improvements are among the best in the country; he also has the most excellent water-power privilege on Green River, and a location that is conducive to health.
February 21, 1843, Mr. Brewer married Ann E. Downing, of Louisville, Ky. Nine children have been born to them, five of whom are living: James F., S. Herbert, Phoebe, Elizabeth, and Anna D. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer and four children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church South. Mr. Brewer is a member of the Rochester Lodge, No. 270, of the ancient order of Masonry, through which he has passed to the chair of master. He is a Democrat and takes a lively interest in the political issues of the day.
Source: Battle, J.H., W.H. Perrin, and G.C. Kniffen. Kentucky: A History of the State. Louisville, KY: F.A. Battey, 1885. Page 898.
Updated June 6, 2018