Transcribed by: Brandi McLoughlin

Auren S. Brewer, farmer and stock-raiser, section 23, Tampico Township, was born in Berkshire Co., Mass., March 18, 1838. His father, Hiram Brewer, also a native of the Bay State, was a farmer and mechanic, but is now retired and resides in Washington, D.C., where he was a time-keeper for the Government during the erection of the extension of the Capitol building. The maiden name of the mother of Auren S. was Clarissa Hollister, also a native of Massachusetts. Both the parents were of Scotch descent and of New England ancestry. When Mr. Brewer, the subject of this sketch, was 14 years of age, his parents removed with their family to Maryland, settling near the United States capitol. At the age of 22 he set out upon the beffeting sea of life for himself, and the first position he had was the charge of the transfer while constructing the bridges, and then the superintendency of a division of the Orange & Alexandria Railroad, for a period of two years. Next, he was in the service of the Adams Express Company for some time. The route changing to the Southern Express Company, he continued as express messenger for a period. At this time the War of Rebellion was inaugurated, and Mr. Brewer accepted the position of Inspector of Guns for the Confederate Army; but in the fall of 1862 he returned North. In this movement, he experienced some difficulty, as the rebels, supposing him to be a Federal spy, interrupted his travels. He next accepted a position in the banking house of Lewis, Johnson & Co., at Washington City (yet in existence), and remained there nine years; then he was employed at the Patent Office two years; then in the Treasury Department until 1877, when he emigrated West and located upon his present farm, near Tampico, which he had bought in 1867. It comprises 240 acres, well improved, and is a splendid place. Besides, he still owns property in Washington, which yields an annual rental of $600, besides several small tenements. He is one of the most extensive farmers in that part of the county, and makes a specialty of raising Clydesdale horses and Shorthorn cattle. In his principles of civil government, he is a stanch Republican, and he takes a zealous hold of local interests; he has been Township Supervisor since the spring of 1884, and has also held other offices in the township. He was marries July 12, 1870, in Milford Otsego Co., N. Y., to Miss Amelia A. Barnard, who was born in Milford, April 14, 1837. Her parents were Deacon M. and Adelia (Grover) Barnard, natives respectively of New York and New England, and of English ancestry. Her parents dying early in her life, she began school-teaching at the age of 16 years. After teaching about three terms, she graduated at the Delaware Literary Institute at Franklin Delaware Co., N. Y., at the age of 20 years old. She succeeded well in her calling. Mr. And Mrs. Brewer have had three children, namely: Hattie, who was born June 28, 1871, and died April 15, 1879; Clara, who was born September 10, 1873; and Freddie, born September 29,1875. Mrs. Brewer is a member of the Presbyterian Church.