Saguache County CO Archives Biographies.....Brewer, Alonzo August 8, 1850 - ?
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Judy Crook jlcrook@rof.net November 10, 2005, 3:12 pm

Author: Progressive Men of Western Colorado

Alonzo Brewer

     It is a matter of common knowledge, at least among the people of Colorado,

that when once the air of the Rocky Mountain region has been enjoyed for a time,

and the system has become accustomed to it, and when in addition thereto a taste

has been had of the breadth of life, amplitude of purpose and cosmopolitan

freedom of social enjoyment which is characteristic of the region, the mind can

find content no where else, or will long for a return of the exhilarating

experience, and if opportunity allow, will seek and secure it.  This has been

said thousands of times with earnestness and all sincerity, that to live awhile

in this section of the country creates an appetite for it that cannot be fully

satisfied elsewhere.  The fact has been proven by the careers of many men, among

them Alonzo Brewer, of Saguache county, who for years oscillated between Iowa

and nearby states of the Mississippi valley and Colorado, and finally settled in

this state permanently to his satisfaction and advantage, and to the benefit of

the county in which he cast his lot, of which he is one of the leading citizens

and business men, conducting now the principal undertaking and livery

establishment in the town of Saguache and within an extended radius around that

flourishing seat of the county government.  Mr. Brewer was born on August 8,

1850, in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, and is the son of Francis and Agnes

(Jayne) Brewer, Pennsylvanians also by nativity and for many years residents of

the state.  In 1856 they moved to Iowa, which was their final earthly home, the

father dying there on March 14th, and the mother on May 9, 1892.  The father was

a successful farmer in business and a Republican in political faith.  Five of

the children in the family are living, Harrietta, Emma, Rose, Sarah and Alonzo.

 After receiving a common-school education Alonzo began to make his own living

at the age of fourteen years, farming and driving stage in Iowa.  His route in

the occupation last named was out of Boone, in the county of the same name, and

as it called for prompt and unfailing service in spite of conditions, it was

full of hardship in the winter months and not always free from them at other

seasons.  Still, while it tried his nerve and frequently subjected his shrinking

body to suffering, it hardened his frame, developed his strength and endurance

and augmented his courage; so that, when he came to Colorado in 1870, and began

to freight lumber from Turkey Creek to Denver, Georgetown and Central City, he

had already the heroic qualities of mind and body required for that arduous

employment.  In the fall of 1871 he located a ranch in San Luis valley, being

among the first settlers in that now progressive and highly favored region. 

This he improved and sold, it being at this time in the possession and ownership

of Oliver P. Allen.  In the spring of 1873 he returned to Iowa, and during the

next five years he was engaged in farming in that state.  Then, after farming

more than a year in Smith county, Kansas, he came again to Colorado in 1880, and

remained until July, 1881.  At that time he went to Kansas and in the ensuing

fall to Iowa, where he again farmed five years.  In 1886 he joined the H.D.

Brown surveying outfit and until 1888 he worked with that in North Dakota.  He

then moved into Iowa again, and locating in Webster county, farmed until 1891,

when he changed his residence to Lehigh in that state and his business to

undertaking and the furniture trade, in which he engaged until 1896.  Then

coming once more to Colorado, he located at Saguache and started the livery and

undertaking business in which he is now engaged.  His outfit comprises

everything required for his extensive business in these lines and is always kept

in excellent order and ready for immediate service.  With the local affairs of

interest and of advantage to the county he is always connected in a leading way

and with substantial aid, and in its politics he takes an active and influential

part as a Republican.  On October 9, 1887, he was married to Miss Emma Pixler, a

native of Postville, Iowa.  They have two children, Verne and Harold.  Mrs.

Brewer died on January 22, 1892.

Additional Comments:
From Progressive Men of Western Colorado.  Chicago:  A.W. Bowen & Co., 1905

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