- LASELL C. BREWER, the genial host of the "Park Hotel,"
of Janesville, Rock County, conducts
- a first-class hostelry upon modern plans, and provides his
guests with all conveniences and furnishes a table that has gained
for his house wide-spread reputation.
- Mr. BREWER was born in Otsego County, N.Y., in the village
of Hartwick, Feb. 27, 1838, a
- son of Jonathan W. and Julia (LELAND) BREWER, natives of
New York and Vermont, respectively. The paternal grandfather
of our subject, Jonathan BREWER, was a native of New York State,
where he engaged in farming, reared a large family, and died
at an advanced age. The maternal grandfather, Joshua LELAND,
a native of Vermont, was also a farmer, and later a lawyer, and
had a number of sons and daughters. Jonathan W. BREWER, the
father of our subject, conducted a foundry, blacksmith shop and
plow works, in Hartwick, N.Y., for many years. In 1846 he removed
to Michigan, buying a farm near Owosso, in the town of Bennington,
where he resided until his death, which occurred in July 1872,
when he was seventy-four years of age. His wife survived him
several years, and was eight-two at her death. Both were members
of the Universalist Church, and very worthy and highly esteemed
people. During the Mexican war Jonathan W. BREWER served his
country in a brave and gallant manner, as colonel of a regiment.
Four children, three sons and one daughter, were born to him.
Helen M., wife of Joseph H. HOWE, of Owosso, Mich; Emory L.,
of Owosso, Mich., a boot and shoe merchant; Lasell C., of Janesville;
and Burns W., of Owosso, Michigan.
- Lasell C. BREWER resided in New York State until 1846, and
then moved with the family to
- Michigan, where he grew to manhood, working on a farm until
the war of the Rebellion broke upon the country. Fired with
patriotism, Mr. BREWER enlisted in December, 1861, in Company
E, 14th Mich. V.I., and served until the close of the war. At
Brentwood, Tenn., Mr. BREWER was wounded, and again, although
but slightly, in front of Atlanta, in the collar-bone. Entering
the ranks, for his bravery Mr. BREWER was promoted until he attained
the rank of captain. Among the engagements in which he participated
might be mentioned Shiloh, the first and second battles of Nashville,
Missionary Ridge, Resaca, Stone River, Chickamanga, and Buzzard's
Roost, and he was fighting almost continuously until the fall
of Atlanta. After the second battle of Nashville Mr. BREWER
was promoted in the 30th Mich. V.I., and went out as first lieutenant
of Company K. Later he was promoted to the rank of captain,
commanding the company about three months, when he was honorably
discharged, in June 1865.
- After the war Mr. BREWER engaged in the livery business in
Owosso, Mich., continuing same for some time, during which period
he served most acceptably as both alderman and city marshal.
Leaving Owosso, Mr. BREWER removed to Dane County, Wis., and
bought a farm of 320 acres, which he cultivated for some years,
and later sold. During his term of residence in that county
he was elected chairman of the town board of supervisors, and
held the position as long as he remained there. After selling
his farm Mr. BREWER engaged in the hotel business at Evansville,
Wis., and on Feb. 5, 1896, bought the "Park Hotel,"
in Janesville, which he still conducts. After taking charge
of this popular house Mr. BREWER made a number of desirable improvements,
and by his efforts has largely increased its patronage.
- On Feb. 4, 1868, Mr. BREWER married Miss Ellen M. GRAVES,
daughter of S. W. and Mary
- R. GRAVES, and four children have been born to them; Lena
G., who married Joseph COLEMAN of Fort Atkinson, Wis., and has
two children, Arlene May and Carroll; Chester L., a professor
in Albion (Mich.) College, who married Grace BROWNELL, a daughter
of Isaac C. BROWNELL; Burns W., in high school at Janesville;
and Claude, who died when he was eighteen months old.
- Socially Mr. BREWER is a member of the F. & A.M. Lodge
No. 81, of Owosso, Mich., and for
- many years was a member of Suthers Post, G.A.R., of Evansville.
Politically he is independent, voting as his convictions dictate,
and in addition to the offices already mentioned served as clerk
of the school board, chairman of the board of health, and justice
of the peace, in Rutland, Wisconsin.
- Possessing as he does, in marked degree, the qualities necessary
to success in his calling, Mr.
- BREWER has extended his circle of acquaintances and friends
until it embraces many States, his house being a favored one
with travelers who pass through Janesville, as well as the people
of that city. Genial and entertaining, Mr. BREWER is an acquisition
wherever he goes, and enjoys not only the esteem, but also the
admiration, of all who know him.
-
- Taken from "Commemorative Biographical Record of
the Counties of Rock, Green, Grant, Iowa and Lafayette Wisconsin"
(c) 1901, pp. 142-143.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
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