War Correspondent

The search for Thomas Brewer began with just a very few bits of oral history. Like the game of gossip, it mutated through the years. The fragments that remained intact, though not quite accurate, were enough to spur me onward. Though a few documents are lacking, there is now a fairly clear line of Brewers that weave through history – from the Civil War, the Revolutionary War, the newly formed Maryland Legislature, to the seizing of the Puritans’ English lands and escape to the “new world” in hope of a “New England”. But that is another story.

Thomas William Brewer was born in 1824 in Fauquier Co, Virginia. His mother died when he was quite small. He and his sister, Sarah, were raised by their maternal grandparents. After receiving his education, he took a teaching position in Ohio where he met his bride, a fellow teacher, and married in 1847. Eight children were born from this union.

Family history states that Thomas and his wife, Azuba, were part of the underground railroad movement. Thomas was an advocate for the enslaved and actively spoke for freedom of all kinds – racial, political, and religious – on every level of society. He readily spoke of his faith and political convictions. On July 25, 1861, Thomas enrolled at Downington for duty in the Civil War. He mustered into service in August at Champ Chase, Ohio, as Sergeant with Co C, 30^th regiment, OVI. He was 6’1” tall, had a light complexion with black eyes and light-colored hair.

While fulfilling his duties of military service, Thomas also served as War Correspondent for the Athens Messenger in Athens County, Ohio. In this manner he was able to describe events that took place on the battlefield, and keep the public informed while also stating his moral, political, and religious views.

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In late fall of 1862 until February of 1863, Thomas was on recruiting service. That gave him opportunity to spend time with his wife and seven children and father another child. He never saw his eighth child born in August 1863 because he was killed in the assault on Vicksburg on May 22.

The account given by oral history paints a vivid picture of the character of Sgt Brewer as being a dependable, compassionate, capable, trustworthy, and exemplary soldier. When his Lieutenant was killed in battle, Sgt Brewer was next in command. He rose to the occasion and led his unit to face their opponents. He fell in battle and succumbed to his wounds.

At the moment of his death, his wife in Ohio saw her beloved husband standing at the foot of the bed. As his apparition faded, she knew he had breathed his last breath in death. She was not surprised when the official word came to the family.

Thomas William Brewer is my 3rd great grandfather.

A poem in tribute to Thomas William Brewer was written by his daughter Thirza:

Our Sire whose love for native land
was dearer than his life
went to defend the dear old flag
and fell in deadly strife.
At Vicksburg, in a soldier’s grave,
he sleeps the last long sleep,
and scattered far and wide are those
he left to work and weep.

The following article by T W Brewer was printed in the Athens Messenger, Athens, Ohio March 26, 1863

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