James was the son of John Brewer and Jane Varner. He married his first cousin, Sarah Jane Varner, ca. 1850. He died at his home near Creekside in Washington Twp., Indiana Co., PA.

James and Sarah were the parents of eight children:
1. John H. Brewer (born ca. 1853, died 1870-1880)
2. William James Brewer
3. Abraham Lincoln Brewer
4. Silas J. Brewer
5. "Ollie" Oliver C. Brewer
6. Sarah Jane Brewer
and two more children, names unknown, presumably born/died between census years.

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The following obituary appeared in the "Indiana Evening Gazette" (Indiana, PA) on Wednesday, May 3, 1905, page 1, column 5:

James A. Brewer.

James A. Brewer died at his home near Creekside on May 1, aged 73 years. He is survived by his wife and two sons, Abraham and William, both of Washington township. The funeral services were held on May 1 and were conducted by Rev. Schmacker, of Willett.

Will filed in the Indiana Co. Courthouse (Indiana, PA):

I James Brewer of Washington Township in the County of Indiana and State of Pennsylvania Farmer -- being of sound mind memory and understanding do make the publish this my last will and testament hereby making void all former wills by me at any time heretofore made.

and first I direct that my body be decently intered [sic] in the grave yard at Five Point at the Lutheran Church in Washington Twp. Indiana County. Pa

I give device and bequeath to my wife Sarah J. Brewer and my son Abraham L. Brewer my Farm where I now reside in washington Township in the County of Indiana and State of Pennsylvania containing one hundred acres more or less adjoining lands of J C Kunkle Alexander Spence J B Fairman Alexander Johnston Philip Kunkle and David Calhoon. to have and to hold for their use duering their natural life time. And Sarah J Brewer to have the controle of the farm duering her life time. then Abraham L. Brewer to have the use and controle of the farm duering his life time. and Sarah J. Brewer to have the house where I now reside in on the farm to live in duering her life time. and Abraham L Brewer to have the house where he now resides to live in.

I will and bequeath to my wife Sarah J. Brewer all of my personal property of all kinds in goods Chattles moneys notes bonds and mortgages belonging or comeing to me at my death after all debts are payed. to have her life time and to her use. and I direct that Sarah J. Brewer is to keep my Grand son Charles M. Carnahan with her on the farm so long as he stays with her or to he is twenty one years of age. to be kept as one of the family And at the death of my wife Sarah J Brewer and Abraham L Brewer then the above described farm to go my Grand son Charles M Carnahan to have and to hold his own for ever

( I also will and bequeath to my Grand son Charles M. Carnahan all of my personal property. left at the death of my wife Sarah J Brewer and Abraham L Brewer. belonging to me. to have and to hold his own

( I will and bequeath to my son William Brewer three notes which I hold against him of one hundred dollars each.

( I direct that my son Abraham L Brewer is not to Sell nor cut nor destroy any timber on the farm except for the use and keeping up of the farm.

I do hereby constitute and appoint my friend D. L. Trout my sole executor to execute this my last will and testament.

in witness whereof I James Brewer the testator have to this my will written on one sheet of paper set my hand and seal this twelfth day of April. A. D. one Thousand Eight hundred and Ninety Four.

Signed Sealed published and delivered by the above named James Brewer as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us. who have hereunto subscribed our names at his request as witnesses thereto in the presence of the said testator and of each other. James Brewer.

Witnesses names Joseph M. Johnston Charlie H. Sutton