History of Oskaloosa, (Mahaska County) Iowa United States of America

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Thomas Kelsey Brewster, of Oskaloosa, one of the oldest and best established dentists of southeastern Iowa, was brought up in Ohio, where his ancestors were among the very earliest settlers.

His father, Francis Brewster, was born in Green county, Ohio, November 29, 1795, and was a carpenter by trade. During the later years of his life he owned and operated a farm near Bell Brook, Ohio, where he resided until his death in 1874. He was an abolitionist, and stood for the right in all reforms that required great moral courage and perseverance. At the time of his death he was in comfortable circumstances, and was always held in great respect by the community in which he lived. Dr. Brewster's mother was Sarah Kelsey, who was born in Kentucky, May 5, 1802, and was married to Francis Brewster, August 15, 1822, near Centerville, Ohio. She was an exceptionally brave and patient woman, bearing with fortitude and courage all the many trials of early frontier life. She became the mother of eight children, of whom Thomas was the third. Mrs. Brewster died in 1853 at Bell Brook, Ohio. Both parents joined the Methodist church very early in life.

Dr. Brewster was born June 11, 1828, at Bell Brook, Green county, Ohio. His early life was spent on a farm, working in the fields during summer and attending district school in the winter. In 1840, he attended the high school at Bell Brook. In 1850 and 1851 he studied medicine and dentistry under Dr. A. S. Talbert, at Dayton, Ohio, and in the fall of 1851 entered the Ohio Dental college in Cincinnati, returning home in March, 1852. The same year he located at Dayton, Ohio, where he enjoyed a good practice for twenty-two years. In 1874 he moved to Iowa, locating at Oskaloosa, which he has made his home ever since. During his twenty-three years of residence in this place, he has continued to practice dentistry, and he has certainly been successful.

The doctor enlisted May 14, 1864, in the 100-day service with the One Hundred and Thirty-first Ohio National Guards, at Dayton, and served for five months. His regiment was stationed at Baltimore, Md., and was mustered out September, 1864.

He identified himself with the whig party early in life, and voted with it until 1856, when the republican party was organized. Since that time he has always been a republican. His first ballot was cast in 1852, when he voted for Gen. Winfield Scott, for president. He is a member of Phil Kearney Post No. 40, G. A. R., and formerly belonged to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. At the age of 12 years he united with the Methodist church, and remained a member until 1874, when he and his wife brought their letters from the Grace M. E. church, of Dayton, Ohio, and united with the First Congregational church of Oskaloosa.

Dr. Brewster was married, April 12, 1858, to Mary E. Snowden, in Green county, Ohio. Three children were born to them, James B., Bertha B., and Kate S.; Bertha died in 1864 and Mrs. Brewster on the 3d of June, 1893.

SOURCE: Biographies and Portraits of the Progressive Men of Iowa published by Conway and Shaw, Des Moines: 1899.

History of Oskaloosa, (Mahaska County) Iowa

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