Lorenzo D. Brewster

HON. LORENZO D. BREWSTER, mayor of Baxter Springs, one of the prominent and influential citizens of Cherokee County, was born May 10, 1855, at Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is a son of Joel and Jane L. (Hathaway) Brewster.

Joel Brewster, who is a native of New York, is now a retired resident of Montrose, Colorado. Formerly he was extensively engaged in lumbering, and at one period of his life owned the majority of the boats operated on the Erie Canal. He has been a lifelong Republican, but on no occasion has held official position. The eight survivors of his family of 12 children are: Lorenzo D., of this sketch; Arthur, of Colorado; Frank, of Portland, Oregon; Jennie, James and Grace, all of Colorado; Robert, of the Republic of Mexico; and Edward, of Arizona.

In 1866 the parents of our subject came to Baxter Springs, and here Lorenzo attended school until 16 years of age, when he became interested in surveying and spent almost a year in this work. He then went to the West and for something like 12 years was engaged in farming, stock-raising, mining and freighting, and during this period he visited almost every State and Territory in the West and penetrated into Mexico. After these many years of varied experiences, he returned to Baxter Springs, where he now lives, engaged in various enterprises and carrying on farming and cattle-raising.

On May 27, 1885, Lorenzo D. Brewster was united in marriage with Jennie Van Gundy, who is a daughter of Samuel Van Gundy, a well known citizen of Colorado, who for 20 years was a justice of the peace in that State. One son has been born to this marriage, Frank L., who is still a student.

Mr. Brewster is serving his second term as mayor, having been elected as the choice of the Democratic party, of which he has been a lifelong member. His administration has been marked by great civic improvements, and the inauguration of a general era of good feeling and laudable public spirit has been notable.

Fraternally, Mr. Brewster is a Mason and belongs to other leading organizations. He is a man of sterling character, devoted to his city, county and State and a representative of the highest kind of citizenship.

History of Cherokee County Kansas and its representative citizens, ed. & comp. by Nathaniel Thompson Allison, 1904, transcribed by Carolyn Ward, instructor from USD 508, Baxter Springs Middle School, Baxter Springs, Kansas, 5/5/97.