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            Harlan L. Brewer, proprietor of the “Brewer House” at Rock Falls, was born at Black Rock, N.Y., Feb. 7, 1845.  His parents, Addison and Maria (Adams) Brewer, farmers, came West in 1846 and settled at Binghamton, Lee Co., Ill., on land which they bought of the Government.  After a residence there of five years they removed to Dixon, Ill., where Mr. B. started a wagon shop and pursued his business there a year.  He then sold out and returned to Binghamton, purchasing a hotel, which he conducted until his death, which was caused by his team running away and throwing him out upon the ground.

            When 16 years old, young Harlan enlisted in Co. B, 12^th Ill. Vol. Inf., Sept. 13, 1861, under Col. John McArthur, and participated in many important engagements, among which were the battles of Fort Donaldson, Shiloh, Corinth, in front of Atlanta, etc., and in Sherman’s march to the sea.  He veteranized Dec. 31, 1863, and took part in the Grand Review at Washington.  He was mustered out at Louisville, Ky., July 20, 1865.

            Returning from the war, he for two years was a brakeman on the Illinois Central Railroad, and then promoted as conductor.  He next took charge of the “Baltic House” as proprietor, changing its name to “Brewer House,” which he is now successfully conducting.  He is a member of the A.O.U.W. and of the G.A.R.  In politics he is a Republican, and he has held offices of Village Trustee and Constable at Rock Falls.

            He was married Dec. 31, 1866, to Miss Amelia Doolittle, a native of Binghamton, Broome Co., N.Y.  They have had two children: Stella May, born Nov. 10, 1869; and Villlette D., born June 25, 1878, who died June 28, 1883.