Individual Details
Johann Baptist Breuer
(21 Aug 1828 - 24 Nov 1905)
The following is taken from Barbara Deuhs' account of her grandparents as reprinted in the Girgen Family History and correspondence with Cathy Girgen. Her articles can also found in the Pioneer Chronicles, a publication of the Minnesota Territorial Association.
"Johann Breuer was en route to St. Paul and Sibylle Langer was planning on going to Mankato to make her home with a cousin when they immigrated. They had chosen this area because the Minnesota Territory was highly advertised in the provinces of Germany.
Johann has been a teamster in the Rhineland Province and had hauled freight from one province to another. When he arrived in St. Paul, he promptly got work, but as a laborer. He also immediately applied for citizenship. During the Civil War years, he hauled supplies for Governor Ramsey; many times he traveled the Military Road bringing down supplies from Duluth to Fort Ripley.
After their marriage, the Breuers set up a home in a log cabin on Seventh Street, St. Paul. Johann made many pieces of their furniture and we still have one chest which he made. They opened their humble home to friends and relatives many times and among the visitors was a cousin, Nicholas Brewer, who stayed with them off and on for about two years. They took in a motherless boy of six, who lived with them as their own son into his 15th year.
On their small income, they saved enough to make a down payment on a small farm located in the vicinity of Cannon Falls, and with the help of friends, grandfather erected a log cabin on it. One evening in early spring, 1861, in preparation for moving to the new home, he drove over to the area. Leaving his team in town, he walked the short distance from town to the cabin, only to find it occupied by a man sitting near a table with a lantern on it, and a gun at his side. Johann walked around the cabin a few times, but decided not to go in; he had a family of two children at that time. Apparently, he was unaware that he could have resorted to the courts. Undaunted, they saved again, and the next time, they bought land in the vicinity of Vermillion (Dakota Co). They moved in April 1863, and remained there for the remainder of their lives.
Like many pioneer families, they suffered illness and had disappointments. They waited fourteen months for their first child, Mathias, and little Mathias died four months later. One other of their ten children died in infancy. They lived during the Black Smallpox epidemic and all eight children came down with it. They all survived, but were left with permanent scars.
Both Johann and Sybille were active in community and church affairs. Johann was the leader in securing a parish for the village of Vermillion. A small church was erected in the beginning and later a new one was built and named Saint John the Baptist. Johann taught himself the English language, and was on the school board in Dakota County in the late eighties. They brought with them their culture and traditions, which were reflected in the community, and instilled it in their children."
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The Breuers were good friends of the Brehers and were neighbors in Victoria. (Phillip Jares)
New Trier church record that says: John and Maria (Schuetz) Fromm had Maria baptised on 6-1-1868. She was born 5-27-1868. Sponsors were John and Sibilla Breuer.
(Amanda Fromm, amanda56085@hotmail.com )
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Notes for future research -
Search Terms: BREUER (13)
Database: Minnesota Naturalization Records Index
Location Surname Given Name Reel Code Volume Page
DAKOTA BREUER JOHN 4 11 3 364
RAMSEY BREUER JOHN 5 7 E 515
RAMSEY BREUER HEINRICH (HENRY) 42 121 12 271
This ad ran for several days in the newspaper-
Der Wanderer (Saint Paul, Minnesota) Sat, Oct 16, 1875 Page 7
Für eine Publifschule wird ein kathol. Lehrer gesucht, der bestsch und ergl ich unterrichten kann; gutes Betragen wird gefordert, fur mebrere Monote und geaen angemessenen Lobn. Offerte zu abreffiren an Rev. P. Magnus O S. B. Neu-Trier, Dakota Co Minn. oder an Hrn. John Breuer, Vermillion Station, Dakota Cr. Minn. Beginn 3. Nov 1875.
Rough Translation:
Looking for teachers.
We are looking for a Catholic Teacher for a public school who can teach brilliantly and successfully; good behavior is required, for more respect and appropriate praise. Offer to be addressed to Rev. P. Magnus O S. B. Neu-Trier, Dakota Co Minn. or to Mr. John Breuer, Vermillion Station, Dakota Cr. Minn. Begins November 3, 1875.
The People's Press (Owatonna, Minnesota) 03 Jan 1902, Fri ·Page 2
Mr. and Mrs. John Breuer, of Vermillion, Minn., are spending the Christmas and New Year's holidays visiting with their daughter, Mrs. F. P. Breher and family. They intend to leave for their home the latter part of next week.
Events
Families
Spouse | Sibilla, Savilla "Celia" Langer (1829 - 1909) |
Child | Mathias Breuer (1858 - 1859) |
Child | Magdalena Breuer (1859 - 1918) |
Child | Katharina Ann "Katherine" Breuer (1861 - 1953) |
Child | Margaretha Ann "Maggie" Breuer (1862 - 1955) |
Child | Maria Breuer (1863 - 1863) |
Child | Maria Rosa "Rose" Breuer (1864 - 1937) |
Child | Maria Katherine "Mary" Breuer (1866 - 1957) |
Child | Nicolas C. "Nick" Breuer (1868 - 1934) |
Child | John L. Breuer (1870 - 1953) |
Child | Joseph Peter Breuer (1873 - 1945) |
Father | John Nikolaus Breuer (1794 - 1859) |
Mother | Anna Katharina Faymonville (1793 - 1835) |
Sibling | Maria Salome Breuer (1825 - 1867) |
Sibling | Anna Katherine Breuer (1827 - ) |
Sibling | Magdalene Breuer (1831 - 1868) |
Sibling | Anna Gertrud Breuer (1832 - 1871) |
Sibling | Anna Maria Breuer (1833 - 1838) |
Notes
Birth
From the baptismal records of Rocherath, Germany (Rochelt, near Malmedy) --now present day, Belgium--is his record: he was born on the 21 August 1828, and is indeed the son of Nikolas Breuer (spelled in this record as Breeuer) and Anna Catharina Faymonville. Baptismal sponsors were Johann Faymonville from Rocherath, and Margarethe (Hanf) Loefgen from Honningen. (Cathy Girgen)21 Aug 1826 is the birthdate recorded on his tombstone according to the Minnesota Cemetery Inscription Index, Eleven Co. (An Ancestry.com Database)
Immigration
From Germans to America -Ship: Alice Tainter
From: Antwerp
To: New York
Arrived: 25 August 1856
Brauer, Johann 28 M Farmer PR 000 USA
Langer, Sybilla 26 F Farmer PR 000 USA
The CD version of Germans to America -
Johann Brauer, 28 yrs M Farmer
Last Residence - Prussia
Arrival - Aug 25 1856
Purpose of Travel - Staying in the USA
Alice Tainter
Captain's Name: Fredk Spencer
Manifest ID# 0000-8707
Port of Embarkation: Marseilles
Mode of Travel: Steerage
Johan Baptist Breuer and Sybille Langer did not meet aboard the ship when immigrating to the US. They knew each other in the "old country". Both Sybille Langer and John Breuer entered the US at NY from Antwerp, 25 Aug 1856 on the Bark Alice Tainter, under Captain Frederick Spencer. John came in steerage and Sybelle as a cabin passenger. A notation in the margin (of John's birth record), written in Latin and somewhat difficult to read is as follows: "Americam emigravit 1856". Emigrated to America in 1856. (Girgen)
Marriage
They were married in the old Assumption Church in St. Paul on 12 Apr 1857. The ceremony was at 8 o'clock in the morning conducted by the Reverend George Keller. Witnesses were Nicholas Kerst and Joseph Hardi. Mr. Griebler played the organ for the ceremony.Marriage records show where the first priest here ( a mission priest from the Assumption Church in St. Paul where records were kept before this parish was officially established in 1856):
April 12, 1857 Johannes Breuer, son of Nicolas Breuer and Catherine Faymonville of Colgne Diocese (Germany) married Sibilla Langer, daughter of Christian Langer and Anna Maria Groten (St. Mary's, New Trier)
Census
No "Breuer" listed. Various spelllings still have not located Johann and Sybilla.Census (family)
Census index for 1870 through a Interlibrary loan request - No "Breuer" listed. Need to check various spelllings. Checked the 1870 Dakota Co. census and could NOT find any Breuer's, or any other spellling, that seemed this family. Will have to keep researching...4/2005 This is probably them! Bruin instead of Breuer, and Sarah instead of Celia. Plus Ellen for Lena....Could be phonetic errors and ?....Note wife couldn't speak English.
87, 85 Brier (Breuer?) John, 43, MW, Farmer, 2000, 1000, Prussia
Sarah, 42, FW, Keeping house, Prussia, can't read or write English
Ellen, 10, FW, MN, Attended School
Kate, 9, FW, MN, Attended School
Maggie, 8, FW, MN, Attended School
Rosa, 6, FW, MN
Mary, 4, FW, MN
Nicholas, 1, MW, MN
Tomas, William, 22, MW, Farm laborer, Prussia, can't read or write English
Census (family)
76, John Brier, 48 M, Prussia, Prussia PrussiaSibella , 47 F, Prussia, Prussia Prussia
Magdalena, 15 F, MN
Kath, 14 F, MN
Marg, 13 F, MN
Rosa, 10 F, MN
Mary, 8 F, MN
Nick 6 M, MN
John 4 M, MN
Joseph 2 M, MN
Herbert Berenbauer, 38 M, Luxemberg Lux Lux
Merch " , 20 M, Lux Lux Lux
Census (family)
Brewer, John Vol.3, E.D. 1? 98, sheet 40, line 32White Male, 51 yrs. birthplace - Prussia
Dakota Co., Vermilliion M.C.D.
Brewer, Celia Wife 50 Prussia
Rosa Daughter 16 Minnesota
Mary Daughter 13 Minnesota
Nicholas Son 12 Minnesota
John Son 10 Minnesota
Joseph Son 8 Minnesota
John BREWER Self M Male W 51 PRUSSIA Farmer PRUSSIA PRUSSIA
Celia BREWER Wife M Female W 50 PRUSSIA Keeping House PRUSSIA PRUSSIA
Rosa BREWER Dau S Female W 16 MN At Home PRUSSIA PRUSSIA
Mary BREWER Dau S Female W 13 MN At School PRUSSIA PRUSSIA
Nicholas BREWER Son S Male W 12 MN At School PRUSSIA PRUSSIA
John BREWER Son S Male W 10 MN At School PRUSSIA PRUSSIA
Joseph BREWER Son S Male W 8 MN At School PRUSSIA PRUSSIA
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Source Information:
Census Place Vermillion, Dakota, Minnesota
Family History Library Film 1254618
NA Film Number T9-0618
Page Number 219A
Census (family)
John Brewer M 67ySebilla Brewer F 66y
Joseph Brewer M 22y
John Brewer M 25y
Will
John BreuerWill year: 1906
Record place: Dakota, MN
Volume: Will records Volume 3 1900-1918
first page:428
last page: 429
In the name of God, Amen: I, John Breuer, of the town of Vermillion in the County of Dakata and State of Minnesota, being of sound mind and memory, do hereby mak publish and declare this to be my last will and testament, in the manner following that is to say
First, I give, devise and bequest unto my beloved wife, Sabilla Breuer, all of the estate of which I may die seized or possessed, or in which I may have any interest at the time of my death, To Have and To Hold the same unto her and her heirs and assigns forever.
Second. - I hereby nominate and appoint my said wife, Sabilla Breuer, exectrix of this last will and testament and hereby revoke any and all wills and testaments heretofore made by me.
In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and seal this 23rd day of April, A. D. 1897.
John Breuer
Be It Remembered, that on the day of the date of the above instrument, towit: the 23rd day of April, AD 1897, John Breuer, the testator above named, signed, sealed, published and declared the above and forgoing instrument as his last will and testament in presence of us who at his request and in his presence and in the presence of each other, subscribed our names as attesting witnesses thereto.
John Heinen, Residing at Hastings, Minnesota
Albert P. Kimm, Residing at Hastings, Minnesota
Census (family)
John and Sybilla were living with their son John L. and his wife Elizabeth, plus their youngest son, Joseph.S.D. 3, E.D. 32, Sheet 8, line 19
121, 122 Breuer, John L. Head Nov. 1870 29 Minnesota married 4 yrs.
Elizabeth Wife Sept 1869 30 Minnesota married 4 yrs, 0, 0
John Father Aug 1828 71 Germany married 43 yrs.
Sybilla Mother Sept 1829 70 Germany married 43 yrs.10, 8
Joseph Brother Feb 1873 27 Minnesota, single
All parents born in Germany, everyone can read, write, speak English.
John L. is listed as a Farmer, renting farm, schedule 101
John Sr. - landlord.
John and Sybilla both immigrated in 1856, been in US 44 yrs., John NA
Death
An Obituary for John Breuer was published both in the Dakota County Tribune Friday, Dec. 1, 1905, and in the Hastings Gazette Sat. Dec 2, 1905Death of John Breuer.
Mr. John Breuer, one of the old and most prominent farmers of Vermillion, died suddenly Friday evening, aged seventy-eight years. He seemed in usual good health and spirits at supper, and was found dead in bed about ten o'clock. Coroner F. W. Kramer and Dr E W Hammes were summoned, the cause being found to be apoplexy. No inquest was held. He was a native of Germany, and leaves a wife, three sons and five daughters. He was well and favorably known in this city and vicinity, and a large circle of friends regret to learn of his death. The funeral was held from St. John's Church, in Vermillion Monday at half past nine a.m.
Probate
Certificate of ProbateState of Minnesota In Probate Court
County of Dakota
Special Term, January 15th, 1906
In the matter of the estate of John Breuer, deceased.
Be it remembered that on the day of the date hereof at a special term of said probate court, pursuant to notice duly given, the last will and testament of John Breuer, late of said county of Dakota, deceased, bearing date the 23rd day of April, 1897, and being the annexed written instrument, was duly proved before the probate court, in and for the county of Dakota aforesaid, and was duly allowed and admitted to probate by said court according to law, as and for the last will and testament of said John Breuer, deceased, which said last will and testament is recorded and the examination take thereon filed in this office.
In witness whereof, the judge of the probate court of said county has hereunto set his hand and affixed the seal of the said court at Hastings, in said county, this 15th day of January, A.D. 1906
Thos. P. Moran,
Judge of Probate
Burial
Surname Given Name Section Birth Date Death Date Cemetery Township County NotesBREUER JOHANN N 21/AUG/1826 24/NOV/1905 St. John's Vermillion Dakota
SP. SYBILLA
BREUER SYBILLA N 13/SEP/1829 30/AUG/1909 St. John's Vermillion Dakota
SP. JOHANN
LANGENFELD AARON N 20/JUN/1977 21/JUN/1977 St. John's Vermillion Dakota
WITH JOHANN & SYBILLA BREUER
Cemetery Record Detail for John Sr. Breuer, (Johann Breuer
Birth Date 08-21-1826
Death Date 11-24-1905
Cemetery St. John's
Town Vermillion
John Breuer 21 August 1826 - 24 November 1905
BREUER SYBILLA 13/SEP/1829 30/AUG/1909 136 VN 22 ST JOHN'S VERMILLION N SP. JOHANN
BREUER EDWARD H 1899 1954 258 BE 28 BURNSIDE-SALEM B SP. ELIZABETH
Endnotes
1. Baptismal record from Rocherath, Germany for Johnann Breuer. (Record researched by Cathy Girgen.).
2. Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com/ Copyright © 1998-2000, MyFamily.com Inc. and its subsidiaries.).
3. Jares, Phillip., Breher/Breuer family information emails from a Breher descendant. (Minnesota: Phillip Jares
4. Girgen, Catherine Piasecki., The Girgen family history : fourteen generations from the mid-1600's to the present. (Lander, Wyoming: Valley Printing. 1993.).
5. Glazier, Ira A. and P. William Filby (ed.), Germans to America : lists of passengers arriving at US ports. Vol. 10. Jan 1856 - April 1857. (Wilmington, Delaware. Scholarly Resources Inc. 1990), p. 198.
6. Girgen, Catherine Piasecki., The Girgen family history : fourteen generations from the mid-1600's to the present. (Lander, Wyoming: Valley Printing. 1993.).
7. Brown, Patti; Parish Secretary., "St. Mary's Church records," e-mail message from
8. US Federal Census of Minnesota, Dakota Co. 1870. (read by Nancy Prouty, 4/4/01).
9. U.S. Census images. Heritage Quest Online. Subscription database through the Sonoma County Public Library. (ProQuest LLC, 2009.), 1870 > MINNESOTA > DAKOTA > VERMILLION Series: T132 Roll: 2 Page: 412.
10. Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com/ Copyright © 1998-2000, MyFamily.com Inc. and its subsidiaries.), Minnesota State Census 1875, Line 18, Roll MNSC_6.
11. Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints., Transcription of the United States Federal Population Census - 1880 (http://www.familysearch.org/ Oct. 2002).
12. US Federal Govenment., Soundex Microfilm - Minnesota, 1880 for B660 (read 19 May, 2001, Nancy Prouty.).
13. "Minnesota, Wills and Probate Records, 1801-1925," database, Ancestry.com (: accessed 22 June 2020), John Breuer 1897; citing Minnesota, Dakota County, Wills; Author: Minnesota. Probate Court (Dakota County); Probate Place: Dakota, Minnesota.
14. US Federal Government, Census, Minnesota, Dakota Co., 1900 (read 26 May, 2001, Nancy Prouty.).
15. Soundex - 1900, Minnesota, B660 T1053 #22 (read May 2, 2001, Nancy Prouty).
16. Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com/ Copyright © 1998-2000, MyFamily.com Inc. and its subsidiaries.).
17. History of Dakota Co., Minnesota website. (Dakota County Historical Society,
18. Jares, Phillip., Breher/Breuer family information emails from a Breher descendant. (Minnesota: Phillip Jares
19. "Minnesota, Wills and Probate Records, 1801-1925," database, Ancestry.com (: accessed 22 June 2020), John Breuer 1897; citing Minnesota, Dakota County, Wills; Author: Minnesota. Probate Court (Dakota County); Probate Place: Dakota, Minnesota.
20. Ancestry.com (http://www.ancestry.com/ Copyright © 1998-2000, MyFamily.com Inc. and its subsidiaries.).
21. History of Dakota Co., Minnesota website. (Dakota County Historical Society,