Events of Historical Note
By Matthew Urtz
(Cazenovia, Wampsville, NY – Jan. 2012) History has a way of documenting those who impacted the past in visible ways, but not as often those who otherwise influenced. Investors are very rarely remembered when we talk about discoveries, yet without their financial backing, some of the most important inventions in American history would not exist.
Thus is the case of former Cazenovia resident Benjamin Brewster. He helped develop one of the largest companies in the U.S., supported and reorganized transportation for millions of people, and yet very few know his name amongst contemporaries.
Brewster was born in Norwich, Conn., June 30, 1828. His lineage traced back to the Mayflower to Elder William Brewster. He attended local schools and, after graduation, moved to New York City to become a clerk. Like many Americans, the gold rush called to him and in 1849, he packed up and headed west, setting up a store and later investing in numerous businesses on the west coast.
In 1863, Brewster married Elmina Dows. Her father James Dows was from Cazenovia. Dows moved out to San Francisco shortly before Brewster did and carried on a similar business. Brewster and Elmina’s family included seven children (three died while infants).
For 25 years, the couple stayed on the west coast and amassed an incredibly large fortune before deciding to return east in 1874.
Upon his return, he became involved with John D. Rockefeller and helped organize the Standard Oil Company, becoming one of the first shareholders. He also invested and worked with a number of railroads, helping restructure the Chicago, St. Paul, Minneapolis and Omaha Railroad Company and was associated with building the Manhattan Elevated Railroad in New York City. He became the vice president of the Island and Pacific Railroad and was director of the Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad.
He also served as the director for the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company, as well as the International Navigation Company, which made trans-Atlantic passenger steamships.
His ability to turn around businesses was legendary.
Brewster enjoyed vacationing during the summer in Cazenovia and first purchased property in 1887 from L.W. Ledyard on what is today Ledyard Avenue (Route 20 in the village). Shortly after he purchased the property, he built a new summer home on the estate and named the home “Scrooby,” the name of the house Elder Brewster relinquished to move to the New World more than 250 years before.
“Scrooby” is now the Brewster Inn in Cazenovia.
Brewster suffered a stroke in Cazenovia in August 1897. He held on for a few weeks, dying Sept. 4, 1897, at the age of 69. His funeral was held in Cazenovia, and his pall-bearers included John D. Rockefeller, former Treasury Secretary Charles S. Fairchild, and former New York Governor Roswell P. Flower.
He is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Cazenovia.
Sources cited: Herndon, Richard. “Biographical Sketches and Portraits of Leaders in Business and Professional Life in and of the State of Connecticut.” New England Magazine, Boston, MA. 1898. Pages 287-288. Madison County Deeds Collection
Matthew Urtz is Madison County Historian. He can be reached at matthew.urtz@co.madison.ny.us, (315) 366-2453 and by becoming a fan of Madison County, NY History on Facebook. For more information, visit madisoncountynyhistory.com.
