Woman of the Century/Louisa Brewster Williams

WILLIAMS, Mrs. Louisa Brewster, musician and composer, born in Philadelphia. Pa., 25th June, 1832. She is in the direct line of descent from William Brewster, the Elder of Plymouth, the companion of Standish. One of his grandsons, Francis E. Brewster, settled in the southern part of New Jersey, where was born Dr. Horace Brewster, a prominent surgeon in his day, who gave his time and services to his countrymen through the war of the Revolution. He served in the army as one of its chief surgeons, and endured with his copatriots all the ordeals and trials of that conflict. Dr. Brewster had several children, one of whom was Edmund Brewster, the father of Louisa. He was an artist of acknowledged ability, who gave his attention principally to portrait painting. He moved in early years to Philadelphia, where he died in 1850. leaving a widow and five children. The family were left with but little means, and it became necessary that each member should contribute in some way for their support. LOUISA BREWSTER WILLIAMS. Louisa had developed a passionate fondness for music to such an extent that, before she was six years of age, she was in charge of a competent teacher. Her sister Angeline was also possessed of the same devotion to music, and together they pursued their studies with such success that, when it became necessary, for them to do their share, they immediately turned their knowledge of music to advantage and started a school of music. Success crowned their efforts, and soon their students came in such numbers as to enable them to support the entire family with their earnings. Louisa has taught music from that time to the present. During all those years they took care of their mother and an invalid sister until her death. Her sister Angeline died some years ago, and of the family three survive, a brother, Dr. Thomas Brewster of Missouri, a widowed sister who now lives with her, and herself. Besides teaching the piano and organ, she has also found time to compose several pieces of music, which have won success in all quarters. Among these compositions are "The Union Bell March," "President's Dream Waltz," and "The Dying Nun." She has written a new and improved piano instructor, which is one of the standard works for beginners. She now lives in the old home of her father in Philadelphia, where she has always resided. She is still active and energetic and possesses all the traits of her ancestry to a very marked degree.