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Francis Gilbert Brewster�s family is of English extraction and traces their descent from Elder Brewster, who sailed for America in the "Mayflower," in 1620. Francis Gilbert, a lineal descendant, and the father of the subject of this biography, was born in Deerfield, and married Miss Mary Gibbon Seeley, of Bridgeton. They had children, - Robert Gibbon, Francis Gilbert, Charles Henry, and George. Dr. Brewster early became an exponent of the science of medicine, and followed his profession in Salem. Ill health causing him to relinquish active practice, he retired to Bridgeton and opened the earliest drug store in the city. He was an influential citizen, and engaged in many public enterprises. He was an elder of the Presbyterian Church of Bridgeton, and foremost in all good works, continuing to exercise a salutary influence in the community until his death in 1828. Francis Gilbert, his son was born February 10, 1809, in Bridgeton, the scene of his lifetime labors. The Bridgeton Academy afforded him opportunities of education, and the early death of his father made him, at the age of eighteen, his successor in business.
He was married February 17, 1830 to Miss Ruth Thompson Riley, daughter of Mark and Abigail H. Riley. Their children are Mary Gibbon (who married Dr. Edward M. Porter), Edwin Francis, and Elizabeth Reeves. Mr. Brewster continued in active business for many years, and during this period identified himself with many enterprises tending to advance the interests of the community. He maintained extensive business connections, in which all of which he established a character for integrity and fairness, while his judgement and sound common sense were proverbial. Mr. Brewster was a member of the Second Presbyterian Church of Bridgeton, and served as elder from its organization until his decease. He was a cordial promoter of all religious and philanthropic schemes. The Cumberland County Bible Society found in him an efficient treasurer and co-worker. He was in politics early a Whig, and later a Republican, though choosing candidates for office with regards to their fitness, irrespective of party.
Mr. Brewster�s life was ended August 6, 1856, at the early age of forty-eight, after a brief illness. He was greatly esteemed for the many virtues exemplified in his character and his death universally deplored.
