Captain John Brewer bought two small parcels on North Main St. across from Meeting House Green in 1824 and, within a year, built the present house as a general store (235:278). In 1862, Brewer sold the property to Richard T. Dodge (644:188).
The Ipswich Vital Records do not record the birth of John Brewer. Two individuals named John Brewer are listed in Ipswich marriages during this time period:
- John Brewer, of Rowley, married Hannah Dodge, July 20, 1789.
- John Brewer Jr. of Hamilton married Mrs. Hannah Sweet, May 24, 1824.
Historic Ipswich 