Brewster, John, jr.

Born and grew up in Hampton, CT. Taught at an early age to communicate through home signs and writing. Received some instruction in painting from Rev. Joseph Steward, a local portrait painter, but was mostly self-taught. Settled in Maine and began career as an itinerant folk artist in 1796, noted for his portraits. At age 51, in 1817, he was one of the American Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb's first six students, and remained there for 3 years before returning to Maine. For unknown reasons, seems to have stopped painting after 1834, dying at Buxton Lower Corner, Maine, 20 years later.