Brewerton, Henry, 1801-1879

Henry Brewerton was born in New York City, New York. He lost his parents at a very early age, but, under the guardianship of future Governor of New York and Vice President of the United States Daniel D. Tompkins, entered the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York, two months before his 12th birthday - making him the youngest cadet in the history of West Point.

He graduated on July 1, 1819 5th in a class of 29 cadets and was commissioned a 2nd lieutenant the same day. He was not yet 18 years old at the time of his commencement. After a brief tour at Rouses Point helping to survey and establish the 45th parallel along the border between the United States and Canada, Brewerton taught engineering at the academy. Apparently, his survey of Rouse's Point was inaccurate as it was later discovered that Fort Montgomery had been built on land that really belonged to Canada. This resulted in the boundary line being shifted.

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