Project Background
Not all BREWERs descend from the same lineage. The surname BREWER is based on an occupation. Any person who had the occupation of Brewer -- a maker of beer or ale -- might have taken on the surname when surnames became required. This DNA project includes Bruer, Brower, Brew, etc. It is believed that Brewer''s are English, German, Dutch, and maybe other nationalities. Some people might have taken on a mother''s maiden name or a step-father''s surname. Freed slaves often took the name of a former owner. It is safe to say Brewer''s have different origins.
The Brewer Surname Project uses Y-DNA test results to identify family groups of genetically related living male participants through their matching haplotypes (genetic signatures). Such testing can show a definite relationship exists between two or more males and that they share a common ancestor within genealogical time spans, but not with whom or when. Documented genealogical pedigrees add the missing information. The two sets of data (paper trail and DNA results) compliment and support one another.