on september 1, 1868, he married his second wife, georgiana robinson, of exeter, new hampshire. together they had four children, three sons and one daughter. during his tenure at yale, brewer took part in a survey of greenland in 1869. in 1899 he was hired by edward henry harriman to take part in his famous alaskan expedition. in 1903 brewer retired from teaching, and died at his new haven, connecticut home in 1910. he was buried at grove street cemetery. he was a member of the connecticut academy of arts and sciences.