Found him on the 1880 Brooklyn, Kings, New York census (dist 161 img 4) as
John A. Dowst age 34, Vinegar man's. Father, mother born Maine.
Very striking indeed were the evidences of esteem and love for one departed witnessed at the funeral, last Saturday afternoon, of John A. Dowst, of Greenpoint.
The attendance was very large, a number of prominent men in Greenpoint and from other parts of the city being present. After the religious service an opportunity was given to take a farewell look at the form of the deceased, and, many a tear was shed as this was done!
There were several beautiful floral tributes including a monument of choice exotics fully seven feet high at the base of which were the words in blue immortelles, 'Our Employer.' The employees were present to a man and each one wore crape on his left arm. The comrades of Barbara Frietchie Post, No. 11, of the Grand Army of the Republic, were present in large numbers. In the address which the Rev. Mr. Kavanagh, of the Tabernacle M. E. Church, delivered, he referred to Mr. Dowst's honorable career in this community for more than twenty years, and said: 'Happy is the man who dies and leaves behind him such a noble record for charity and beneficence.' - The Newtown Register December 14, 1893
The business successfully carried on in Greenpoint for many years by the late Mr.
John A. Dowst, as producer and dealer in cider and vinegar, is continued at the old place, on Meserole avenue, being now in the hands of his son, Mr.
Arthur A. Dowst, who, having been for a considerably time associated with his father in it, brings to the management thereof all the needed experience. The worthy son of a worthy sire, Mr. Arthur Dowst will no doubt succeed in keeping the business at the high standard of prosperity to which his father raised it, and even increasing the extensive patronage which it has deservedly long enjoyed. -
The Newtown Register January 18, 1894