Brown, William

BROWN, WILSON, BOYD, MCALLISTER, JOHNSON

Posted By: Volunteer Transcriber
Date: 8/11/2009 at 18:58:59

William Brown, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Jasper County, residing on section 4, Palo Alto Township, is a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, and was born on the 3rd of March 1838. He is a son of James and Agnes (Wilson) Brown, likewise natives of the "land or thistles." In the country or his birth he was reared to man's estate, and at the age of twelve years commenced to work in a coal mine, where he was employed for some time.

During the year 1865, Mr. Brown immigrated to the United States, accompanied by his family taking passage at Glasgow on the steamer "United Kingdom." After a voyage of more than two weeks duration, the family landed in New York City, and from there proceeded directly to West Virginia, residing in that state twelve months or more. Thence they removed to Maryland, and from that state, in the fall of 1868, came to Jasper County, Iowa. For many years Mr. Brown engaged as a coal operator in company with Andrew Stewart, and also conducted an extensive business as a coal miner, the partnership continuing until 1883, at which time our subject's eldest son purchased Mr. Stewart's interest. The name of the corporation was the Newton Coal Company. Subsequently, in 1886, our subject retired from the firm and leased the machinery to other parties.

In 1881 Mr. Brown commenced to operate a farm, and has engaged as an agriculturist continuously to the present time, having greatly improved his place by the erection of suitable buildings and the introduction of modern improvements. He is the owner of one hundred and nineteen acres, all under good cultivation. In connection with farming, he has engaged for some years in raising English Shire draft horses and Shorthorn cattle, some of which are registered. His horses are fully equal to the best imported, if not, in fact, superior to them. He has sold many of these horses and has a number on his place for sale at the present time.

In Scotland, October 26, 1860, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Miss Jane, daughter of Robert Boyd, of Ayrshire, Scotland. Of this union there have been born eleven children, of I whom the following seven are now living: James; Robert B.; Agnes, wife of David McAllister; Jane, who married J. L. Johnson; Mary, Clara and Matthew. The family was deeply bereaved when on the 6th of March 1882, the devoted wife and mother passed away. She was a devout member of the Presbyterian Church, and her many estimable qualities won for her the affection of all who knew her, so that she was mourned not only by her immediate relatives, but also by tile people of the township where she resided.

Politically Mr. Brown is a Populist. For two years be served as Justice of tile Peace and has also filled other positions of responsibility and trust. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and while residing in Maryland served as an Elder in the church. He has been successful in life, as, is attested by his valuable farm property. What he has gained is attributable to his untiring energy, not to the aid of fortuitous circumstances. In childhood he had few advantages, and his education was limited to a brief attendance in the pay schools of Scotland and also in the night schools of this country. Portrait and Biographical Record, Jasper, Marshall and Grundy Counties, IA Page 332.