Matthew Brown 1819-1904

BROWN, BAXTER, FREDERICK, CULVER

Posted By: Cathy Joynt Labath (email)
Date: 12/31/2006 at 08:24:30

Matthew Brown Is Dead.

Mr. Matthew Brown, one of the oldest citizens of the county, passed away at the home of his daughter, Mrs. F. V. Frederick, shortly after 12 o'clock Sunday night. He had been declining fast for several months, though his health during recent years had been comparatively good. The funeral services were held at the M. E. Church yesterday at one o'clock. They were conducted by Rev. S. R. Beatty. The internment was an Evergreen Cemetery. There was a large procession. The pall bearers were Gus Richie, David Wait, James Pringle, H. T. Allen, L. W. Houck, and Mr. McClelland.

Mr. Brown was born at Newcastle, in the County of Northumberland England, December 7, 1819. Hence, had he lived until his next birthday, he would have been 85 years old. When quite young, he came to the United States. He lived for several years in the State of New York. He was married in Cattaraugus county, that state, to Abigail Baxter. Mr. and Mrs. Brown later came west and lived for several years in Delaware County, Iowa. About 30 years ago they came to Palo Alto and settled on a homestead at the head of Medium lake. Two years ago, Mrs. Brown died. Subsequently, Mr. Brown made his home with his daughter, Mrs. Frederick.

The deceased was a man of strong individuality. He had definite convictions on all public questions and he was very blunt in manner. He believed in calling an ax an ax and a spade a spade. However, people soon learned to respect him for his frankness, knowing well that the candid, outspoken man is the one to be relied upon in case of emergency. He was a man of simple tastes and habits. He toiled faithfully and lived within his means. He was a good judge of human nature and when he found a friend who could be trusted he confided in him. He lived to a ripe old age, showing how effective simple tastes and judicious living prolong human existence. There are three sons and three daughters living. The sons are Henry, of Bowbells, North Dakota; Samuel, whose residence is unknown; and J. J., of Osgood. The daughters are Mrs. F. V. Frederick and Mrs. George Frederick, of Freedom township, and Mrs. C. B. Culver, of Piggot, Arkansas. The sympathy of many friends and neighbors is extended to the surviving relatives in their sorrow.