Lawrence Burdett Brown

BROWN RIGGS SHEPHEARD

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 4/19/2010 at 20:52:36

Woodbury County History 1984

L B Brown
By Helen J Cole

Lawrence Burdett ‘Burd’ Brown was born in Troupsburg, Stuben County, New York state, October 4, 1836-1936. His father was Sylvance W Brown, and mother of Hestina Riggs, both of New York state. The family included four other children, Ira, Mary, Sarah and James. The family began traveling across northern United States and Southern Canada, for a while settled in Canada above the Mandan, Northern Dakota and Minnesota. James was born in Minnesota.

The Brown family then came to Iowa and settled in the Estherville area. ‘Burd’, being the oldest, traveled on to Woodbury County, Iowa, working for farmers in the area to learn to be a farmer.

He met and married Helen Rachel Shepheard, January 4, 1887, in Luton, Iowa. Her parents were William Shepheard born in Indiana. William’s father was born in Ireland and his mother in Scotland. Helen’s mother, Angeline Metcalf, was born in New York state.

Helen was born at Smithland, Iowa, April 23, 1868-1953. Eight children were born to ‘Burd’ and Helen:

Aura 1887-1953 married Otto Keller and William Wheatley.

Gertie May 1888-1965 married Alvin Sams.

Angeline Amelia 1890-1976 married Edny Hayden.

Violet Harriett 18895-1926 married Lester Metcalf.

Sylvance William 1903-1972 married Mildred Metcalf-Betty Adair Winkelblack.

Luella Beatrice 1905-1974 married John Tate.

Elmer Marion 1907-1982 married Alice Shoemaker.

The Browns lived in several different areas in Woodbury County but the longest period was at Barlow Hall where ‘Burd’ was the farmer of several acres. In the big house several hired men spent corn picking winters. Helen drove a team of horses and wagon covered over and seats on each side, picked up school age children, bringing g them to Bronson to school. She also was the first hot lunch cook at the school. Only hot soup at that time. Children brought their own cups and spoons.

The Browns were one of the families buying plots in Graceland Cemetery and are both buried there. There are grandchildren and great grandchildren still living in Woodbury County.

Two daughters-in-law: Alice Shoemaker Brown in Bronson, Iowa; and Betty Adair Winkelblack Brown Hall in Mesa, Arizona.