For
Muscatine County Iowa
1911
| Biographies For Muscatine County Iowa 1911 | |
Source: History of Muscatine County Iowa, Volume II, Biographical, 1911, page 571
THOMAS BROWN. While Thomas Brown had passed the seventy-fifth milestone on life's journey at the time of his death, February 9, 1911, he was still engaged in the practice of law. His mental powers seemed undiminished and keen discernment enabled him to analyze a law case with the readiness and ability which he displayed in earlier years. He also conducted a real-estate and loan office, and his example of active usefulness in the evening of life is one which might well be followed by many another man.He was born in Knox county, Ohio, December 3, 1835, his parents being Garretson and Ann (Holland) Brown, the former a native of Maryland, and the latter of Virginia. The father made farming his life work, following that pursuit first in his native state, afterward in Ohio, and subsequently in Iowa, whither he came about 1871. He lived in Muscatine for one year and then located in Keokuk county, where he carried on agricultural pursuits until the weight of years forced him to put aside active duties. He died when more than eighty years of age, having for a few years survived his wife. Both were consistent members of the Methodist church, and their many good qualities of heart and mind gained for them the warm regard of all who knew them. Their family numbered seven children, five sons and two daughters, of whom three are now living: Reason, a farmer of Keokuk county, Iowa; Cassius M., an attorney of Sigourney, Iowa; and Elizabeth, the widow of John Trotter and also a resident of Sigourney.
Thomas Brown was reared in the county of his nativity upon his father's farm, early becoming familiar with the work of plowing, planting and harvesting. He attended the district schools and afterward entered Millner Hall, a private school. Subsequently he continued his studies in Kenyon College, from which he was graduated witht the class of 1861. In August of the same year he removed westward to Muscatine and secured a position as teacher in a private academy. To this work he devoted his time and energies until 1865 and then returned to his native state, becoming principal of the preparatory department of Kenyon College. After a year, however, he returned to Muscatine and taught in the academy of this city until 1872, when he went to Davenport and taught in Griswold College. There he studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1875. He returned to Muscatine for practice, and in connection with the duties of his profession he engaged in the conduct of a real-estate, loan and insurance business. He was a very active man and one whose labors were a force in the business enterprise and progress of the city.
On the 20th of August, 1862, Mr. Brown was married to Miss Mary J. Reed, a native of Mount Vernon, Ohio. They became parents of two daughters: Ida May, the wife of E. W. Smith; and Clara A., the wife of S. M. Hughes, the cashier of the First National Bank of Muscatine, of whom mention is made elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Brown were members of the Episcopal church, to which their daughters also belong. His political support was given to the republican party, and for six years he served as a member of the school board. The cause of education ever found in him a warm and helpful friend, and in fact he stood as the champion of all the measures and movements which he deemed essential to the general good. His successful work as an educator brought him wide renown, for his ability placed him prominently in the ranks of Iowa's teachers. His entire life, characterized by his loyalty to his honest convictions, whether in professional service, in society, religion or in citizenship gained for him the warm regard of all with whom he was brought in contact.
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