My William Brown (born Sept 8,1858) parents were William Brown (born Dec 9, 1838 in Clenchwarton, Norfolk, England) and Maria Thompson (born about 1841).  They were married October 12, 1857 in Clenchwarton.  The registrar told me they must have been under age because they had to have two witnesses.  Maria commited suicide due to temporary insanity (there was an inquest) Aug 13, 1896.  They had 15 children:

     William        b. Sept 8, 1858
     Leonard      b. Nov 22, 1859
     Fanny         b. July 13, 1861
     John Thomas b. Jan 1, 1863
     Harry      b. Aug 26, 1864
     Elizabeth  b. Nov 14, 1865
     Harriet   b. June 20, 1867
     Mary Ann b. March 30, 1869   died of Brochitis Aug 12, 1870
     James  b. Aug 30, 1871  died of Scarlantina  May 30, 1881
     George  b. Jan 7, 1875  died of aphtha Feb 6, 1875
     Mary Ann   b. Feb 26, 1876  died of Scarlantina May 5, 1881
     George     b.  Aug 13, 1878
     Florence Anna   b. Mary 30, 1880
     Edward    b. Nov 3, 1881


The William born Dec 9, 1838 parents were Leonard Brown and Elizabeth  Norman.  Leonard was born around 1786 and died in Clenchwarton, Norfolk, England Sept 16, 1866.  His gravestone said he was 80 years old.   Elizabeth was born around 1798 and died in Clenchwarton January 4, 1879.  The headstone said she was 81 years old.


Maria Thompson's fathers name was William Thompson.  Obviously William was quite a popular name in England during this time period. 

I am wondering if any of William Brown's many siblings came over to the states eventually so I will be researching that as I have time and energy