Descendancy Narrative of Aaron Brown Sr.
I. Aaron1 BROWN Sr.
In early life, Aaron Brown removed to Acworth, New Hampshire,
where he lived for a short time. Later
he went to Putney, Vermont,
remaining for two or three years, and is thought to have finally moved to Syracuse, New
York, where he lived until his death. One source says
that Aaron BROWN Sr. was born at Marlow, Cheshire County, New
Hampshire. If
so, the birth was probably before town records existed. He was reputed to be a
carpenter by trade.
A source states: "It is
said that his father was a general in the Revolutionary army, and commanded New Hampshire troops at Bunker Hill." Another simply said that his father was an
officer in the war. Neither story has
been substantiated, but such family stories usually have some basis in fact,
however small.
Aaron BROWN Sr. and Mary (Polly) GATES, daughter of Isaac GATES and Mary WHEELER, were married by Silas MACK
Minister of God on 18 Sep 1794 at Marlow,
Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
The earliest record found so far for Aaron, Sr. is a 1794 tax levy list
recorded for the town of Marlow
on 13 August 1794. The normal tax
listing has each man in the town on a line individually for his poll tax,
cattle and other taxable items. Another
listing is then done in a similar manner to indicate the taxes assessed to each
individual. In Aaron's case, however, he
shares a line with an individual named Ripley Bingham and all taxable value is
attributed to the household. The way
these two men are listed for valuation is unique to the records in that they
are both written on one line. Many men
are listed with several polls in the household, but never with two names on the
line for the household. The tax levy
table presents the two men on a single line again, "Ripley Bingham and
Aaron Brown", with a single tax bill assessed to both men as a unit. Aaron Brown and Ripley Bingham were obviously
living in the same household, but ownership is not clear. The tax levy list was recorded on 13 August
and Aaron recorded his marriage banns on 25 August. Was Aaron just a boarder in town waiting for
the wedding to take place in September?
A separate tax list was compiled for "non-residents", and
Aaron was not included there. So, he was
considered as a "resident", but may have had nothing more to pay than
his poll tax. Understanding all of this
is further complicated by the fact that the marriage banns list him as "no
inhabitant". His bride-to-be, while
not listed so, was actually no-inhabitant, too, as her residence was shown to be
Acworth rather than Marlow. It is not
clear just what the "no inhabitant" phrase meant. Perhaps it just meant that the clerk did not
know where Aaron lived.
Aaron's relationship with Ripley Bingham is not known. Ripley Bingham was mentioned in the town
records in 1789 and on the 1793 Marlow tax list. He is on the 1794 tax list with Aaron Brown,
but both Ripley Bingham and Aaron Brown are gone from the Marlow Tax rolls in
1795.
Other Browns were present in Marlow, notably Francis Brown, but no
connection between them and Aaron has been found. One would assume that Aaron would have stayed
with Francis Brown in 1794 if a relationship were present. Records for 1798 show a Selden Brown born to
"Aaron Brown and Anna his wife.
There is a Frances Brown with a wife Anna, with four other children born
from 1786 to 1803. It does confuse
things, as it raises the possibility of two Aarons in town at the same
time.
Aaron, Sr. was in Putney,
Vermont in 1798 where Isaac was
born, then in Acworth in 1803 when the family births were recorded in town
records. The family must have stayed in
Acworth and Lempster for several years, at least until Aaron, Jr. was of age,
because Aaron, Jr's records indicate that he went to school in Acworth and
Lempster. He must have been older and
finished with school to have remained in New Hampshire
when Aaron, Sr. went to New York.
An Aaron Brown begins to show up in Acworth town records in 1826, but
this is probably Aaron Brown, Jr., based on other stories that Aaron, Sr. went on
to Syracuse, New York. We can be reasonably sure that we
have located Aaron Brown, Jr. in the 1820 Cheshire
County, New Hampshire
census. However, the whereabouts of
Aaron Brown, Sr. is unknown at this point in time. Aaron Brown is a very common name, with
several listings in the census records.
The closest one to Aaron, Jr. is one township away in the same county,
but it is a large family with nothing to suggest it could be Aaron, Sr. Research at this time has failed to locate
Aaron or Polly Brown after they left Acworth.
It is possible, or even probable, that their children numbered many more
than the three known at this time, unless other factors beyond our knowledge
affected the family.
Aaron BROWN Sr. died at Syracuse, New York. Another source just said "out
West."
A. Aaron2 BROWN Jr was born on 29 May 1795 at
Acworth, Cheshire (present Sullivan) County, New Hampshire.
He attended the schools in Acworth and Lempster, New Hampshire. He was a farmer and lived in Acworth till
late in life, when he removed to Alstead,
New Hampshire, where he
died. He was a Democrat in Politics, and
attended the Universalist
Church.
Aaron BROWN Jr. and Eadey WATTS, daughter of Joseph (John)
WATTS and Polly COCKLE, of Hollis, New Hampshire,
were married on 5 Jun 1817. Aaron Brown appeared on the census of 1820 at Acworth Township,
Acworth, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. This 1820 census reflects the two children as
we know them in the Aaron Brown, Jr. family in 1820, after the marriage of
Aaron and Eadey in 1817. This is the
earliest census that can reasonably be attributed to the Brown family.
Aaron Brown appeared on the census of 1830 at Acworth Township,
Sullivan County, New Hampshire. By 1830,
Cheshire County
had been split in two, adding Sullivan
County to New Hampshire. The Browns had not moved, but are now listed
in Sullivan County.
This 1830 census reflects the five children as we know them in the Aaron
Brown, Jr. family by 1830, but also shows one extra male 80-90 and an extra
female 15-20. Since the elder Aaron
supposedly left the area, this is probably not his household. However, since we do not have a birth date
for him, there exists a slight possibility that he could be the unknown male
80-90 years old. To be 80 years old in
1830, he would have been 45 years old when his 24 year old wife Polly gave
birth to Aaron, Jr. An unusual age
difference, but not out of the question.
Also, we do not know if the elder Aaron is a widower in 1830, because we
have no death date for Polly Gates Brown.
Aaron Brown appeared on the census of 1840 at Acworth Township,
Sullivan County, New Hampshire. This
1840 census again matches the nine children we know to have been in the Aaron
Brown, Jr. family by 1840. There is one
extra male 15-20 for whom we cannot account.
Aaron BROWN Jr. appeared on the census of
22 Oct 1850 at Acworth, Sullivan County, New Hampshire. The 1850 census lists family members by name,
so we can at last be certain that this is the correct family.
Aaron BROWN Jr. died on 4 Jan 1879 at
Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, at age 83. He was buried at Mapleside Cemetery,
Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
1. Eadey Diana3 BROWN was born on 12 Dec 1817.
She married Capt George LEWIS on 19 Sep 1849.
Eadey Diana BROWN married, 2nd, Orlando
NEWTON, son of Joab NEWTON and Polly BUTTERFIELD. She died in Apr 1899? at
age 81?
2. Mary Urana3 BROWN was born on 18 Dec 1819.
She married Amos FLETCHER of Hollis, New Hampshire. She
appeared on the census of 22 Oct 1850 in the household of Aaron BROWN Jr. at Acworth, Sullivan
County, New Hampshire, age 30.
Mary Urana BROWN died on 13 Jun 1865 at age
45. She was buried at Mapleside Cemetery, Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
3. Isaac3 BROWN was born on 15 Dec 1821 at
Acworth, Sullivan County, New Hampshire.
Isaac Brown was a son of Aaron and Eda (Watts)
Brown, both of whom were of English ancestry, and on the paternal side, of
Puritan stock. He was reared in his
native State and received a common school education. He worked at painting for
a number of years in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, but when
nineteen years old began teaching, and continued for fourteen years, also
painting and farming.
Marriage banns for Isaac BROWN and Francis Louise BUNDY were published on 6 May
1850 at Walpole, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. Town records say, "This certifies that
on the (should read THREE) public meeting days in the Town of Walpole in the
county of Cheshire and state of New Hampshire, I published the intention of Mr.
Isaac Brown and Miss Frances L. Bundy both of Walpole, to be joined in
marriage." He and Francis Louise BUNDY, daughter of George BUNDY and Jane (Jenny) MOORE, were married by Reverend E.
H. Barstow on 23 May 1850 at Walpole, Cheshire County, New Hampshire,
and after the marriage, the couple resided in Paper Mill Village, then lived for many years in
Surry. He appeared on the census of Jul 1850 at Alstead, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire, as a 27
year old farmer born in New Hampshire.
Mr. Brown was a Democrat, and for two years was a member of the New Hampshire
Legislature, where he represented the town of Surry
in that state's legislature, and held other town offices while living in New Hampshire.
From 1850 to 1860, he was farming and lumbering in New Hampshire and a part of the time was
manager of two saw mills. Ill health
compelled him to give this up in 1860, and the same year he came to Illinois. Leasing a place in Champaign County,
he engaged in farming and stock raising on an extensive scale. The cold weather of 1862-63 killed four
hundred sheep and large quantities of other stock, value about $2,500. In 1863, he sold this property and returned
to New Hampshire. In 1866, he again went West and located on
Section 21, Center Township, Benton
County, Indiana, and
in partnership with a Mr. Seabury purchased the whole of Section 21, and again
engaged in stock dealing and farming. In
1876, he went to Texas and Mexico and
dealt in stock several months. Isaac
owned the previous mentioned land in Benton
County until June 1880,
when he sold out, and moved permanently into Fowler. From the obituary of Francis, it sounds like
the family stayed behind in New
Hampshire during all of Isaac's adventures, probably
on another farm. Around 1877, the New Hampshire farm was sold and the family moved into Walpole, New Hampshire
for three years until June of 1880, when Francis and the rest of the family
joined Isaac in Indiana. It is possible that the family was with him
in 1860 in Illinois,
but that is not clear. If not together
in Illinois,
he certainly was back and forth, as children were born during this time.
Isaac BROWN appeared on the census of 23 Jul 1860 at
Surry, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. He is a 37 year-old farmer with substantial
wealth. His real estate is valued at
$9,000 and his personal property is $3,300.
Two farm laborers and a domestic are also in the household.
Isaac BROWN appeared on the census of
16 Jul 1870 at Surry, Cheshire County,
New Hampshire. He is now 48 years old.
Isaac BROWN and Francis Louise BUNDY were listed in a town
census taken on 1 Apr 1878 at Walpole, Cheshire County, New
Hampshire.
Isaac BROWN appeared on the census of
1880 at Fowler, Benton County, Indiana,
as a 58 year old farmer born in New
Hampshire.
Isaac and Frances were living in Fowler, Indiana in 1908.
Isaac BROWN died Monday morning on 12
Feb 1912 at his Fifth Street
home, Fowler, Benton County,
Indiana, at age 90 of heart
failure and the infirmities of advanced age.
He was conscious till death came.
His sons George and Fred came the day before from their homes in the far
west and he had a visit with them before going on the final journey. Mr. Brown had the distinction of being the
oldest man in Fowler at the time of his death and prior to a fall which he
received a couple of years previous he was very active for his years.
He was a remarkable old man. The
infirmities of age seemed to have passed him by, and left him in the full
possession of all his faculties, both physical and mental. He looked and appeared like a man of 75 even
when he had passed his 90th birthday, and retained his mental grasp on all
subjects of human interest until the end of his long life. As his daughter, Mary L. Brown, of Fowler, Indiana, expressed it,
"Father enjoyed life to the last."
She cared for him in his declining years.
Funeral services were held at the family residence. Rev. F. A. Johnson of the Presbyterian Church
conducted the service. Isaac BROWN was buried on 14 Feb 1912
at Fowler Cemetery,
Fowler, Benton County, Indiana, He possessed the esteem of all who
knew him and a large circle of friends gathered at the home to pay their last
respects.
a) George Bundy4 BROWN was born on 19 Jun 1853 at
Surry, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. He appeared on the census of
23 Jul 1860 in the household of Isaac BROWN at Surry, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire, age 7 and
born in New Hampshire.
He appeared on the census of 16 Jul 1870 in the household of Isaac BROWN at Surry, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire, age 17 and
born in New Hampshire.
He appeared on the census of 1880 at Montague
County, Texas. He is listed as a stock raiser, 26 years old
and born in New Hampshire.
He married Maggie ATCHINSON on 25 May 1880.
According to some oral histories of the area, George B. Brown was a
partner in the Pitchfork Ranch with his brother Fred.
George Bundy BROWN was a co-executor for the
will of Francis Louise BUNDY written on 9 Mar 1905 at
Fowler, Benton County, Indiana.
He was also left a house in "the Jacobs Addition next to W. S.
Vannetta" and an equal division of property after debt settlement and some
small cash bequests, and a division of household goods after his sister Mary
takes what she wants.
George Bundy BROWN died on 28 Aug 1925 at Hobart, Kiowa
County, Oklahoma, at
age 72. He was buried on 30 Aug 1925 at Elmwood
Cemetery, Bowie,
Montague County, Texas.
(1) Myrtle May5 BROWN was born on 10 Apr 1881.
Myrtle May BROWN was mentioned in the will
of her grandmother Francis Louise BUNDY written on 9 Mar 1905 at
Fowler, Benton County, Indiana, with a bequest of $50. She married
Ernest R MANGUM on 20 Feb 1907 at Bowie, Montague
County, Texas.
b) Charles
Henry4 BROWN was born on 22 Feb 1857 at Surry, NH?
He appeared on the census of 23 Jul 1860 in the household of Isaac BROWN at Surry, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire, age 3 and
born in New Hampshire.
He died on 1 Apr 1869 at Surry,
NH?, at age 12. He was buried at
Surry, Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
c) Mary Louise4 BROWN was born on 28 Sep 1861 at
Surry, Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
Mary Louise BROWN appeared on the census of
16 Jul 1870 in the household of Isaac BROWN at Surry, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire, age 18 and
born in New Hampshire.
She appeared on the census of 1880 in the household of Isaac BROWN at Fowler, Benton
County, Indiana, age 18 and born
in New Hampshire.
She witnessed the will of Francis Louise BUNDY on 9 Mar 1905 at Fowler, Benton County, Indiana.
She died on 4 Dec 1918 at Bowie, Montague County, Texas,
at age 57. She was buried at Fowler Cemetery, Fowler, Benton County, Indiana.
d) Fred Arthur4 BROWN was born on 26 Sep 1865 at
Surry, Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
Fred Arthur BROWN appeared on the census of
16 Jul 1870 in the household of Isaac BROWN at Surry, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire, age 4 and
born in New Hampshire.
He appeared on the census of 1880 in the household of Isaac BROWN at Fowler, Benton
County, Indiana, age 14 and born
in New Hampshire.
Fred said in a WPA interview:
"I came to Oklahoma in 1886 over the old
Chisholm Trail from Texas. I camped east of the Duncan store in a dugout for some time, then
moved down below Comanche and have been here ever since. I ran about seven thousand head of cattle. Of
course, it was under an Indian for everyone who held cattle had to be under an
Indian. In fact, everything was under Indian control at that time. Hick Harrison was our Indian. He claimed all land or had
charge of it. When they knocked him out it cost me $1000.00 to pay up.
We drove our cattle over the Chisholm Trail. Sometimes a bunch of cattlemen all threw
together and had the same chuck wagon; in this way we cut our expenses down.
You see we had to drive to Nocona,
Texas, as it was our nearest
shipping point then. Later we went to Belcher.
Pres Addington went to Carlyle. He had as many as ten thousand head.
There were Indians here but they were Comanches. They would string out
one behind the other for miles. Our
settlement was called Tucker. It had a
store, blacksmith shop, gin and an old mill.
After the railroad came through most all the people moved to the
railroad, The Rock Island built a switch and laid out a townsite. Then the main
street fronted the railroad. The first depot was an old freight car.
Comanche received its name from the Comanche tribe of Indians. They came here and camped around the place
when their grass money was due. They
stayed around until they spent most of the money,
There was a saloon just about the 98th Meridian where many of the Indians got rid of
their money. They would come up to you
and say, "Give me a quatah - me want a drink - make me feel good."
They did not stop to cook meat often.
As soon as a beef was killed they would dive in and drink the
blood. I asked one why they drank so
much blood and he told me that blood made him strong.
Back in the early days Comanche started having carnivals. These Indians
came over and took part in the exercises. They put on their war paint and had
their old war dances, giving all sorts of Indian yells. They never hurt anyone.
We treated them well. In the early days before Tucker started we received mail
from Henrietta by a man on a horse. He came by Suggs ranch. We received mail
once a week when the creek was not up, then it took longer. We were lucky to
get a paper once a month.
Pres Addington ran the Keen O brand.
My brand was the Pitchfork. There
were several brands, 3 I, the Bar, H & W, Fleetwoods, then Colbert
Bowen."
Later, in the mid-1930's, the Oklahoma Highway Department was
instructed by the state legislature to determine the true route of the Chisholm
Trail through Oklahoma
and show that route on future highway maps.
This was done. Much of the
information came from interviews with pioneer residents of the areas close to
the trail. Fred Brown was listed as one
of those who shared their knowledge to accurately locate the old trail route
through Oklahoma.
Another pioneer interviewed by the WPA was George A. Brown of Chickasha (no relation to
the Fred Brown Family). This George
Brown came up the Chisholm Trail in 1890 as a
cowboy. When he arrived in Indian Territory, he was offered a job by Fred Brown at a
better salary ($45 a month) and joined the Pitchfork Ranch. The interview went on to make several
comments on the ranch and the Brown family.
According to the interview, Fred Brown and his brother George Bundy
Brown were partners in the ranch. The
Pitchfork Ranch was one and a half miles east of present day Duncan, Oklahoma. The ranch headquarters was one and a half
miles south of the Duncan
store. George A. Brown went on to say
"The Brown brothers brand was a pitchfork on the left hip (a graphic of a
three-tined fork pointing up was included in the interview). They had between eight and ten thousand head
of cattle, and around five thousand head of horses. They had a small horse pasture at the ranch
headquarters, the rest of the ranch was open country, incidentally it took
several cowboys to keep the cattle and horses from straying, and to do the
branding of the cattle and horses. There
was a big round corral on the ranch that was used to catch and brand the
horses, but all of the cattle were branded in the open. We would round up about a thousand head of
cattle in one bunch and several cowboys would hold the cattle together, while
about five good ropers would ride in the herd, and rope the calves around the
neck, and drag them out to the big log branding fire, where there would be
several men to bull-dog the calves, while others branded and marked them.
My main job was to break horses.
The mares were all little Spanish mares crossed with Steel Dust and
Morgan horses. The offspring of this
cross made excellent cow horses, and also good work horses. Some times, these geldings would be sold on a
contract before they were broken. I
remember once, George Brown, the eldest of whom I worked for, came to me and
said he had sold three carloads of broke
geldings to some man in Florida,
and for me to break that many horses just as soon as I could. I only rode some of the horses six or seven
times, so it did not take very long. We
had one outlaw horse on the ranch, that we called Cyclone, that had never been
ridden by anyone but me. He would buck
just as long as he could, then rest a while and start bucking again. I begged Mr. Brown to take this horse to Florida with the others,
but he said no, we need him to test out the new cowboys we hire. When we started south with the broken horses,
I saw "Old Cyclone" grazing near me, and I rode out and threw him in
the bunch. When we got to Belcherville, Texas
with our horses which was the nearest shipping point at that time, Mr. Brown
was there and scolded me for bringing
"Old Cyclone" but he took him along anyway.
We bought a few things at Mr. and Mrs. Duncan's country store, but we
freighted the most of our supplies from Belcherville,
Texas, with four head of
horses. We crossed Red river at the
Cable Crossing, twelve miles east and six miles south of Ryan, Oklahoma
on a ferry boat operated by Jess Kimble.
I worked for the Brown brothers for four years or until 1894. While I was there the Rock
Island railroad company built road south and Mr. and Mrs. Bill
Duncan moved their little store to the railroad and built the first store
building in what is now Duncan.
When I quit working on the ranch, I started in business for myself,
buying, selling and trading horses and cattle.
The grass was good, and there was plenty of it. Many mornings when the dew was on the grass a
person would get wet up to his waist while riding horseback in it."
A 1938 interview with an A. J. Johnston
says, "There was much ranch land around Duncan and a great many cattle. Fred Brown owned the Pitchfork Ranch
southeast of Duncan; The reason he called it the Pitchfork Ranch
was because that was his brand."
These interviews and other similar ones show that Fred Brown was truly
a pioneer in the Oklahoma
area.
He related later that the Indians came through the neighborhood in town
regularly to sell meat, both beef and pork.
This went well until he go some rancid meat and decided to stop trading
with the Indians. The next time they
came around, he said that he didn't want any because they had sold him bad
meat. That night, they cut off the ears
of all his cattle. After that, he just
pretended that he wanted what they did not have. If they were selling beef, he would say
"Me no savvy beef today, me savvy pork." If they had pork, he would say "Me no
savvy pork today, me savvy beef."
That way he did not hurt their feelings and everything was fine.
Fred Arthur BROWN married Clara Alice
BROCKWAY, daughter of Osmer Clarence
BROCKWAY and Elizabeth Jane
BRANDENBURG, on 15 Dec 1892 at Fowler, Benton County, Indiana.
Fred Arthur BROWN was a co-executor for the
will of Francis Louise BUNDY written on 9 Mar 1905 at
Fowler, Benton County, Indiana.
He was also left a house in "the Jacobs Addition next to W. S.
Vannetta" and an equal division of property after debt settlement and some
small cash bequests, and a division of household goods after his sister Mary
takes what she wants.
According to his obituary, he founded the Farmer's Gin in Comanche in
1906 and managed it 37 years before retiring in 1943. There were actually four or five gins involved.
Fred Arthur BROWN was elected Alderman on 3
Apr 1906 at Comanche, Indian Territory.
Fred Arthur BROWN appeared on the census of
18 Apr 1910 at Comanche, Stephens County, Oklahoma. Then again on the census of
20 Jan 1920 at Comanche, Stephens County, Oklahoma.
Fred Arthur BROWN appeared on the census of 4
Apr 1930 at Comanche, Stephens County, Oklahoma. He is 64 years old, lives in town, has a
radio, and manages a cotton gin.
After he retired, Fred Brown went down to the meeting room at the city
clerk's office every afternoon and played cards.
Fred Arthur BROWN died on 30 Jan 1949 at
Comanche, Stephens County, Oklahoma, at age 83.
The Duncan Daily Banner said, "Fred A. Brown, 83, pioneer Indian Territory resident and founder of the Farmer's Gin
in Comanche, was found dead in bed at his Comanche home Sunday morning. He had suffered a heart attack the previous
evening.
He was born in Walpole,
N. H., September 26, 1865, and moved in 1882 to the vicinity of what is now
Comanche. He entered the cattle
business, and married the former Clara A. Brockway of Fowler, Ind., december 15, 1892. She died about 12 years ago. Brown founded the Farmer's Gin in 1906, and
managed it 37 years before retiring in 1943."
Funeral services were held in the First Baptist Church of Comanche, and
Fred Arthur BROWN was buried on 1 Feb 1949 at
old Fairlawn Cemetery, Comanche, Stephens County,
Oklahoma.
(1) Arthur
Merton5 BROWN Sr was born on 18 Dec 1893 at
Comanche, Indian Territory.
Arthur Merton BROWN Sr. was an electrical engineer,
a bookkeeper, and worked for the Postal service.
Arthur Merton BROWN Sr. was mentioned in the will
of his grandmother Francis Louise BUNDY written on 9 Mar 1905 at
Fowler, Benton County, Indiana, with a bequest of $50. He appeared
on the census of 18 Apr 1910 in the household of Fred Arthur BROWN at Comanche, Stephens
County, Oklahoma, age 16.
Arthur Merton Brown enlisted in the Oklahoma National Guard on 03 June,
1913 at Norman, Oklahoma.
He was a private in Co. "A"
of the Engineers. Art was discharged 02
June, 1916 at Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma.
Arthur Merton BROWN Sr. graduated with a BS degree
in Electrical Engineering on 8 Jun 1916 at University
of Oklahoma, Norman,
Cleveland County, Oklahoma.
Arthur Merton BROWN Sr. was registered for military
service on 5 Jun 1917 at Comanche, Stephens County, Oklahoma. His father was the registrar for the precinct
and Arthur was the first in the precinct to register, certificate number one.
Arthur Merton BROWN Sr. married Mattie Virginia
ALLEN, daughter of Royall Jonathan
ALLEN and Nora JEANES, on 20 Feb 1918 at El Reno, Canadian
County, Oklahoma. Art and Virginia apparently eloped on a
Wednesday and did not tell their parents until the next weekend. She went back to Oklahoma University
to finish out the year, and he went into the army less than a week later. The
local paper said, "Arthur Brown, our light and water Superintendent,
resigned his position this week and will go to work for Uncle Sam in the signal
Corps at Camp Bowie."
The next Saturday after being married, Arthur Brown enlisted in the
army. He must have had an idea of
becoming a career military man, based on his actions. According to the enlistment record, he
enlisted on February 24, 1918 at Duncan, Oklahoma (According to a later disability application, he
said he enlisted at Camp Bowie,
Texas). He became a private in Co. "C",
111th Field Signal Battalion (13th Service Company Signal Corps.), and probably
trained at Camp Bowie,
Forth Worth, Texas. He transferred to the Signal corps Radio School
at College Park, Maryland.
While there, he apparently decided to become a officer. For reasons not clear, he was honorably
discharged from the Army as a private on 10 September, 1918 at College Park, Maryland. In the mean time, he was commissioned as 2nd
Lieutenant in the Signal Corps on 9 September, 1918 (recorded 18 January,
1919). In effect, he was discharged and
then re-enlisted as an officer.
After commissioning, he was assigned to Co.
A, 214th Field Signal Battalion at Camp
Custer, Michigan,
October 22, 1918. He joined a battalion
that had been formed in July 1918. A
commemorative book, almost like a high school yearbook, was published about
January of 1919 and covered the antics and activities of the unit while at Camp Custer. It contained a biography of each officer at
the camp, and Lieutenant Arthur M. Brown's was as follows: "Lieutenant Arthur M. Brown of Company
"A", is from the wild and woolly west, having been born December 18
1894 (date is in error), at Comanche, Indian Territory, now Oklahoma.
He attended school at Comanche, graduating from High School in
1912. His degree of Bachelor of Science
in Electrical Engineering was received in 1916 after four years of hard study
at the University
of Oklahoma. He was employed by the Public Utilities of
that state as engineer in connection with operation of their Ice and Electric
Plants.
He entered the service in February 1918, as a Private in Company C,
111th Field Signal Battalion, at Camp Bowie, Fort
Worth, Texas. He was then transferred to the Signal Corps
Radio School
at College Park, Maryland,
receiving his commission there and was assigned to the 214th Field Signal
Battalion at Camp
Custer, October 22, 1918
for duty with Company A.
Lieutenant Brown has been with the Company only a short time but has
made many friends and has won the respect of the men who have become acquainted
with him. He is thorough in his work and
very well schooled." Arthur had volunteered to go overseas, and that is
why he had joined the regular army corps with a commission in 1918. However, his wife apparently did not agree
with that course of action. He wrote the
following letter of resignation to the commanding officer on 22 April 1919
while stationed in New Jersey: "My reason for reconsidering desire for
overseas service is that my wife is in delicate health at this time and objects
to being separated from me. When I gave
an affirmative answer to questions of overseas service I had not anticipated
that my wife would object strenuously to my leaving, but after talking the
matter over with her I find that she is very much opposed to a separation at
this time, and believing that a forced separation might result seriously to her
and child, I think it advisable that I leave the service so that I may remain
with her."
He was given a 15 day leave and told to report to Camp Bowie, Texas
at his own expense for discharge, which he did.
He was discharged 13 May 1919.
Arthur Merton BROWN Sr. appeared on the census of
20 Jan 1920 at Comanche, Stephens County, Oklahoma.1 He appeared on
the census of 18 Apr 1930 at Kingfisher
Township, Kingfisher, Kingfisher County, Oklahoma,
as a 36 year old railroad cashier.
Arthur Merton BROWN Sr. died on 3 Sep 1980 at Perry
Nursing Home, Perry, Noble County,
Oklahoma, at age 86. He was
buried on 5 Sep 1980 at Fort Gibson National
Cemetery, Fort
Gibson, Muskogee County, Oklahoma.
(2) Francis
Elizabeth5 BROWN was born on 24 Mar 1896 at
Comanche, Indian Territory.
Francis Elizabeth's father, Fred A. Brown, wrote the following letter
to his sister-in-law, Laura Brockway Smith:
"Wednesday morning, 3/25/96.
Mrs. W. J. Smith, Fowler, Ind. Dear Sister, Clara wants me to announce the
arrival of Francis Elizabeth Brown (to you).
She arrived at 1 o'clock yesterday P.M.
She is a dandy, weighs 7 1/2 lb dressed.
Got my dark blue eyes and the blackest hair. Clara and the baby are getting along nicely
so far. Arthur is helping my to write to
Aunt Laura. Yours with love to all, F.
A. Brown."
Francis Elizabeth BROWN died on 23 Jun 1901 at
Comanche, Indian Territory, at age 5. Little Francis died of whooping cough. Her obituary read, "With Jesus -- It was God's pleasure to
call to His bosom one of his chosen ones. Francis Brown, only daughter of Mr.
and Mrs. F. A. Brown, passed out of this life into the keeping of her
Creator. Yesterday, while all the earth
was under the solumn benediction of a Sabbath day, loving hands laid her to rest. God gave her to you, dear parents, and God
has taken her away. Do not grieve."
She was buried at Comanche, Stephens County, Oklahoma. The tombstone inscription from Comanche Cemetery reads, "Our Darling Frances E. daughter of F.
A. and C. A. Brown. Born March 24, 1896,
Died June 23, 1901. How beautiful to be
with God."
(3) Harry Lee5 BROWN was born on 25 Oct 1898 at
Comanche, Indian Territory. He was a farmer
and was elected to County treasurer.
Harry Lee BROWN was mentioned in the will
of his grandmother Francis Louise BUNDY written on 9 Mar 1905 at
Fowler, Benton County, Indiana, with a bequest of $50. He appeared
on the census of 18 Apr 1910 in the household of Fred Arthur BROWN at Comanche, Stephens
County, Oklahoma, age 11. He married Faye Myrtus PECK, daughter of Patrick Henry
PECK and Belle PASCHAL, on 4 Sep 1918 at Comanche,
Stephens County, Oklahoma. He died on 19 Oct 1933 at Duncan, Stephens County,
Oklahoma, at age 34. He was buried at Comanche, Stephens County, Oklahoma.
(4) Mary Hazel5 BROWN was born on 29 Sep 1902 at
Comanche, Indian Territory.
Mary Hazel BROWN was mentioned in the will
of her grandmother Francis Louise BUNDY written on 9 Mar 1905 at
Fowler, Benton County, Indiana, with a bequest of $50. She appeared
on the census of 18 Apr 1910 in the household of Fred Arthur BROWN at Comanche, Stephens
County, Oklahoma, age 7. She appeared on the census of 20 Jan 1920 in the
household of Fred Arthur BROWN at Comanche, Stephens
County, Oklahoma, age 17.
Mary Hazel BROWN married John Elmer ROPER
Sr., son of William Henry ROPER and Saphronia Annie
SCRUGGS, on 21 Jun 1921 at Comanche,
Stephens County, Oklahoma.
Mary Hazel BROWN died on 30 May 1972 at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
County, Oklahoma, at
age 69. She was buried on 1 Jun 1972 at Fairlawn Cemetery,
Comanche, Stephens County, Oklahoma.
4. Samuel Watts3 BROWN was born on 13 Jun 1824. He
died on 11 Apr 1846 at age 21. He was buried at Mapleside
Cemetery, Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
5. Martha
Melissa3 BROWN was born on 4 Jul 1826 at
Acworth, Sullivan County, New Hampshire. She married Samuel Chandler SAVORY, son of Chase SAVORY and Alice CHANDLER,, of Newbury, New Hampshire.
She died on 17 Jan 1902 at age 75. She was buried at Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
a) James Eugene4 SAVORY was born on 6 Dec 1857. He
died on 13 Jul 1869 at age 11.
b) George Lewis4 SAVORY was born on 28 Dec 1859 at
Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. He was a farmer. He married
Ella J. TROW, daughter of Francis S.
TROW and Pamelia M. DAVIS, on 25 Jun 1888 at Walpole, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire.
He married Harriet E. JACKSON on 24 Aug 1899 at Marlow, Cheshire County, New
Hampshire. He died on 27 Nov 1922 at Bellows Falls, Vermont,
at age 62. He was buried at Alstead, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire.
(1) Carl H.5 SAVORY was born on 23 Sep 1890 at
Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. He died in Apr 1976 at Massachusetts at age 85.
(2) James Clyde5 SAVORY was born on 13 Oct 1901 at
Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. He died on 27 Feb 1952 at Brattleboro, Vermont,
at age 50.
(3) Mabel5 SAVORY was born in 1904. She
married Horace PICKERING. She was buried at Alstead, Cheshire County, New
Hampshire.
(4) Arthur Edwin5 SAVORY was buried at Alstead, Cheshire County, New
Hampshire. He was born on 11 Nov 1905. He died on 6
Mar 1906.
(5) Eva5 SAVORY was born on 30 Nov 1906.
She died on 21 Feb 1971 at age 64.
(6) Walter
Ernest5 SAVORY was born on 21 May 1908 at
Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. He married Dorothy Margaret
BROWN.
c) Emily Diana4 SAVORY was born on 9 Nov 1864 at
Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. She married James Stearns
PROUTY on 22 Mar 1893.
6. John Cockle3 BROWN was born on 10 Jun 1831 at
Acworth, Sullivan County, New Hampshire. He was named after his maternal
great-grandfather, John Cockle. John
Cockle Brown attended the public schools of Acworth and Alstead. In 1852 he went to Sheffield, Ohio,
where he remained a year, engaged in farming.
He came back to New Hampshire, but in
1855 he went to Ohio
again, remaining till 1857. This time
he, with two partners, built a "fore and aft" boat, and freighted
timber to Buffalo and other points whence it was
shipped by the Erie canal to New York
City. The panic
of 1857 caused a suspension of this business, and Mr. Brown was obliged to
return home. He farmed in Langdon, New Hampshire,
for about four years, and then came to Walpole,
where in company with George H. Holden he conducted a meat market for about two
years. He then bought a farm in that
town and returned to agriculture. Mr.
Brown owns about one hundred and thirty acres of land, and has made a specialty
of raising cattle, Merino and Southdown sheep and Morgan and other thoroughbred
horses. He is a Democrat in politics,
and represented his town in the legislature in 1876 and 1877, and for a third
time in 1889. He has been selectman,
supervisor, road agent, and has served on the school committee for three
years. He attends the Unitarian church.
John Cockle BROWN and Jennette SNOW, daughter of Levi SNOW Jr. and Nancy RICE, were married by Vasea (?)
F. BALLON, CLERGYMAN on 25 Feb 1862 at Wilmington, Windham
County, Vermont.
According to one source, the family came to Walpole in 1866, where he farmed and was in
the meat business.
John C. Brown bought a house and land in Walpole at 192 South Street in 1868. He farmed there and added a story to the
house in 1891. The house went to his
widow when he died in 1912, and stayed in the family until sold in 1940. John bought and sold several parcels of land
after arriving in Walpole,
using them for farming and logging. John
Brown tried tobacco farming for a bit, producing over three tons on 3.5 acres
in 1870.
John Cockle BROWN and Jennette SNOW were listed in a town
census taken on 1 Apr 1878 at Walpole, Cheshire County, New
Hampshire. He appeared on the census of 1880 at Walpole, Cheshire County, New Hampshire, as a 49 year old farmer born in New Hampshire.
The obituary of Isaac Brown in 1912 mentioned his brother John C. Brown
"of this town". John was in New Hampshire at the time, probably Walpole, but the exact town is not known for
sure, as the newspaper is not identified.
John Cockle BROWN died on 4 Dec 1912 at Walpole, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire,
at age 81.
a) Annette4 BROWN was born on 6 Dec 1862 at
Alstead, Sullivan County, New Hampshire.
She had a twin Angibelle. She was a librarian. She appeared on the
census of 1880 in the household of John Cockle BROWN at Walpole,
Cheshire County, New
Hampshire, age 15 and born in New Hampshire.
Annette BROWN married Erwin Slade BOWMAN on 25 Apr 1905 at Jamaica
Plain, Suffolk County, Massachusetts. She and Erwin Slade BOWMAN were living at Boston, Massachusetts,
in 1908.
Erwin Slade bought a home in Acworth on South Street in 1920. It went to Annette when he died in 1937, and
Annette left the house to her sister Maud Brown when she died in 1955. At the same time that the Slades bought their
home, Annette was one of the first women in Walpole to serve in office, as a ballot
clerk.
Annette BROWN died on 9 Feb 1955 at New Hampshire at age 92.
b) Angibelle4 BROWN was born on 6 Dec 1862 at
Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. She had a twin Annette. She died on 16 Nov
1865 at Langdon, Sullivan County, New Hampshire, of diphtheria at age 2. She
was buried at Mapleside Cemetery, Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
c) Orr Wallace4 BROWN was born on 1 Jun 1867 at Walpole, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire.
He appeared on the census of 1880 in the household of John Cockle BROWN at Walpole,
Cheshire County, New
Hampshire, age 13 and born in New Hampshire.
Orr Wallace BROWN died on 14 Feb 1904 at age
36.
d) Ashton
Burton4 BROWN was born on 18 Feb 1873 at Walpole, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire.
He appeared on the census of 1880 in the household of John Cockle BROWN at Walpole,
Cheshire County, New
Hampshire, age 8 and born in New Hampshire.
Ashton Burton BROWN was in the grocery business
with his brother Harry B. Brown in 1908 at Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts.
He married Geraldine PERRY, daughter of Augustus A.
PERRY and Orlinda M. HAINES, on 8 Oct 1919 at Brookline, Massachusetts.
Ashton owned a home at 406 (unknown street) in Walpole from 1922 until sold in 1943.
Ashton Burton BROWN died on 5 Apr 1942 at Walpole, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire,
at age 69.
e) John Cockle4 BROWN Jr was born on 1 Feb 1874 at Walpole, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire.
He may have gone by the name of Charlie to differentiate between
himself and his father. He died on 9 Feb 1880 at age 6.
f) Florence
Maude4 BROWN was born on 3 May 1876 at Walpole, Cheshire
County, New Hampshire.
She appeared on the census of 1880 in the household of John Cockle BROWN at Walpole,
Cheshire County, New
Hampshire, as F. Maude, age 4 and born in New Hampshire.
Florence Maude BROWN was living with her parents
in 1908 at Walpole, Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
Florence Maude BROWN died on 13 Jan 1962 at age
85.
g) Harry
Bingham4 BROWN was born on 9 Oct 1883.
Harry Bingham BROWN was in the grocery business
with his brother Ashton B. Brown in 1908 at Jamaica Plain, Suffolk County, Massachusetts.
Harry Bingham BROWN married Paulina MCLEOD on 7 Oct 1914 at Boston, Massachusetts.
Harry B. Brown had a home and land in Walpole
from 1937 until sold in 1949, where he operated a dairy farm.
Harry Bingham BROWN died on 13 Feb 1954 at age
70.
7. George
Rensalier3 BROWN was born on 4 Mar 1834 at
Acworth, Sullivan County, New Hampshire. He appeared on the census of 22 Oct
1850 in the household of Aaron BROWN Jr. at Acworth, Sullivan
County, New Hampshire, age 16.
George R. Brown attended the public schools, where as a young man, he
also taught successfully. Perhaps some
of his early teaching was in Ashburnham,
Massachusetts. He also was principal of the high school in Walpole. In 1866 he entered Tufts
College and graduated with the class
of 1866, after which he came to Newport
where he entered the law office of the Hon. Edmund Burke, studied law, and was
admitted to the bar in 1868, when he was taken into the firm of Mr. Burke. This partnership lasted for several
years. He was afterward associated with
Samuel H. Edes, Sr., in the same profession, and still later with Francis R.
Dana. As a lawyer, George Brown was
keen, active and always alert, and always had a good practice. He was for many years one of the most prominent
and successful lawyers of this locality, although he became badly handicapped
through deafness during the latter part of his life and was compelled to give
up some of his practice.
George R. Brown served the county as Register of Probate from 1871 to
1876 and again from 1884 to 1888. He ran
for the office in 1896, but lost. He was
always a staunch Democrat and keenly interested in all party and public
affairs. For several years, while he was
preparing for the Bar and after he began practice, he conducted a private
school in Newport
Village. When the old Union District was organized he
became principal of the High School. He
was always a great worker in the educational affairs of the town and was one of
the founders of the Union school district, and for several terms was a member
of the board of education. He also taught school in Walpole.
He was always deeply interested in young people and for many years his
office was a favorite meeting place for the boys and young men of the town.
As a citizen, he always took an active part in the affairs of the town,
especially in school matters. He was a
kind-hearted man, always ready and willing to perform a kind act for his
neighbors and friends, quite often acting as a nurse for a sick comrade.
He was a regular attendant of the Universalist and Unitarian churches
while those denominations held services in town.
George Rensalier BROWN appeared on the census of
1880 at Walpole, Cheshire County, New Hampshire. He is a 40 year old lawyer born in New Hampshire. He is living in a hotel kept by James H.
Brown, who is probably his brother.
George Rensalier BROWN married Julia EASTMAN in 1880. There were no children.
George R. Brown is in Newport,
New Hampshire in 1912. The obituary of his brother Isaac Brown, who
died in 1912, places George there at that time.
George Rensalier BROWN died on 17 Sep 1917 at Newport, Sullivan County,
New Hampshire, at age 83. His obituary
says: "George Rensaleer Brown,
Esq., a prominent lawyer, and a citizen of this town for 50 years, passed away
at the Carrie F. Wright Hospital early Monday morning from the
effects of a severe cold and overwork.
There were 12 children in the family, and only one brother, James H.
Brown of Hillsboro,
survives him. Other surviving relatives
are several nephews and nieces, including George B., and Fred A. Brown of Oklahoma, Mrs. J. S. Prouty of Alstead, Mrs. Elfreda
Bruce of Manchester, Miss Mary L. Brown of Indiana and the two sons and two daughters of John C.
Brown, deceased, of Walpole. The funeral services were conducted at his
late home on School Street
Wednesday morning at 10:30 o'clock, Rev Daniel S. Robinson of the Congregational
church officiating. Among those present
at the services were a delegation from the Sullivan County Bar Association, of
which Mr. Brown was a member, and James H. Brown of Hillsboro, Mrs. J. S.
Prouty of Alstead, Mrs. Elfreda Bruce of Manchester and Miss Mary L. Brown of
Indiana."
George Rensalier BROWN was buried on 19 Sep 1917
in the family lot at Mapleside Cemetery, Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
8. Mariah
Louise3 BROWN was born on 2 Jan 1837. She
appeared on the census of 22 Oct 1850 in the household of Aaron BROWN Jr. at Acworth, Sullivan
County, New Hampshire, age 13. She married Moses MOULTON of Manchester, New Hampshire.
She appeared on the census of 1880 in the household of Moses MOULTON at Manchester,
Hillsborough County, New
Hampshire, as Maria L., age 43 and born in New Hampshire.
a) Alfreda A.4 MOULTON was born circa 1860 at New Hampshire. She also
went by the name of Frieda. She appeared on the census
of 1880 in the household of Moses MOULTON at Manchester,
Hillsborough County, New
Hampshire, as Elfrida, age 20 and born in New Hampshire. She married Unknown BRUCE. According to a letter from
George R. Brown, Frieda's address in 1914 was Frieda Bruce, 307 Manchester Street, Manchester,
New Hampshire.
b) Bertha L.4 MOULTON was born circa 1864 at New Hampshire. She
appeared on the census of 1880 in the household of Moses MOULTON at Manchester,
Hillsborough County, New
Hampshire, age 16 and born in New Hampshire.
c) Winifred4 MOULTON was born circa 1871 at New Hampshire. She also
went by the name of Winnie. She appeared on the census
of 1880 in the household of Moses MOULTON at Manchester,
Hillsborough County, New
Hampshire, age 9 and born in New Hampshire. Winnie is not listed as a daughter, but as
"other." She married Unknown LAMPREY.
According to a letter from George R. Brown, Winnie's address in 1914
was Winnie Lamprey, 740 German
Place, Bronx, New
York.
9. James Harvey3 BROWN was born on 23 Feb 1840 at
Acworth, Sullivan County, New Hampshire. He appeared on the census of 22 Oct
1850 in the household of Aaron BROWN Jr. at Acworth, Sullivan
County, New Hampshire, age 10.
James H. Brown and several others are appointed as Acworth police
officers in 1868, for a period of 90 days. A James H. Brown also ran for town
moderator in 1873 and lost. These
activities may have been carried out by our James H. Brown, but we do not know
for sure.
James Harvey BROWN married Mary Ellen
WHITTEMORE on 24 Oct 1888 at Antrim, Hillsborough County, New
Hampshire.
Mary Ellen's father was a hotelkeeper. James and Mary Ellen lived at Hillsboro Bridge, New
Hampshire in 1908.
James H. Brown lived in Hillsboro,
New Hampshire in 1912, as
mentioned in the obituary of his brother Isaac Brown. He died on 10 May 1957 at
Concord, Merrimac
County, New Hampshire,
at age 117.
a) Eva4 BROWN married Raymond F. RICKARD. She was born on 21 May 1890
at New Hampshire.
She died in Apr 1979 at Hillsboro, Hillsborough County, New
Hampshire, at age 88.
10. Emily
Augusta3 BROWN was born on 1 Oct 1844. She
died on 17 Aug 1847 at Acworth, Sullivan County, New Hampshire, at age 2. She
was buried at Mapleside Cemetery, Alstead, Cheshire County, New Hampshire.
B. Polly2 BROWN was born on 9 Dec 1796 at
Acworth, Sullivan County, New Hampshire. She married Alden GEE, son of Nathan GEE and Polly (--?NAME?--), of Marlow, New Hampshire.
1. Harriet A.3 GEE
2. Lucinda3 GEE
3. Allie M.3 GEE
4. Betsey M.3 GEE
5. Nathan3 GEE
6. Marinda3 GEE
7. Elsie3 GEE
8. Dustin A.3 GEE
9. Mary F.3 GEE
10. Polly R.3 GEE
11. Lucinda3 GEE
C. Isaac2 BROWN was born on 16 Apr 1798 at
Putney, Windham County, Vermont.
Isaac BROWN married Mary NEWTON, daughter of Joab NEWTON and Polly BUTTERFIELD, on 23 Sep 1824 at Acworth,
Sullivan County, New Hampshire.
Isaac BROWN married Sarah Ann BLISS.
1. Coolidge N.3 BROWN was a resident of California in 1869.
2. Charles N.3 BROWN
3. Sylvester3 BROWN married Stella WATTS. He was born in Sep 1848. He
died circa 1928.
a) Fred S.4 BROWN
b) Leon L.4 BROWN
4. Mary3 BROWN married Unknown ARNOLD.
a) Fred?4 ARNOLD
Endnotes
1.
Arthur M. Brown lived next
door to his father in the 1920 census.
(Information supplied by Arthur R. Brown, 25709 County
Road 4, Nisswa MN 56468-2207, abrown@brainerd.net,
18 Jan 2009)
Back to
Brown DNA Study: http://brownsociety.org/browndna/earliestancestorsgeographic.html.