Hugh Brown

As printed in 1901

UGH BROWN, an esteemed citizen of

Ottumwa, Iowa, was for many years engaged in farming in Richland township, Wapello county. He was born in County Derry, Ireland, January 25,

1818, and is a son of Samuel Brown.

The Brown family is of French descent. Samuel Brown was born in Ireland, and followed the trade of a miller and farmer. He married Miss L. Cannon, who is related to Lord Cannon, and they became parents of 11 children, of whom but two are now living, namely: Hugh and Thomas, — the latter being located at Kirkville, Iowa.

Hugh Brown came to the United States at the age of fifteen years, landing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he resided for three years. He then lived in Ohio until 1841, and during his early days followed farming, shoemaking and carpentering. He came to Wapello county, Iowa, in September, 1843, and purchased a claim of 160 acres in Richland township, and also 40 acres of timber land where the city of Ottumwa is now located. There were then but two houses in what is now Ottumwa. He built a cabin, 12 by 14 feet in size, without a chimney, and resided in it one year, when he built another cabin, 12 by 12 feet in dimensions. He made improvements on his claim, vidiich he entered, and farmer there until 1861, when he moved to Ottumwa, having been elected clerk of the district court. He filled that office two successive terms, and in 1865 returned to his farm, and carried on general farming until 1870. He has since made his home in Ottumwa, where he has been one of the most enterprising and public-spirited citizens. He takes an earnest interest in all that pertains to the welfare of the city and county, and by his just dealings and fairness to every one has won the respect of his fellow men. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served in various responsible positions with credit. He was county supervisor two years, justice of the peace in Richland township a number of years, trustee of Richland township, president of the school board, and a member of the city council of Ottumwa for two years.

April 25, 1843, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Martha H, Thurman, who was born in Tennessee, in 1811, and died in March, 1897. They reared the following children: Mary L.; Margaret E.; Martha J.; S. Hugh; William A. C.; Nellie T.; and George D., all of whom are living. Religiously Mr. Brown is a member of the Church of Christ, and has helped to build several churches in Ottumwa during his long residence here. He has for a long time been an elder of the church.

As printed in History of Wapello County, Iowa, and representative citizens (1901). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.