Hugh P. Brown

As printed in 1889

UGH P. BROWN, who resides on section 2, Cedar Township, is one of the pioneer settlers of Muscatine County of 1837. lie was born in Union County, Ind., Jan. 15, 1835, and is a son of Matthew and Julia (Brumake) Brown. In connection with his father, Col. Thomas M. Brown, Matthew Brown was employed by the Government to survey the Black Hawk Purchase. He completed the survey in 1836, and, taking a fancy to the country, he removed his family to Muscatine County in 1837. In June, 1842, he was called to his final rest, leaving his loved companion to pursue life’s journey alone with her seven small children, five of whom grew to maturity, and are now settled in good, comfortable homes. In her declining years she can look back on a life well spent. While yet in her girl hood she united with the Methodist Episcopal

Muscatine County; Elnora, born Oct. 22, 1858, wedded Thomas E. Norris, of Letts ville, Iowa; Cordelia, wife of George W. Hankins, was born Nov. 3, 1860, and resides in Cedar Township, and Guy N., born April 27, 1875, is still with his parents.

After his marriage Mi. Brown sold a 40-acre farm which he had previously purchased, buying a sawmill, which he operated for nine years. Sellinothe mill, he then bought the Lord Ferry, which had previously been owned by his brother, and for about nineteen years continued its operations, and. with the help of a hand, also engaged in farming. At the expiration of that long period he traded the ferry, paying some difference, for the farm which he now owns, comprising 476 acres. Upon this land was a little log cabin, in which Mr. Brown still makes his home, it being the oldest house in the county now occupied. He carries on general farming, having the entire management of his land, 100 acres of which he has under cultivation, the remainder being used as pasturage, upon which he raises considerable stock. He raises a great many hogs, from forty to fifty head of cattle annually, and also gives some attention to the breeding of horses, owning now about sixteen head and three mules. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served in several official positions, having been School Director for five years while at the ferry, and has also served as Township Trustee. He has witnessed many- changes in this county, has seen almost its entire growth and development, and is numbered among the leading citizens of Cedar Township, being respected by all.

As printed in Portrait and biographical album of Muscatine County, Iowa (1889). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.