William S. Brown

As printed in 1902

WILLIAM S. BROWN.

William S. Brown, who is now actively connected with the railway service as engineer of the Pittsburg. Fort Wayne & Chicago line, and makes his home in Crestline, was born in Crawford county, August 20, 1862. His father, Joseph Brown, was also a native of the same county, and was born July 7, 1834. The grandfather became one of the early settlers of this portion of the state, arriving in Crawford county with a rifle, which was all the property that he had in the world. His energy, resolute spirit and capable management, however, enabled him to secure a handsome competence. He occupied six hundred and forty acres of land, some of which he entered from the government, and at his death he still owned a valuable tract of one hundred and forty acres, having in the meantime sold the other portion of his property. Joseph Brown was reared to farm life and from his father he inherited a large and desirable tract of land. He lived upon this farm for fifty-seven years and was one of the best known agriculturists of the community. He married a Miss Smith, who was born in the town of Frederick, Wayne county, Ohio, September 14, 1837, and pursued her education in one (if the log schoolhouses that were common at that day. In 1854 she came to Crestline with her father, who was a prominent business man of this city, connected with the lumber trade and with the clothing business. In his political views Joseph Brown was first a Whig, but in 1856 he voted for James Buchanan and afterward became a Republican. He died on the old homestead in 1896, and thus passed away one of the honored pioneer settlers of Crawford county.

AYilliam S. Brown, whose name introduces this record, spent his boyhood days in his father's home, pursued his education in Crestline, and at the age of twenty-one years he entered upon his business career, following farming and also working in a sawmill for his father, devoting two years to the latter business. He then entered the railway service, being employed as a fireman on the Pennsylvania line in 1885, acting in that capacity for seven years, after which he was promoted to engineer in 1892. Through fifteen years he has been in the employ of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago road, and during that time has had only one accident and that was of a very slight character, no one being injured. The car, however, broke down on account of being overloaded. Mr. Brown is devoted to his work and the responsible duties that devolve upon him, discharging them with careful faithfulness, allowing nothing to interfere with them.

In 1887 occurred the marriage of William S. Brown and Miss Luella Walters, who was born in Richland county. Ohio, July 22, 1862, and is a daughter of George and Mary jane (Simpson) Walters. Her parents were born in Richland county, and there the father died, but the mother is still living. Mrs. Brown was educated in Crestline and by her marriage has become the mother of two children: Helen May and Ruth Lucile, both natives of Crestline, the former born January 17, 1889, the latter July 7, 1891. Mr. Brown is a member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, the Maccabees and for nine years has been connected with the Brotherhood of Locomotive Firemen. His political support is given to the men and measures of the Republican party and in religious faith he and his wife are Methodists, holding membership in the church of that denomination in Crestline.

As printed in A centennial biographical history of Crawford County, Ohio .. (1902). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.