- WILSON BROWN. Among the leading and representative citizens
of Magnolia Township will
- be found our subject, who is now residing on section 22,
where he is engaged principally in stock raising. He was born
in Lanarkshire, Scotland, on the 17th day of October, 1840, and
is a son of William and Ann (WILSON) BROWN, who were also natives
of the same county. His father was a stone mason, and in connection
with his trade carried on farming. Our subject was the eighth
in order of birth in a family of thirteen children, eight sons
and five daughters.
- In 1854, Mr. BROWN, accompanied his father to America and
landed in New York. Soon after
- he came with his brother-in-law, James WADDELL, to Rock County,
and settled in Magnolia Township. He had received his education
in the schools of his native land, and at Philadelphia, Pa.,
and on coming to this county assisted Mr. WADDELL in the labors
of the farm. He made his home with that gentleman until the breaking
out of the great Rebellion, when on the 4th day of November,
1861, he offered his services in defense of the flag of his adopted
country, enlisting in Company D, 13th Wisconsin Infantry for
a term of there years. The regiment was organized in Janesville,
and in a short time was sent to Leavenworth, Kansas, where it
was equipped and prepared for active service. It was then ordered
to Fort Scott, and subsequently to Fort Riley. The command there
prepared for an expedition to New Mexico, but the regiment to
which Mr. BROWN belonged was placed on detached duty, and the
greater part of the time did garrison duty. Company D was subsequently
detached from the regiment and sent to Hickman, Ky., where it
performed garrison duty for a year, joining the regiment at the
expiration of that time, in August, 1863, at Fort Donelson. On
the 19th day of November, 1864, the 13th Wisconsin was mustered
out of service at Nashville, and paid off at Louisville, Ky.,
after having been in the Union ranks for three years and fifteen
days.
- After receiving his discharge, Mr. BROWN returned to his
home and again engaged in farming.
- On the 24th day of December, 1865, he was united in marriage
with Miss Lucinda M. CRAWFORD, a native of Oneida County, N.Y.,
and a daughter of Oliver E. and Jane (EAGER) CRAWFORD. Five children
have been born to them - William D., born Sept. 1, 1866; Benito
D., Nov. 11, 1870; Artemus, born June 27, 1875, died Sept. 26,
1882; Adrian A., born Oct. 17, 1880; and Oliver, Oct. 28, 1882.
Mr. BROWN made his first purchase of land in 1867, and upon that
farm resided until 1884, when he bought sixteen acres on section
22, Magnolia Township, where he has since made his home. He devotes
much of his time and attention to the raising of stock. He is
a practical and enterprising stock dealer and is recognized as
one of the leading men of Magnolia Township. He has always taken
great interest in public affairs, and in politics, is a supporter
of the Republican party, by which he has been elected to various
township offices. He is now the Township Treasurer, a position
which he has filled for the past nine years, which is a sufficient
testimonial of his ability and faithfulness to duty. He has also
served on the school board for a term of five years, doing all
in his power to promote the cause of education. Socially, Mr.
BROWN is a member of T. L. Sutphen Post, No. 41, G. A. R., of
Evansville, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist
Church.
-
- Taken from "The Portrait and Biographical Album of
Rock County, Wis." (c)1889, p. 560.
-
- Courtesy of Carol
|