Short Biography of William M. Brown

Among the representative men of Cold Spring, those who, by their own exertions, have succeeded in establishing a creditable reputation and an honest name, William M. Brown holds a conspicuous place. His father before him possessed many of the requisite qualities that lead to business success, which are reproduced in his son. William M. Brown, Sr., was born at New Haven, Conn., Jan. 15, 1781. He removed with his family to the town of Portland, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., more than half a century ago; and about the year 1838 to the town of South Valley; and subsequently, in 1852, to Cold Spring, where he died May 3, 1863, will advanced in years, and enjoying general respect. He was a prominent citizen, and a good, practical farmer. His wife was Eliza Merrill, who is a native of Canand, and now resides with her son, who forms the subject of this sketch.

William M. Brown was born at Portland, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., Dec. 18, 1830. The country where he was born was then, and during his youth, comparatively new, and thinly settled. Schools were few and far between, so that his educational advantages were not such to warrant the easy acquisition of learning. True, he attended the public schools of Cattaraugus County, and there laid the foundation of an education which self-study, observation, and practical application have developed into a sound business knowledge. At the age of fifteen years he left his father's house, and went to work for an elder brother, Norman Brown, now deceased, with whom he was connected in business for several years. He remained with him at that time almost three years, and then returned to Cold Spring, where they engaged jointly in the lumber business. This copartnership existed almost three years, when it was dissolved by mutual consent by the retirement of Norman. A division of the property was made, William M. taking that in the town of Cold Spring, and his brother that in South Valley, on the opposite side of the river. He has continued in the lumbering and farming business from that time until the present, although not residing in the town all of the time. At two different periods he has lived in Randolph, where he now resides. His farm is located in Cold Spring, about five miles southeast of the village.

In 1852, Mr. Brown embarked in the mercantile business at Cold Spring village, and remained in trade there about eighteen months. The interest he established there still remains, and adds materially to the material prosperity of the place. His principal businesses, however, have been lumbering and farming, in both of which branches he has been eminently and deservedly successful.

On the 13th of September, 1855, Mr. Brown was united in marriage with Emeline M. daughter of Madison Woodworth, an early settler and prominent farmer of Cold Spring. They have had four children born to them, of whom three survive. THeir names and the dates of their births are as follows:

Frank A., born De.c 23, 1856; now resides at Bradford, Pa., where he is engaged in the real estate business.

Gracia E., born March 15, 1859; died March 30, 1862.

Minnie M., born July 17, 1864.

Louise L., born January 26, 1869.

In politics, Mr. Brown is a Democrat; and, notwithstanding the fact that the Republicans have a large majority in the county, he has been honored with one of its most important and responsible offices,—that of sheriff,—to which he was elected in 1870, overcoming a majority of upwards of fitten hundred. He served the term for which he was elected in a manner quite satisfactory to the people at large, and highly creditable to himself.

Mr. Brown has also served six years as a member of the board of supervisors, representing the town of Cold Spring in that body. His practical business knowledge and ability rendered his term of service flatteringly successful; and few, if any, have filled the position with greater general worthiness.

Mr. Brown is a man of good principle, moral rectitude, and uncommon worth. A business career of more than a quarter of a century has developed his adaptability to carry out successfully the various plans he has laid; and honesty of purpose and a desire to do right have been the chief factors in his undertakings, the result of them has been favorable to his enterprise, his industry, and his integrity. He naturally occupies a leading place in the respect and esteem of the community in which he is best known.

Source: "History of Cattaraugus County, New York" ³⁵⁶³