Thomas J. Brown, the popular sheriff of Leavenworth county, was born in Platte county, Missouri, Oct. 30, 1870, a son of Felix C. and Jincy A. (Bleakley) Brown, both of whom were born in Missouri and now reside in Leavenworth. The family moved to Leavenworth, in 1883, and Thomas received his education in the public schools of the city and then graduated in the Central Business College, Leavenworth, with credit. After finishing his education he went to Salina, Kan., and learned telegraphy. He became an expert operator and accepted a position with the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy railroad in Nebraska, and remained with the road for three years. Severing his connection with that corporation Mr. Brown returned to Leavenworth, Kan., and engaged in business for himself until 1898, when he became deputy sheriff under Sheriff Peter Everhardy, and served in that capacity for five years. He was undersheriff for Sheriff Stance Meyers until elected to the office of sheriff himself, in 1906. Mr. Brown assumed the duties of his position in 1907, and is now serving his second term, having the honor of being elected on the Democratic ticket in a Republican district, and polled the largest vote cast for that office. He is popular with the people of the county, a man of great courage, but kind hearted, and has filled the office with great credit to himself and the satisfaction of his constituents.

On April 17, 1899, Mr. Brown married Anna K. Taschetta, a native of Leavenworth. Her father, Peter Taschetta, was born in Switzerland, but immigrated to America at an early day, and was one of the pioneer settlers in Kansas. Two sons have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown: Felix, ten years of age, and Thomas J., who is six. Mr. Brown is a member of the Knights of Pythias and of the Modern Woodmen of America.