Sedgwick County KSGenWeb

Portrait And Biographical Album of Sedgwick County, Kan.

Chapman Brothers 1888

Pages 322 - 323

EDWARD A. BROWN. Among the influential and wealthy citizens of Mulvane, the subject of this sketch occupies an honorable position. He is senior member of the firm of Brown & Campbell, dealers in grain, and the largest buyers and shippers of stock in Sedgwick County. He was born in Ross County, Ohio, Oct. 9, 1829. His parents, Peter O. and Anna (Harvey) Brown, were of English and German origin. In 1833 they became pioneers of Indiana, and in 1886 the father died in his adopted State, having made his home there for over half a century, gaining and retaining by his upright course through a long and useful life, the respect of the people among whom he settled. He was twice married. His first wife, a most estimable lady, died in 1835. To them had been born six children - Edward A., Robert J., Levina, Margaret, James M. and Almander. His second marriage was with Mrs. Matilda Jones; that most worthy woman departed this life in 1867. Of the last union five children were born - William, Alexander, Chancey, Harriet Ann and Siegel.

     The subject of our sketch was a small child when his parents took up their abode in Indiana. He grew to manhood in that State, and when quite young launched himself into the busy world as a stock dealer, which business he has prosperously followed ever since. While a resident of Indiana he took an important part in local affairs, and served efficiently as Township Trustee. During the late Civil War, he with eleven others, anticipating a draft, furnished substitutes, and he paid for his the sum of $1,500, his business being such at the time that he could not well leave it.

     The marriage of our subject to Miss R. B. Jennings, daughter of Jacob and Sarah (Tatman) Jennings, all of Ohio, took place near LaFayette, Ind., March 29, 1850. To them were born six children, namely: Sarah Ann, Theodore Cicero, Laura H., Josie, Frank and Carrie. Sarah married, in 1873, George W. Lawrence, a loan agent of Ottawa, Kan.; Josie married, in 1885, Lake Davidson, who is in the real estate and loan business in Woodbury County, Iowa. Mrs. Brown died in July, 1865, and in her death the Methodist Episcopal Church lost one of its most sincere members, and many mourned the loss of her who had ever been a devoted wife, a kind mother, and a faithful friend. Mr. Brown's second marriage was to Miss Mollie Yarnall, daughter of Aaron and Drusilla (Campbell) Yarnall, natives of Ohio, June 5, 1866. She is an amiable woman, highly esteemed in social circles, and is a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The children of this union are - Charles L., Edith, Bertha and May.

     In 1876 Mr. Brown came to Kansas with his family and made his home in Wichita until 1881, in the meantime actively engaged in his old occupation of dealing in cattle. In the latter year he removed to this place, where he has built a fine residence, and has invested in several valuable lots of land. Since becoming a resident of Mulvane Mr. Brown has greatly added to its material prosperity, and has aided its growth in a most substantial manner. He and his able partner, Mr. Campbell, have established their immense grain and stock business on a secure foundation, and it is counted one of the greatest enterprises in this part of the county.

     Our subject is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics he affiliates with the Democratic party. He has a high reputation in business circles throughout Kansas as an intelligent man, with a quick, keen judgment, and a thorough grasp of his business in all its details. Mr. and Mrs. Brown are members of the National Union, a secret insurance society.

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