BROWN, Samuel P. - Putnam

One of the men who is enjoying the fruits of his labors in his declining years and who has found it to his advantage to remain in his native locality is Samuel Preston Brown, owner of an excellent farm near Coatesville, having by long years of patient endeavor accumulated a valuable estate, although starting out in life with small capital. He was born in Putnam County, January 15, 1842, the son of Williamson and Jane (Rich) Brown, a well known old family of this community. Grandfather Williamson Brown was a native of North Carolina, who came to Wayne County, Indiana, in 1832, locating in Floyd township, Putnam county, two years later; however, he never owned land here, although a farmer by occupation. His family consisted of nine children, namely : William, Hesekiah, Isaac, Stephen, Williamson, Nancy, Rebecca, Mary and Betsy. The father of these children died in 1840 and is buried in the cemetery at Coatesville. Williamson Brown, Jr., was born May 7, 1794. He remained at home until reaching maturity. and attended the primitive schools of his day. On May 16, 1804, he married Jane Rich and they located on a farm of one hundred and forty acres in section 36, Marion township, and here he followed farming all his life. He was a Republican and he and his wife were members of the Methodist church. They made their home on the present Brown farm, he dying here January 2, 1876, being survived by his widow until September 12, 1899 ; they are buried in the Coatesville cemetery. Twelve children were born to them, namely : Mrs. Sarah E. Noble, a widow ; Mrs. Sarah A. Harsch and Mrs. Emily J. Kelsey are both living in Iowa ; Samuel Preston, of this review; Jabez; those now deceased are, Mrs. Rachael L. Pierson, Manuel, Samuel R., Hannah E. (who remained single), Mrs. Mary A. Kelsey, John W. and Nancy M. Samuel P. Brown remained with his parents assisting with the work about the farm until he reached maturity. His education was gained in the local schools. On March 20, 1873, he married Sarah J. Paddock, of Dublin, Wayne county, Indiana, where her father owned a good farm. After his marriage Mr. Brown moved onto a farm of sixty acres adjoining Coatesville on the north and he has continued to reside here. He has prospered by reason of good management and close attention to his individual affairs and also owns one hundred and eighty-eight acres adjoining, also one hundred acres in Marion township and one hundred and forty acres in Floyd township. All his land is among the most valuable in this part of the county, has been well improved and he has been very successful as a general farmer and stock raiser, in fact is regarded as one of the model farmers of Putnam County and one of the best judges of livestock in this community. His judgment seldom errs in his business transactions and he holds high rank as one of the county's substantial and representative citizens. He has a modern, commodious and attractive home near Coatesville. his home farm adjoining the town. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Brown, Frank L. and Cora A. The former was born January 31, 1878; he attended the local schools, then entered DePauw University, from which institution he was graduated with honors. Deciding to turn his attention to the ministry, he took a course in the Theological School of Boston, Massachusetts. December 15, 1908, he married Grace Elizabeth McVey, a talented representative of a well known family. Mr. Brown was engaged in teaching at Pachuca, Mexico; previous to his marriage he taught school in San Antonio, Texas. He is at present pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church at Fairview, Indiana. He is a young man with a brilliant future and is very popular wherever he is known. Mr. and Mrs. Frank L. Brown have one son, Waldo Preston Brown, born March II, 191o. The daughter, Cora A., a young lady of refinement, is a graduate of the Coatesville schools and is still a member of the home circle. Members of this family are all Methodists in their religious beliefs. Mr. Brown is a Republican, but he has never aspired to public office, being content to devote his time exclusively to his individual affairs. He has always been regarded as a man in whom the utmost confidence could be reposed and, being friendly and neighborly, he is well liked by all classes.