Randolph County, Indiana
Arla M. Brown
There is always satisfaction in writing, even briefly, of men of the type of Arla M. Brown, secretary of the National Poland-China Record Company and an extensive stock raiser, breeder and farmer, of Winchester, and one of the valued citizens of Randolph county; for it is a record of triumph after hard climbing up the steps of life, often in the face of obstacles and with little or no encouragement. It shows, in a word, what one may accomplish with the attributes of grit, perseverance and honorable impulses, when rightly directed. There is always a satisfaction, gained no other way, to the individual, who feels that his struggles have brought success, even if delayed.
Mr. Brown was born on January 24, 1872, in Washington township, Randolph county. He is a son of Edward I. and Melsena J. (Hinshaw) Brown. The father was born in Darke county, Ohio, and the mother in Randolph county, Indiana, both representing prominent pioneer families. The father is still engaged in farming in Washington township, where he is highly esteemed. The mother was called to her eternal rest on July 7, 1892.
Arla M. Brown was reared on the farm where he worked when growing to manhood, and he received his early education in the district schools and the Normal School at Danville, after which he began life for himself by teaching three years in the district schools of Randolph county, He was then deputy county treasurer under M. H. Rubey for some time, and deputy county auditor for over four years under Calvin S. Engle, giving very satisfactory service under both. In 1903 he became secretary of the National Poland-China Record Company, with offices in Winchester. Prior to that he was secretary of the Ohio Poland-China Record Company at Dayton, Ohio, for a period of two years, then that association consolidated with the Poland-China Record Company of Indianapolis, becoming the National Poland-China Record Company, with international scope, including all the states of the Union, Canada, Argentine Republic and other countries. The general offices have been in Winchester since 1903. Mr. Brown has given eminent satisfaction as secretary, and although he is a very busy man he has found time to look after his farm, being extensively interested in general farming, feeding and breeding live stock, and he is regarded as one of the county's leading agriculturists and stock men. He is a stockholder in various banks and other interests and by his industry and good management has become one of our substantial citizens.
Fraternally, Mr. Brown is a member of the Masonic Order and the Knights of Pythias, being grand chancellor of the latter in 1910 and a representative to the supreme lodge of the world in 1911, which is a term lasting four years. Politically, he is a Republican and is active in public affairs.
Mr. Brown was married on February 11, 1892, to Eva E. Price, a daughter of James and Lydia (Woofter) Price, a highly respected family of Randolph county.
Floyd H. is a student of osteopathy at the Sill school at Kirksville, Missouri; Norville E., Mary M. and Mabel are attending high school.
Mr. Brown and family are members of the Friends church, and he is superintendent of the Sabbath school and has long been active in church and Sunday school work.
Past and Present of Randolph County, Indiana, 1914.
Contributed by Gina Richardson