My Genealogy Hound

CHARLES D. BROWN is numbered among the bright and energetic young business men who are largely responsible for the prosperity of Sedalia, which, as every one knows, stands high in the ranks of the lively and promising cities of the West. In everything relating to its happy future Mr. Brown takes the deepest interest, and as he is engaged in the real-estate business, strives to induce good families to locate here and be identified with her citizens henceforward.

The paternal grandfather, David Brown, was a farmer and a native of Virginia, but his wife was of Scotch birth. Our subject’s parents bear the names of Edward and Sarah A. (Smith) Brown. On both sides the family were members of the Society of Friends, and a few generations back were Pennsylvanians. Mrs. Brown is a daughter of George Smith, a farmer and extensive stock-dealer. The parents are natives of Loudoun County, Va., and are adherents of the same religion as were their ancestors. In September, 1868, Mr. Brown, Sr., left his old farm in the state of his birth and came to Missouri, and, buying a place near Sedalia, embarked in market-gardening and was also successful in raising fine fruits. After a time he removed to Sedalia Township, on the outskirts of the city, and still resides there, giving his attention to fruit-culture.

C. D. Brown was born in Loudoun County, Va., February 12, 1858, and is one of five children, only three of whom are living. He was in his tenth year when his parents removed to this state, and in the public and high schools of Sedalia he received his education. In 1874 he commenced his business career as a clerk in the market and grocery of the Co-operative Company, and remained there some four years, afterwards working in a similar capacity in other places. Next we find him clerking in Topeka, Kan., and a year later he accepted the very responsible position of Superintendent of the Topeka (Kan.) Insane Asylum farm.

The year 1881 witnessed Mr. Brown’s return to Sedalia, and for the next two years he was engaged in farming land in Jasper County, Mo. In 1883 the young man again became a resident of this city and was first employed by the Missouri, Kansas & Texas Railroad as a carpenter, but later held a clerical position in the General Auditor’s office. At the end of seven years of service in the railroad business he was obliged to abandon his post on account of failing health.

Mr. Brown was later made solicitor for the M. G. Ingram Printing Company, and from March, 1893, to February, 1895, worked for the Porter Real-estate Company. He then started in the real-estate business for himself, opening an office in the Equitable Building. He is the owner of five acres on East Broadway, near the city limits, and handles property in large and small tracts, besides transacting a general loan and accident business. He is a member of the Sedalia Board of Trade. Socially he belongs to Lodge No. 170, A. O. U. W., and is a charter member of the Royal Tribe of Joseph. His right of franchise is used in favor of the platform and nominees of the Republican party.

May 5, 1881, Mr. Brown and Ida E., daughter of Rev. E. K. Porter, of the Methodist Episcopal Church South, were united in marriage. Four children have come to brighten their home and are named as follows; Edward Porter, Ruth H., Charles D. and Lela M. The family worships with the Southern Methodist Church, in which Mr. Brown holds the office of Steward.