My Genealogy Hound

Leroy N. Brown, the present supervisor of Independence township, Oakland County, is a practicing attorney of the village of Clarkston, and is one of the best known and most highly regarded citizens of the place, possessing in the fullest degree the respect and confidence of the community. He was born in Clarkston, Oakland County, Michigan, May 29, 1852, and is a son of Jeremiah and Emma (Walter) Brown.

Jeremiah Brown was born in Madison County, New York, and was a cabinetmaker by trade. He came to Michigan at an early date, and was one of the pioneer settlers of Independence township, Oakland County, where he not only followed his trade, but also engaged in mercantile pursuits. His death took place in Clarkston, at the age of 62. His wife, Emma Walter, was born in Somersetshire, England, and was brought by her parents at the age of three years to this country, where they located first in New York State. When she was 16 years old, the Walter family moved to Clarkston, Oakland County. Six children were born to Jeremiah Brown and wife, as follows: Leroy N., whose name heads this sketch; Wallace, a hay dealer of Lapeer, Michigan; Emma H., also a resident of Lapeer, Michigan; Lettie A., who is a dressmaker of Clarkston; Lydia, who died at the age of seven; and Walter, a twin of Wallace, who died when he was about one year old.

Leroy N. Brown was reared in Clarkston, and has always made that place his home. After finishing in the public schools, he attended the Clarkston High School and then spent some six winters teaching district schools in the vicinity from the time he was 17 years of age until he attained the age of 23 years. In 1875 he began the study of the law in the office of Taft & Perry, of Pontiac, one of the leading law firms of the county. He was admitted to the bar of Oakland County several years later and has practiced ever since.

Mr. Brown has taken an active part in the affairs of his township, and no one can be termed more public spirited than he. He is a Democrat in politics. He was first elected supervisor in 1900, and has been twice re-elected to that office. He was township clerk for 10 years, treasurer for two terms, a member of the County Board of School Examiners for five years, a member of the Board of Education of Clarkston for 15 years, and president of the village for three years. He was postmaster of Clarkston for four years during Cleveland’s second term, and has frequently been a delegate to county and State Democratic conventions. Last fall he was the Democratic candidate for the State House of Representatives, but was defeated, although he ran 400 votes ahead of his ticket, receiving in his own township all but 35 votes. He has recently received the nomination for the office of prosecuting attorney of Oakland County.

On April 9, 1879, Mr. Brown was married to Mary V. Selden, who was born in Independence township, Oakland County, and is a daughter of Guy W. and Nancy (Kitchen) Selden, natives of New York and New Jersey, respectively. Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had five children, three of whom are living, namely: Guy C., Leroy N., Jr., and E. Lucile. Lettie Adella died when she was nearly three years old and Paul Selden died when he was about two years old. Mr. Brown is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees and has been record keeper of the local tent for 18 years. He is also a member of Cedar Lodge F. & A. M., and has been secretary of the lodge for three years; he is also connected with the Order of the Eastern Star. He is a member of the Grange of Independence township, No. 275, and of the Loyal Guards. He has hosts of friends in every section of the county, who have been attracted to him by his strong, fearless and resolute character and by the unswerving integrity of his conduct.