Windham

BROWN, William A.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 46 
(portrait p 46)

William A. BROWN, of Jacksonville [Windham County, Vermont], was born 15 
April 1856 in Whitingham [Windham County, Vermont], son of Amos A. and Mary 
(TEMPLE) BROWN. He received his education at the common schools of his 
native town, and after its completion devoted his time to teaching, dealing 
in real estate, and lumbering, continuing until 1884. He then opened a store 
for general merchandise in Jacksonville, and meeting with success, formed a 
partnership with H. A. WHEELER, purchasing the stock of goods owned by N. L. 
STETSON. After a year he bought out his partner and continued the business 
alone, selling out to C. H. SHEPARDSON, and formed a stock company which 
bought out the Cooking Mill, Stetson Brothers, and the E. E. PUTNAM estate, 
for the purpose of manufacturing butter tubs and boxes. At president he is 
president and manager of the company.

On 03 October 1889 he [William A. BROWN] was married to Ada M., daughter of 
Mervin M. and Almeda (FOWLER) BROWN, of Whitingham [Windham County, Vermont]. 
Two children have been the fruit of this union: Greely A., and William 
Russell. Brought up a Republican, on reaching his majority, he [William A. 
BROWN] concluded that Vermont was run by a ring for their personal interests 
and not in the interest of the people, he cast his first vote for a Democrat. 
At that time he, with several other young men who had formerly been 
Republicans, began to fight against the ring. He was elected to the 
Legislature in 1890 and re-elected in 1892, serving on the committee on 
insane and on the Grand List. He thoroughly advocated the Austrialian system 
of ballot, weekly payments, and the town system of schools.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly