Wilson Brown

Surnames: Crawford, Eager, Waddell, Wilson

Regions: Oneida Co., NY: Magnolia Twsp., Rock Co., WI

Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Rock County, Wisconsin, Publ. 1889 - page 560

WILSON BROWN. Among the leading and representative citizens of Magnolia Township will be found our subject, who is now residing on section 22, where he is engaged principally in stock raising. He was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, on the 17th day of October, 1840, and is a son of William and Ann (WILSON) BROWN, who were also natives of the same county. His father was a stone mason, and in connection with his trade carried on farming. Our subject was the eighth in order of birth in a family of thirteen children, eight sons and five daughters. In 1854, Mr. BROWN, accompanied his father to America and landed in New York. Soon after he came with his brother-in-law, James WADDELL, to Rock County, and settled in Magnolia Township. He had received his education in the schools of his native land, and at Philadelphia, Pa., and on coming to this county assisted Mr. WADDELL in the labors of the farm. He made his home with that gentleman until the breaking out of the great Rebellion, when on the 4th day of November, 1861, he offered his services in defense of the flag of his adopted country, enlisting in Company D, 13th Wisconsin Infantry for a term of there years. The regiment was organized in Janesville, and in a short time was sent to Leavenworth, Kansas, where it was equipped and prepared for active service. It was then ordered to Fort Scott, and subsequently to Fort Riley. The command there prepared for an expedition to New Mexico, but the regiment to which Mr. BROWN belonged was placed on detached duty, and the greater part of the time did garrison duty. Company D was subsequently detached from the regiment and sent to Hickman, Ky., where it performed garrison duty for a year, joining the regiment at the expiration of that time, in August, 1863, at Fort Donelson. On the 19th day of November, 1864, the 13th Wisconsin was mustered out of service at Nashville, and paid off at Louisville, Ky., after having been in the Union ranks for three years and fifteen days. After receiving his discharge, Mr. BROWN returned to his home and again engaged in farming. On the 24th day of December, 1865, he was united in marriage with Miss Lucinda M. CRAWFORD, a native of Oneida County, N.Y., and a daughter of Oliver E. and Jane (EAGER) CRAWFORD. Five children have been born to them - William D., born Sept. 1, 1866; Benito D., Nov. 11, 1870; Artemus, born June 27, 1875, died Sept. 26, 1882; Adrian A., born Oct. 17, 1880; and Oliver, Oct. 28, 1882. Mr. BROWN made his first purchase of land in 1867, and upon that farm resided until 1884, when he bought sixteen acres on section 22, Magnolia Township, where he has since made his home. He devotes much of his time and attention to the raising of stock. He is a practical and enterprising stock dealer and is recognized as one of the leading men of Magnolia Township. He has always taken great interest in public affairs, and in politics, is a supporter of the Republican party, by which he has been elected to various township offices. He is now the Township Treasurer, a position which he has filled for the past nine years, which is a sufficient testimonial of his ability and faithfulness to duty. He has also served on the school board for a term of five years, doing all in his power to promote the cause of education. Socially, Mr. BROWN is a member of T. L. Sutphen Post, No. 41, G. A. R., of Evansville, and he and his wife are members of the Methodist Church.

Submitted by Carol