WILLIAM N. BROWN

From the 1887 History of Vernon County, Missouri, p. 548-549:

William N. Brown

(Farmer and Stock-raiser, Section 35, Post-office, Schell City)

   As one of the substantial, progressive citizens of Blue Mound township we would mention William N. Brown, a man of extensive experience, and whose career has been one of varied and thrilling interest. Born in Murray county, Ga., January 1, 1838, he was the youngest of six children born to his parents, James and Rachel Brown, nee Baker. The former, a farmer by occupation, died before the birth of William, and his mother subsequently moved to Alabama, where her death occurred in 1843. Young William was surrounded by a new and unsettled country which afforded no educational advantages, though his schooling was not entirely neglected. After living in Alabama about eight years he left there when 14 years old and moved to Johnson county, Mo., where he had a brother living, and soon after his arrival there they both went to Albuquerque, N. M. The trip was a long and hazardous one, but their destination was finally reached, and the following year Mr. B. went to Pike’s Peak, Ft. Laramie, etc., remaining three years, engaged with Col. Sumner in Indian warfare the greater portion of the time. After numerous hardships and perilous adventures he returned to Johnson county in 1858, and the next year took a journey to the Arkansas river, in Arkansas, from whence he came back in the spring and made his home with his brother until Gov. Jackson’s first call for troops, in June, 1861, to suppress invasion. Enlisting in Co. E, of McCowan’s battalion, he took part in the battles of Independence, Carthage, Wilson’s Creek, Drywood, Lexington, Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove and Lone Jack—in fact in nearly all the leading engagements and raids of Gens. Marmaduke, Price and others. In 1862 he was wounded in Barton county, and in May, 1865, was paroled at Shreveport, La., going thence to Leavenworth, Kas., and from there coming to this county, his present home. Upon locating on the prairie he was the only settler in that section of country save a few settlements made on the banks of the river, and a recital of the many changes which he has witnessed and taken part in would fill a volume. March 27, 1870, Miss Sorilda Coyl, daughter of Francis M. Coyl, and old and respected citizen of this county, became Mr. Brown’s wife, and they have six children: Delmar N., Clay C., Emmett O., May F., Anna B. and an infant. Mr. Brown’s homestead of 160 acres is in the northern part of the township, 4 1-2 miles from Schell City.  He is a stanch Democrat, and of substantial worth hereabouts.

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