History of Erie County, Pennsylvania, 1884
William Brown Biography
William A. Brown, retired merchant, Erie, was born in this county March 20, 1803, son of Robert and Jane (Hayes) Brown, of German and English descent, the latter a native of Penn. Robert Brown was a Virginian, hotel-keeper by occupation, and came to Penn. in 1795, settling near the head of Elk Creek, in Erie Co.
He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Our subject's maternal grandfather, James Hayes, was a Captain in the Revolutionary war. William A. Brown was educated in the subscription schools of Erie, and for a time clerked in a store. At the age of twenty, he embarked in business for himself, carrying on a general store for several years. He then received his brother-in-law, George A. Elliott, into partnership, which existed until the latter's decease.
Mr. Brown has been a resident of Erie City since 1842. Besides his mercantile business, he worked a farm for several years. In 1842, he was united in marriage with Helen Ewing, adopted daughter of Thomas Reese. Mr. Brown has been Township Trustee and City Councilor. He and his wife are members of the Episcopal Church; in politics, he is a Republican.
Source: History of Erie County, Pennsylvania; City of Erie; Chicago; Warner, Beers & Co.; 1884
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