My Genealogy Hound

S. J. BROWN, who is located in the beautiful village of Havana, Schuyler County, is one of its most prominent business men. The village commands a splendid agricultural district, and the trade enjoyed therefrom is quite large. Our subject is a coal merchant, and is also engaged in selling agricultural implements.

John T. Brown, the father of S. J., was born in Litchfield County, Conn., and was a carpenter and builder by trade. Hs took up his abode in Schuyler County, this state, in 1842, and thereafter engaged in farming until his decease, which occurred in the year 1890, on his eighty-fourth birthday. The family is of English extraction, and was first represented in this country by three brothers who crossed the Atlantic many years ago.

The maiden name of our subject’s mother was Ruby Bennett. She was the daughter of Samuel Bennett, a well-to-do resident of this section, and was the second wife of Mr. Brown. She became the mother of two children, and our subject’s sister, Fannie, is now the wife of Edward Crofut, a resident of Millport.

The subject of this sketch was born March 9, 1847, on the old homestead, on which his father located on first coming here. There he was reared to a life of industry and usefulness by his honored parents, who, being desirous that he should be well educated, sent him to the district school, and later he entered what was known as the People’s College.

In the year 1879 Mr. Brown came to Havana and began in business for himself. He was both energetic and ambitious, and it was not long before he had built up a splendid trade. He is an indefatigable worker, uses good judgment in all his transactions, and his business has constantly increased.

In his political relations our subject is a stanch supporter of Democratic principles, and was Chairman of the Democratic Central Committee for five years. He is a very popular citizen, and at one time was the successful candidate for the office of Town Clerk. Some years later he was elected Supervisor, and bears the distinction of being the only Democrat to hold that office. Under Cleveland’s first administration he received the appointment of Postmaster, and discharged the duties of the office in a most satisfactory manner for two and a-half years. He was Doorkeeper of the Senate during the session of 1892-93, proving himself a very capable man, and was intrusted with various matters of importance. Mr. Brown has accumulated a handsome property in Havana, and is regarded by its citizens as a pleasant, genial gentleman and efficient business man. Socially he is an Odd Fellow of excellent standing, and has been associated with Havana Lodge No. 69 for the past twenty years.