Brown FB01

Waupaca Paper

January 12. 1906

B.F. Brown, whose death we mentioned last week as having occurred January 4, 1906, was born in Vermont Sept. 24, 1821, thus he was over 84 years old.

On July 4, 1849 he was united in marriage with Miss Emily A. Johnson and who passed away Sept. 26, 1668 [note obvious typo possibly 1868 or 1888?]. Five children were the result of this union, one Frank B. who died May 3, 1883. Those living are Charles E. Brown, Denver, Colorado; Frances E. wife of George Moore, Waupaca, who with her family lived in one pat of the home where the father died, having had more or less care of him for over a year; Walter H. and George Brown, of Carthage, Missouri.

Deceased was one of the early pioneers, having come to Waupaca in 1852. he was identified with its growth from the very first and once owned a farm which covered a good portion of the Second and Third Wards of the city. The platting of which and sale of lots brought him a fortune. However no one would know it, because he never indulged in any ostentation or show to indicate wealth or station. He was a cautious and practical man and while never caring to mingle much with his fellow men. He was a well read and posted man on all the affairs of the city, state and nation, and to his intimate friends was a most interesting exponent of his views.

He was very eccentric on money matters and would demand all payments to be made him for real estate or interest in gold. Perhaps it was for this reason that many people called him “Miser Brown”.

Not one appears to know how much he was worth but no doubt he possessed a good fortune. It is not known whether he left a will or not. We learn that he recently requested in presence of his daughter and husband that the children, when he was gone, all get together peaceably and without the aid of the law make an equal division of the property which is in land, bonds and money in banks, as he believed he did not owe a dollar in the world.

The sons could not get here in time for the funeral which was held Monday, but are expected soon to make a division of the property as the father requested. Charles, who formerly lived in Kansas is a lawyer and well to do in Denver and Walter and George own a ranch in Missouri.

Rev. Colby officiated at the funeral.