Bio: Brown, Henry (1914)

Contact: crystal@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Brown, Golden, Strader, Hamilton

----Source: History of Eau Claire County Wisconsin (1914) pages 657-658

Henry Brown, of Otter Creek, Eau Claire county. To the young men of our land the life of the subject of this sketch is an enduring example of the cardinal virtues of industry, uprightness and frugality and unwearied perseverance.

Mr. Brown was born in Elmira, N. Y., February 24, 1835, the son of John and Mary (Golden) Brown. His parents died when he was a young boy, leaving him alone in the world. He was adopted by an uncle who lived in Rodden, Canada, and there went to live, but did not fare very well in his new home, and after a time left it and traveled from place to place, living and making his own way as best he could through great difficulties, and at fifteen years of age he found himself in Michigan, where he worked at various employments until he reached his majority. He came to Wisconsin and during the winter of 1866-67, famous as the winter of deep snow, which some old settlers declare was ten feet deep on the level, he worked in the woods, and for a number of years afterward he followed logging and finally purchased 160 acres of land and became one of the earliest settlers of Thompson Valley, a very fertile district in Otter Creek township. He succeeded at farming from the start, and subsequently added to his original purchase from time to time until he now owns one of the finest farms of 600 acres in Eau Claire county, which he keeps well stocked with a good grade of cattle, horses and hogs, while his residence and outbuildings are substantial and up-to-date. Being imbued with a spirit of patriotism, Mr. Brown offered his services during the civil war but was rejected.

Mr. Brown married December 25, 1864, Miss Rosalind Strader, daughter of Joseph and Maria (Hamilton) Strader, also pioneer settlers of Thompson Valley. Joseph Strader, father of Mrs. Brown, was born July 18, 1818, in Sharon, Scoharie county. N. Y. He came West to Wisconsin in 1855, settling in Thompson Valley, Eau Claire county, where he lived to the age of 81 years and died April 9, 1899. He was thoroughly domestic in his tastes and closely applied himself to his business interests. He was in truth a successful man, and all his transactions were marked by scrupulously fair dealing, frankness and kindness and faith in the better side of human nature. He married Maria Hamilton, who was born August 9, 1822, and died April 29, 1890, at the age of 68 years. She was a woman of many domestic virtues, a kind and loving mother and a worthy helpmate of her husband. Four children came to Mr. and Mrs. Strader, as follows: Albert, born August 3, 1841; Rosalind, who was born November 12, 1844, married Henry Brown, our subject; Roxana, born October 22, 1846, married Walter Green, and Lyman Strader, born March 12, 1850, died February 2, 1864.

Mr. Brown has devoted himself to general farming, stock raising and dairying, has prospered and has become known as one of the most substantial public spirited and representative farmers in Eau Claire county. He now lives in retirement in the ease and comfort merited by his long years of active labor.