North Star Township Biography
HERBERT L. BROWN
Source: BIOGRAPHICAL MEMOIRS OF GRATIOT COUNTY, MICHIGAN published by J. B. BEERS & CO., Chicago, 1906
HERBERT L. BROWN, one of the most prominent citizens of Gratiot county, is probably best known as the efficient postmaster of North Star, having already achieved a national reputation among the officials of his class in the government service. He was born in Fulton county, Ohio, September 15, 1862, son of William J. and Nancy (Sears) Brown, both of whom died in Blissfield, Lenawee county, Michigan-the father September 14, 1872, aged fifty-nine, and the mother, August 17, 1883, at the age of fifty-eight years. William J. Brown was a member of the A.F. & A.M., and a highly respected, unassuming man. To him and his good wife were born seven children, of whom Herbert L. was the fourth. The others were: Melissa, deceased wife of the late George B. Smith, both dying in March, 1905, within two hours of each other; George J., a mechanic in the State of Washington; Frances, residing in Los Angeles, California; Elenora, who married E. H. Ellsworth, a farmer of Bellingham Washington; and Charles (deceased) and Chauncey, twins, the latter a machinist of Norfolk, Virginia.
Herbert L. Brown was two years old when his parents located in Blissfield, and there he was educated both in the common schools and through the training to a life of industry. At the age of ten years he commenced work in a mill, at which he continued for twenty-nine years. In 1883 he located in Gratiot county, where he was employed in heading mills until the spring of 1901. He then followed carpentering for about one year, at the end of which time he engaged in the furniture business in North Star. Since November, 1903, he has served as postmaster of North Star. In April, 1902, he was elected township clerk, which office he still fills satisfactorily, and he has consistently contributed to the success of the Republican party. In June, 1904, he was elected president of the Gratiot County League of fourth-class postmasters; in July, 1904, president of the State League of fourth-class postmasters; and at St. Louis, Missouri, October 12, 1904, was greatly honored by the national convention of fourth-class postmasters by being elected treasurer of that organization.
Herbert L. Brown was married in Ithaca, Michigan, December 25, 1883, to Miss Frances M. Brady, a native of Gratiot county, daughter of Hiram and Louisa (Wood) Brady, and a direct descendant of the Pilgrim Father Wood of the "Mayflower." Mr. and Mrs. Brown have had these children: Clyde E., Elsie L., Ned and Bessie, of whom the last named died when fifteen months old. Mr. Brown is a member of Ithaca Tent, No. 128, K.O.T.M.M. Mr. Brown bears an excellent reputation in the community in which he resides, and can be truthfully called one of North Star's representative men.
Created on ... October 09, 2001