Santa Clara County
Biographies
ADAM BROWN
The son of a wine merchant of London, England, Adam Brown was born in that city and during his boyhood crossed the ocean to Ontario, Canada, proceeding from there to Lafayette county, Wis., and developing a valuable farm from a tract of raw land. While there he married Letitia McLean, who was born in the north of Ireland, of Scotch descent. While they made their home in Lafayette county a son was born January 17, 1852, and named Frederick. The family of three started across the plains in 1853 with ox teams. Their landing-place was Hangtown, Cal., and from there they went to the north fork of the American river, thence to Doly's Flats, and from there to Dutch Flats. During all of this time Mr. Brown was interested in mining. When he abandoned that occupation he moved to San Francisco, and later settled on a farm near Castroville, Monterey county. On retiring from active agricultural cares, in 1880, he came to San Jose, where he has since made his home. Though now (1904) eighty-one years of age, he retains the full possession of his mental faculties, is a keen observer of business conditions, an acute judge of national problems, and a man of great public spirit and philanthropy.
After Mr. and Mrs. Brown came to California two children were added to their family, namely: Matilda, who resides with her parents; and William, who was accidentally shot at the age of twenty-one years. Although practically retired when he settled in San Jose, Mr. Brown possess such energy of disposition that he enjoys the activities of business. He laid out the Brown addition to San Jose, comprising five acres on Brown avenue and Alameda street. Another enterprise which owes its origin to him was the building up of the Kentucky stables and lodging house. Included in his property holdings is a tract extending from Market to San Pedro streets, all of which has been improved by buildings. The success which he enjoys is merited by his long and industrious career, his close devotion to personal enterprises, and the wise judgment he has exercised in investment.
Transcribed
3-21-15 Marilyn
R. Pankey.
ญญญญSource: History
of the State of California & Biographical Record of Coast Counties,
California by Prof. J. M. Guinn, A. M., Page 451. The Chapman Publishing
Co., Chicago, 1904.
ฉ 2015 Marilyn R. Pankey.