WILLIAM B. BROWN, whose well improved farm of 152 acres lies one mill north of Fletcher, in Brown Township, Miami County, was born in Lost Creek Township, Miami County, Ohio, September 19, 1833, the oldest child of S. K. and Mary (Ralston) Brown.

The Brown family was a pioneer one in Miami County and one of such importance as to leave an impress on this section, giving its name to the township and to a number of local points. It was founded by the grandfather, William Brown, who entered the land from the Government which now forms the farm of his grandson an namesake. He was a pioneer in all the enterprises that went to building up this section and lived a long and useful life.

S. K. Brown, father of William B., was born in Clark County, Ohio, but was reared from childhood in Lost Creek, Township. After marriage he moved to an adjoining farm, on which he lived for seven years, his wife dying there. In 1844 he removed to Paulding County, and in 1847 to Oregon, and lived in the far West until his death. He married Mary Ralston and they had four children.

William B. Brown accompanied his father to Oregon, being fourteen years old at that time, and after reaching that Territory, attended school for a short time. In 1866 he returned to Ohio and located on the old homestead but worked by the month for some three years before he took complete charge of the farm, since which time he has made the excellent improvements which include the erecting of a comfortable residence and a substantial barn. He grows grain, hay and fruit and raises enough stock for his own use. Mr. Brown married Miss Lou Brown, who is a daughter of John M. Brown, of Miami County. They are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is identified with the Democratic party. He is one of the reliable and representative citizens of Brown Township.