Pioneer Citizen Passes Away

William McBrown, for nearly forty years a resident of Greenwood county and one of the more prominent citizens died at his home in Fall River Monday April 5, 1909, aged sixty nine years, two months and ninety days. William McBrown was born at Lancaster, New Hampshire, January 17, 1840. At the age of 12 he removed with his parents to Wisconsin. Five years later, at the age of seventeen he came to Kansas locating at Neosho Falls. In 1861 at the beginning of the Civil War he returned to Wisconsin and enlisted in the First Wisconsin Cavalry. After nineteen months of service he was taken prisoner, paroled and sent home. Returning to Kansas he again enlisted in the Ninth Kansas, with which regiment he served until the close of the war, having given four of the best years of his young manhood in of his country. At the close of the war, he settled in Wilson county and engaged in the mercantile business. In 1869 he was elected county treasurer which office he filled with honor and credit. May 29, 1870 he was married to Maggie Mills, who with three sons, three daughters and a sister survive him. In March 1872 he removed to his farm in Greenwood county where he lived for eleven years when he went to Fall River City and there spent his remaining days. He always took an active interest in the civic welfare of the town, and served several terms as its mayor, his successor being elected the day of his death. Mr. McBrown had been a member of the Masonic fraternity for many years. He loved the order and, although for the last few years, his failing strength had kept him from taking an active part in its work, he was always interested in everything pertaining to it. He lived by the rule of right doing; his life was large; his insight into things material was penetrating and farseeing; his judgment was keen; and his advise was always valuable. His creed was to live honorably, to deal justly, and he always had the greatest respect for those whose guide was the Golden Rule. Many there are who have known the meaning of his friendship. Perfect peace crown the gray head and soothing rest to the tired feet that walked the earth for seventy steadfast years. Funeral services were held at Fall River Wednesday and were largely attended. Most of the Fredonia Commandery Knights Templar were in attendance and had charge of the services. Rev. Bernard Kelley, a long time friend of the deceased, preached the funeral discourse.