Mr. Brown has been identified with, the interests of ~Io. rris county since November, 1882, and is now numbered among the leading merchants of Madison. He was born in Monmouth county, New Jersey, on the 10th of November, 1858, and is a son of William W. and Lydia A. (Thompson) Brown, both of whom were natives of Monmouth county. The paternal grandfather was William W. Brown, and he was probably of English lineage.

During the greater part of his boyhood and youth our subject was being fitted for life's practical duties by good educational training. He was for some time a student in Stephensdale Institute, where he was graduated in the spring of 1876. He entered upon his business career as a salesman in a dry-goods store, where he remained for one year and then engaged in the drug business. He came to Madison in June, 1880, and entered the employ of Henry W. Harman, for whom he clerked for a year, after which he went to Staten Island, where he engaged in the drug business for a year. In 1882 he purchased his drug store in Madison and has since carried on operations here. He has a well appointed store, equipped with everything found in a first-class establishment of the kind, and the excellent line of goods which he carries, combined with his honorable dealing and courtesy to his customers, has secured him a liberal patronage.

On the 16th of November, 1881, Mr. Brown was united in marriage to Miss Emma L. Bergin, a native of New Jersey, and they have two children, Willie C. and Arthur B. They hold membership in the Presbyterian church and are well known people of the community, whose circle of friends is extensive. Mr. Brown bas been honored with public office, and in the prompt and faithful discharge of his duties has gained the commendation of all concerned. He was a member of the board of health and during President Harrison's administration was appointed postmaster at Madison, which position he filled for four years. He is a member of the state board of pharmacy and is serving as its treasurer. He belongs to Madison Lodge, No. 93, A. F. & A. M., and to New Jersey Council, Royal Arcanum, and in his political associations is a stalwart Republican. His success in the business world has been achieved entirely through his own efforts, and his enterprise and energy have been the factors which have led to his prosperity.