William Brown | |
|---|---|
| Member of theIllinois House of Representatives from the 55th district | |
| In office 1864 (1864) – 1866 (1866) | |
| Preceded by | Seiden M. Church |
| Succeeded by | Abram I. Enoch |
| Personal details | |
| Born | June 1, 1819 |
| Died | January 15, 1891(1891-01-15) (aged 71) |
| Party | Republican |
| Residence | Rockford, Illinois |
| Profession | lawyer |
William Brown (June 1, 1819 – January 15, 1891) was anEnglish American businessman and politician. He served one term in theIllinois House of Representatives from 1864 to 1866, then was elected mayor ofRockford, Illinois for one term. Brown was elected to theIllinois Circuit Courts in 1870 and served there until his death in 1891.
William Brown was born inCumberland, England on June 1, 1819. He immigrated with his family toOneida County, New York,United States in 1827. Brown studied law inRome, New York and was admitted to the bar. He moved toRockford, Illinois on November 10, 1846. Initially a public school teacher, Brown was soon elected ajustice of the peace. In 1852, Brown was electedstate's attorney forWinnebago,Stephenson, andJo Daviess Counties, serving three years.[1]
At the expiration of his term, he was elected mayor of Rockford, serving one year. He was named agent for theGalena and Chicago Union Railroad in 1857. From 1857 to 1860, he practiced law with futureUnited States RepresentativeWilliam Lathrop. Brown then partnered with H. W. Taylor until 1870. From 1861 to 1865, he served as Rockford School Inspector. In 1864, Brown was elected as aRepublican to theIllinois House of Representatives, serving one two-year term from the 55th district. Brown was elected judge in 1870 to fill a vacancy on theIllinois Circuit Courts created by the promotion ofBenjamin R. Sheldon to theIllinois Supreme Court. He was re-elected to this post in every election until his death, serving 20 years.[2]
Brown married Caroline H. Miller, the daughter ofHorace Miller, on September 19, 1850. Their eldest son, Edward W., was thrice elected mayor of Rockford. They also had a son, Frank R., and a daughter, May. Brown attended the CentennialMethodist Church inHaight Village. He was chairman of the board and president for theRockford Hospital from 1884 to 1886. Brown died on January 15, 1891. TheWilliam Brown Building, under construction at the time, was named in his honor.[1]