The Brown Family

When Benjamin Brown purchased James Brewer's business in 1862 he was a single man, able to dedicate all of his time, energy, and talent to the success of his new enterprise. Just shy of 5 months from the time of Mr. Brewer's departure, Ben married Catherine Berry Knights in February of 1863.

10 1/2 months following their marriage their first child, Arthur Benjamin William, was born on 20 December 1863.

Arthur Benjamin William Brown

Daughter Catherine Knights came next, born 16 months after Arthur on 1 April 1865.

Catherine Knights Brown

17 1/2 months after the birth of Catherine came Benjamin Botwright, born on 24 September 1866.

Benjamin Botwright Brown

Less than one year later, Catherine gave birth to twins, Gertrude Susannah and Lilian Rachel, born 14 September 1867.

Lilian Rachel Brown

Gertrude Susannah Brown &
Lilian Rachel Brown

Gertrude Susannah Brown

The Browns' waited 2 1/2 years for another daughter to be born, Minnie, but she lived only two days. She was born 23 February 1870 and died 25 February 1870.

3 March 1873, more than three years following the death of Minnie, Catherine gave birth to another son, Ernest Edward.

Ernest Edward Brown

Frank Cecil was born a little more than two years later on 9 May 1875.

Frank Cecil Brown

Almost three years following Frank's birth came another daughter, Mary Elizabeth, born 15 February 1878. Mary Elizabeth was known throughout her life as "Daisy".