- HISTORY OF THE COUNTY OF PERTH, 1825-1902
William Johnston, 1903
pp. 541-2
James [William Wood] Brown was born at Nathanfoot, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1805. During his boyhood days he attended the parish school, obtaining a fair education. In 1820, with his father and other members of the family, he came to Canada, settling in Dalhousie. For several years he assisted on the farm, when he became a school teacher, receiving for his services the sum of 30 pounds per annum. As a part of his duties in that capacity he had to collect his own salary, which, in many instances, was more difficult than earning it. It will be born in mind that Canada previous to 1841 had no School Act. During 1846 he removed to Fullarton, and assisted at raising the first school house in that township, in section No. 1, and upon its completion became first teacher in the municipality In 1847 he was appointed collector of taxes by the old district council, retaining that position until its abolition by the Act of 1850. When Fullarton was organized he was chosen treasurer, discharging the duties of that office till 1860, when he retired. In 1868 he was appointed auditor, remaining in harness till his death. He was an old magistrate, an elder of the Presbyterian church in Fullarton and Dalhousie.
Mr. Brown was a good public speaker, and a life-long supporter of the Reform Party. His countenance indicated intelligence and refinement. He was a man of strong convictions, sincere and ardent in his conduct, his whole character typical of the good old pioneer. In 1827 he married Margaret Park, of Dalhousie, who was his constant companion through his long life. Her death was more than he could bear, and it was only a few months afterwards when he was laid by her side in the quiet resting place of the dead.
OBITUARY
Oct. 13, 1892 pg. 4
Motherwell, Died at Motherwell on Thursday noon, October 6, 1892, MR. JAMES BROWN SR. Aged 87 years, six months, 15 days.
The deceased was born in the parish Lesmahago, Lanarkshire, Scotland, in 1805. While young he obtained a first class education, which he put to a practical use in later years. In 1822 he emigrated to Canada and settled in Dalhousie, Lanark County, Ontario. In 1828 he married MARGARET PARK, a native of Cambuslang Scotland, and who emigrated to this county with her parents in the same year as Mr. Brown. By the marriage eleven children were born to them, three of whom died young. Shortly after his marriage he accepted the position as teacher in what was then called St. Andrew's school. After some years owing to the increase of population, it was thought desirable to divide this school into two sections so a new school house was erected near his farm, to which school he succeeded as a teacher, occupying this position until the year 1846, when he removed with his family to the township of Fullarton, Perth County, his eldest son James having preceded him one year. In this year he was appointed to the office of collector and gathered in the neighbourhood 50 pounds, an immense sum in those days. Which he carried on foot to Goderich, deposited with the district treasurer.
In 1847 the 1st school was erected and was first occupied by Mr. Brown who was thus the first school teacher in Fullarton, which position he retained until about the year 1860 when he resigned after 27 years of faithful service in the teaching profession, when he placed upon the superannuated list from which he drew an annuity of nearly $200. He filled the position of clerk of this municipality and first postmaster of Motherwell and for a number of years was auditor of the township accounts, also magistrate, all of which positions he discharged with that rectitude and ability which characterized him as a man.
In matter of religion he early identified himself with the Presbyterian Church. He was made an elder of St. Andrew's Church, Dalhousie, and after his removal to Fullarton he was appointed to the eldership of the church here, which office he held for over 30 years.
Last February bodily affliction set its hand upon him and in 8 months he passed away with a full assurance of the Christian faith.
When faith is strong and conscience clear
And word of peace the spirit cheer
And visioned glories half appear;
Tis joy 'tis triumh then to die
His earthly remains were followed on Sat. last, to Avonbank Cemetery, by many mourning relatives and sympathizing friends just as they followed his partner in life but 6 months ago. The family thus doubly bereaved have the sympathy of all who know them.
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1805 - 1892 (87 years)
