David Brown, a gentleman on the sunny side of forty, and one of the leading merchants of Davis, is distinguished by energy of character, and integrity in his business affairs, which qualities have secured him the patronage of a large portion of the most reliable people of this thriving little city and its environs. He carries a large and well-selected stock, and commands a trade which is steadily increasing. Socially, he ranks with the refined and cultivated people of Davis, and is an especial advocate of temperance and good order.

Our subject first drew breath in Logansville, Clinton Co., PA, Nov. 28, 1854. His father, Henry Brown, also a native of the Keystone State, was the son of John Brown, whose ancestors, settled in PA several generations back. John Brown at one time visited Wayne County, IN but later returned to his native heath, which remained his home thereafter until his death, which occurred after he had passed his 81st birthday. His wife was a Miss dinges, who was of German ancestry, but a native of PA who died in Clinton County when 86 years old. Grandmother Brown was noted far and wide for her strength of character and remarkable intelligence. She retained her physical powers in a marked degree. Upon the day of her death she walked one and one-half miles. It was in June, one of the hottest days of the season. Becoming over-heated, she sank down lifeless before reaching her home.

The father of our subject, Henry Brown, married Catherine Stamm, a resident of Clinton County. She was of German parentage and continued with her husband a resident of Hublersburg until her death April 16, 1886, when she was 58 years old. She was a consistent member of the German Reformed Church, and a lady highly esteemed for her many estimable qualities. The father of our subject after h is marriage engaged in general merchandising at Logansville for three years, when he moved to the above-named place, of which he is still a resident. He is now 65 years of age, and employs himself about his store, active and energetic as of old.

David Brown was the second born of his parents whose family consisted of two sons and two daughters; Sarah J. died in infancy, John married Hervetta Morris and is a resident of Clinton Co PA where he operates teh Rockville Mills; Mary E. continues with her father; David was three years of age when his father removed to Hublersburg, Center Co, where he was reared to manhood, and obtained a good education, studying for a time in Penn Hall and completing his education in the Iron City Commercial College at Pittsburgh. He commenced teaching when 21 years old, which he followed for five years in his native state. He then came to this county and took up his profession in the public schools of Davis, in which he was Assistant one year, and the following two years was Principal. He also taught in district schools for some time.

The marriage of David and Miss Sevilla Wenzel was celebrated at the home of the bride in Davis, IL March 30, 1882. Mrs. Brown was born in Lycoming Co PA Dec. 2, 1860 and came with her parents to Davis when a child of four. Her parents, Daniel and Margaret (Bond) Wenzel, were natives of Lycoming county PA and her father was a carpenter by trade. Mrs. Brown, like her husband, also followed teaching in her younger years. This union resulted in the birth of one child, Lyell E. who is now past three years. Mr. Brown and his wife are members in good standing of the Evangelizal Lutheran Church. He is a straight Prohibitionist, with which party he uniformly votes. His attractive home indicates the fine taste of its inmates, and is the resort of the cultivated people of Davis.

History of Stephenson County 1888 Portrait & Biographical Pg 211