NATHAN BROWN – The worthy pioneer and capable business man of whom we now have the
privilege of speaking is one of the leaders in the business realm of Burns, being
senior member of the firm of N. Brown & Sons, general merchants, who have one of
the largest stocks in the county and do a mammoth business, being well established
and highly esteemed by all.
Mr. Brown was born in Germany, in January, 1835, and at the age of thirteen years
came to America. In 1852 he came via Cape Horn to San Francisco, and thence to Oregon
City, where he engaged in business for a few years. We next see him in Walla Walla,
where he took up the business of general merchandising, and in 1866 he returned
to San Francisco and there operated at the clothing business until 1883, at which
time he sold out his entire business there and came to Burns. It was 1884 when he
entered into business here, taking his two sons, Benjamin and Leon M., as partners.
They began in a small way and by careful attention to business and deferential treatment
of the patrons have increased their trade until it is at present of far reaching
and generous proportions, and success in a very brilliant form is theirs to enjoy.
In 1896 they erected a large two-story structure, which they occupy at this time,
the upper story being rented to the I. O. O. F. lodge of Burns, and the United States
land office. They carry a large stock of merchandise and are favorably known all
through the country. In addition to the merchandise the firm owns several tracts
of land in the county, mostly improved hay and grain land, which is rented. Mr.
Brown has a wife and two married daughters and the two sons mentioned, all of whom
reside in San Francisco. Mr. Brown is a man of excellent capabilities and has won
success, while he is highly esteemed by all, and is a man of unswerving integrity
and intrinsic worth of character.
Transcribed from Page 671 of Harney County Biographies from “An Illustrated History
of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties with a brief outline of the early history
of the State of Oregon”, Published 1902 by Western Historical Publishing Company
|