Brown, James M., 1844-1922.

A native of Missouri, James M. Brown traveled overland to Oregon in 1846 with his family and members of the Donner party. The Browns settled in the area of Silverton, Oregon, and James was married to Edna Eastham (1850-1936), with whom he had four children. Her served as notary public and justice of the peace, and later as president of the Interurban Telephone Company, which was incorporated in 1908. His son Percy Brown (1876-1934) served as mayor of Silverton from 1911-1912, was active in the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was a partner with his brother Carl M. Brown in an electric light plant and waterworks in Silverton.

From the description of James M. Brown papers, circa 1851-1925. (Oregon Historical Society Research Library). WorldCat record id: 71755578

James M. Brown (1844-1922) was born in Lincoln County, Missouri, on January 6, 1844. He was the son of James Brown (1814-1887) and Lucinda Davis (died 1872). In 1846, the Brown family traveled with members of the Donner Party. The Donner Party eventually took the route to the California Trail while the Brown family continued along the Oregon Trail. Once in Oregon, the Brown family received 640 acres near Silverton under a donation land claim in 1846. James was married to Edna Eastham (1850-1936), and they had four children. He was a notary public and justice of the peace. After the Interurban Telephone Company was incorporated in 1908, he was elected president while his son Percy served as the secretary and manager.

Percy L. Brown (1876-1934) attended Willamette University and graduated from the Oregon Institute in 1896. Percy and his brother Carl M. Brown (1879-1903) were partners in the electric light plant and the Silverton waterworks. Percy was married in 1906 and was a member of the Independent Order of Odd fellows and the mayor of Silverton from 1911-1912.

From the guide to the James M. Brown Papers, circa 1851-1925, (Oregon Historical Society)