Arthur Brown was born in Saline, Michigan on February 14, 1864. Orphaned, he nevertheless received a solid education, first attending Albion College and later the Law School of the University of Michigan, from which he graduated in 1894.
While Brown was attending law school, he served as county clerk of Washtenaw County. Brown remained active in politics, as a Democrat, throughout his life. He served in Ann Arbor as an alderman, member of the Board of Education, and mayor (1903-1905). He was defeated twice in an effort to become circuit judge.
Privately, Brown maintained an active and respected law practice. He also served on the board of directors of two local banks and was both an officer and director of the Washtenaw Abstract Company.
Arthur Brown died September 21, 1932. He was survived by his widow, Cora Pulcipher Brown, who was a founder and active member of the Sara Caswell Angell chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution.
From the guide to the Arthur Brown family papers, ca. 1873-1945, (Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan)
