History of Guernsey County Ohio United States of America

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Fletcher Brown, educator, was born in Guernsey county, Ohio, August 2, 1850, and when fourteen years old removed to Jasper county, Iowa, with his father, who settled on a farm. He attended Central university of Iowa at Pella, and Simpson college, Indianola, Iowa, where he was graduated A.B., in 1877, receiving the Master's degree pro merito in 1880. During his junior year in college he was given license to preach, and upon graduating became a student of Drew theological seminary, Madison, N. J., where he received the B.D. degree. He then returned to his home in Iowa, and was appointed by the Des Moines conference to Carlisle charge, where he served the people with marked success for three years. His next work was at Dunlap, where he remained two years; next at Carson, three years; then at Adel one year. From Adel he was called to the vice-presidency of Simpson college. He was chosen a member of the executive board, and on the resignation of President Holmes became president, serving 1892-'98. He was married in 1880 to Ervilla Holmes, a graduate of Simpson college, sister of President Holmes, and daughter of Elder Holmes. President Brown, widen called to take charge of the finances of the college, found but one building on the grounds; in the second year of his vice-presidency, Science hall was built and equipped, costing $25,000, and in two years more Ladies' hall was completed and occupied, also two other buildings. He became financial secretary of the Preachers' Aid Society, and edited The Educator nine years.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

William Lawrence, representative, was born in Washington, Guernsey county, Ohio, Sept. 2, 1814; son of Samuel and Rachel (Davis) Lawrence; and grandson of John and Margaret Lawrence, who emigrated from county Derry, Ireland, in 1785. His great grandparents were from Scotland and settled in the north of Ireland in the seventeenth century. He was graduated at Jefferson college, Pa., in 1835, and was a merchant in his native city, 1836-79. He was married, Aug. 3, 1847, to Margaret Esther, daughter of Samuel Ramsay. He was a representative in the Ohio state legislature, 1843-44; Democratic presidential elector, 1848; member of the state constitutional convention, 1850-51; state senator, 1856-58, 1868-70, 1886-88; representative in the 35th congress, 1857-59; candidate for presidential elector, 1868 and 1884, and a director of the Ohio penitentiary, 1874-75. He died in Washington, Ohio, Sept. 9, 1895.

From: Twentieth Century Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans, Johnson, Rossiter, editor

Joshua K. Brown, Auditor of Guernsey county, Ohio, was born, August 13th, 1839, in Belmont county, of the same State. His parents emigrated from England in 1830, locating first in Pennsylvania and then in Ohio. His father was by trade a carpenter, and was in only moderate circumstances. Joshua was educated in the common schools of Belmont county, studying in the winter and working as a farmer in the summer seasons. When seventeen years of age he removed to Cambridge, Guernsey county, and for two years worked with his father in flouring mills. He then read law with Judge Evans for one year, and in 1859, during the gold fever, went to Pike's Peak, where he remained six months and met with nothing but misfortune. He then studied telegraphy, and became a skillful operator. As such he was employed until September, 1861, when he joined the 15th Ohio Volunteer Infantry as First Lieutenant. He was advanced in a short time to the office of Major of the 172d Ohio National Guards, having some time previously served as Captain in the 15th Ohio. He was discharged on account of failing health, and in 1864, upon his return to Cambridge, commenced business again as a telegraph operator and agent for the Adams Express Company, a position which he held until 1869. Being then appointed Assessor of Internal Revenue, he served with ability until 1871, when he became Agent for the Marietta, Pittsburgh & Cleveland Railroad at Cambridge, and held that agency for two years. In 1873 he was elected Auditor of Guernsey county, and in 1875 was re-elected. The functions of this responsible office he has discharged with intelligence and fidelity, and has earned the respect of the community in whose midst he resides. On November 22d, 1864, he was married to Annie Tingle, daughter of Dr. J. P. Tingle, who is still living. Mr. Brown has five sons.

From: The Biographical Encyclopedia of Ohio of the Nineteenth Century. Columbus, OH, USA: Galaxy Publishing Co., 1876.

History of Guernsey County Ohio

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